I Ain't Said Nothin' But A Word

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2012-02-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I watched a young friend who was struggling withwhat to do for the new love interest in his life. His female friends were bombarding him withmore ideas than he could comprehend. Ashe stood in line at the mall, having selected what everyone else perceived wasthe perfect gift for his girl, he suddenly had a change of heart. Nothing about the gift reflected who he wasand what he stood for. Nor did it speakto the relationship he had and was wanting with his companion. He asked for advice and I told him to keep itsimple. I reminded him that it was moreabout them being together, sharing time and space, and capturing memories thatwould last her a lifetime, whether they remained partners or not.

One of my most memorable Valentine’s Days was my high schoolhoney who convinced me to skip Spanish class and steal away early fromschool. He’d packed a picnic lunch(turkey sandwiches, Cheetos, brownies, and bottles of coca cola). We spent the afternoon at the beach, ourbutts plastered with damp sand, the one blanket he’d bought wrapped around ourshoulders to ward off the cold temperature as we sat staring out over LongIsland Sound. They were the bestsandwiches and brownies I’d ever tasted and to this day, Cheetos are one of myfavorite feel good snacks. We talked andlaughed and had a great time and his simple gesture made me feel immenselyspecial.

This year, Valentine’s Day came a few days early for me,with a life-changing proposition that I just had to say YES to. So being in such a very special frame of mind on sucha very special day means even more than those turkey sandwiches andCheetos. I’m on a path of establishing awealth of memories that will surely last me and mine a lifetime.

This Valentine’s Day go make memories. And know that those memories don’t have to beabout any one man or woman. Thosememories should always be about an expression of love for anyone who has managedto occupy a place in your heart.

It’s Valentine’s Day. Let everyone special in your life know how much they are loved.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

2012-02-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

God called his Angel home today,

To lead the comeback choir.

To lift her voice in adoring praise,

And still the flames of hell's fire.

He called his Angel to his side,

Having missed her gift of song.

And now she'll sing like once before,

Having found her way back home.

Rest in peace, Whitney Houston

August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012

HIS LASTING LEGACY

2012-01-29T23:29:00.000-08:00

He was a man of means who led a simple life. And despite the jobs he may have done, or thetitles he might have held, he was first and foremost a father and ahusband. And it was what he did in thosetwo roles that will be the most lasting vestige of his life.

He was a man of great faith, respecting the high priorityGod put on his role as a husband and a father. And it was what he gave to his family that defined the enormous impacthe had on those who loved him best.

His success is evident in the children that carry on hisname. His sons and daughters understandthe value of an education and the importance of hard work. They know sacrifice and persistence,possessing impeccable work ethics. Andthey know that family and their unwavering faith in God has been thecornerstone of all their accomplishments. They live the lessons their father taught,passing his wisdom down their family tree.

His daughter recently paid tribute with words of love that moved meto tears, writing--

Prayers went upand blessings came down. God asked mehow bad did I want this and I held up my hands, closed my eyes and started towalk by faith and not by sight. Whenmost kids were catching rides, he bought me a new car, gave me a home to housemy family to make nursing school easier for me. There were at home bible lessons for me, then years later for mydaughters. It was an honor to give upone of my jobs to take on my most important RN role, caring for my daddy. Once in a life time when you haveunconditional love, you know your purpose because God clearly orders your steps. All that you have is nothing because you haveonly one reason to fight, a million reasons to not let go. You said you were tired and I begged you tokeep going. You said you were in painand I begged you to endure. Procedureafter procedure, pain after pain, you did it for us and in the end, we did itfor you. You are the best. I will remember your lessons - "Daughter, all that glitters ain’t gold. Watch who you keep around you, everyonesmiling in your face ain’t your friend. Stay on guard because every shut eye ain’t sleep. Believe none of what you hear and half ofwhat you see. Lean only on God’s wordand my favorite, remember every goodbye ain’t gone. " So with that I will see you later, dad. You beat cancer, you are finally free. When you told me you saw Jesus I realizedthat letting go didn’t mean giving up, it meant placing you in betterhands. I love you, Daddy. Rest in peace. (Tawana Harrison)

He is gone from us now, much loved and foreverremembered. And the greatest lesson he has taught all of us is that those lives that you mark at home; whetherit's by your involvement positively or your neglect negatively, will be thelasting legacy of your life.

I am in awe of the legacy that that my dear cousin has leftbehind.

Rest in peace, Robert Lee Fletcher,Jr.

January 29, 1953 - January 28, 2012

A PIECE OF A MAN

2012-01-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

I eavesdrop on a lot ofconversations. It’s a bad habit of sortsbut eavesdropping on some verbal exchanges helps me determine how some of mycharacters may or may not interact with one another. It gives me material to pull from when I have to write those verbal interactions.

Today, as I shopped my favoritestore, I couldn’t help overhearing an exchange between a group of young women. Young being old enough to know better. They were lamenting men and fathers and spermdonors--- "baby daddy" being the term of choice. One of them was bemoaning her boyfriend’s other lover forcing herchild into the neat little package that was now his life. The current girlfriend had issues with himand his responsibilities.

One of her friends had theaudacity to comment that were that man stepping up to the plate to be a decentfather and take responsibility for the child that was his child, then that baby’smama wouldn’t have to force anything on any of them. After their terse discussion I didn’t get theimpression that the two women would continue to be friends.

It made me revisit my book The RightSide Of Love. There was a father in thatstory who didn’t want to be a father until it served his own personalneeds. The main character was a womanwho didn’t force him to be responsible for his son, not wanting to be that kindof woman. This father turned his back onhis family, moved cross country and suddenly set down roots with a new wife andnew kids, proving himself to be quite the paternal figure, all the whileignoring that he had another child who also needed him. It was one of my best books and, of course,there was a very happy ending.

The young woman with the issues couldn’t seem to grasp thatif her man could so easily dismiss one child, then her own children with himmight not stand a fighting chance. Heavenforbid if her children might one day have need of a father and his new woman needed him not to be.

Her friend tried to make her understand thatif the boyfriend were half the man she thought him to be then he would begladly making himself emotionally and financially accessible to all of hischildren, their well-being first and foremost in his heart. She stressed again and again that it should onlyhave been about his child, who didn’t ask to be born in the midst of all theirmess.

But girlfriend wasn’t hearing any of it. As long as her man was playing daddy when sheneeded him to, she wasn’t concerned about any of his other offspring. She couldn’t comprehend wanting better forherself, and more importantly, wanting a better example of a man for her own childrento one day admire, respect and emulate.

Sadly, for her, having a small piece of a man was better than nothaving a man at all.

A DAY OF SHEER PERFECTION

2012-01-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

It was a rough start to theday. A wild night left me with littlesleep. Then my rest was disturbed by theloud thump of a teen’s rude stereo. Crude rap should not be the first sound heard on a beautiful Sundaymorning. To make up for it the kid gaveme ten minutes of gospel and I was appeased. Then the day improved significantly.

I caught up on some writing whilethe men were off doing men things. It was quality alone time. ThenI was in the mindset to go prowl the stores to buy myself somethingpretty. But it was cold outside and Idon’t like cold. So I decided instead tostay inside and make a pot of homemade soup.

I made the meatballs first. Ground beef with just the hint of breadcrumbsand an egg, then seasoned to perfection and rolled into picture-perfect orbs. While those were browning in the oven I caramelizedan onion in my cast iron soup pot, adding a crushed clove of garlic, juliennedcarrots and diced celery. When thoseonions were translucent and ready, I threw in two bunches of fresh, organicspinach and tossed them just until they were wilted. After adding eight cups of chicken broth, twofreshly diced tomatoes, a few ounces of elbow macaroni and a spattering ofseasonings I left the whole pot to simmer slowly atop the stove. Twenty minutes later I tossed in thosebrowned meatballs and soup was ready.

The meal was complete withgrilled cheddar cheese and tomato sandwiches on thick, crusty whole grain breadand deep glasses of rich, red merlot.

Now I’m curled up beneath myfavorite blanket with a new book, Bernice L. McFadden’s latest release Gathering of Waters,while brownies are cooling on the counter. I am certain that after a few chapters, a decadent dessert, and a largemug of hot chocolate tea, my day will end on a note of sheer perfection.

ALL I WANT IS YOU

2012-01-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

“Hot damn!” she cursed, swimming back to where Malisanow stood. “When are these people goingto put some heat in this water?”

Malisalaughed. “You know it’s cold for onlythe first few minutes, Mama. They’ll have yousweating up a storm before you know it.”

Miss Etta grunted,rolling her eyes. Before she couldcomment further the familiar faces that made up the early morning class droppedinto the water to join them.

Malisa and hermother both smiled and nodded their hellos as people began to greet them. Both women didn’t miss that Irene Hill wasthe only one who didn’t have anything to say, not even bothering to look intheir direction. Miss Etta had had justabout enough of Irene’s rude behavior and it wouldn’t take much more for her tosay so, she thought.

“Let me tell you a story,” Miss Etta started, leaningagainst her daughter’s shoulder. “Now wedone told you a dozen or more times about how your Daddy and I met up but Idon’t remember if I ever told you about me and Beau Hill.”

Malisa shook her head. “No, I don’t think you did.”

“Well,” the womanstarted. “Before I met and marriedGattis, Beau Hill used to chase after me like a chubby kid chases cake. This was before he was married to Miss Ireneover there.” She gestured at the womanwith her head and a raised eye. Wasn’tmy fault old Beau was all worked up over me. I just had it going on like that!”

She grinned and winked at Malisa as shecontinued. “But it didn’t take me longto figure out that Beau wasn’t worth my energy, so I had to let him go. Hard! Youwould have thought I’d broken up with Irene the way she be actin’. The woman still burns hot with spite that Ihad him before she did!”

Malisa chuckled, her head waving from side toside. “And then you met Daddy?”

"That rights. See, what Beau had to offer didn’t amount to more than a blandfrankfurter with no bun. Two bites andyou were done with it, the taste not even lingering against your tongue. I like a man who comes with the works: chili,spice, onion, and slaw. A man who leavesyou wishing you had ordered just one more of him with a side of fries and athick milkshake. Your daddy was likethat, a full meal with leftovers!”

Malisa laughed heartily.

“And Gabriel Whitman, well, daughter, know it when Itell you, that man is an all-you-can-eat buffet special with free sweet tea andbanana pudding for dessert. He’ll keepyou fed and fed well for a good long time,” she said with another wink of hereye. “This is not an opportunity youwant to pass up, Malisa.”

She started to move toward the center of the pool asshe tossed one last look in Irene’s direction. “Irene’s problem,” Etta concluded, laughing softly as she propelledherself through the water, Malisa trailing behind her, “is she needs to slipout and get herself a real meal instead of settling for that snack she’smarried to.” Excerpt from Her Holiday Gifts by Deborah Fletcher Mello

SEDUCED BY A STALLION

2012-01-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

It doesn’t seem possible that ithas been four years since I introduced the Stallion men, the four billionaire brothersout of Dallas, Texas. Oldest brotherJohn Stallion’s story was the first, told in my book, To Love A Stallion. Since then two additional brothers and acousin have had their stories told.

