I'm taking this time away from bridal banter to note that yes, the CB messageboard is down. The reasons for this hiatus have not been clearly stated, however I can assume that there are principalities at work here. Now, more than ever family, I need for you all to help fuel this blog and the ChocolateBrides mission. Help us to show the world what ChocolateBrides means. Help us to remind our beloved founders what ChocolateBrides means to us.
In fear of sounding too much like the ending sequence of the Care Bears movie, I need for you all to let us know...
What does ChocolateBrides mean to you? What has it provided for you? What does it mean to you that the board is down? and any other things you'd like to say!
Ladies and visitors, the doors of the church are open...please comment!
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93 comments:
CB has been the BEST sounding baord since I joined a little over a year ago. Every CB that I have had an interaction with has been nothing but helpful. You can truly feel the love that CB's have for one another.
Last night, I was about to post some belly pics and FOTD photos when I discovered CB was down. I frantically called Heidi and told her "I feel lost" And there was/is much truth to that statement.
CB means more to me than I could have ever imagine, when I first signed up on a whim. I have made friends, gotten free therapy, vented, let my feelings and opinions be known without fear of being reprimanded.
CB is THE first place I go to when I log in (yes at work, don't act!) It is like my little piece of heaven away from all the corporate crap that goes on at my job. I'm scared of how to make it through the day.
I ain't ashamed to say that I am addicted to everything that CB stands for. Empowering women of color to improve themselves. CB goes waaaaaaay beyond just bouquets and garters. CB hits you way down in your soul and I pray to God that all is well with K&E and that this is only temporary.
Wow, I can actually comment from work. That was never possible until today. But anyway...
CB for me started out as a place to get ideas for my upcoming wedding. But it quickly became a community of FRIENDS, real friends. And one of few places I could go to see positive examples of Black Love and talk about how to keep that love alive and even what happens when we fall short. CBs have prayed with me during my trials, and I've done the same for them. It truly is a family, and many CBs know more of my business than my blood relatives! That's how tight this is.
Kesha and E, I just hope everything is alright. I love CB and while I know you have to do what you have to do, I truly hope and pray you stay true to your vision. This has gone so far beyond a simple wedding planning site. If it were just about that, I would have left right after my wedding. But I stuck around because CB has been a blessing to my whole LIFE, not just one event in it. And thankfully I've been able to bless someone else's life through CB. It's bigger than any of us.
There's so much more I could say, and I'll probably come back and say it later. But I'll close out for now. I love all my CBs (and CGs)!
Took me a good week to learn how to comment on here but I had to comment here.
Chocolate Brides is a family! It's a family of women who have continued to love, support, and encourage each other. We are women who laugh together, cry together, pray together, and grow together.
I joined as an engaged woman and my CB family has watched me blossom from fiancee to wife to mother and remind me daily that I am a phenomenal woman. I mean I truly have a circle of friends who keep me uplifted and reminded that I AM! Our family is an awesome gift!
Love ya K & E.
I love CB...I log on so many times during the day just to lurk and browse around and see what is going on. Each journal I have started on CB has been a much needed outlet, from planning my wedding, being a newlywed, my pregnancy and now being a mommy.
I have yet to meet any ladies from CB at a get together or in person. But I love each and one of them. I have gotten so much love and advice and have learned so much. I can truely say I never knew that women can come to a place and use it as a sounding board and rarely (if ever) get catty or argue back and forth. I have learned what sisterhood is all about (yes from CB!)
I can also say that I am addicted to CB and everything its about. Even knowing it is down for a little while I just know I will attempt to log on all day long hoping for it to be back.
Hope CB will be back up soon...Praying that all is well with K&E
Let me just also humbly ask K&E that they at least check in and let us know they're okay... and if they're not okay let us know what we can do. Thx
Yes, K&E we hope that everything is going well. We love CB but we LOVE the two of you even more. Please let us know if there's ANYTHING that we can do.
CB is the BEST !!! I know I am addicted because it is the first site that I log on to each morning and evening to laugh,cry,vent,lurk and simply enjoy interacting with all the CB's on the board! I do hope all is well and that this is a temporary situation. Please that this website is more than just a website, it is a FAMILY !!!
LoveAnnHappiness
CB is wonderfully empowering and incredibley needed. When i found CB in early '04 as I prepared to marry my now husband, I was elated. Where else can you get the support, sisterhood, help of a community of black women who value and LIVE EVERYDAY the married and family life? It is ABSOLUTELY invaluable, there is no other place like it! That's why the enemy doesn't like it, because CB is a HELP. It is a light and it is SORELY NEEDED. CB has angels on earth (our beloved CB founders) and angels in Heaven who are the guardians that help perserve this safe place for chocolate brides all over the world. There's just no other place like it, period.
I am sad that the board is down! I really feel that a big part of my lifeline is out of sync right now. I must say that CB has been a great outlet and I have made some wonderful friends via CB...discussions may get heated and folks may be different but that is what I love about the board! CB has meant so much to me..without it wedding planning and other life altering events wouldnt have been so easy to bare.
Aww man..this would happen when I'm on vacation! ..In all seriousness. CB is a wonderful website. I too joined 3 years ago when planning my wedding. It has been an invaluable tool for so many things, the wedding itself, house-hunting, to comic relief. I have made some very good friends on CB and in general the vibe on the site is positive. I hope whatever is going on, is temporary. I pray that everyone is okay. I know periodically there has been some drama but, largely this community is a family.
I came home from work last night and I do my nightly ritual. When I got on and CB was down. I was sick. CB is a part of my life. Keesha and Eugene you did a great job with CB. I hope you bring CB back. I am lost this morning.
Tray
I have made some great people on CB and we have became friends. CB is a way for black women to come together and share the good as well as the bad in their life. And what great advice I have gotten.
