Genma Speaks

Entrepreneur/ Writer/ Radio-Host

Friday, February 24, 2012

Dr. Norma Burgess and Jennifer Abernathy on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes in partnership with Mocha Market Magazine as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

Join us on Saturday, February 25, 2012, to hear two dynamic women share about their passion for helping others. Dr. Norma Burgess, the Founding Dean of Lipscomb University's College of Arts and Sciences, will discuss Lipscomb's upcoming Women's Leadership conference. The conference, in its sophomore year, promises to be as electrifying as the inaugural event.

We will also hear from Jennifer Abernathy, the executive director of Tennessee Respite. Jennifer will share how Tennessee Respite Coalition wants to help strengthen families by helping provide assistance for the caretakers. We will learn about the organization and its mission to enhance the quality of life for family caregivers through respite.

Living Your Best Life can be heard on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00AM on 760AM, on military bases, and Ustream.TV.

More About Dr. Norma Burgess



Dr. Norma Burgess is the founding dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Burgess previously worked at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, where she was founding dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In that role, she was responsible for every aspect of graduate education, including new program development, faculty evaluation, budgetary management, academic management, and faculty and support services.

From 1993-2007 at Syracuse University, Burgess earned the rank of full professor and chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies and was academic co-chair of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. She has also served as a visiting professor for the University of the Aegean in Rhodes, Greece, and as a member of the summer faculty at Cornell University. Dr. Burgess is a widely published scholar with a focus on work and family and leadership development.

Burgess has served as chair of the women’s caucus of the American Association of Higher Education and is currently a board member at-large of the National Council on Family Relations. She is co-author of African American Women: An Ecological Perspective and numerous articles and other writings on work and family life, leadership, faculty development and workplace diversity.

Burgess holds a doctorate in sociology and a master’s degree in public affairs from North Carolina State University as well as a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Tennessee. She is a native of Stanton, Tenn.

To learn more about Lipscomb Women's Conference click here.

More About Jennifer Abernathy and Tennessee Respite



Jennifer Abernathy is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Respite Coalition, an organization that provides respite services and information to family caregivers across the state. She has diverse professional experience working in the fields of disability, mental health, volunteer management, senior services, and higher education.

The Tennessee Respite Coalition (TRC) provides relief to families and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive demands of providing ongoing care for loved one.

Over the past year, the Tennessee Respite Coalition has provided access to respite to over 200 families across the state of Tennessee. The services that these families have been provided have enabled them to continue to care for their loved ones in their homes as well as get a much needed break from the everyday stresses associated with being a primary caregiver for someone in need and in a vulnerable state. For more info Tennessee Respite click here.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

You Got Email Mayhem

Emailing has become the primary form of communications for 99% of the business people I know. Call me outdated, but I am determined to hold dear to hearing a person’s voice and tone while speaking with them. I wear my 1% badge with honor as I dial the numbers of my clients or personal acquaintances to say "hello," to talk through an issue, or to debate a point. I have learned that when I have much to say, emailing is not the best form of communications for me. Too many thoughtless emails have become newspapers’ headlines, the source of bloggers’ multiple posts, and the cause of careers lost at sea. To add to the growing malady, tweets are rapidly replacing emails as the number one cause of unemployment among anchors and pundits’ suspensions.

Email mayhem should have its own course at business seminars, non-profit organization orientations, and civic meetings. The conversations around the dos and don’ts of emailing, and texting for that matter, can no longer be limited to young adults vying for future employment opportunities. Over the last several years, I have received the best of the best or the worst of the worst depending on how you read them of emails unsuitable for reprint and dying to be reposted. Several emails in the batch have left many folks speechless and have caused private issues to spill over in the business realm. Thinking back on my own email internet footprint, I shudder, now that I am older, wondering about what I sent without thinking or(over thought) once upon a time…or two or three. An email is an email, whether it is sent between the hours of 8-5 or 4 in the morning, today or ten years ago. But an email can also be demoralizing, even when it is not intended to be. Prayers cannot erase a mangled, disheartening email.

Since I write during wee hours of the morning, the most epic emails that I have read have been written while angels are asleep. The rants and ravings of minds gone mad, or drinking, have been put into emails and blasted to hundreds of individuals’ inboxes. I have read every vile thought that could be written about anyone by individuals who left professionalism on planet Mars. From insults to innuendos to threats to rambling disjointed piece mill thoughts that were meant to smear, or try destroy an individual's reputation. Confrontations by email are becoming a distasteful part of our culture. So distasteful, email mayhem has lawyers for those seeking legal recourse for what has been written by others in emails on and off the job.