I really loved the first twobrothers. John was like a fine drink ofwine on a summer’s night when Marvin Gaye done got you hot, buck naked, andthirsty for something you didn’t even know you needed. Then came brother Mark in my book Tame A Wild Stallion. Mark was more rum punch in thedesert heat with Wyclef Jean guiding your shimmy, and a hard body grinding youat your best friend’s blue light basement party. Brothers Mark and John I liked very, verymuch!

I struggled with the nextbrother. He was the baby. By the time I finished Luke’s story, Lost In A Stallion’s Arms, I was feeling him more but with his youthful exuberance he wasstill very much an anomaly to me. Lukewas like The Fresh Prince and Summertime, young and impulsive, fun and fearless. He was one of those devilish drinks, Sex OnThe Beach, Slow Comfortable Screw, Fuzzy Dick, or maybe a Piece of Ass, in alarge plastic cup with a cute little umbrella in it.

The Stallions had a cousin tossedinto the mix, Travis Stallion, whose story Promises To A Stallion, was one ofmy favorites. Travis had more maturityfor my blood. He was military and Iabsolutely adore a man in uniform. Traviswas a hot cup of coffee with a double shot of rum on a cold night and a verytall Long Island Iced Tea when it’s warm outside. Travis had me trippin’ on Tyrese, Joe, and Jaheim. Travis just had me trippin’!”

And now I’m thrilled to introducethe last brother’s story. Seduced By A Stallion will be released on April 17^th and will kick off a verygood year for the Stallion family. Therewill be two Stallion stories this year, the second, Forever A Stallion, comingin August and the introduction of their extended family. And three, count ‘em, three bookscoming in 2013!

Matthew’s story challenged me in avery good way. Matthew is the mostconservative out of the four Stallion brothers. With his Harvard law degree he’s accustomed to doing things a certainway. He’s a 25-year-old scotch, refined and proper withoutbeing stuffy. As cool as a glass of Courvoisier after a prime rib and lobsterdinner. He is old school slick like OtisRedding, Al Green, Bill Withers and Sam Cooke and as fine as an expensive agedwine.

So preorder your copy now! I can’t wait for you to read about Matthew. And I can't wait for his story andthe return of my darling Stallion men to get here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

This list of "wisdoms" came to me in a chain-mail from a friend in 2009. They moved me so much that I revisit them on a regular basis and with each New Year they've become my mantra as Father Time bows out and Baby New Year rolls in.

This past year was one hell of a year. There isn't one moment I regret, not even those that were drama-filled and absolutely unnecessary. 2011 brought me immense joy, much love, and the lessons learned were life-invigorating. Abundance came in ways I had only imagined and if 2012 manages to be one-third as prosperous and productive then I can't wait for it to get here!

So, please, take these wisdoms in and savor them a moment. Hopefully they'll move you as well. I wish you each a very happy and prosperous NEW YEAR!

WISDOM FOR 2012

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and look back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!

A SIMPLE SERENADE

2011-12-07T20:15:00.001-08:00

So, it’s raining and the temperature has nose-dived sometwenty degrees from last night’s low. I’vebeen nursing the last remnants of a migraine for a few days and now I feel acold coming on.

My favorite guy made mea special hot toddy to nurse the cold away and I was headed to bed to feelbetter when the doorbell rings. Thedoorbell rarely rings after eight pm unless it’s an element of crazy come tostir up some drama. But low and beholdit was our neighbors, and their holiday choir, come to practice their carolingat the bottom of the steps.

I stood in the doorway, wrapped in a blanket, as they serenadedus with a rendition of Silver Bells and then Silent Night. Then the rain got the best of them, runningus all back inside. I’m in bed now with my favorite cuddle toy and thathot toddy is beginning to cure everything that might have been ailing me.

But it was a simple serenade that made it feel a lot likeChristmas, and it's made me feel a whole lot better.

FATHER-DAUGHTER BALL

2011-12-03T20:59:00.001-08:00

One of the single greatest blessings in my life is myrelationship with my father. As a littlegirl, he was my idol, the first man I loved and he set the standard for all themen who later came into my life. As alittle girl I thought that he could do no wrong, the sun and the moon rising and setting on everything that was my daddy. I was his Baby Girl, the nickname that noteven my younger sister could usurp and it represents an understanding that he and Ihave had between us that continues to cement the bond we share today.

My father and I have had our moments, and there were manythat were not good. I wasn’t always thegood daughter he would have liked me to be, but even at my worse, I remained hisBaby Girl. From the moment I drew breathhe has been the parent who has most controlled and manipulated my life. When I rebelled, he was the first to let go,insuring that I learned some very difficult lessons the hard way. And when I fell, and fell hard, my father wasthere to pick me back up, hold me until there was no more hurt, and who set mysteps back in the right direction. Sometimes he didn’t even know he was doing so much but me wanting him tobe pleased and proud of me made it so.

There was a moment this past week where I was reminded ofjust how much my father has always loved me, how he has fought for me, andbelieved in me, and it just took him calling me Baby Girl when I needed it themost for me to remember.

I have a friend, Mrs. Sharon Hunter Barrow, who has initiated aprogram for fathers and daughters, to celebrate that special bond little girlswould hopefully have with their dads. The Father-Daughter Ball that she has hosted for the past three years has been a highlightof many little girls in her community. And with each year the number of participants has increased ten-fold.

To continue to bring this amazing event to those speciallittle women who need it, Mrs. Barrow is hoping to win a grant from the PepsiFoundation for her Father-Daughter Ball. She needs support, in the way of votes, from those who like and believein her idea.

I am voting as many times as I can. I am also asking for your votes as well. So, please, if you would, follow the link here, FATHER/DAUGHTER BALL and vote!

Thank you.

PS – Voting requires registration and even though that can sometimes be a nuisance, the benefit far outweighs the annoyance. Registration is simple and for your efforts, some little girl might be afforded the opportunity to dance at a ball with her most favorite guy in the whole wide world. Just imagine the memories years from now!

CRAZY

2011-11-29T20:53:00.001-08:00

It’s well past my bedtime and I’m up baking cookies. I can’t sleep and baking cookies makes mefeel better. And I need to feel betterbecause I’ve had myself a day.

Every family has its fair share of crazy hanging from thefamily tree. My crazy decided to visit,planting their branch right in my living room for five hours longer than Icould tolerate. Had I been able to leaveI would have. But since it was my livingroom there was no place for me to go and crazy was having far too much fun wreakinghavoc on everyone’s sanity to get the hint that they’d worn out theirwelcome.

Too much crazy taxed my last nerve and I snapped. My Zen aura was all discombobulated and I waswell on the way to kicking crazy right in their too wide ass. When crazy pushed my very last button Iresponded with a resounding F*ck you! Crazy responded with their own choice words. I’mnot proud of my own bad behavior or my potty mouth but in the moment it reallyfelt good. Then, it didn’t.

I learned years ago that I need to keep crazy asfar from my front yard as possible. Thatbranch of the family tree is better planted in places where I’m not expected toweed, feed, or nurture it. Plantingcrazy in my garden is like planting kudzu in the South. It overwhelms everything and everybody and nomatter how hard you try to get rid of the pestilence, it always manages to thrive.

And now that crazy’ has finally gone I’m baking cookies so I can feelbetter.

THANKFUL...

2011-11-27T17:50:00.001-08:00

The holiday weekend is winding down. We’ve eaten leftovers from the leftovers, noone even wanting to think about another slice of turkey or spoonful of stuffing. Now we’re squabbling over who gets the finalfew slices of chocolate pecan pie and who snuck the last almond cookie, leavingthe empty plate still covered on the countertop.

It was a delightful holiday and a great weekend. There was much quality time with my favorite guy, aton of fun with family, and catching up with old friends. We enjoyed good food and some really decadentdesserts so tomorrow it’s back to the gym. There was a surprise marriage proposal, an early baby delivery, unexpectedgifts, and the completion of my latest book. I couldn’t have planned a better holiday if I’d tried. I hope everyone's holiday was as magnanimous.

I have had much to be thankful for. My blessings have been many. It’s been a very good year.

BIG ASS BOULDER!

2011-11-17T20:43:00.001-08:00

Despite the sudden cold weather and rain, today was anotherreally great day. I had a wonderfullunch event at the Wake County Express Library in downtown Raleigh, NC. It was a small, intimate group and we had agreat conversation about books and writing.

After a wonderful meal (antipasti, chicken & gnocchisoup, and vegetable lasagna), a really good bottle of red wine (Cavi Roscato RossoDolce) and an incredibly sexy dinner companion, I came home to get my realityTV fix with the XFactor results show.

And now I’m a bit perturbed, so much so that I’ve been atweeting maniac on Twitter tonight. Finally think I have the hang of it with all the practice I’ve beengetting!

Was I surprised by the bottom two? Yes and no. Was I disappointed by the outcome? Yes and no. What really galled methough was the attitude of the young contestant Brian Bradley, who callshimself Astro.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think the kid has mad skills. He freestyles like someone twice his age with three times the experience. I believe that with some proper guidance and great business advice he has the potential to have a verysuccessful career. But he is still incredibly young, with not an ounce of maturityunder his belt. And beyond any doubt, heis whole-heartedly wearing that big chip on his shoulder that 15-year-old boys,seem to think is a badge of honor. Astro’s chip is the size of a big ass boulder though.

My son-shines had boulders too until I had to wear some behind out to help them get their problems fixed. It's amazing what a good butt-whipping will cure! I so wanted to reach right into thetelevision to shake the piss out of Astro, I can’t tell you how much! And then he swiped away his tears and I hadto remember he is still very, very young and he was hurt and disappointed todiscover that not everyone is going to show him love when he wants it.

Just as my mommy sympathy kicked in, he tweeted that it was"POLITICS", and we shouldn’t be fooled by what we don’t know. The kid irritated me all over again. Someone forgot to tell him that his publicimage should never reflect the politics happening behind the stage. And politics don’t have a damn thing to dowith him exemplifying respect and decency to win him $5 Million dollars. Foundmyself tweeting that he needed to show his talent and not his behind. He idolizes Jay-Z and I wish Jay-Z couldwhisper some advice in his ear. Rememberwhen Jay took on Oprah? Even Oprah hadto show him some love and respect after the fact.

I hope that young Brian will learn a valuable lesson from this experience, because he will find himself on the bottom again and probably sooner than later. It's just the nature of success and failure when you are fighting to attain a dream.

Not everyone shows us love when we want it. I only have to read a book review or followsales to know that. And then there arethose who will go to bat for us when we least expect it, like showing up at abook event on a Thursday afternoon in the cold and rain. Astro has a host of fans who are going to batfor him. That’s why he needs to learn thathis “Disney” smile and a better attitude will get him a hell of a lot fartherthan that damn boulder on his back.

COME SEE ME!

2011-11-17T07:39:00.001-08:00

So, what are you doing for lunch?

I'm reading from, and discussing my books in downtown Raleigh, NC this afternoon, from 12:00pm until 1:00pm.

I'd love for you to join me!

Wake County Express Library
336 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601

A GOOD DAY

2011-11-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

I have never considered myself an outdoorsy-type. It was out of character for me to communewith nature if there were buggy-things around. The family tells many stories of my summeradventures on my grandfather’s SouthCarolina farm when I’d throw tantrum after tantrum if something even buzzed bymy ear.