Goodness, what has happended to my favorite web site!?! I love being a member of CB. I just got married a little over a week ago and CB members were with me through all the jitters and planning of my wedding. I got recommendations from members for a linen supplier and a photographer. Both of which I used and both turned out to be excellent choices. I loved looking at all the wedding pictures and flower arrangements ideas. I used one of the templates to make my ceremony programs.
Last winter I found out about CB from one of the teachers with whom I work. When I came to CB, it was like manna from Heaven. It was wonderful to correspond with so many woman of color. I have really enjoyed all of my contacts and conversations. Sharing in the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations and the joys and sorrows let all of us know that we are not alone. Our messages to each other told the story of our lives and our journeys toward fulfillment.
It was a joy to see the postings and pictures of all the new mommies and those who are becoming mommies. The weight loss members inspired me to keep going to the gym and maintain my diet. CB friends going through changes helped me keep my life in perspective.
A note to the founders of CB: This is a wonderful website. It has brought together so many women of color who otherwise would not know each other. It has helped us connect with each other and recharge ourselves. When I was feeling low for whatever reason, I could go on CB and get uplifted. Christian sisters always had a kind word to give and a quick reminder that all things are possible because of God.
I feel like I have loss family members. I hope that this is a temporary situation.
I wash shocked to see the board down, especially since I was on it earlier in the day. I know I will be going to the sight each day just to see if it is back up. It is just such a habit and part of my daily routine to check in to the site each and every day. I have met so many great people, some of whom I have met in person and others that I have met online but yet and still I care about them also. Thanks K&E for the site and I can't wait until you open it back up. Love ya'll. Bunny-July05
K&E, I hope all is well with both of you. You are very important to us. The two of you started this wonderful family and as a family member, if there is something I can do to keep CB going, please don't hesitate to ask. My info is in your database!
CB is more then what I could ever imagine any website to be. This isnt your normal chat room, gossipy, drama drama drama. The ladies of Cb have class & elegance. We build each other up when one is down & lift each other higher when we have reached the top. CB shows that black love still exist & black woman are queens. We are more then what they show on tv. CB has embraced our hood ways & encourages us to better ourselves & family at all times. When I need sum me time I turn to Cb, when a siter gotta vent & nothing just seems to be right Cb is here, when everything is perfect & Im on cloud I share it with Cb. I thought something was wrong with my computer when Cb went down. I was on the edge of my seat hyper-ventilating over here & then to wake up and CB still be down. I just knew the world was going to end. But as they say "good things comes to those that wait" so I'll be patient
Wow, imagine my shock when I went to log on to CB to share my good news and it was closed down, I feel so out of sorts right now.
I will have been apart of CB for a year now, and it has been one of the most inspiring year of my life, the women I have talked to, shared with, supported, and prayed for have become like my own family.
I said it in my journal, that when asked about CB it was like being in love, and I no more can explain being in love then what CB has done for me, it is a life line to alot of women.
The site is annointed to say the least, never have I been on a website that had such a powerful pressance to it, we say it all the time be careful what you pray for on CB it just might come true.
I don't now what the future holds for CB, but K&E I ask that you please reconsider shutting down CB, I need it and so do all the women past, presant, and future, CB is more then a website it is a home.
How am I gonna get through my pregnancy without the support of my CB sisters!?
I will shout this from the mountain tops. When I moved to another state to be with my sweetie 3 years ago I had no friends here. Until I found CB last year that fact remained the same. The only real friends I have made have been on and through CB.
CB is MY HOME. My life has changed since I joined in 05. I was just a girlfriend back then. I was encouraged when I started to plan my February 08 wedding. I literally planned for two years. I bought things here and there. CB was there when I got my ring, had the engagement party, had my shower, we bought our house, and when we got married. Though they were not all physical, they were in my heart. From the ideas that were shared on CB, I had a Platinum Wedding at a Stainless Steel price. My home and life are not the same today. My relationship with my husband, in-laws, and immediate family has changed through my friendships in Chocolate Brides/Fiancees/Girlfriends/Sisters/Mothers/Daughters/Aunts/Cousins/Neices/and Friends.
My home and marriage are all the more happy, sane, uplifted, prayed for, encouraged, encircled in Christ and love because of CB. The sad part about it all is that I don't have local friends, they are all on CB. So, with the 'link' being down, its as if my lifeline is broken.
I will never forget (as it's burned in my mind) the 1st National GTG and the emotions that I felt when I met my online family for the first time. Since then, I have blossomed into a new person. I am a new wife, hopefully a mother soon, and a better friend because of all 12K+ members :grouphug:. I would have never imagined being the woman that I am today. I love that much more, harder, and stronger because of the love that has been given to me over the years.
I am sad that on today I won't laugh/cry/smile as much as I could. But when are back, and united again, I will be soooo excited :hyper: to read the recaps :icu::icu:. Y'all know the codes (and can probably see the smilies anyway).
Kesha and Eugene, I hope that all is well with you all. We are here, praying, listening, (freaking out)and waiting.
mrssmith08
The first thing that came to mind when I recieved a text about CB being shut down was to scream "NOOOOOOOO!". I felt like the rug had been pulled from under me. CB is so important to me and I protect it with the fierceness of a mother bear.
I pray that K & E are OK and that this is truly a temporary thing. I've meet so many inspiring and positive women on this site and created friendships with these women that I feel like EVERYONE should have a "CB.COM" in their lives. I stumbled across this site in Dec 2005, I was dating but not married. CB helped me through so many different satges in my life. from dating seriously, getting engaged, and my wedding. I don't think I would have made it to my wedding day doing things myself and not seriously hurting someone without the support of my fellow CB's. This site is a lifeline like no other and I thank God for bringing it to my life.
K & E, if I can be of any help - please contact me.
Oh my GOD I'm really freaking out over here I keep going to log on and stop because I realize I can't, please,please,please do not shut CB down :fiend:
:icu::icu: :pray:
CB has been a wonderful site for me. I first cxame across the site when i was planning my wedding and became hooked. i recently tried to log on to the message board and was devastated. i felt like i just lost my best friend. I wanted to check up on some of my CB family and i couldn't. I truly miss the message board. I hope it does come back soon. i came looking on the blogs in hope to find some type of connection to my family. Thank you Keisha and Eugene for the site.