When assaulting emails become part of regular correspondence from an individual or an organization, it is considered cyber bullying or cyber harassment. I used to call it ignorance or foolishness on steroids but the more I read, the more I agree to the legal definitions. I chose not to respond or deal with anyone who sends ranting emails to me directly or within a group. Period. Occasionally, I have responded with short replies to clarify a situation but never to engage a debate via email.

Once, I even sought legal counsel over an email sent to me that was so revolting that my printer sought therapy after I printed it out. Upon reading the email, the attorney began salivating and shared several emails over the years that he responded to on behalf of clients. Instead of being encouraged, I left his office dismayed that his binder was five inches thick with emails that were sent without regard by senders to receivers and the number of individuals copied. Who knew the consequences would result in staggering amounts in monetary compensations.

Having a column in print, on the web, and now, being a voice on the radio, I am keenly aware that what I say or write has consequences. The more interaction a person has with the public, the more the responsibility they have in how they use their words. This rule does not apply only to elected officials but even to civic and social organizations that serve the community.

In the world of instant viral communications, what we write even in private can come back to haunt an inbox. An email is permanent and can be lethal in its delivery. It can never be erased. Send wisely.

Management Issues

Tips for handling unprofessional emails in the workplace.

Try to avoid an escalation into an all out email war. Think carefully how to reply to the email.

Talk to colleagues or friends if you feel hurt. Don't bottle it up.

Ask for time to discuss your feelings with the sender, face to face if possible.

Emails can feel much worse than the sender intended: don't immediately launch into accusations.

Give the sender a chance to explain what they meant.

Try to work together to resolve underlying issues.

Seek agreement on a less abrupt way of communicating in future.

Keep a record of exchanges, so if the problem persists you can discuss it with a senior member of staff. By Brian Amble
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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ernie and Gretchen Campbell and Charles and Marie Sueing on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes in partnership with Mocha Market Magazine as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

On February 18, 2012, join us to hear two powerful couples who are living by faith while supporting their families and giving back to their community. Hear them share how they encourage friends and work at balancing career and home life. Ernie and Gretchen Campbell and Charles and Marie Sueing are living life to the fullest with boldness and grace.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM from 9:00-10:00AM CST in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area, on UStream.TV and on military bases.

More about The Campbells


Dr. Gretchen Campbell began her career as a neurologist and an associate professor of clinical neurology for Vanderbilt University of Nashville TN. She attained staff appointment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as Williamson Medical Center. After a six year tenure at Vanderbilt, Dr. Campbell transitioned to her current position as a neurologist with KCA Medical Group in 2008. She remains on staff at Williamson Medical Center, Franklin TN, where her home office is located. Dr. Campbell is board certified in neurology, and treats all neurological illnesses including migraines, epilepsy, back pain, neck pain, neuropathy, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and a host of other conditions. She offers multiple procedures to determine and treat the root cause of symptoms prior to treatment. KCA Medical Group Franklin is also an accredited center for Tysabri infusions (an intravenous treatment for Multiple Sclerosis).

Dr. Campbell is active in her medical community as a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, The American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association, The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the National Headache Foundation.

Dr. Campbell is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. She subsequently received her medical doctorate from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Campbell then went on to complete her internship in psychiatry and internal medicine, followed by a residency in neurology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. She was honored to be selected chief resident during her final year. The Campbells have two beautiful girls and lives in Williamson County.


Ernie is the Founder and CEO of Mocha Market Media. Mocha Market is comprised of two branches, a magazine and a website. Both branches focus on highlighting the accomplishments of the African American community. This is accomplished through informative articles written by African Americans, interviewing interesting/successful African Americans, and publishing photos of African American events throughout Middle Tennessee.


A resident of Williamson County for 9 years, Campbell seeks leadership activities in all areas of his life. He is a member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), a mentor with The 100 Black Men, and a teacher and deacon at Heritage Church of Christ. Campbell loves teaching and mentoring the youth; having a positive impact on a developing mind.

Campbell is originally from Athens, Al and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Master of Engineering in Management of Technology from Vanderbilt University.