My appreciation for nature came as a result of my baby boywho preferred the outdoors over everything else. From the moment he was able, he would often riseearly, head out the back door and disappear into the woods that bordered ourproperty. He’d scavenge things thatintrigued him and then bring them back for me to identify, explain away, orjust be in awe of. Soon I was trailingbehind him to scavenge my own treasures. Discovering the outdoors throughhis pale grey eyes was absolutely enchanting, even with the bugs.

Hiking wooded trails was one of our favorite pasttimes. We trekked a mountain sidetogether right before he left for the military. It was quality time, the likes of which, I will hold near and dear to myheart forever. I hadn’t made the opportunityto do any hiking since. Not untiltoday.

This time of the year is my favorite. There is something about the fall colorationand the crisp, clean air that moves my spirit. Today was picture perfect for a hike and so I found a two-mile trail ina mountain-like setting that I’d never explored, tied up my favorite boots,packed that requisite bottle of water and disappeared into the woods with oneof my favorite friends.

As I stood on an overlook, staring out to the expanse ofyellows, reds, golds, and browns that bordered the most peaceful blue-greenlake, it took me back to ta time when I was certain that all was well in theworld. When life was good and blessingswere abundant. And as I reflected inprayer, love beside and around me, I was reminded that it sometimes takescommuning with nature to know that life, with its many contradictions, canstill be good and personally, my many blessings continue to be abundant.

It was a very good day.

REST IN PEACE, OVERWEIGHT LOVER!

2011-11-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

Rap legend Heavy D, whose real name was Dwight Arrington Myers, one of the most influential rappers of the 1990's, died earlier today. He was 44 years old.

His massive musical hits included Is It Good To You, The Overweight Lovers In The House, Big Daddy, and my personal favorite, Now That We Found Love. He also wrote and performed the theme songs for In Living Color, MADtv, and The Tracy Morgan Show. Drawing on a promising acting career he'd made appearances in brief movie and television roles including Life, The Cider House Rules, Boston Public, Living Single, Bones, Law & Order: SVU, and most recently, Tower Heist.

As Kelley L. Carter reported for MTV, "Heavy D was the big guy who could move. His size never stopped him. He moved in ways that intimidated the slimmest dude in the crowd. He was smooth, dapper and celebrated the around-the-way-girl through song; his music helped soundtrack 10th-grade dances near and far, and his colorful, danceable and at times sensitive brand of hip-hop clearly proved to be wildly influential to new-millennium household names like Diddy or Drake. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who came up after Heavy D that doesn't cite him as an influence — and if they didn't say it out loud, their showmanship certainly was a giveaway."

Heavy was on the list to be my ninth husband. He will be missed.

LETTING GOD...

2011-11-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

I come from a praying family. Most of my kin stand firmly grounded on afoundation of faith, unyielding in their belief in a higher power. For a very long time I struggled with my ownfaith, unsure of what I believed in, determined to find contradiction ineverything I’d been taught and was being told. When I finally opened myself to what I could not see and began to trustin the power of prayer, life changed drastically for me. I suddenly found solace when I let go and letGod.

Recently, I’ve been challenged and my spirit has been incrisis. With things I’d been mostconfident of, I’ve not trusted my intuition. I have felt my faith wavering and I have not been able to pray. A few years back, I bumped heads with a womanI admired, respected, and thought of as a dear friend. With my feelings hurt, believing that no truefriend would have done to me as I felt she had done to me, I’d closed that door of friendship, deeming hertoxic to my spirit and a detriment to my growth. We had not spoken since, our only knowledgeof each other’s lives coming only from mutual friends.

Two weeks ago I received news that this woman was not well,diagnosed with an exceptionally aggressive carcinoma. My first instinct was to rush to her bedsideto apologize. I wanted her to know howmuch I regretted my own actions and that I have thought of her often and withmuch fondness. I had hoped to makeamends, to be a friend as she endured what she was going through. And then for no discernible reason, I secondguessed myself, deciding that I needed to “think” about my decision before Iacted. And through it all what I couldnot do, what I did not do, was pray for guidance.

I took two weeks to “think”, where I mostly did nothing atall, and then this past Friday, the option was taken from me, my friend losingher battle with cancer. After learningof her death, I found my spirit completely battered, crushed beyondrecognition. I will live with many regrets,but this one was of my own making. Thensuddenly all I could do, all I wanted to do, was pray.

To get there though I had to seek out my praying family forsupport, retreating to my mother, and her church, and a host of friends andfamily who stand firmly grounded on that foundation of faith. As I struggled to pray, they all prayed withme, and they prayed for me.

My spiritual journey seems to be unending but I’m determinedto make the trek. I know without anydoubt that I need prayer in my life. Ineed my faith. Mostly, I need to let goand let God.

I’m so sorry, my dear sweet friend. I will miss you dearly. Rest in peace, Janet Knight Ledbetter (7/23/1945 - 11/4/2011)

DRIBBLINGS

2011-11-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Y’all might remember how this works. Every so often a thought will cross my mind but never quite make it into a full blown post. I call them dribblings, just random, trivial stuff that passes through my thoughts.

Do we really give a flying fig about Kim Kardashian filing for divorce? I mean, really. Girlfriend made in excess of $17 Million for 72 days of wife work. And I’m sure it wasn’t really hard wife work. Looking at cutie patootie Kris Humpries, I’d bet she spent more than half of those days on her back, or quite possibly her knees. I mean really, how strenuous was that? She made $5 million performing wife work with Ray J for 30 minutes on camera. Did we really expect more than that from her? Since 2000 she’s averaged a boyfriend a year, having more ex’s than that video she starred in. She’s changed men the way some folks change their drawers. If anyone should have an issue with her relationship drama it should be E! Entertainment and the dumb ass who signed that multi-million dollar check. Let’s just give her a Thank You For Saving A Sister tee-shirt and move on! Kim already has.

Is it bad parenting to knowingly allow your teenage child to have sex with their boyfriend/girlfriend in your home while you wait around the corner for them to finish the deed or is it bad parenting when your teenage child has sex with their boyfriend/girlfriend in your home and you don’t have a clue that they are doing the deed?

Is it politically incorrect to give an overweight friend a bottle of Fat bastard wine? Really, I’m asking. It’s a pretty cool vino if you like that kind of thing. Made by a French guy named Thierry and his buddy Guy, it’s not bad. It has a big, robust flavor, deep color and a richness that’s pleasing to the palate. And I like the unique name. Fat bastard! But would it be insulting to give a bottle to a fat friend?

Guys go to the gym like women travel to the restrooms – in packs. I get them herding together with the free weights. It’s necessary from a safety perspective, needing someone to be the spotter so they don’t hurt something important. Like having a designated driver after a night at the bar. But what do they need to spot when they’re working out on one of the machines? Three guys standing behind their guy pal while he takes his turn on the elliptical machine is really not cool. Not cool at all.

An acquaintance asked what I thought about her guy keeping pictures of his ex around his house. I thought since it’s his house he can pretty much do whatever he pleases. She said she’d moved in and was now living with him. The pictures had been out of sight for over a year, now they were back again. I repeated. It’s his house and he’s making sure she gets the hint. She needs to find her own home and put her own pictures up then she wouldn’t have an issue with him and his. Just what I thought.

Is it remotely possible to get movie butter flavor with pop-at-home/on-the-stovetop popcorn? Or am I just wasting a whole lot of popping corn?

So much for dribbling. Time to get back to writing!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2011-10-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

For me, Halloween kicks off the holiday season.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year!

When my kids were little I loved making their costumes for Halloween and they can tell you some of their costumes were really out there! There are no costumes this year, but I still have my favorite holiday images that always make me smile.

This one always makes me chuckle out loud and for some reason I can't stop thinking about pie!

Happy Halloween!!!

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

2011-10-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Mybeautiful daughter-in-law has joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team-In-Trainingto run a half marathon in honor of my late son and her husband Allan Mello Jr. I have written about my sonshine here before. November 3^rdwill be theanniversary of his passing, Allan Jr. having died after a too short battle witha very rare T-cell lymphoma.

Always themeddling in-law I would like to do everything possible to support her endeavorso I am sharing this information in hopes that there will be some who mightlend a hand and make a donation toward her fundraising efforts. I’ve written my check and only wish I hadmuch more to give. But since I don’t, Idon’t have any qualms about asking for a little bit of help.

This incredible youngwoman has raised two amazing children without her life partner. She continues to amaze and delight me withher fortitude, her spirit, and the sheer will with which she has persevered. My son loved and adored her and she has donehim and the entire Mello family proud.

As part of hermission baby girl is looking to raise $3,800 helpfind cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. She is running for a cause and with everyone’ssupport can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families aswell. Every dollarhelps get a step closer to finding a cure for cancer.

So, please, won’t you DONATE?

BOOK REVIEW

2011-10-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

I read book reviews today, something I do periodically toremind myself what I’ve done right with a story and in some cases, what I mighthave done wrong.

I happened upon the most interesting review of PROMISES TO ASTALLION, the story of Luke Stallion, one of my billionaire brothers fromTexas. The reviewer HATED the book,acknowledging that she was clearly not my target audience. The story was deemed MATURE and she notedthat her mother would be more open to such a story line. My book was reviewed with one other, acollection of homoerotic sodomy tales set in South Central LA, both books purchasedfor their potential use as masturbation tools.

I found the whole scenario quite amusing (and slightlydisturbing that my book was purchased for its masturbation potential). But I also couldn’t help but wonder why a readerwho acknowledges that they prefer hard-core erotica and urban literature would evenbother to read a traditional ROMANCE just to snub their nose at it and deem itunreadable? After all, it isROMANCE. It’s marketed as ROMANCE andthat in and of itself would tell someone they are not going to get blatantpornography and profanity in the storylines. In ROMANCE the characters actually become friends and fall in lovebefore they jump into bed with each other and the jumping into bed is precededby a lot of sensual, very sappy foreplay before the deed ever gets done. There is rarely any sodomy, bestiality, or hardcoresadomasochism and definitely not an ounce of homoerotic adventure.

As a ROMANCE writer I don’t use the F-word, the N-word, theB-word or any other word that would be deemed insulting and unacceptable inchurch or a public place where adults who are older than I am might becongregating. But there are writers whocomfortably write those words and publishers who happily publish those booksand not one of them lists the genre as ROMANCE.

There is a generation of young people who have no moral boundaries. There are no limits to what they will say ordo and there are no restrictions with what they will read, view, or listento. Fortunately, there is more thanenough stuff out there for them to enjoy, that will satisfy what they do like.

But why buy and read what you know from jump is not going tobe your cup of tea just to spit it out because it’s not what you like? When I want porn, I buy porn, not somethingfaith-based! I would think that if youwant stronger, then you would buy stronger so that if you do end up spitting itout, it’s because it just didn’t suit your taste buds.

I guess it’s a good thing I don’t get paid to think!

STEVE JOBS

2011-10-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs, the visionary in the black turtleneck who co-founded Apple in a Silicon Valley garage, built it into the world's leading tech company and led a mobile-computing revolution with wildly popular devices such as the iPhone, died today, losing his long-time battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.