This is soo serious right now. I am on the phone with DivineFavor, she is having withdrawals because she cannot log onto the blog from work.
*HapENap, DivineFavor wants you to put your baby's sex on the blog because we know your appointment is this week!!!
A couple of songs come to mind;
-Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp
-I Need You Bad by Jasmine Sullivan
I can't take it. I'm about to pull out my hair and then I'd have to start a Hair Journal. I'm stressing so I know that I am losing weight, which will be duely noted in my Weight Loss Journal. Will the madness ever end?:down: :faint:
mrssmith08
Family, I'll put it this way. You don't miss the well until the water runs dry. Well, it may have just run dry. CB is a family to all of us, but IF Kesha decides to bring it back up, we have to be committed. If our CB family has given so much to us, we should give back.
Kesha asked for not much but a few things. I think we all took our family for granted and now it's gone. So, let's do our part if we are back up and running. Lawdy, I pray we are! I can't work all day!!!
-Helping and welcoming brides
-Posting wedding stories
-Visiting and participing in the blog
-Clicking the google ads to help pay for upkeep
-Recommend wedding vendors to advertise
-Buy Tshirts
It's about upkeeping our family! It really is! You have to keep family strong and we need to do that! Talk is one thing, but let's how our owners that we are committed!
mrssmith08, the fact that you think it will be down that long really scares me.
anuday7205, you speak the truth. That is the first thing that popped in my head, you don't know what you got till it's gone :(
HapENap,I am hoping and praying that it won't be long. It feels like forever already. I mean, I was up at three doing F5 for a while. I know that we are all touching and agreeing in prayer.
mrssmith08
Ladies, I am in such withdrawl right now. I am at the CB mall looking to see what I can purchase. Those of you in the CB FB group look for a friend request from me later today. I'm trying to stay in the loop anyway possible.
CB is my family. I have been around since the begining and have seen it grow to what it is today. When I started I was planning my wedding. Now Iam married with a child . CB is like a good friend..No matter how many haitus I take and for how long, I know that when I log back in again it will be as if I never left
anuday7205 said it best, When has this blog had this many hits and comments..probably not as much as today, which is sad. I know I don't comment on the blog as much as I should...
K&E I hope you guys are ok!!!
It's rare that you meet real genuine people who are inspiring, caring, loving, saavy, and uplifting in person; to connect with people of this nature online is unheard of and quite frankly, strangely unique. But that's the charactericstic of a typically CB woman. I could add many more adjectives to get my point across, but the list would become mundane after a while.
Keisha and Eugene, I've primarily been a lurker, but if there is anything that I personally can do from PR to fundraising, let me know. I'll be the first to donate a 'love offering' for what you have created with God's assistance is Love. Whatever we need to do to keep it flowing, let us know.
Peace and Love
CB :i went there to look for ideas for my wedding and now i'm an addict..i log in first thing every morning, and the page stays open all day,even though i don't post much in there.. i have learnt so much about weddings,marriage,pregnancies etc from all the all the wonderful women on the site.
it feels like family..people really do care about each other on CB...
K&E thank you..i hope everything is ok with you.
Maybe we can all take a few mins to back track through the posts on the blog and make comments???
Good Heavens, I am loss without CB. Gee wilikers........I hope this hiatus doesn't last too long. I always depended on CB to here for me to lurk, comment, and look for uplifing. Goodness, the well has run dry and I am really missing the water. All I can do is keeping checking and keep hoping that the next time I log on CB will be there.
ANuDay!!! GET THAT SAID GIRL!!!!! That is what I believe is precisely the message!
I tried logging in several times this morning and I was saddened to read that the board is down. Logging on to CB is part of my morning routine. I feel so lost without it. I love reading journals and seeing pictures. Especially in the preggo section. I enjoy watching all the cb babies grow along with my little one. I hope the board comes back soon.
xo,
Ten
CB has become home, therapy, comedy and girl's day out for me. I know that I personally took for granted that CB would be there to make each day a little better. Kesha and Eugene, do what your hearts say is best, but & thank you for giving my life a little more joy over the last 9 months.
CB became my home through my sister's wedding planning. I lurked a while until I felt comfortable, especially being on a wedding message board and not being married or even engaged. I was welcomed with open hearts and now I have a bond with the CB ladies that I can't even explain to the women I see on a daily basis. It is my therapy and my entertainment from one minute to the next.
Kesha and Eugnene, I know I speak for all of us when I say I will do all that is in my power to help, just let us know that you are alright and what you need us to do. We are here.
I started on CB in 2004 back when I was just hoping to be engaged sometime soon. Since then, I've planned my from beginning to end wedding, started an event planning business, and made plenty of friends, more like family on CB. It is truly way more useful than for just wedding planning. Its become a part of my life. Its where I share life's triumps, pains, questions, and a place that I can always look to for support. I know that a lot of ladies are lost without CB and its only the first day. I am praying that things are ok with Kiesha and Eugene. The fate of CB and the entire family is definitely in my prayers.
I know that I'm more then willing to do my part to get CB back up and running even if I have to stand on a corner with a sign advertising CB and what it stands for, I refuseto believe something so powerful is gone for good, I have been praying that CB's door open once again
This must be a bad dream! There is no way that the CB message board is down. I found out about CB in the middle of the planning process and it has been a blessing ever since. Where else can you find a community of women that will help you, motivate you and encourage you through one of the most important days in your life and stick with you even after the day has passed. Whoever is responsible for this temporary shutdown must not have been visiting the CB site. This site is more than an address on the internet it is a blessing to the world.