More About The Sueings


Charles Sueing, a native Memphian, earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and has resided in the Nashville area since 1994. He is the principal agent and President of Sueing Insurance Agency, Inc., which is a full service insurance and financial services agency with Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services. Having began his career with Nationwide over 18 years ago, he moved through the ranks of corporate management before branching out to start his own agency here in Nashville 13 years ago. This full services insurance agency offers insurance solutions and financial services including coverage for auto, homeowners, business and life as well as a variety of retirement and investment vehicles. In this most competitive environment, Charles still believes that Customers Service Matters and he and his staff have dedicated themselves to providing the very best in quality and service available. He was recognized by Nationwide Insurance Co as the 2007 Regional Community Service Award winner and 2009 District Community Service Award winner for his outstanding community and customer service work.

Charles is very active in various business and community organizations and has served at the Board level on many of them including the Nashville Association of Real Estate Brokers, North Nashville Community Development Corporation, Chairman for the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Chairman for the Nationwide Insurance United Way Fundraising Campaign.

Currently, he is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where he also served as Chairman for the Small Business Council. Charles received the 2008-2009 Spirit of the Chamber Award for his efforts in leading Small Business initiatives. In addition to this, he has served as the Nominating Committee Chairman, Steering Chairman, Scoutreach Strategic Plan Chairman, and just recently concluded a term as Vice President of Scoutreach for the Middle TN Council of Boy Scouts. He remains a member of the Executive Board for the Boy Scouts. Additionally, he is currently on the Board for Urban League of Middle TN and is a Global Board Member of 100 Black Men of America and Board President of 100 Black Men of Middle TN. In 2008, Charles was appointed by Mayor Karl Dean to serve on the TN State Fair Board of Commissioners and also joined the Executive Board for Faith Family Medical Clinic and the Nashville Business Coalition.

Charles is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Nashville where he has served in several capacities including the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, Program Committee, Second Harvest Feed the Need program and the Watkins’s Park Community Center. He is an alumnus of the 2010 Class of Leadership Nashville and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.


The Sueings have been married for 18 years and have 3 children. They are members of Lake Providence Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. When not busy pursuing business opportunities or being involved in community service, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and good music and is an avid golfer.


Marie R. Sueing, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, has lived in Nashville since 1994. A Senior Sales Manager for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB), she began her career in the hospitality industry in 1990 in Atlanta, GA after attending Spelman College. Her former positions over the last 20 years with various Marriott Hotel brands, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, and Starwood Hotels Worldwide have prepared her for her current role at the NCVB.

The tourism and convention industry accounts for over 56,000 jobs in Nashville, second only to the healthcare sector. Over 10 million people visit Nashville each year due largely in part to the marketing and sales efforts of the NCVB. Marie’s primary focus is to solicit market specific convention business to Nashville, which is a vital source of economic growth and development in our city. These markets include social welfare groups, military associations, ethnic / multi-cultural, religious and fraternal organizations. She is a believer that in order to be effective in her sales efforts, she must continue to provide the highest level of customer service to current and prospective clients. She also understands that relationships play an integral role in the sales process, and works diligently to develop and maintain them with each customer. In order to touch the majority of these customers, she often attends various industry tradeshows and sales trips across the country. Many of these travels include her participation within several market specific membership organizations such as: the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (serves on their Membership Committee), Religious Conference Managers Association, Christian Meetings and Conventions Association, Fraternity Executives Association, Collinson Media events, and Roadshows hosted by the NCVB.

Over the years, Marie has volunteered her time and offered her support to several local organizations within the community. These include the Middle TN Chapter of the NAACP, United Way Senet Society, United Way R.H. Boyd Leadership Society, the Urban League of Middle TN, Junior Achievement, Rotary / Second Harvest Feed the Need program and is active with the Youth Ministry at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Marie is currently an active member of the TN State University Women’s Center Advisory Board, The Elite Athlete Board of Directors, and a member of the Foundation Committee of Jack and Jill of America Nashville Chapter.

When she is not working to bring visitors to the city she loves, she spends the majority of her time with her very active family.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Curt Hahn, Maisha Dyson, and Clay Brocker of Deadline on Living Your Best Life With Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM from 9:00-10:00AM CST in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area, on UStream.TV and on military bases.