With the ability to transform entire industries with his inventions, Jobs was one of the great innovators of our time, pioneering the concept of the personal computer and of navigating them by clicking onscreen images with a mouse. In more recent years, he introduced the iPod portable music player, the iPhone and the iPad tablet -- all of which changed how we consume content in the digital age.

In 2005 Jobs spoke to the graduating class of Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He said:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."

Words for all of us to live by.

He is survived by his wife of twenty years and four children. My condolences to his family and friends.

TIMES SQUARE AWAITS STRATFORD ARTIST

2011-10-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't win that About.me contest but I'm delighted to share news of the man who did. Although I didn't come close to his 2,832 votes, I am still very proud that I placed in the top 5% and again, want to extend my sincerest appreciation to everyone who supported me. So again, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Times Square Awaits Stratford Artist

Stratford resident Ricardo Murillo will have his name and aphoto he took displayed on a billboard in Times Square next month for winningan online contest.

By Jason Bagley - Stratford Patch

The story of a Stratford resident who will soon have hisface on a billboard in Times Square begins 15 years ago.

As a teenager growing up in Norwalk, Conn., Ricardo Murillo would sketchdesigns on T-shirts with a marker.

"Art has always been a part of me," said Murillo, 30, now living inStratford with his girlfriend of seven years and two sons. "I used to drawto clear my head."

When, in 2009, Murillo lost his job at a sports clothing store in Southport, hebought his first camera and started to capture the culture of the streetthrough film.

"I had nothing to fall back on to feed my family," said Murillo, whowould post the "random street photography" and photos of his two boyson various Internet and social media sites.

A year after the photography endeavor began, Murillo was invited to San Juan,Puerto Rico -- though he had to pay his own travel expenses -- to take photosof the 2010 Latin Billboard Awards. While wandering around city streets betweenshoots, Murillo stumbled across some graffiti, which featured a depiction of aragged blue whale with a dopey eye. Naturally, he had his camera on him andtook a photo of the facade.

And come Oct. 8, that image -- along with two photos of Murillo and his firstand last name in big blue letters -- will look down on the tens of thousands ofpeople who bustle about Times Square on any given day.

The image, photos and letters are all part of Murillo's online social-media-gatheringprofile on a website called about.me. Murillosubmitted his profile into a contest sponsored by the website in August, andlast week he was notified that his "digital business card," as hecalls it, received the most online votes with 2,832.

The top ten vote getters are awarded play of their about.me one-page profile ona revolving digital billboard in Times Square starting Oct. 8, and running forfour subsequent weeks after that. However, the top three get the most face timeand are treated to an all-expenses paid, three-day trip to New York City onOct. 10.

"Millions of people are going to see it every day," said Murillo, whostarted two of his own businesses, SELFMATHEMATIKSClothing Co. in 2006 and SELFMATHEMATIKS Photography in 2009. "Whoknows who will look at it ... It's huge for my career."

MAC AND CHEESE

2011-10-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have a favorite little haunt that I frequent too manytimes each week for dinner. Havingrefined my eating habits, I’ve eliminated most meats and all fried foods from mydiet. At my favorite little haunt I usuallyeat the same foods with an occasional variation and I always leave feeling thatI’ve had a substantial and healthy meal. The veggie plate is my favorite, an eclectic mix of three vegetables, afresh baked yeast roll and my must-have sweet tea. The cooks are all Southern born and bred andit is home cooking at its very best.

Yesterday I met a friend for dinner. I ordered my favorite plate with collardgreens, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, that roll, and my tea.

After blessing the food, we dug in and I began to extol themany virtues of my very healthy vegetable dinner. My friend smiled sweetly, nodding in agreementas he enjoyed his own meal of green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy and anoversized breast of fried chicken.

When we were sated and contemplating whether or not we wouldshare a dessert, my friend laughed, his head waving back and forth. “You do know that mac and cheese is not a vegetable, right?”he said. "There's really nothing healthy about it."

There was a moment of pause as I took in his comment. “It is here,” I finally responded. “Otherwise they wouldn’t put it on the veggie plate menu.”

He shook his head. “Ifyou say so.”

And I do. I know that macand cheese isn't the best choice and it certainly isn't a vegetable but it makes all these vegetables I have toeat a little more palatable.

ALL I WANT IS YOU

2011-09-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Only four more days until the release of ALL I WANT IS YOU, a novella featuring two stories by me and my author-friend Kayla Perrin. Kayla's tale was a sheer delight to read and my holiday story was an absolute hoot to write. I am absolutely tickled that both offerings have already gotten great reviews. As we slowly slip into the fall season and prepare for the holidays to come, slip ALL I WANT IS YOU into your must-read pile. You won't be disappointed.

Romance was the last thing on their minds—until the holidays brought these two women face to face with the men of their dreams…

Her Holiday Gifts Deborah Fletcher Mello

Commissioned to bake a towering cake for the Whitman Corporation’s CEO at their New Year’s extravaganza—Malisa Ivey is mortified when she gets trapped inside. Even worse, the cake is then transported—with Malisa inside—to Gabriel Whitman’s office. The sexy business tycoon is shocked when a beautiful woman pops out of his dessert—and can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have such sweetness in his life all year…

Holiday Seduction Kayla Perrin

Mikki Harper isn’t looking forward to going home for her sister’s wedding—especially since she’s just been dumped. Then she runs into “Boring Barry” from high school and soon the two are catching up on old times—and Mikki discovers Barry is anything but boring. Mikki doesn’t expect to see him again, especially not at a dinner hosted by the groom’s family. It turns out Barry wants to relive their fling. But will Mikki run into his arms—or back to her ex, who’s suddenly had a change of heart?

Kayla Perrin is a USA Today and Essence® bestselling author who resides in Southwestern Ontario with her daughter. She has a bachelor of arts in English and Sociology and a bachelor of Education, having entertained the idea of becoming a teacher—but she always knew she wanted to be a writer. Kayla's novels have received plenty of accolades and awards. She has twice had books voted onto Romance Writers of America's Top Ten Favorite Books of the Year list, and has also been the recipient of a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times magazine. Her books have been profiled in Entertainment Weekly, Ebony, Essence, and Cosmo. Visit her online at www.kaylaperrin.com.

DOLVETT QUINCE

2011-09-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

"It takes pain to be pretty....I hurt all the time!"

Dolvett Quince - Celebrity Trainer

I hear ya' talkin', good lookin'. And I'll be thinkin' of ya' in the morning as I master that elliptical machine. Biggest Loser is some serious motivation! And I post this for no reason other than I imagine my next male character will look just like my new friend Dolvett.

PRETTY

2011-09-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve been trying to finish the proposal for a new book andit’s not coming together the way I need it to. Publishers need their romances to be pretty. Even the conflict needs to come with designerwrapping paper and a pretty bow tied so pristinely that it really doesn’t feellike conflict at all. Publishers don’tlike real life. No discussion aboutfinances and personal issues that might ring true. The hero and heroine can have no flaws thatcan’t be easily buffed away to get to that happily-ever-after. Both must be polished until they are pictureperfect.

But real life never plays out like that. A happily-ever-after can come with someserious bumps in the road. In real lifecouples can get ugly with each other. Things can be said that can’t be taken back. The hero can tell his girl he wants her out ofhis house so he can have some space to fix some things. In real life, if he tells his girl he nolonger wants to be with her she can get angry and defensive and she can wallowin the hurt of that heartbreak. She canbe ugly and he can be ugly back. In aromance novel, the hero would not be a hero if he wasn’t fighting tooth andnail to get his girl and keep her as close to his heart as possible. In reallife, there might be no interest in the fight for a couple’s futuretogether. Real life is about the tearsthat get you to the laughter and sometimes, it’s about the tears that get younowhere at all.

I need to be thinking about the pretty, polishing all theplayers until they’re perfect. But witheverything that can happen in real life I’m really not interested in writinganother pretty story.

VERY FIRST TIME

2011-09-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

On September 21, 2011 at 11:08 pm, Troy Anthony Davis saw the face of God for the very first time.

Davis was executed by the state of Georgia for the 1989 slaying of Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. Davis maintained his innocence until the very end. And despite the reasonable doubt that existed the courts repeatedly upheld his conviction.

Hours earlier, at 6:21 pm, the state of Texas executed white supremacist gang leader Russell Lawrence Brewer for the brutal murder of James Byrd, Jr. There was absolutely no doubt at all about Brewer’s guilt.

If the bitter hatred that compelled Brewer and his friends to chain a man behind his pickup truck and drag him to his death, remained in Brewer’s heart at the time of his death, I can only imagine whose face he saw for the very first time.

LEARNING

2011-09-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Her name was Nancy. One might describe her as fragile, age having taken control over her petite frame. With her mane of snow white hair pulled into a neat bun and the pallor of her ivory complexion, she was delicate, like fine porcelain. Out of sync was the GPS tracker that circled her ankle like a bracelet.

We were celebrating a beloved relative’s birthday when she casually strolled to our table and came to a stop. She had wandered from her family’s side, strolling through the restaurant to investigate the offerings on other people’s plates. She smiled sweetly, the gesture illuminating her face and brightening the moment. We smiled back in greeting.

My dinner companion asked her how she was doing. The melodic tone of his deep voice drew her attention from the strawberry shortcake that sat table center. Her smile brightened even more as she nodded.

“I’m learning,” she said, her voice barely a soft whisper.

“Learning is good,” my friend replied.

By then her husband had moved to her side, gently taking her hand into his. He met our collective gazes and mouthed an apology for the intrusion.

“Nancy, dear,” he said softly, “Come back to the table. Everyone wants to talk to you.”

For a brief second she looked confused, unsure of the man’s intentions and then her smile returned, recognition seeping into her eyes. She laughed softly, her head bobbing with excitement.

“Frank!” she said, clutching tightly to his fingers.

“Yes,” he said as he led her back to her seat. “Come with me, dear,” he intoned as he lifted her hands to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers.

“Enjoy your dinner,” I said to the couple.

We all watched as they made their way back across the room. My friend and I smiled.

We were all learning.

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!!!

2011-09-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to VOTE for my About.me profile, ending my efforts to win a billboard in Times Square. Right now I’m in the top 5%, but I’ve been stuck there for the last two weeks, never seeming to be able to pull myself any higher. I think that’s About.me’s way of playing with my head.

Yesterday I spent hours in reflection, wondering what else I could have done / could do, to promote Deborah Fletcher Mello and her books. I approached the process as if I were a client and I felt satisfied with all that I did do. I’ve been a one-woman promo machine pushing flyers about my books, meeting and talking with complete strangers, and ~~forcing~~ persuading acquaintances and friends to vote. I enlisted help from those I love most and they didn't fail me, stepping up in ways I couldn't have imagined. I don’t remember campaigning this hard to be my high school senior class President.

Admittedly, I have done more in the last month than I have ever done in my entire career. But I am still well out of my comfort zone and this experience has finally convinced me to hire a publicist to do that leg work for me.While reflecting, what I kept coming back to was my writing. All I wanted to do was write. And so, as you may have noticed, I did. I wrote what inspired me, three posts coming back to back. I wrote because it felt good to do so and because that is my strength. It’s what I’m great at. It’s what I absolutely love most.

