I GAVE UP - The Pennsylvania Brain Injury Conference

Trying to develop the app made my frustrations increase and my will power decrease. Everything became overwhelming - it made my brain hurt.

Instead of fighting I threw in the towel because I had no fight to give. I could not figure out simple problems and it was that moment that I had to show myself compassion and let it go.

In doing so my brain rested for over a month and the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Conference motivated me to move forward with the app.

First, as the keynote speaker I learned that smiling is vital for any healing process.

Second, a fellow brain injured survivor Thomas Dixon is creating an app called MEmory App which is digital memory app. I spoke to Thomas about my app idea and he encouraged me.

Thirdly, listening to Kevin Pearce and knowing that you can get back on the snowboard of life and make a difference.

Fourthly, the love, support, and encouragement I received from the attendees of the Pennsylvania Brain Injury Conference gave me hope for a brighter tomorrow.

My brain injury did not end my life, it has altered many things but I will continue to live and make a difference one step at a time.

So, to say all of that I am back at it making this Smope App a reality and if I need a break I will take one. Slow and Steady wins the race.

Praying for God's grace and blessings to help me complete this task.

I GAVE UP but I did not GIVE IN!

Day 4 Relaxing

I decided to take today off and just rest and enjoy the day.

I went to the market and ran into an ex-student, who I did not remember but, she remembered me.

The student told me I would help her with math and her problems. Her memories made me smile widely and I thought wow I wish I remembered her. 

Having a life a traumatic brain injury survivor somethings I just don't remember and somethings I do.

But, overall the day was resting and tomorrow I will work on the app some.

I will keep you posted.

How to Connect to the Tech World? Day 3

How to Connect to the Tech World? Day 3

In order to create an app I realized I must connect to the app and tech world.

My world and connections are not tech connected but, that won't stop me and it should not stop you either.

So, how am going to connect to a world that I am not connected to? 

First thing first, checkout Meetups (http://meetup.com), visit and search for local startups, tech, mobile app groups. Attend meetings, reach out to members, and reach out to the organizer of the group and introduce yourself. 

Don't rush into an instant relationship allow it to develop naturally.

Second, be open to opportunities to meet people outside of your circle, even Uber drivers can be an opportunity to connect to the tech world. My Uber driver is a tech guy and I reached out to him for assistances. I will talk more about this week. 

Thirdly, search the internet 

Visit Google, Bing, and Youtube and do a search on how to create mobile apps, how to develop apps, what is an app.

Lastly, reach out to your new connections offer a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop or ask for a short phone chat or email Q&A.

Tonight I will attend Lancaster Startup Meetup, I will let you know how it goes. 

My Best Friend & My First App - Day 2

On May 7, 2015 I woke up super excited because I had an idea for an app.

Not only did I have the idea, I also had the name, Smope.

I called my BFF (Natalie) and I explained my idea and she was excited about it and said she would use it. That was the confirmation I needed, to ask more people to see if they would use my app.

I decided to reach out to my family and friends who would tell me the truth, even if it hurts my feelings.

So, I called my 17 year old niece, 21 year old nephew, my sister-in-love Bricel, my cousin/brother Jesse, my mellow cousin who is always honest Minerva, my loud mouth sister Patrice, and my blackberry friend Daneen.

Next, I went to my favorite couple's house, Dan and Renee and explained the app to Renee, even Renee's mother loved the concept.

Everyone loved it and their excitement made me more excited. Next, I prayed for wisdom to go forward.

So, I have decided to go forward with Smope and in the words of Natalie take your time and don't rush it. I will use her wisdom and post it around my home "don't rush".

With that said I have the logo that I am proud of and it makes me SMILE. Let me know your thoughts of Smope logo

How to Develop A Mobile App - Day 1

First thing first...

Pulitzer Prize winner Les Payne advised me to write, even though I told him I did not have the discipline to master the grammatical laws of writing.

 If you have any issues with my writing, please don't contact me, contact Les Payne.

Now that I got that out of the way, let's begin this journey into creating mobile apps.

I do not have a technical background, actually I have a master's degree in social work from Howard University. So, technically I have no skills, or knowledge in developing apps.

Why am I doing this? Because in 2012 I had a car accident that gave me a brain injury and it's that moment that made me realize I have an opportunity reinvent myself and to do whatever I want to do. 

As a traumatic brain injury survivor I have tried many things from art collecting, to investing in the stock market, to making documentaries, and now I will try to make an app.

At times I become manic and all of my energy and focus goes into my interest for that moment and at this moment, the Smope app is my vice. 

Only time will tell if I can gain the right knowledge and skills to build an app that will make peoples day brighter, first step - will it make my day brighter?

I hope you stick around to see if an ex-school social worker and traumatic brain injury survivor can focus enough and take Smope from idea to concept to an app to the app store. 

Come along and ride on this fantastic voyage - where rules are made to be broken and smiling is a must.

Until I remember to write again - I wish you an amazing day filled with smiles and hope.

Before I go right now I am working on my coming soon page at http://Smope.net (hopefully in the near future that page will be up and running).