Tune in on February 11, 2012 to hear Curt Hahn, CEO of Film House and producer-director of Deadline, discuss his love of producing inspiring, uplifting films that are often overlooked by Hollywood; meaningful stories that speak to the heart. In addition to Curt, we will also hear from cast members, Maisha Dyson (Vanessa Brown) and Clay Brocker (Possum) who gave stellar performances in Deadline. Maisha and Clay will share about their characters in the movie and what it took to prepare for their roles. Genma, who played Possum's wife in Dealine, will chime in about the role Curt Hahn played in helping launch Living Your Best Life radio show.

Inspired by a true story, Deadline is adapted from Mark Ethridge's novel Grievances. Ethridge is a former managing editor of The Charlotte Observer. Deadline will be released in theaters on February 17, 2012 nationwide.

Curt Hahn
Curt Hahn was born and raised in New England. He discovered architecture at Phillips
Exeter Academy and enrolled in architecture school at Washington University.
Filmmaking was his other passion and after attending UCLA's summer session in film
production, he transferred to film school at the Disney-endowed California Institute of the Arts. After getting his BFA in Film from Cal Arts he moved to Nashville and founded Film House.

Film House has grown to become the largest film production company in Tennessee,
moving into its 40,000 square foot studio, editing and office facility in 1996. As CEO, Curt leads a team that produces hundreds of films and TV spots annually. He's directed such performers as Eric Roberts, Steve Talley, Candice Bergen, Teri Garr, Janine Turner, Garth Brooks, Kate Jackson, Amy Grant, Isaac Hayes, Reba McEntire, Shaquille O'Neill and Shania Twain. Curt's a member of the select International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers (IQ) and served as IQ President for two terms. IQ is an invitation-only organization of some of the world's top filmmakers.

Transcendent, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Film House, produces independent
features. Our current projects are “Jubilee”, based on the remarkable true story of Ella Sheppard and the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, and “Deadline”, which will be released in theaters nationwide in 2012. “Deadline” stars Steve Talley and Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts as reporters investigating the murder of an African American youth in rural Alabama that has gone uninvestigated, unsolved and unpunished for almost twenty years.

Curt wrote and directed Transcendent's first film, " No Regrets” starring Janine Turner and Kate Jackson. “No Regrets” has been a worldwide success, with repeated airings on HBO in Europe, Lifetime Television domestically, Hallmark in the U.K. and in dozens of other countries around the world. Next Transcendent co-produced “Two Weeks” starring two time Academy Award winner Sally Field, Ben Chaplin and Tom Cavanagh, with L.A.-based writer-director Steve Stockman. “Two Weeks” was released theatrically by MGM in major markets across the country in 2007. Transcendent produces the kind of inspiring, uplifting films that are often overlooked by Hollywood; meaningful stories that speak to the heart.

Maisha Dyson
Maisha Dyson’s film credits include The Scorpion King, How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Call Me Chris and Breakfast at Ben's. She has made television appearances on Savannah, Another World, As the World Turns, Boston Public, Eve, Las Vegas, Coupling and Not Now Kitty.


Clay Brocker
Clay Brocker other film credit's include D4, C2: Love at First Sight, Skarecrow



Genma Holmes and Clay Brocker in Deadline

Click here for premier events for Deadline in other cities

Press Coverage:here

Is Being In A Movie on Your Bucket List?

Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win passes to the red carpet premiere on Wednesday Feb 15th, 2012, copies of the book Grievances, and the sound track.
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Food Service Workers by The Numbers at MNPS


After months of listening to many female food services workers share in whispered tones their agony of working in an environment that has been described as being hostile to anyone with “thinking skills”; I finally realized the depth of those conversations when an email from a male supervisor hit the internet in December. It was not that I did not believe anyone but often times the stories shared would remind me of overhearing my grandmother and mother talk about work life in a rural community.

It was hard to digest that derogatory statements, intimidating attitudes, and a demeaning workplace atmosphere were alive and well in Nashville (a city I love dearly) and being openly discussed in the community that seem to look the other way. I would often ask, “If everyone knows about the plight of the food service workers, then why are we whispering about it?” My question was often met with blank stares but on one occasion an older woman said to me, “Child, the more things change, the more they remain the same”.

As many changes are being made to help improve the educational infrastructure at Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), maintaining good support personnel is an essential part of the foundation of a good school system. Food service workers are support personnel. They are not the principals leading the schools or the teachers in the classrooms who teach a child his or her ABCs but they are part of the village that influences and prepares students for a brighter future.