I never thought I would find a group of women who did not know me from a can of paint to reach out to me in my time of stress and happiness. I love CB, the first thing I do when I get to work is log on to see what is happening with my sistas. I feel like I have gained another family when I joined this lovely group of women. I sent this to a couple of the ladies already but I wanted to put it her.
I just want you to know that no one or thing can keep down what God has ordained. He gave you and Eugene a gift that you all have given to us. He is in control of everything and it will work itself out with prayer. The CB family will stand strong through all times good, bad, easy, and hard. I think about when it seems that things cant go right or are not happening the way I need them to, I just say that this too shall pass.
God, give us the strength to stay strong. We are a family and a family that prays together, stays together. I know that that the prayer warriors are in effect so when the praise go up, the blesses come down. We love you and keep faith. Much love.
This is just for the moment and I have my family on the prayer list and he answers all prayers.
I came on this morning ready to log in and talk to my name family of chocolate brides. When it said CB is down i felt the same as alot of you ladies....lost!!! What can we do it get it back up and running. CB has made me feel great with all the advice and love that been given to me. Not to sound like a broken record but CB is/was the first place i logged into when i turn on my computer. I feel lost without the ladies/broad to help me with my many question.
When I first joined CB a few years ago I had no idea on what the site was about or even how to navigate, but over time I learned and I am still learning,and I truly can say I love this place, although I am often MIA on CB because of other things that may be going on in my life, but I still rely heavily on CB to get me through most days, I am amazed at the friendships, bonds created here, this truly is a beautiful place we women of color can truly call our own....
I had began to talk about my daughters Sweet 16 in my J and took pictures of things that I was working on and was so excited to get to work and post them today, when Janeen emailed and told me had I been on CB yet I told her I was on my way and she told me the shocking news, I had to see for myself and I was speechless, and still am......
Kesha & Eugene your CB family is praying for everything to be alright we truly love this place and love you guys even more for creating such a wonderful environment for us to share a world we never thought existed.
I logged on at 9:30 CST last night. I am really at a loss.
I miss CB. CB has allowed me to cultivate relationships with women who are the sweetest, funniest and dynamic women, I've never met!
I am thankful for the outlet to voice my opinions and fears and happiness. For those ladies who's email or phone I don't have... I will try to contact you at some point....because CB was our vessel to catch up.
Okay, so you wouldnt believe that I started a blog, registered and everything thinking that my blog would be posted here. It took me a minute to realize that I wasnt in the right area, but anywho...maybe someone that needs to see my post will see it. I just want to add my two cents by saying that I understand and I am still at war for CB! I have added my share of stress no doubt, but with all love and sincerity, all is not lost. I love CB. You all are blessed continue to PUSH. Thanks for something great!
Here's your post Keisha. LOL
Your blog looks nice, eventhough it was an accident.
"Wisdom and Understanding
Hello All,
I dont know if I am doing this right, but im going to do it anyway. I just wanted to take the oppurtunity to show support and love for a family that I am so blessed to be apart of. I wanted to come in here and really express my love for CB. There are some rough days and we agree to disagree, but for the most part the love is there. Now there is always a bad apple in the bunch, and in some cases there is more than one, but for the most part I truly believe that the good outweigh the bad. I believe that if we all get back to the focus of the "Vision for CB" we can all further help push it along. I love to see love. The good and the bad. I love the help and the advice that is offered on that site. It is the best thing that happened to "ChocolateBrides" in the world. Okay, I think im done. And if I didnt do this right, OOOOPPPPS!!! But im sure you get the picture. " Prtybrwnskn
Coming in huffing and puffing betwixt Boogie fighting with me.
I am so distraught right now. I realize that some things are missed when they are gone, but I miss CB whenever I can't sign on in general. From being invited in 2004 to getting married in '07 to being able to bring another life to this earth sometime soon (and this chick ain't playing, she's ready NOW) a CB has always been there for me.
Not to put all of the business out there but I was rushed into an emergency surgery this past Saturday and between then and now, I have had so many of my CB sisters checking up on me.
I had help with so MUCH over the course of planning my wedding and was able to stay sane. People offered before I could ask and THAT says a LOT!
We're here for the board. Just ask what you need to be done, and if I have to make mu entire medical team sign up while waiting for the baby, I'm going to do it!
I took a hiatus from CB a few months ago and I missed the ladies terribly. Now that I am pregnant, I find CB the best place for me. I get lots of advice and tips on more than just being pregnant.
It started out as just a place to get ideas from a suggestion of my mother. Then I started lurking and I got lost. I made friends and looked to my friends for advice on everything from planning my wedding to dealing with my parents.
I almost had a panic attack when I logged on to see that CB was not up. I thought it was a cruel joke. I feel like I need CB in my life because I will miss all my brand new friends and their unending, helpful advice.
Hey yall,
Its been almost 4 years since I have been a member of the family. I found you when I was engaged and was told, in no uncertain terms by my sistas, that just because the engagement ended that I was a part of a family now and I cant leave.
Well, neither can you.
We are still here and still very much beleive in CB, its mission and the vision.
Let us know that your ok and just know when you get back, we will be back.
Love yall!
Margaret
I'm so sad. :( CB was great! It was because of CB that I had a connection when I moved to a strange city in a strange state. CB also helped immensely with my 2007 wedding. I used to sneak on CB before I was engaged in 2006, and I continue to post (well i used to :sadwavey:) well after my wedding. Bring CB Back!! :) And anyway, what am I supposed to do at work, what, work?! That was primetime CB time.
In all seriousness,
Soror Kesha and Bruh Eugene, I hope you guys are doing ok.
Why Oh Why So much is about to happen babies being born as we speak. I log onto CB before I open my email. Yes I am a CB junkie and I need my fix. I need my CB sisters. I'm having withdrwals already just knowing I can't chat with my folks. We're reduced to conference IM's . No fair. What ever's wrong we can fix it. Finances, apologies. If we did wrong please don't punish your kids forever. We promise not to do it again. Just let us back in the house PLEASE!!!!!