I would still love that billboard and the opportunity to spread the word even farther about my writing, so I’m giving one final push for as many more VOTES as I can muster up. Today I’m beat-feeting it to the library, my favorite book stores, the hair salons and anywhere else I can think of to go beg for VOTES. It’s going to be a great day and until 11:59pm ET tonight, I hope that you will take one opportunity to VOTE for me. Thank you.

Click HERE or any of the VOTE links to VOTE one last time!

CORNBREAD FROM SCRATCH

2011-09-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was eight-years-old when my mother taught me how to make cornbread from scratch, baking it in a cast iron frying pan. Back then, everything my mother cooked was made from scratch and she demanded that I learn and learn early. I remember my mother’s delight when Jiffy cornbread-in-a-box hit the shelves, cutting down on her cornbread-making time, but once learned I have never had the itch to shortcut the mixing of finely ground yellow cornmeal, self-rising flour, that tablespoon of sugar and the butter and milk. I will probably always make cornbread from scratch and bake it in a cast iron pan.

I didn’t demand that my older boys learn how to cook. Their wives would probably like me more if I had. And the one girl child of ours had about as much interest in the kitchen as the man in the moon. She was too busy chasing after her big brothers to care about anything "girlie" going on in our house. My youngest son, however, was not so lucky. He’s like an only child since his older siblings were all out of the house by his fifth birthday. Him, I commanded. Luckily, he followed willingly, motivated by the prospect of mixing elements in a bowl and hoping that they might explode.

By the time Baby Boy was ten he could run circles around me in the kitchen. At the age of thirteen he volunteered to cook for his grandparents for the first time, delighting them with a restaurant-quality shrimp and fettuccine alfredo. By then, I’d nicknamed him Chef Boy-U-Good. He had a talent for mixing flavors and colors so that the food not only looked pretty on a plate but tasted like a definite serving of more. I miss my Baby Boy’s cooking.

I cooked dinner earlier tonight. The things I think about while making cornbread from scratch.

GUILTY PLEASURE

2011-09-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

It is premiere week and I am about to go on TV overload. The DVR will not be able to handle everything I am determined to watch and keep up with. The guilty pleasure I am most looking forward to though is NBC’s The Playboy Club which premieres tonight at 10:00 PM.

Back in the day, (and it really isn’t important how far back), I secretly wanted to be a Playboy Bunny and not the naked kind in the centerfold of the magazine, but the kind who got to wear that cute, velvet/satin bunny outfit. Because my mind couldn’t connect being a bunny with waitressing, my goal was to be a dealer at the blackjack table at one of the Playboy Club casinos. Blackjack, poker, and cards I knew, thanks to my granny. And there was no way I was going to risk having food spill on my very cute, velvet/satin bunny suit. No one can say I didn’t have ambition!

Ambition sunk like a rock though when I casually mentioned my intentions to my daddy. After staring at me like I’d lost my mind the man essentially said, “I don’t think so! Find another profession if you plan to remain a child of mine!” But he didn’t say it quite that nicely. After that my Playboy Bunny ambitions were relegated to knockoff Halloween costumes at some very dodgy holiday parties.

For me, with 60’s era shows like Mad Men, and now The Playboy Club and Pan Am, there seems to be a resurgence of all things I consider classically feminine. I have always been enamored with those classic Grace Kelly/ Beverly Johnson/ Jacqueline Kennedy/ Talitha Getty stylings. It brings to heart a bygone era that was last seen in old family photos of our mothers and grandmothers. Had I been old enough, (and I wasn’t, thank-you-very-much) it would have been an era I would have rocked like nobody’s business!

So I can’t wait to trip down memory lane wondering what might have been. It’ll be my guilty pleasure, along with the ten or twenty other fall shows premiering this week that I just can’t wait to see.

TIGHTENING UP MY JIGGLE

2011-09-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

So, I have a membership at this really great gym. It’s that one decorated all in purple and yellow that passes no judgment and just encourages members to come in and have fun. It’s been some time since I was last there. Over the last three weeks or so, my excuse has been that I had to be out and about promoting myself and hopefully encouraging people to VOTE for me at About.me to win a billboard in Times Square with my face on it. We won’t mention the other 365 days that I might have missed, thankful of course that when I do/did return, no judgment was passed especially since I’ve paid faithfully every month without complaint or refund for being a non-show.

But this morning I was determined to get back to my exercise routine to tighten up some stuff that has started to jiggle and to tame the other stuff that’s determined not to fit into my favorite pair of denim jeans. Back in the gym though I was quickly reminded why I stopped going.

I hate exercise. I hate it with a passion that exceeds all comprehension. I reserve sweating for mind-blowing sex and only mind-blowing sex. I have no desire to sweat at any other time and definitely not while I’m on a treadmill next to an adolescent half my age and a third my size. But I plunged head first into an exercise routine designed by the cutest little trainer who’s old enough to be my child and I did it with a smile. When all was said and done I left feeling accomplished and thankful that my baby boy had left me with his Zune player and playlists of some really great music.

Really great music just transforms my disposition. It transformed that hatred for exercise into a strong dislike. And it got me through a really great sweat. It wasn’t mind-blowing but it put that jiggle on some serious notice.

Only 1 Day Left To VOTE!!!

SEVEN DAYS LEFT

2011-09-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

There are only seven (7) days left for the ABOUT.ME competition to get my face on a billboard in Times Square. And since friends, family, and fans can vote once per day, that’s seven votes each to support me and my writing. SEVEN!! Seven multiplied by however many more persons I can convince to support me may actually get me to my goal. I can only hope and pray.

So once again I’m extending my reach even further to ask for support. (Thank you Troy from AALBC.COM!)

I also realize that many of you may never have read anything I’ve written. All you know is some crazy woman has been bugging you insistently for the last two weeks. To remedy that I hope you’ll enjoy the first chapter of my latest release, Rested Waters, HERE. My writing is important to me. It speaks to who and I am and everything I strive to achieve. I’m a storyteller and if I can say so myself, I’m pretty damn good at it. So, if you enjoy the first chapter I hope you’ll consider buying it from HERE, HERE, or wherever books are sold.

So, once again, please know how much I greatly appreciate everyone’s support. Thank you so much for voting! And thank you for passing the word to your family and friends asking them to VOTE as well.

XOXO

IN OUR HISTORY

2011-09-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001 was a turning point in our history. Believing ourselves untouchable we could not fathom the impossible happening and then it did, sending the country into a tailspin. But in the aftermath of tragedy, we demonstrated the very best of our selves. We exemplified our resilience, our giving natures, our dedicated spirits and we rose like the phoenix from the ashes, born anew, stronger, and better, from the experience.

A decade has passed, and today, we pay tribute to the 2977 individuals who lost their lives. We also honor the countless heroes who gave tirelessly of themselves on that fateful day and in the weeks and months that followed.

And today, we celebrate the very best of who we are as a nation, the world taking note that on this day, in our history, we still stand.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR DEBORAH

NO GREATER JOY!

2011-09-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Even in times of great sadness, there is no greater joy than to be surrounded by family. I was surrounded by family this weekend, a host of us gathering to celebrate the life of a beloved uncle who passed on earlier in the week.

And despite the heartache and the tears, there was no denying the wealth of love that flowed abundantly with much laughter. We embraced the remembrances of times long since passed, that path of memories a welcome journey. We welcomed the prospect of bright futures in newborn babies and the pattering of little ones who had no understanding of what they had just lost. We rejoiced in our love for our Higher Power and bonded together in prayer.

But even in our grief, there was hope, and promises of a better tomorrow and brighter futures. And it came on the wings of family and the greatest joy imaginable in our simply being together.

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

THANK YOU!

2011-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

I really have to take a quick moment to express my sincerest appreciation to everyone who has voted for me and to all of you who continue to faithfully vote for me every day.

This entire process has been a challenge. Marketing myself has really taken me out of my comfort zone. Historically I’ve allowed my writing to speak for itself. My audience grew by word of mouth with little input from me if it wasn’t written on the pages between a cover.

And every time I beg for votes I have to fight the feeling that I’m being a complete and total annoyance. I question how many times I can say please vote for me before everyone tires of hearing it. But I have to keep asking to reach my ultimate goal.

And my goal is that billboard in Times Square. Because attaining that billboard means I’ve gotten myself noticed and if I get myself noticed then I get my books noticed and ultimately if I can steer people to my books and my writing, then I’ve reached my ultimate goal.

So again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

And again, would you please VOTE for me?

YOU SEXY THING!

2011-09-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

The things I find in the middle of the night when insomnia is in control.
This was a little disturbing. Even though the little cheese thing looks totally terrified, I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

Then I was singing at the top of my lungs. (I believe in miracles...you sexy thing...)

Okay, it's 3:00 AM and I am officially out of my mind. Feels like a story coming. Just as soon as I...and yes, I'm going to say it.....just as soon as I VOTE!

You really didn't expect me to be brilliant at 3:00 AM, did you?

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

2011-09-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's FRIDAY! And the cutest old man who resembles Barney Fife just killed the Sugar Hill Gang's Rapper's Delight at karaoke!! The guy even had his dance moves on lock! The polyester suit wasn't doing much for him though.

They're having a party over here and I'm having a great time. I can't wait to get my slide on!! 'Dem 'der lessons done started to pay off!!! Step left/right/left/Slide up/Slide back/Dip down/Roll up/Spin it back/And do it all again!

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend and if you happen to think about it, please VOTE !!! Everyone's support now has me in the top 5% with 92 votes. Wouldn't it be cool if I could triple that by Monday? Might as well dream big if I'm going to dream at all, right?

So, thank you all. I greatly appreciate the love!! And I wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!!!!

WADING IN THE WATERS

2011-08-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

I don’t know from one day to the next what I may blog about. I may wax philosophically one day and ponder the dynamics of dryer lint the next. Then there are those days when I don’t write a darn thing, nothing sparking an ounce of motivation.

Pursuing a billboard in Times Square has sparked much motivation. I’m so far outside of my comfort zone that I don’t know if I’m going to be able to find my way back once this is all done and finished. And that might not be a bad thing.
Today, I passed out promotional material about myself and my books. I’d designed and ordered promo cards months ago and they’ve been sitting pretty on an end table waiting for attention. The few that actually made it into my purse had to be tossed, the edges so weathered that it was darn right embarrassing. But today, I pulled up my big girl panties, sucked in a deep breath, and passed out over a hundred of them. I pushed cards wherever I went. Doing so pushed me to engage in conversation with complete strangers about myself and my books. By card number 25 I’d hit my groove and was doing it like an old pro, easily asking folks to visit my website and to vote for me at About.me.

The first few times I couldn’t help but think about my mother and her admonishments when I was a little girl and we would go visit family and friends. “Don’t get in there and ask for anything,” she’d say, her index finger shaking inches from my nose. Or my personal favorite, “Act a fool if you want to and see if I don’t act a fool on your behind when we get home”. Asking for votes these first few times has felt like I was begging for a cookie when I knew it would not bode well back at home. But the more I thought about my mother, I couldn’t help but remember each time she loudly announces to anyone who’ll listen that I am her daughter the writer with eleven published books. My mother would have passed out cards, sold books and had people voting like their lives depended on it.