To have an unstable support personnel system undermines any short term goals or long term strategies to creating a healthier school system that will produce higher test scores and drastically improve graduation rates. When an email gives you a small glimpse of much bigger issues, MNPS leadership should hit the pause button and begin to dig deeper. When we are flying at 30,000 feet, one can easily mistake a dirt mound above ground to be hills that can be easily flatten by a bulldozer. In Tennessee, those hills can actually be entrances to deep dark caves.

As we learned in fifth grade, cave formations date back thousands of years. Many are veiled in darkness with acidic standing water while carbon monoxide permeates the air. Caves have tunnels that lead to other tunnels that lead nowhere. A school system should not be seen as a cave with endless nowhere leading tunnels by parents or the community who should be loyal supporters. Nor should educators and support personnel who work in the system see it as dark depressing cave-like atmosphere filled with administrators with toxic behavior.

As MNPS continue to look at various ways to improve the all-encompassing educational experience for all students attending public schools, parents and the community at large must take the time to become more educated on all matters surrounding MNPS. To continue to drag out employee disputes on issues like being able to file a grievance, to appeal a disciplinary action, or who will answer the phone on Mondays, takes time away from ginormous test scores concerns that makes one wonder if the students are learning from stone tablets. While at the same time, many of the buildings are beginning to look like caves forming right in front of you.

It came as no surprise that some believed that the media attention to the now infamous caveman email was an overreaction by hyper sensitive female employees to a harmless joke. In actuality, it was a delayed reaction for many food service workers who have watched MNPS for several years use intimidation and fear as the primary form of communication to over 700 women who make up the food service department.

Women are often known as society’s first teachers in life. The women in the MNPS food service department are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, primary caretakers, neighbors, church members, Girl Scout leaders, football team moms, and lifelong cheerleaders of the family. They come from various socioeconomic backgrounds and throughout the district. The women in the food service department touch the lives of thousands of young people every day: at home, at the schools they work in, and in the neighborhoods and communities where they live. They can be influential in helping MNPS transition from a school system in crisis to a district with well-rounded students who score higher on tests and graduate from high school.

MNPS Mission and Vision

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills and character necessary to excel in higher education, work and life.

We embrace and value a diverse student population and community. Different perspectives and backgrounds form the cornerstone of our strong public education system.
With so many deep caverns to climb out of, it is vital that MNPS build partnerships at every level in the school system, with families, and in the community. No one should be overlooked or devalued when looking for solutions to prepare our young people for "higher education, work, and life". It is going to take an entire village to help turn things around. MNPS may not have realized it yet but the “lunchroom ladies” are part of that village and are valuable in the community. Let us treat them with dignity in their work environments. Ultimately, the students being educated are the benefactors of improved employee relations at MNPS and the community will reaps the rewards for years to come.
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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Debbie Best and Sarah Bartholomew on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that serve many families in need and enrich the community.



On Saturday, February 04, 2012 we will kick off our series with two inspiring women who love their community. Tune in to hear Chairmen, Debbie Best and Sarah T.Bartholomew, of the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville. In it's 22nd year, this once a year highly anticipated event draws thousands of attendees from around the country and abroad. The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville brings together nationally and internationally-renowned experts and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and landscape design. Additionally, special lectures are held by experts in their areas of antiques and gardens.

Not only will attendees to the Antiques and Garden Show see spectacular gardens and landscapes that give a glimpse of paradise but many rare and beautiful antiques will be available for purchase.

Whether you’re a newlywed interested in finding ideas and pieces for your home or just want to update your garden, the Antiques and Garden Show is the place for you. Scheduled for February 10-12 at the Nashville Convention Center, the Show features amazing garden exhibits, vendors selling antiques, silver, jewelry, art, oriental rugs and more. Plus, the expert speakers never fail to rivet their audiences. (NFoucs)


The Antique and Garden Show of Nashville is recognized as the largest show in the country to combine both antiques and gardens. The show offers over 150 antique and horticultural booths and landscaped gardens. Proceeds from the show benefits the Exchange Club, a non-profit dedicated to funding charities with a focus on children and child abuse prevention, and the preservation of Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM in the Nashville-Middle TN Region, Inspirational Networks, in military homes, and Ustream.TV worldwide.

Photo Credits: Antiques and Garden Show and DKDA Publications

Genma loves social media. Here's her list to stay in touch!
twitter.com/bugsact
Facebook.com/genmastringerholmes
LinkedIn.com/genmaholmes
About.me/genmaholmes
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