I can not explain how much CB means to me. I can not explain how I feel about the women I have met on this site. CB is a daily part of my life. I pray that whatever is happening will end soon so I can find out what is happen with the rest of my family (CB Family).
It appears this is for real. I kept hoping that maybe by the evening this would have boiled over. CB is a wonderful resource for so many facets of our lives. I have been a member for a long time and joined days after I got engaged. I felt an immediate bond with people that I met. It's wonderful to log in and read about people who are experiencing similar changes in life, like getting married..or having children..or buying homes. We learn so much from each other. Despite the fact that everyone closer to some than others, we are a community that rallies around each other in times of need! We have mutual respect and that is something you can't find anywhere. I sure hope that this isn't a reprocussion of frustration among the minority because it is overwhelmingly clear that many of us are happy with CB. I appeal to K and E to reach out to us, explain to us what is happening and where we go next. All of us feel like the rugs been pulled out from under us, and we are left wondering why? We are all here to help in any way we can.
Soulstar78
I was shock this evening to find that the message board was shut down for awhile. I pray that this is a short while. It has been a place of joy to read the wonderful experiences that each of the brides and brides to be are experiencing. Please don't stay awhile to long. We are family and we need each other.
I am so lost without CB, I might be a lurker but an addicted one! Hope we will be able to sign on again real soon! CB has helped me in so many ways, too much to mention...
One of the first things I do when I go into work is logon is log onto CB. But, to my surprise I logged on and the site was down as in on a hiatus. My heart immediately dropped and I became sad. Mind you, Heidi had sent me a text last night to let me know it was down. However, I just assumed it was for maintenance.
My day just didn't seem right all day...I know where to go for a laugh, to share in the joys of my CB sisters, for a spritiual uplift. It was like going through withdrawals, I assume for those who are addicted to caffeine, it's like not having that first caffeine fix first thing in the morning. How in the world was I going to find out how my CB sistas who are getting married this weekend and next weekend are progressing? How in the world would I know if someone needs my help with anything? These were some of the questions going through my head this morning.
I first came to CB in November of 2007 just looking for ideas on my upcoming wedding. I had know idea what God had in store for me there. I have made great friendships, met new online sisters who actually shared in my day when I became one with my husband, I've received prayers at some of my lowest points, and have also been on job interviews because of the connections made through this site.
I never expected to have CB be apart of my daily life, but it is. And, I thank God that He saw fit to place CB in my life at this time in my life.
Kesha and Eugene you have a gift in CB and I pray that everything is fine and that our family will be reunited very soon.
I just don't know where to begin or what to say. My heart is so heavy. I truly feel like my right arm has been cut off.
I am an OG CBer....I have been there from DAY ONE. By the time CB was formed I was already married. No matter. When I say that CB is my LIFEBLOOD I truly mean it.
CB Crackhead don't even BEGIN to describe it. I would give my last dime, last penny to support this site and that wouldn't even begin to compare to what CB has meant to me.
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BREATHE WITH NO AIR?
How am I supposed to go thru my day with CB? How am I supposed to chat, talk, vent, support, release without CB? How am I supposed to go thru my every day life without CB?
The answer is that I CANNOT. Thank the Lord for this page, and yahoo instant messenger and text messaging. If I had to go thru this entire day without a single contact from a single CBer I would literally lose my MIND.
Kesha I have told you over and over again: you have NO IDEA the impact this website has had on folks' lives. You just don't see the BLESSING that it is. You see the headache, you see the naysayers, you see the lack of advertisers, the lack of revenue. Some of those are very valid concerns.
But YOU should know as well as we do the power of CB prayer. YOU should know that if you just let ONE CBer help...that you will be INUNDATED with help. YOU should know that the devil don't like it when God's plan is bigger than his. The devil gets MAD when everything he throws at you doesn't work.
I don't know if you thought shutting the board down was gonna fix things. CB is more than just that space on the web. CB is a FAMIlY and FAMILY doesn't just go away. We are HERE...and we ain't goin' NOWHERE.
Whatever it takes, CB will survive. Whatever we need to do to help we will do. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY this vision, this dream, this HOPE will continue.
I am so hurt right now: for the brides who are smack dab in the middle of planning...and ALL their details are in their journals....for those who just got married and cannot bask in their newlywed bliss in their journals....Lordy Tasha is having a BABY!!! And we cannot be on baby watch in her journal! Layla is coming soon...and we cannot gather together and pray and watch and wait! I am so HURT for all of CB that has been profoundly affected by this loss. I am so hurt for those of us who are having CRISIS in our lives...and CB was our lifeline. I can personally say that CB has prayed me, pulled me, tugged me through a number of things that I felt I WOULD NOT MAKE IT....but CB prayed, they believed, they HELD ON FOR ME. And that is exactly what we are going to do for you.
I will not stop praying, I will not stop believing, I will not stop trying to log on every 5 minutes until CB is back, until your HOPE is back, until you realize that enemy is ALREADY DEFEATED!!!!
Here's my short version:
I was on my way either to/from Vegas for a conference last summer when I noticed CB in a magazine. The rest is history! I couldn't wait to get back home to log on and find out what ChocolateBrides.com was all aboout. Here at CB I have developed friendships, witnessed couples experience the joy of babies being born, gained an inside scoop and front row seat to a lot of weddings (even though I may not have physically been there) and just experienced what it really means to be a Chocolate Bride! It's more than a website- it truly is a sisterhood.
As a CB member I have an outlet. A place where I can go and log what is going on in my life without people judging me for decisions I have made or the people in my life. CB has always offered the support to make it to the next level. Not only do I have an outlet for my frustrations but a creative outlet as well.
Many members of CB have become really close- like family, despite the miles which may separate them. In short, they/we are only a comment post away.
Unlike many other forums, the one thing that I truly enjoy about chocolatebrides.com is the fact that we all have a common thread - family. It's not only a place for women/men who are planning weddings but it is a spot for people of color who understand and value the importance of family in our society. The unique part about it is that regardless of marital status, I truly believe that CB members feel that the marital union is the foundation of our families.