I am very much responsible for promoting my books because as a mid-list author, whether I have national, best-selling acclaim or not, there is no one else out here promoting me and my mother can't always be there. And, truth be told, before this I wasn’t doing but so much promotion. I’m really didn’t think that I was any good at that sort of thing. I would blush and get tongue tied and I can’t begin to tell you why but perhaps it has something to do with my extremely shy personality. Now I have friends who’ll raise an eyebrow at that statement, but I truly am very shy in certain situations. Not all of them, but most of them.

In the last few years my books have done very well but I imagine that they’d have done even better if I’d been out on the road promoting myself along with them. In the past I’ve avoided the writer’s conferences and it’s been a rare occasion where I’ve done book signings. But that too has to change. I understand that if I really want to expand my audience then I need to get out here and meet people one on one. Readers need to know that I’m really not as uptight or as annoying as I might seem. And I know I've been some sort of annoying the past few days. But probably not as much as I'll be until September 20th and I win me a billboard! I’m also quite funny when I don’t try to be and I can be pretty engaging when the moment moves me.

Writing is hard work and when all is said and done, promoting that writing experience is even harder. I’ve been wading through it all like one might dip their toes into a kiddy pool just to get wet. So now I’m pulling on my hip boots so I can walk thigh high in the midst of the Promo River. So, please, wish me luck as I go wading in the promotional waters. And as I get myself good and wet, please do VOTE! Thank you.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN FLAVOR!

2011-08-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

I wrote once before about a friend who thinks it is the funniest thing that I never drank Kool-Aid until I was well into my teens. Every time the subject comes up he is rolling on the floor with laughter. I can’t help but laugh myself because what family back in the day didn’t raise their children on Kool-Aid? Well, mine didn’t.

My first experience with Kool-Aid was at a cousin’s house during a summer break. I thought it was the coolest thing to be able to make a full pitcher of drink from that little packet of colored powder and a bucket load of granulated sugar! When I returned home and shared the experience with my mother she looked at me like I’d told her we’d built an atomic bomb out of shoe leather and toothpaste. She was not amused and it was many years later, after her first grandson was born, that she finally broke down and allowed Kool-Aid into her home. It was also that presweetened variety as well, not the little flavor packets that you could sweeten yourself.

My dear friend laughed himself silly when I told him I’d also never eaten canned vegetables, potted meat, Vienna sausages, or government cheese either. Not that he could talk because he never ate grits. I mean really, how many Southern Baptist black children do you know that didn’t grow up eating grits? I know I ate me some grits and I wasn’t Southern or Baptist!

I was raised in an extremely white, upper middle class neighborhood in very wealthy Fairfield County, Connecticut. My friends were kids who got BMW’s for their first communion and Mercedes Benz’s for their bar mitzvah’s. My mother shopped at Lord and Taylors and Bloomingdales, and I’d be the first to say that I grew up privileged, prissy and just a tad pretentious.

Ours was the first of four black families to integrate the neighborhood and until fifth grade there were only two black students in the elementary school I attended. We attended the AME church on the other side of town and I spent my summers on my grandparent’s South Carolina farm where I learned to pick cotton and eat watermelon right off the vine.

Growing up, I was an anomaly. I wasn’t blonde or blue-eyed, my mother wasn’t a stay-at-home Mom, and my father worked three jobs and none of them were on Wall Street. During my fifth grade year bussing became en vogue and suddenly there were other black kids filling up the classrooms. That’s when I discovered just how different I truly was. I didn’t feel different or look different but to everyone else I was suddenly too white to be black and too black to be white. I was called Oreo, half-n-half, high yeller, wannabe, jigaboo, and a host of other expletives more than I was called by my name. It wasn’t pretty, left me traumatized and would have made for great afternoon fodder on Oprah's sofa.

I’ve had to deal with issues of race most of my life. The environment I was raised in called it into question on a daily basis. I was either treated differently because the color of my skin was different, or I was treated differently because I spoke and behaved differently. Out of sheer necessity I learned early how to walk in two very different worlds but I was never made to feel welcome or comfortable in either.

Fast forward a few years and I married and divorced a biracial man of white and Portuguese parentage straddling his own fence. He still doesn’t have a clue where he falls on the color wheel. Our children are an amalgamation of many ethnicities and they could care less. Depending on the mood of the moment they’ve been known to check either the "black" box, the "white" box or the "other" box proudly, not having a clue what color their Kool-Aid should be. They listen to rap, classical and hard rock, eat chitlin’s, pizza, and Puerco guisado, and genuinely can’t understand what all the hoopla is about race and why people fear it so.

When I was first called about my very first manuscript, the editor at the time spoke to me on the telephone for a good fifteen minutes about my book. The conversation was curious at best and then she asked if I would please email her a picture of myself. I thought it a pretty strange request but hey, a real publisher was interested in my writing so I was ready to send as many photos as she wanted. Ten minutes after she received the email I received my second CALL and an offer to purchase my book. I later understood that they wanted to be sure I was what I claimed to be, a black woman who'd written a black romance. Apparently that didn’t come across over the telephone line.

I have no doubts that the majority of my readers are black women. Interestingly though, I had a book signing once where I sold a lot of books. Only one of the fans who came to see me was a black woman. Most of the books sold were purchased by non-black readers, male and female. I thought for just a brief second that there was actually some progress being made and then one elderly “fan” felt compelled to expound on what she thought about me and my writing. The praises were plentiful and complementary and then she leaned in, her hand pressed against my shoulder and said, “I really do like your writing. And it’s not like you’re really black, dear.”

As a black author published in the romance genre I find myself once again straddling a fence where I understand that I’m not necessarily welcome nor is there any concern that I’m comfortable. I’m discovering that to write what I want to write I will clearly have to walk in two very different worlds or make the conscious decision not to be published at all.

I wish I could be as dismissive about race as my children but I can’t. My race has a major impact on where my books are shelved in the stores, if they’re carried in certain bookstores at all, and whether or not I can even get a book deal for a book that isn’t a black romance.

I’m not blonde this week and since my last blonde disaster I doubt highly that me and Miss Clairol will be trying that ever again. I’ll never be blue-eyed and there is no longer anything prissy, privileged or pretentious about me. I am, however, one hell of a force to be reckoned with.

And more importantly, I’m a damn good writer no matter what I happen to be writing about. I’ve got a lot of storytelling in me and just like my Kool-Aid, the flavor I tell them in will be however I choose. Since I don’t plan to go anywhere any time soon, pull up a seat, grab yourself a glass, choose your own flavor, and join me. I’ve got a great story I’d love to tell you.

But before I get started, did you VOTE today?

WHAT I LOVE MOST TO DO

2011-08-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Why the sudden onslaught of self-promotion? Why so much about me? And why do I want people to vote for my ABOUT.ME page?

Because I write. It’s what I do. More importantly, it’s what I love to do. Many would say I do it well. Just as many might disagree. I know that I do the very best that I can and with every new book, I try to do a better job than I did on the story before.

I’m successfully published in the contemporary romance genre. But romance is not the only thing that I write as proven by my newest book, RESTED WATERS. Personally, I did not consider my first book a romance novel. Neither did hardcore romance fans! Some clever editing made it so. Hardcore fans didn't necessarily agree. Some proponents of more literary writings have been known to malign romance writers and their work. Castigating what one does not know comes easily to some folks. But hey, who am I to throw stones when I once lived in that same glass house myself? I remember well when I would readily dismiss romance novels, thinking them in some way inferior. Some exceptionally talented authors who write romance set me straight with the absolute beauty of their prose. I know now that no matter what the genre, there are GREAT writers, Good writers, and others who probably need to find a new day job.

In writing romance I’ve learned that describing how to plant a tree may have its challenges, but describing the ecstasy of a kiss being planted some place one has never been planted before is a whole other beast. Don’t even get me started about writing about the seductive nuances of sheathing a man in a condom when he’s buck naked and skinny-dipping in a swimming pool. It takes a certain finesse to get that man and his partner protected without losing the ambiance of the moment!

Typically, I write about ordinary people, doing ordinary things. They work normal jobs, struggle to pay bills, raise children, the kind of ordinary things we all do on a daily basis. Then of course there are my billionaire Stallions who live extraordinary, fabulously filthy rich lifestyles. But no matter their occupation or life status, my characters, always get a happily-ever-after ending. They find love with partners that complement their ordinary, or not so ordinary existences. Not everyone is as blessed. I have plenty of stories in me where there are no happy endings but then I have to wonder who would want to read them? Our real lives have far too many unhappy endings for anyone to want to read about someone else’s trials and tribulations. I like being able to give readers a few feel good moments and a very happy ending in a book.

Romance fans are very critical and exceptionally demanding of their authors. They expect GREAT stories. Not all of us are able to deliver GREAT, but I certainly give it one heck of a try. When I’m only Good my readers don’t hesitate to say so. Fortunately for me, no one has suggested I find myself a new day job. So, until they do, I’ll just keep writing, because it’s absolutely what I love most to do.

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION

2011-08-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Since embarking on this journey of shameless self-promotion I’ve been asked “what” about me and “why” this endeavor. I thought it only fair to respond since there have been so many new visitors here and to my About.me page.

So, “what” about me?

I’m a storyteller. I endeavor to do that by writing stories and writing them well. I discovered my knack for storytelling when I was a little girl. It started with a lie; a very elaborate, very detailed lie. I learned that when I lied to Daddy it only got me one hell of an ass-whooping. My beloved granny, on the other hand, helped me to see that when you refine those fibs into really good stories, then that is something else altogether.

In middle school, I was good at fabricating reasons for never having my science homework. An astute science teacher recognized that I was most likely not going to have a career in the sciences. Acknowledging the poetry I doodled in the margins of my science lab book, she afforded me the opportunity to write for a passing grade. The rest is history in the making.

Now, with eleven romance novels under my belt, a novella coming in October, and my very first literary drama I’m hoping to take my storytelling to a whole new level.

And that brings me to “why” this endeavor.

Promoting myself and my work, in hopes of winning the About.me contest, is taking me well outside of my comfort zone. I don’t do this well. Writing is my art. Storytelling is the gift I’ve been blessed with. Self-promotion has been the bane of my existence. About.me is on the same mission I am, trying to grow their brand. It only makes sense to ride their coattails as I venture to grow my own brand and to discover just what I’m capable of while I do. I also need to sell books and I'm hoping that by putting myself out here, it might garner more interest in my newest book, RESTED WATERS. Besides, I’m also a little vain. Why wouldn’t I want my face on a billboard in Times Square?

So as you discover more about me and more important, my books, please, visit my About.me page and give me your vote. It’s greatly appreciated.

ABOUT.ME

2011-08-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

I know I’ve mentioned it before but marketing is not my strong suit. I do a better job of marketing other people than I do marketing myself. But I’m trying to get better. My newest venture is going to test my marketing fortitude and I’m reaching out wherever I can for assistance.

About.me is a new website where you can quickly build a simple and visually elegant splash page that will point visitors to all the content you have around the web. In its infancy, About.me is marketing itself by launching a contest to find new faces for their fall promotion. The selected winners will see their About.me page featured in their campaign, which includes a giant billboard in Times Square. Visitors to About.me are allowed one vote per profile per day with the contest ending on September 20th.

