A Memorial Day Tribute

Dear Friends,

As we commemorate Memorial Day 2016, let’s take time out to honor the women and men who have served our country with dignity and distinction AND pay it forward by finding ways to show them our appreciation everyday.

I am pleased to share images from my Pinterest board created in honor of Memorial Day.

Fondly,
Monique

 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day – Brooklyn Style

Dear Readers,

In a few hours we will celebrate Valentine’s Day 2016. I must admit that everyday is cause for celebration, but I enjoy the special feeling associated with this day.

For me, Valentine’s Day is not complete until I have a slice of my favorite chocolate cake, chocolate truffles and a glass of champagne. The good news is Brooklyn has many outstanding bakeries and chocolate shops to make any day special. Today I am sharing a few of my favorite desserts and where you may purchase them. I’ve also included some champagne suggestions for good measure.


Baked
359 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, New York – Red Hook
Hours: Weekdays 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Weekends 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Website: Please click here.

The Chocolate Room
51 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY – Near the Barclay Center
269 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York – Cobble Hill
Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Fri. – Sat. 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Website: Please click here.

Juniors Restaurant and Bakery
368 Flatbush Avenue Ext., Brooklyn, NY
Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 6:30 am – 12:00 am
Fri. – Sat. 6:30 am – 1:00 am
Website: Please click here.

Jacques Torres Chocolates
66 Water Street, Brooklyn, New York – DUMBO
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Website: Please click here.

Nunu Chocolates
529 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat – Sun. 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Website: Please click here.

Whether you spend the day with a loved one or solo, at home or in one of Brooklyn’s  many trendy restaurants, remember to celebrate the most important person of all – you!

Fondly,
Monique

Commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Letters of Support

Dr. King in his study, Atlanta GA

Dr. King in his study at home in Atlanta, GA

Dear Readers,

Brooklyn Legends is proud to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 at his family home in Atlanta, Georgia.  This year he would celebrate his 87th birthday.

From December 1955 until April 4, 1968, Dr. King was the leader of America’s Civil Rights Movement. By all accounts this was among the most tumultuous periods in our history. Yet despite the many acts of hatred and violence,  Dr. King remained steadfast in his commitment to lead a non-violent campaign. He received support from men and women worldwide.

Here in the United States, there were many who stood with Dr. King and the architects of the Civil Rights Movement. These men and women gave their time, legal and professional services and money. They would join thousands of African-Americans in this fight for equal rights. While today many challenges persist, we cannot deny the progress that was achieved. These life-changing events have shaped my life and my ancestors.

As I was preparing for this post, I spent some time looking through the archives on The King Center’s website. In addition to extensive historical information, there are many photos, letters and telegrams for visitors to see. All information has been digitally preserved through the generosity of JP Morgan Chase. Today I would like to share few letters sent to Dr. King from children thought the world. I have also included a few condolence letters sent to Mrs. King shortly after Dr. King was assassinated.  When you have a moment, I encourage you to visit the site which can be found by following this link.

Fondly,
Monique

A student sends greetings on Mahatma Ghandi's birthday

A student in India sends greetings on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday

Students in France requesting an interview of Dr. King

Students in France requesting an interview of Dr. King

A student in Chicago requests information about Dr. King's Church

A student in Chicago requests information about Dr. King’s Church

A student who wants to be a Pediatrician references Dr. King's book "Strength to Love"

A student who wants to be a Pediatrician references Dr. King’s book “Strength to Love”

Via Bauman Rare Books

Via Bauman Rare Books – referenced in Gregory William’s letter to Dr. King.

Letter sent to Mrs. King after Dr. King was killed.

Letter sent to Mrs. King after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from a student in NYC after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from a student in NYC after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from PS 32 in NYC after Dr. King was killed

Sent to Mrs. King from PS 32 in NYC after Dr. King was killed

Sent to the SCLC in Dr. King's honor with a donation from a high school in Beverly Hills, CA.

Sent to the SCLC in Dr. King’s honor with a donation from a high school in Beverly Hills, CA.

Credits:
All information obtained from The King Center’s website – Thekingcenter.org.

Brooklyn Legends Week in Review – My Magnificent 6

Dear Readers,

Time.com

Content.Time.com

Last month President Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 17 individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

I was delighted to see 6 women among this highly esteemed group and 2 are Brooklyn natives. For me it just doesn’t get any better.