That's my message to our sponsors...in addition to that, like many others I'M ADDICTED TO CB - WANNA BITE?
K&E i don't think we can thank you enough for giving us such a platform as CB. I came on and was welcomed not as a bride but as the super-bridesmaid and have made a home here. I find advice and solace for every aspect of my life here. So again, I say thank you. Hope to see the site up soon.... I am lost :(
I am now 10 days from my wedding and I truthfully don't know how I am going to make it without CB. I was so mad about CB being down this morning, I picked up the computer to vent about it and my last wedding nightmare, but guess what I couldn't vent about it because I couldn't be there.
My FH really thought I was just going crazy and maybe it is the last minute wedding nerves, but I cried like a baby last night and this morning becaus ei need my sisters. I have talked to a few of you and thanks for the calls, but seriously, I just can't put into words what I am feeling and thinking right now.
CB is so much more than a website, it is the place that is there for me and the people who are there in real life when I have a need, who know me so well they can tell when I am covering up some pain just by reading a post. Who have been the best bridesmaids I never had. I have shared in so many weddings these past 2 years and I am so blessed to have these women stand with me on my day.
As i sit here crying again I am just at a lost, the first thing that popped inmy head was I have no to-do list, it is on CB, I need help with my must take picture list, but I can't get on CB, I need my table names,they are on CB, I need an idea for setting up my placecard table. Yes, I might be too dependant on CB, but I have to say, it and the fiends I have made through it have never let me down.
To Quote the famous Chicago CB T-shirt, "Chicago might have made us neighbors, but Chocolate Brides made us family"
Kesha and Eugene, I trust you in whatever you do, but please know that what you created here is just a miracle, there is no other way to express it, it is a pure miracle and we love you for it.
I didn't really realize how much I relyed on CB until I tried to log on today and it wasn't available. The CB family was so helpful and encouraging during my wedding planning process. It is so comforting to have women you've never met face to face support you through such an important time in your life and continue to support you after the wedding day. Its priceless!! I feel like a CB fiend because I really look forward to reading about the CB babies that are on the way and about the weddings that are coming up and now I don't know what I'm going to do...I joined CBs on facebook so hopefully I'll get my fix that way.
I have to say thank you to K & E because your site is amazing and I'm keeping you in my prayers!
No lie, I am just sick over here!! I miss you all so much. Yeah, I am addicted to but hey, can you blame me for being addicted to my family? There's no crime in that! Everyone knows that me, mrskenna is a CB world traveler and I look forward to traveling to different cities meeting my family (for the first time in many cases!!!). Nowhere else will you see sisters glad to meet you in their city but on this site. I'm a member of several other sites but guess who gets my flight and hotel info, YOU ALL DO before anyone. I can't even express my love for the site and the people. Yall have helped me through some difficult times in my life..I keep telling you all that CB is free therapy..even insurance can't pay for this! I hope the site will be up soon and if it is the devil showing out, I am going to personally stomp on his little head cause no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
I FEEL LIKE A CRACKHEAD GOIN COLD TURKEY!!! AND I CAN SEE MY CRACK ROCK THROUGH THE BULLETPROOF GLASS WINDOW, BUT I CAN'T PENETRATE IT!!
Okay, so last night I'm pretty much a sleep, when my husband tells me that CB has been shutdown. The next morning, I wake up, and as I'm getting ready for work I realize that my husband told me that CB is shutdown!! (insert the WTF smiley here)
Once again, we are reminded how great you have it until it's gone. I miss CB sooooo much.
Honestly, one of the main reasons, I didn't post on CB was because I didn't trust women. I didn't trust anyone to know my most intimate thoughts or feelings. The wrong idiot could get a hold of it and use it against you. I never thought that I would get along with so many women at once. It's very rare that this can actually happen, because we tend to become jealous or one another. And on CB, I met a group of encouraging, intelligent, nurturing, kindhearted, intuitive, creative, talented, beautiful, protective, loving women! My descriptions can go on and on about you all (but I have to be at work at 5 a.m.).
I look forward to Whit, Pam, Denise, Jennifer, & Tasha newborns (I refuse to list every pregnant CB). I just bought my black and white dress for Tasheena's wedding! I love talking to Antonia at the butt crack of dawn! I love to read on Meek's triumphs and reuniting with her daughter. I love to stalk my baby mama Tasha and rub her belly (and I'm the only one who can do that right?). I love to harass Gina & CC. I love to read the updates on my Jenn n Juice & Dr. Alisha. I love to stalk Reecy and Ally (even though they ain't posting in their J and I can still see them). I love to hug my Karebear when I see her. I love reading on Jenni's move to her new apartment and I'm waiting on her upcoming planning J. I love checking on Dorian and her wedding planning. I love reading on Heidi's & Sy's romantic nights. I love sprinkling "Babydust" on Shay!! I love making Regina laugh when she is down with TTC. I love shanking CC (do you know how long it took me to find a smiley that shanks!) I love stopping in on Jai for her inspirations and NO PANTY FRIDAY! I love Tiffany and her new styles and I will soon be lurkin on the makeup thread more often. I love lurking on the hobos even though there is no way with my current work schedule that I could ever keep up! I love checking in on Keturah! I love reading PeeJay's response because they crack me up! I LOVE CB!!!
I don't no other way to explain it.
Because of CB....
I visited NY!
I did a lot of wedding projects DIY.
I learned how to scrapbook!
I now have penpals all over the country!
I love to plan parties and decorate!
My reception went off with a blast!!
When some people heard me speak of CB (family & friends) I could see that they didn't take it seriously. But then when they walked in on my reception and saw who set it up. That's when they understood.
Within 2 years, CB has made such a significant change in my life that even some of my closest friends can't even measure to it.
K & E...