I want to win this contest. I have a great About.me profile. I created it myself. So I’m asking everyone I can to vote for me. And I’m asking you to please vote for me every day from now until September 20th.

For me information about me, please visit ABOUT.ME. And please, VOTE for me!!!

Thank you!!!

THE HELP

2011-08-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

There is no lack of controversy surrounding Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help and its recent big screen movie release. From being pissed about its historical accuracy, relevance, and context, to the age old argument about whether white authors should or can write black characters, too many have had much to say.

Having read the book, I had some issues regarding her handling of the black vernacular, but they were my issues. As a writer I respect Kathryn’s right to tell her story her way. Had she told it the way others would have liked, it would have been their story, and not hers, and no writer would want that for themselves so why should they expect it from someone else. I say go write your own damn book your way if you didn’t like this one.

Set in the early 1960’s in Jackson, Mississippi, The Help tells the story of African-American maids who care for the children and homes of wealthy white families. Encountering cruelty and racism, Abileen, played by Viola Davis and Minny, played by Octavia Spencer are the two primary maids, while the third protagonist is Emma Stone’s character, Skeeter, a young, white college graduate who enlists their help in writing a book about their experiences.

Seeing the movie, I had different issues. But they are issues I probably would have had with any movie that was over two hours long. Personally, I liked Kathryn’s story despite my issues and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. As for the controversy, I’m not interested in any intellectual over-analysis of the subject of racism and how it was or should have been handled. For everything believed to be wrong about The Help you can go HERE, or HERE, or HERE.

What I am interested in is all that was right and good about the movie, starting with the Oscar-worthy performances by Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. This movie truly belonged to both of these incredible actresses who gave gut wrenching performances as women both concealing and ultimately sharing a lifetime of hurt. With so many negative portrayals of black women in the media I loved seeing black women who were nurturing and loving despite the obstacles they were forced to face.

Historically, black mothers sacrificed their own children and families to the benefit of families and individuals who rarely appreciated them. The infamous Cicely Tyson as Constantine demonstrated that no matter the degradation, or betrayal, there was little if any animosity and much, much love in their hearts.

I was entertained, thought the casting was perfect, and just enjoyed the story for what it was worth to me. But then I wasn't expecting Kathryn Stockett to be the end all to every ill between the races, nor did I expect that she could, should or would roll up centuries of what has been done wrong in 566 pages of a paperback or 138 minutes of film.

35 AND TICKING

2011-08-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

I watch a lot of movies. There is little in the theaters now that I haven’t seen or will probably see before the weekend is out. It’s a “habit” of sorts that was necessary for a previous business operation. Now it’s a “bad habit” I enjoy for the sake of pure entertainment. Occasionally I will see a movie that did not inspire me in previews, which most folks passed right on by, that turns out to be an absolute delight. Midnight in Paris was one of those movies. I thoroughly enjoyed it and that surprised me.

Recently I sat through Russ Pharr’s new film 35 and Ticking, which features an all-star ensemble cast with Nicole Ari Parker, Tamala Jones, Kevin Hart, Keith Robinson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Meagan Good, Mike Epps, Clifton Powell, Jill Marie Jones, Kym Whitley, Luenell, Dondre Whitfield, Darius McCrary and Aaron D. Spear.

As with most movies with predominately black casts, 35 and Ticking has gotten little, if any promotion. It hasn’t faired well at the box office but it’s a movie that exceeded every one of my expectations. I was prepared to be thoroughly annoyed by bad writing, vulgar humor, and every other stereotype associated with a black film and Russ made me feel foolish for doing so.

Russ Parr is somewhat of a dinosaur where the entertainment industry is concerned. He’s been around the block a long time. He has worked behind the scenes at ABC, worked as a stand-up comic, and he has even appeared in bit parts on a few sitcoms as well as some commercials. You may know him best from the radio and the “Russ Parr Morning Show”, a nationally syndicated radio show with around 3.2 million listeners in 45 cities. He also has five film and television projects on his directorial resume.

His latest film, 35 and Ticking, is the story of four best friends, Victoria, Zenobia, Clevon, and Phil who are all approaching the age of 35 and struggling to build the families they’ve always dreamed of. While Zenobia (Parker, “Soul Food,” “Brown Sugar”) is still looking for a man, Victoria (Jones, “Castle,” “One on One”) is married to a man who doesn’t want children. Clevon (comic Hart, “Not Easily Broken,” “40 Year-Old Virgin”), meanwhile, is too geeky to get a woman, and Phil (Keith Robinson, “Dreamgirls”) is already married with children, but his wife (Jones, “Girlfriends”) is not very interested in being a mother. The subtext of this film centers around the important theme of building a lasting relationship and is delivered with the right balance of drama and humor.

I absolutely LOVED this movie. The writing was smart and the jokes were funny. It flowed with emotion, was well acted and was beautifully filmed. Russ deserves major props for this accomplishment. He told a great story with flair and integrity. I hope he continues to bring us quality films about black experiences and that he will one day garner the acknowledgements and success that he rightfully deserves. Like a great book, this one left me immensely satisfied.

MISTRESS WITH NO NAME

2011-08-11T18:43:00.001-07:00

When Tessa would walk into a room Joel would light up like a Roman candle. Other people had often commented about the look in his eyes when she was near. There was no denying the connection that existed between them, the energy vitalizing every aspect of their lives. She thought it so perfect that it was almost too good to be true.

Then something changed, shifting into a pit of distant and cold. Now Joel barely acknowledges her gestures of affection. He has a mistress with no name, everything and everybody else consuming his time and attention. Life has become the lover he would seem to need more. He wakes each morning thinking of things that are not Tessa and when he lies down at night, sleep, not Tessa, is the only thing on his mind.

Tessa misses his smile, his laugh, his touch, and the look in his eyes that says she fulfills the empty in his heart and is the light in the dark caverns of his mind.

Tessa hates that perfect has turned out to be too good to be true.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

2011-08-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

I love dance. I love absolutely everything about dance!

The CBS hit show, So You Think You Can Dance!, is by far my favorite dance reality show simply because it seems to treat dance more seriously, showcasing choreography across a range of genres and artists from companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the American Ballet Theater. This show is more about the art and not necessarily the sport.

Last night viewers narrowed the competition field down to the top four contestants, and my personal favorite, 23-year old Sasha Mallory made it to the finals.

Sasha Mallory began studying ballet technique at the Royal Academy of Dance. She has trained at the Houston Ballet, the Boston Ballet and the Ailey School's summer intensives. Her specialty is contemporary, but there doesn’t seem to be anything this young woman doesn’t excel at. She is truly a gifted artist.

Initially, Sasha auditioned with her 18-year old sister Natalia. The audition process uncovered some health issues for Natalia who does not have a typical dancer’s body. Natalia is a bigger girl with curves but she had impeccable technique and an amazing heart. The girl could truly dance her butt off. I wish she’d made it to the top 20 because I know, like her sister, Natalia would have met any challenge put to her and viewers would have loved her. I’m really feeling that if she’d been given the opportunity we might be seeing a finale with two sisters competing against each other.

Instead, Sasha will be competing against 19-year old Melanie Moore, another incredible talent. Melanie trained at Centre Stage School of Dance and Rhythm Dance Center in Marietta, GA. She is also a freshman at Fordham University.

And not to disregard the final two male dancers, Marko Germar and Tadd Gadduang, both exceptional as well, but for me, this finale will be about the strength of two incredible young women who I think have already blown both boys right out of the water. But that's just how I'm voting.

Now, I think I need to go dancing!

SERVING LIFE

2011-08-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

Books are golden to me. I read constantly. I also watch much TV and am passionate about a good movie. Documentary films are my absolute favorite so I am just head over heels for Oprah’s new documentary club on the OWN network. The first original documentary, SERVING LIFE aired recently and I was hooked.

Narrated and executive produced by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker the film takes viewers inside Louisiana's maximum security prison at Angola, where the average sentence is more than 90 years. The prisoners within its walls are considered the worst of the worst with prison sentences so long that 85 percent will never again live in the outside world. My character Manroot Tucker in my latest book Rested Waters, dies while incarcerated at Angola for the murder of his wife.

Serving Life documents an extraordinary hospice program where hardened criminals care for their dying fellow inmates. Revealing the humanity that exists inside each and every one of us, the Angola prison's hospice program is a volunteer situation whose participates must pass a rigorous interview process and training program. They are pushed and tested as they embark on an experience that inevitably ends in their personal rehabilitation.

The volunteers embrace most everything that is asked of them. They tend to the personal needs and hygiene of prisoners who are gravely ill or have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Most of the patients are aged and have lived most of their adult lives behind bars. Some have no family or haven’t seen family in years. They are alone and they are dying and when they have reached a point of no return it is a hospice volunteer who sits vigil with them until the end, allowing them to die with true dignity.

I wept through most of this film. Knowing its impact on me and others who have viewed it, I can only imagine the effect it has to have on the men who are living it on a daily basis. A standing ovation for producer and director Lisa R. Cohen.

DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER!

2011-08-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Music plays an important role in my writing process. It fuels my creative spirit and the right playlist can keep me writing like my life depends on it.

Every so often a single song can inspire an entire story. The old Beatles classic, BLACKBIRD, performed by Dionne Farris was such a song. The story came when I needed it most, unfolding through my thoughts like an A-list movie across a big screen.

A playlist that’s included treasures by Lauren Hill, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Macy Gray, Tracy Chapman, and my girl, Jill Scott, has had me writing like a mad woman, my life depending on it.

Sometimes life just doesn’t get much better. Enjoy!

LESLIE ESDAILE BANKS

2011-08-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

Leslie Esdaile Banks, author of the popular Vampire Huntress and Crimson Moon books succumbed to late stage adrenal cancer early this morning. A prolific author, Leslie wrote under the pseudonyms; L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks, and Leslie Esdaile Banks.

Leslie was a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, who had penned over forty novels and twelve novellas in a wide range of genres and was the recipient of the 2009 Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention Career Achievement Award for Paranormal Fiction and the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania.

Leslie was also an adoring mother and devoted friend. She was a kind and generous spirit who touched the lives of many. She was one of my literary idols and a generous mentor, and her passing is a loss to us all.

My sincerest condolences to her daughter and her family.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

2011-07-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

It’s a covert marketing tactic of sorts, a type of back door marketing strategy.

Randall has had success in the entertainment industry. He’s now written a book about that success, a guide to the trappings and pitfalls for those aspiring to his dream career. His book details his twenty-five year career, covering everything from the movies he’s worked in to the album he recorded in Nashville.

To get the word out about that book, Randall has stepped outside the box, his nontraditional methods gaining some momentum. Craigslist has become fodder for Randall’s exploits. For those unfamiliar with Craigslist, it is a local classifieds and forums site - community moderated, and largely free. You can find most anything on Craigslist, including jobs, housing, goods, services, romance/sex, local activities, and advice. Craigslist gets about twenty billion page views per month, with more than fifty million persons in the US alone utilizing the site. Randall posts daily listings to promote his book but his listings have nothing at all to do with him or his writings.