It is truly an honor to salute:

Major Bonnie Carroll (Retired US Air Force), a public servant who has devoted her life to caring for our military and veterans.

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (posthumous), the first African-American woman elected to Congress, the first major-party African-American female candidate to make a bid for the U.S. presidency and Brooklyn resident.

Gloria Estefan, one of the first mainstream Hispanic artists to crossover between English and Spanish language music paving the way for countless other Latin artists to follow.

Katherine G. Johnson, a pioneer in American space history and a NASA mathematician whose computations have influenced every major space program from Mercury through the Shuttle program.

Senator Barbara Milkulski, who became the longest-serving female Senator in 2011 and the longest-serving woman in Congress and the first female Senator to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee in 2012.

Barbra Streisand world-famous singer, actor, director, producer and songwriter and one of the few performers to receive an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony.  Ms. Streisand was born in Brooklyn, NY.

Brooklyn Legends is pleased to join the world in saluting all of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, especially My Magnificent 6. To learn more about this year’s honorees, please follow this link.

Fondly,
Monique

———–

Credits:
The White House Briefing Room

My Thanksgiving Playlist #4 – “Thankful”

Dear Readers:

I hope your day was productive and lived up to your highest expectations. As you can see I am committed to completing my playlist in time for Thanksgiving. This evening I would like to share Celine Dion’s Thankful, which is such a treasure.

Have a great evening.

Fondly,
Monique

 

My Thanksgiving Playlist #3 – “I Believe in You and Me”

Dear Readers,

I am pleased to share the 3rd song from my Thanksgiving playlist – I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston. There are days when I still cannot believe she is no longer with us. Whitney’s voice was legendary and her delivery was spectacular.

This is my last post for today, but you will be hearing from me tomorrow. For now, please enjoy the fabulous Ms. Whitney Houston.

Have a great evening.

Fondly,
Monique

My Thanksgiving Playlist #2 – “Get Here”

Dear Readers,

Earlier today I shared the 1st song from my Thanksgiving playlist – What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.  My goal is to share 12 songs with you between today and Thursday which means I need to step up the pace.

My 2nd selection is Get Here by Oleta Adams, a beautiful and talented vocalist whose songs are enjoyed by her fans around the world. Have you thought about your playlist yet? If not, there is still time. For now, please enjoy one of my favorite songs.

Fondly,

Monique

 

My Thanksgiving Playlist – “What A Wonderful World”

Dear Readers,

Each year I look forward to sharing the songs on my playlist. Since Thanksgiving is just a few days away it would be impossible to post each song that I cherish. However, I hope my selections will provide some inspiration as you create your playlist.

The first song is Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.  I hope it inspires you to relax and remember the good things in your life.

Enjoy!

Monique

 

Welcome to Brooklyn Legends’ Week In Review

Dear Readers,

With hope that you are having a Sensational Saturday. This has been an exciting week as we have been focused on preparing new content and expanding the Brooklyn Legends’ Facebook page.

To our Facebook followers, thank you for your encouragement. If you have not visited us, please stop by and see what we’ve been up to.  Reaching us is as easy as following this link:  Brooklyn Legends’ Facebook page.

We have embraced a “message of the day” approach and the photos shown here are taken from this week’s blog posts. We plan to incorporate a similar theme when connecting with you on this platform.  Here is what we have in store.

Serenity Sunday
 Our day to share quotes selected to inspire, uplift
and encourage you as you prepare for the week ahead.

Motivational Monday
Through pictures, quotes and videos, we hope to provide you with
an extra dose of motivation as you start your business week.

Tenacious Tuesday
 Our day to introduce you to our Legend of the Week,
a trailblazer whose tenacity and commitment to excellence
will encourage you as you pursue your dreams.

Working It Wednesday
We will salute fashion elegance from the past
and highlight wardrobe items that are trending now.

Thankful Thursday
Our day to reflect and show our gratitude for all that we have
and are we working to achieve.

Finally its Friday
We will close the work week with a few suggestions
for your weekend social calendar.

Sensational Saturday
Our recap of the week
with a surprise included from time to time.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. We wish you a Sensational Saturday.

Fondly,
Monique