For every one downfall, there are a dozen more inspiration stories of how CB has influenced most of us. Even when people aren't posting in their own J, they are lurking to see what's going on in other people's life. For some on us CB is the only thing that keeps our sanity.
Well it's that time for me to go to sleep. I pray that you two are in good spirits and making butter love (insert the leave smiley here.)...
Even though I'm not a bride, but I heart CB. Each day I randomly read various threads, and come across....a quote or thought for the day, that speaks to me!
Thanks K & E for creating such a wonderful foundation/vision of black love!!
HisFirstLast
Keep praying fam..the board will be back. I spoke to bosslady and she said to tell you guys that she's fine, there were just some background things that really stressed and tired her out. For however much we LOVE Cb, there are devils among us who have been hanging us out to dry. All of that can really take its toll.
I'm praying that she'll see this outpour of CB spirit and love and open the house back up. I've told her all about today and she's going to be reading tonight.
Understand that this board is a lot of fun for those who frequent it, but also a lot of strain for those who have to actually run it (and pay for it). Please don't give up hope!! She doesn't want us to suffer because of the nonsense, but truly felt this was the most effective course of action.
We got to do better.
Thank you MochaWifey for the update. I have our founders in prayer. I miss this website so much and I want to see it back up. Whatever I need to do better, I will do better.
Good Evening All My Sista's
As usual, I am on the late end of things. But each and every one of you have said it best, this is home. I am glad to read the last entry and know that we might all get together again ;o) Thank you Kesha and Eugene for the energy that prevails throughout the site, and the freedom to be ourselves.
Vanessa
Its more than just one or two people coming out of the woodworks with these "hate crimes" towards cb, I think we're hanging out here until she filters them out.
Thanks Mochawifey for the update.
I will continue to pray that everything is ok behind the scene, and that what ever pressures that K&E are experiencing, that they will be unburdoned, and that despitethe devil trying to shut us down CB will pevail :pray:
Oh goodness not hate crimes, why can't the devil go'on somewhere and leave CB alone, I mean is it too much to ask that we WOC have some place to connect, bond, and support one another without somebody trying to shut us down with this crap, K&E I'm willing to help you in any way that I can right now I'm not working so I can do what ever needs to be done on my end as I sure half if not all of the real CB'er are willing to do, you just say the word.
Thank you MochaWifey for the update. Praying for K&E and my entire CB family.
I miss and love you all...
Strickslady
I am still so lost without CB. Just Monday I had opened a thread asking for College help for my daughter. When I came home and was trying to sign on then I realized that the site was down. I know, it's my second time posting on this blog but I need CB help and I miss it. I had a journal when I just joined but was getting ready to open another one celebrating my life as a single mother with pictures and everything the site is down. K&E you have no idea how creating this site have made such a great impact on us women. Thanks again!
I had no idea that the CB site was down. Needless to say..I am numb!!! Another sista informed me and I absolutely miss it. CB is not only a website...it is a ministry. And a blessed and highly favored ministry,at that. This online family has meant a lot to me during my two years on board. It's a large part of my day. To K & E...we love you and support you. Stay strong!!!
I was so shocked last night to find that CB was down. This has been a busy time for me so I haven't been on in about two weeks and was really missing all the lovely ladies. Although I mostly lurked I enjoyed keeping up with the ladies and the friendships that I established from the site; even if they were cyber friendships.
Kesha and Eugene I pray that all is well with you and I hope to see CB back up and running in the future.
CB came about six years ago when we were planning our weddings and I'm so thrilled and excited to see the way it has blossomed to show black men and women in positive and committed relationships. This place is a haven for many of us to not only talk about our weddings, but also our daily lives, challenges, accomplishments and just crazy thoughts that may run through our minds from time to time. And the good thing about having CB is that I never felt, or was,vilified but encouraged and uplifted by the positive and amazing women who were not only an online community but a family. And that was the whole success of CB it wasn't just an online community but it was "FAMILY". Love you all and as always I'll be praying that God continues to bless, keep and empower each of you in life's journey.
THE EFFECTUAL AND FERVENT PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS AVAILETH MUCH!!!!
Once again CB prayers have knocked the devil off his feet! Ladies, this is OUR home and it is up to US to protect it! We need to DAILY cover this board in prayer, DAILY cover Eugene and Kesha in prayer, DAILY cover the financial aspects of this board, DAILY cover all the unseen things that go on that we know nothing about!
Now that the site is back up I will say that I see how much it means to me. I knew before but it solidified that the women and energy of the site is apart of my DAILY life, my therapy. It excites me to be able to help others plan their weddings and events and to have a place to just "hang". I work in a majority organization and often can't cut loose. CB has kept me from wanting to quit my job, keep friendships and form new ones.
Never to be taken for granted again
I've have gone through some stuff and if it wasn't for the cocoa divas, I'm sure I would have lost it!!! CB is my family..point blank..period!!!!
First let me just say I am so happy the board is back up. This is what keeps my day going good. I started looking on chocolate brides for ideas for my wedding. After I got married I realized that there was so much more to Chocolate Brides then just wedding planning. I have started a personal journal to a better me. I have a newlywed journal and will soon be starting a house hunting journal. I cannot express enough how I really feel like these ladies are like family to me. I have met some wonderful and loving people on here. It feels really good knowing I can connect with my sistas and feel love.
Thank you K&E. I know you heard it a million times but it never gets old. CB is the truth, and absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
Thank God! CB is back. When I came online this morning, I expected to see that awful message about our message board. When the window opened up with all the information I wanted to see, the tears started whelming up in my eyes. My withdrawal pains have ceased. Okay, I am more addicted to CB than I realized. But this is an addiction I don't mind having.
Thank you K&E for bringing us back together again. Whatever caused you to go into that brief haitus - thank God it was brief - tell us what we can do to keep that from happening again. My moniker is elanrose on CB.
Annell Jones (as of 8/9/08)
Ok the way I see it is, Heaven was so flooded with prayers yesterday and last night the devil had no choice but to flee.
I tell you when CB prayer goes up blessing have no choice but to come down, Praise GOD that CB is once again up and running.
But the reality is this we can NOT take for granted something we all obviously love and cherish, yesterday proved that, thru it all we are a family and we stick together, but we have to support the whole family not just apart of it.
I promise to make astronger committment to CB yesterday and I plan to stick to that, where financially I'm strapped and can't help in that manner, but I do have time on my hands, so I will do what I can to visit who I can andto promote CB for what it truly stands for.
CB you are my family andI will NEVER NEVER NEVER take you for granted again.
i just got a mail from HighlyFavoured that CB is back online!!!!
thank you K&E for bringing CB back
we are still praying, the devil will not win!
K&E thank you so much for time and effort that you put into CB, I don't think that I have really taken the time to think about what it take to run a website of this magnitude, and I'm sure that it is stressfull in ways we have no clue.
However we are willing to stand behind, and along side you to make this work, as it has been said many time before, CB is not just a website it's a family.
WE LOVE YOU K&E!!!!!!
CB is back up and the hugest smile just went across my face. Thank you so much K&E for CB. I truly missed it! God is awesome!!
Thanks Soror Kesha and Bruh Eugene for bringing CB back!! Words cannot express how elated we (CB fam) are!!
I could not have been happier this morning! We never lost our family cuz you know a family tree can bend but never break... but we lost our meeting ground temporarily. Now we're back and we have to do what it takes to keep our home on solid ground! Heck, I feel like a crackhead who just got her fix. YIPPEE!
i must admit, since the birth of my son i haven't been on cb as much any more. i can honestly say that i just knew that when ever i would log on cb would ALWAYS be there. but, yesterday time stood still when i saw that cb was gone. how in the world was i going to get through my daily drama without cb (just one cb) to help me. "PUT ON YOUR GUARD OF ARMOR". my wedding, my mother, my husband's ex, my son's father, my infertility, now my struggle to loose weight, learning how to put on make up or to wear a wig. "SURROUND YOURSELF" cb was there for me. "YOU ARE THE COMPANY YOU KEEP". i had to vision my life (if only for a day) without cb. BUT the realization hit home, cb is how we all came together. even though we were e-mailing, texting, calling, im'n each other we were family. however, there is no place like home. "HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS." i can't even imagine myself being in k & e position, having to make the decision to shut the family down. "THIS WILL HURT ME MORE THAN IT WILL HURT YOU" nor to deal with what goes on behind the scenes on a day to day to make the family thrive. cb is ONE clique of sistas and brothers across the country supporting and loving each other. "CHARITY STARTS AT HOME" so what do we as a family "IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD" need to do to not see another day like yesterday? future brides and grooms, sistas and brothers deserve to experience CB.
Well when I tried to log in yesterday and it said the board was closed I KNEW it had to be a mistake. I was upset and did not know what to do. I'm 2 weeks away from getting married and without CB my wedding would have been a hot MESS.
I learned how to make aisle runners, monograms, invitations, programs,and table numbers all from CB. CB brought out the inner designer in me that I NEVER knew existed. It's the best website around. I truly would be lost when it comes to wedding planning without CB!
What I felt was shock, panic and a sense of what will I do now when I found out CB was shut down. There was no explanation. A couple of us chatted on yahoo IM to see if there was any clue as to what was going on.
CB has been there for me in some of my very low times. There are angels on earth you know. God sees to that. I've said it quite a few times...I have CB angels who never let me think less of myself, who encourage me to set goals and work towards them, who never berate me because I may fall.
Can you understand just how special this site is? To meet women at the launch party and cry from joy to finally meet face to face. I don't think there are words to really describe what CB has come to mean to me.
Thank you Kesha & Eugene. May God continually bless you and your family and your vision! Love you both!
Praise God THE BOARD IS BACK!!! I can say though that not having CB in my life was HARD!!! I didn't know what to do with myself. I just kept going back to the site reading that horrible message and I felt sick to my stomach. Even my FH was worried LOL!! This family has become such a integral part of my "routine" that I just felt lost without it. CB is a place that you can go when you need to laugh and cry; CB is there when you need encouragement or when you need to be chastized. The thought of CB not existing is honestly frightening...I LOVE CB!!!
GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE
When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'
Another , 'Let's fight together,'
Another , 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.
But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends.
It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
THIS INCLUDES CB SISTERS
And on some days, your daughters.
So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years,
AND ONLY IF YOU'D LIKE TO,
Pass this on to the women that God has placed in your life
To make a difference.[/QUOTE]
I know I am late with this but just tonight I was going through some old PMs (private messages) that I sent and received throughout the time I joined (May 2005). Specifically, I reread the PMs from my most difficult times. I nearly cried more than a few times because the words of encouragement I received are just unbelievable. Although I wasn't a bride-to-be during that time, I was not shunned or anything. I was given long-distance hugs; I felt like my CB sistas were praying for me right in my own home.
And for THAT I am forever grateful and indebted to CB.
Thank you Kesha & Eugene for your vision because without it I don't know where I'd be and that's real talk.
Where have I been! Gosh what does CB mean to me! I guess the answer is everything! I can not think of a group of people that I love enough to hop on a plane for by myself. I have made some wonderful friends on CB friendships that have lasted going on 5yrs. Now that is nothing to sneeze at. It is refreshing to know that I can go weeks without talking to somebody or posting in my J and somebody is gonna call just to say Nic what's up! K and E you know that you both have a special place in my heart. What you have done with CB and for CB gives me a glimpse into the heart of you both are and how much you too love each other. I will never forget meeting you both in B-more at the first GTG and K hugged me like I was Beyonce coming in for the Grammy's I felt special... CB has been a wonderful addition to my life. I have laughed with these women, cried with these women, and like any sisters will fought with them! But that has never diminished my love if anything it continues to grow.
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