Recently as I scanned Craigslist ads for a discounted electronics item I became quite excited by the prospect of finding said item for a fraction of its retail value. I couldn’t hit the message send button fast enough to inquire about its availability. In response I received the following autoreply message back:

Thank you for contacting me, I'll respond to you as soon as possible. Until then please check out my book here on my website. Respectfully, Randall

Needless to say I’ve never heard anything else from Randall about that electronics item that I now know he doesn’t really have, but I was intrigued enough to check out his website. I wasn’t, however, motivated enough to actually make a purchase. Being played left a bitter taste in my mouth.

But Randall, his book, and his method of drawing attention to himself hasn’t left me. It continues to play in my mind which ultimately makes what he did quite successful.

Marketing my newest book, RESTED WATERS, has been my nemesis, wholeheartedly challenging me. I’ve paid for advertising, made use of as many free promotional venues as possible, passed flyers out on the corner, sold books from the trunk of my car, and I am just now beginning to see some momentum but definitely not the results I had hoped to see.

So I’m thinking I may need to pull a Randall. Clearly, I need to be more imaginative with my marketing ideas instead of falling back on more traditional methods. I need to navigate my way outside the box.

BEYOND REPAIR

2011-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

So what does a woman do when the man she’s in love with tells her that his life would be so much easier if she were not in it? That if she did not share his space or consume his time then things would be better for him with his family and his friends.

I suggested that she leave. From the outside looking in, his words would imply that she is not wanted so why would a woman stay with a man who does not want her?

Dara is broken and the depression is building. She never expected to hear that she was a burden in her guy’s life. When she did, his words ripped a hole through her heart. No one, and nothing, seems able to fix the hurt. She feels as if her spirit is bruised beyond repair.

But then he concluded their conversation by saying that he loved her. He really, truly does.

So what does a woman do?

SHOWING UP

2011-07-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Gerald is a family man. His entire existence revolves around parents, children, siblings and a host of others in his bloodline. His mother is his best friend in the whole wide world and he cannot imagine a day going by where the host of them don’t see each other or spend hours on the telephone. Gerald is a man who cannot fathom family not being the center of his existence.

Theresa didn’t have Gerald’s family. Her mother was indifferent to her, the woman’s behavior bordering on abusive. She doesn’t know her father and she and her brother are not the best of friends. Neither really cares if they don’t show up in each other’s lives.

But Gerald is about showing up and he believes if Theresa invested more time and energy trying to build the bonds between herself and them then things could be different for them all.

But Gerald didn’t live Theresa’s disappointments. He didn’t shed Theresa’s tears and never experienced her pain. Theresa doesn’t have the words to help him understand that sometimes showing up isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Theresa loves Gerald because he is a family man. She considers herself blessed to have found family with him and his. And him and his are enough for Theresa. She wishes it was enough for Gerald.

KNOW ALL AND BE ALL

2011-07-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

She has proven herself to be such a valuable resource that there are some who cannot wipe their own butts without calling to consult her on the toilet paper. It takes its toll when she is supposed to not only have knowledge about the next coming, but be accurate with the date and time as well.

The pressure to know all and be all, able to relay concepts in such in a manner that even a kindergartener can understand, leaves her with little time for herself or her own pleasures. Her personal life dangles between incessant telephone calls, her fielding questions and scoring answers when she would much rather be relaxing on an island retreat with her man. She’d rather someone else field all the how-to questions and be the sage oracle family and friends have come to see her as, but no one seems willing, or able, to step up to the plate.

The obligations and expectations have diminished her quality of life and those who should be concerned aren’t because they’re too busy wanting her to read their futures and fix their personal messes instead of learning how to fix their problems for themselves.

As she whined into her margarita I really didn’t have much sympathy for her plight. I’ve watched enough Oprah to know that she entertains the madness because she can. She wouldn’t do it if she wasn’t getting something from it. She’s an enabler and even if saying no and letting go would be better for everyone concerned, she cannot bring herself to do it.

So when she asked me for my advice I had to shrug my shoulders and laugh. As I slid the tab for my own drink in front of her, I told her if she really wanted to make it better, to just hang out a sign saying she charges for her services. Guaranteed, if compensation for her time and advice was required, folks would quickly figure out a way to solve their issues without her.

A GOOD DAY!

2011-07-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a good day. Did that exercise thing bright and early and got it out of the way, then visited one of my favorite places, the NC Museum of Art, to see the exhibit 30 Americans.

30 Americans highlights the work of 31 contemporary African American artists in an exhibition organized by and drawn from the Rubell Family Collection. Mera Rubell and her husband Don, together with their children, Jennifer and Jason, have amassed one of the more ambitious private collections of contemporary art.

30 Americans consists of 75 works of art and includes painting, drawing, photography, video, sculpture, and mixed-media installations. The exhibition features both established and emerging artists and illustrates how a previous generation of African American artists has influenced the current generation. The exhibition focuses on artists who explore similar themes and subject matter in their work, primarily issues of race, gender, identity, history, and popular culture.

I was both disappointed and pleasantly surprised by the exhibition. Disappointed because there were a few installations that I personally, did not feel represented the quality of artwork I know exists and pleasantly surprised to discover one or two artists whose works I did not know and who wholeheartedly blew me away.

Of course the images by Carrie Mae Weems were classic and I absolutely LOVED everything by artist Kahinde Wiley. The Nick Cave sculptures were fun and the work of performance artist Kalup Linzy was strangely interesting. I liked his artwork much more than his video performance, which I found uncomfortably vulgar. The untitled piece of “found carpet” by Rodney McMillian didn’t move me at all and made me question its relevance in an exhibit of this nature.

My midday jaunt reminded me of things I've been missing and wholeheartedly enjoy. An afternoon nap as thunder storms raged outside was relaxing and refreshing. The evening has ended in the company of my bestest friend and most favorite people sipping mocha mudslides and eating barbecued ribs and macaroni & cheese.

It's been a really good day!

WILL CHEAT

2011-07-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

They have been acquainted for a lifetime. For most of those years she considered him to be her very best friend in the whole wide world. Together they navigated high school, college, her marriage and then his. They were godparents to each other’s children, helped bury each other’s parents, and shared the various stages of their lives with each other.

When her husband left her for another woman, he held her hand and told her things would one day be okay again. When he went back to school, she encouraged him to reach for his dreams. They supported each other because they were best friends.

Then he began whispering into her ear that they should be more. His friendly touch became something other than friendly. His calls always alluded to things they could do to and for each other that had nothing at all to do with being friends. But he still had a wife and a family and no interest in changing that dynamic in his life. He wanted to cheat and he wanted to cheat with her.

She laughed it off at first. After all, they were lifelong friends and had joked about everything imaginable. He had to be joking because she couldn't imagine him being serious about such a thing. Then his persistence became aggressive, him refusing to understand that she truly had no intentions of crossing that line of no return. Eventually, there was no more comfort to be found in his presence.

She no longer answers his telephone calls, nor does she search out his advice when in need. She avoids him like the plague and he cannot understand what has happened to his best friend in the whole wide world. He doesn’t see that she won’t be his friend because she knows, if given the opportunity, he will cheat. And she has no respect for a friend who will cheat.

POWER IN THEM ROLLING HILLS...

2011-06-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don't recognize what you got between ya thighs
So I'm gonna set you right
And I'm starting here tonite
Shine like the moon
And strong like the sea
More expensive than money, more valuable than anything
Juicy mango summer peach
Make a lame man walk and a full man hungry...

(HOT DAMN! ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!!)

Jill Scott - Rolling Hills (On 2011 Bet Awards) (Live) (2011)

WHAT THEIR NAMES!

2011-06-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

The next Stallion book, Matthew Stallion’s story, has undergone a name change. When Matthew’s story drops in May 2012, the title of the book will be SEDUCED BY A STALLION.

The working title for Matthew’s story was Stallion Heat but the powers in charge decided that it did not convey the full essence of the story and a new name was born. After some deep reflection I had to agree because Matthew Stallion is in a whole class of his own. Each of the Stallion men bring their own unique skill sets to the table but Matthew’s undeniable charms, self-confident swagger, rugged good looks, and sex appeal have him leading the pack!

Coming in August 2012 is another Stallion story, one with a twist that I’m sure will have Stallion fans reeling. Even I didn’t see this coming!! SEDUCED BY A STALLION brings some serious heat, but FOREVER A STALLION escalates that even higher.

So, no matter what their names, the Stallion stories on tap will shoot romance sky high. The sex is hot, on point, hot, and deeply satisfying. Solid story lines and some of my best writing make SEDUCED BY A STALLION and FOREVER A STALLION, two stories you will not want to miss.

NOT AT ALL!!!

2011-06-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

I admit to being a tad behind the times when it comes to most things technical. I’ve blown up one computer too many and each time I’ve always been a day late on backing up my files. Okay, so maybe a few days, maybe even weeks (translated into months) late. I’ve been blessed though that I’ve only lost data one, maybe two times, which should have taught me a lesson. But as my dear mother has often said, a hard head makes for a soft ass, but I digress.

My computer came back this week, in one piece, functioning beautifully, with all of my files intact. I had to say a prayer of thanks for that because not having backed up the way I know I should I was a tad scared.

Knowing how I am, my favorite guy has put me on a backup schedule which includes scanning documents, flash drives, and emailing file updates to myself so they’re stored on an outside server. It all works nicely when done correctly, but again, hard head. I am getting better though despite what others may think.

I only have a few weeks left on my current cell phone contract and I’m excited at the prospect of updating my very practical cell phone to one of those new smart phones. The challenge however is trying to decide which phone I want. It becomes a bit much when you consider all the new options that come with being in the here and now.

It reminds me of a proposal I submitted to an editor a few years back. The character needed to make a telephone call with no prospects for such in sight The editor emailed me back to ask why he didn’t have a cell phone because, as she pointed out, everyone had a cell phone. But back then, in the very rural community where I was living, such things were an anomaly. I didn’t have a cell phone, few of my neighbors had one, and not many folks in town were concerned with being in the know. That was a big city thing. Oh, how that has since changed!

So, as I played in the AT&T store today, comparing their latest and greatest to Verizon’s, T-Mobile’s, and Sprints, I couldn’t help but question whether or not this new technology is all it’s cracked up to be. Then I pulled up the YouTube video of my latest book trailer on one of those iPhones. A delightful couple watching it over my shoulder ordered a copy right then and there on their own device. A whole new level of cool!

I may be a tad behind now but I’m thinking it won’t take me long to catch up at all. Not at all!!!

ADDICTION!!!

2011-06-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Y’all just knew I couldn’t give up my reality show addiction! Withdrawal didn’t even get a chance to set in good before I was back at it.

So let me tell you what has my attention!

• The Glee Project – Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!! Talented young people who can sang! It just gives me goose bumps!

• Single Ladies – A VH1 hit from start to finish! Girlfriends meets Sex In The City, with a colorful cast and some of the best lines I wish I’d written myself. LOVE it!

• The Voice – Making bald absolutely beautiful, I want to see Frenchie Davis and Beverly McClellan go right to the top of the charts! Not only can these two women sing but they both have thebest spirits!!!! I also have a thing for that cutie, Javier Colon.

The judges, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christine Aguilera and Cee Lo Green are great too. Plus I adore Cee Lo with his candy-looking self, coming off like a milk dud one week and a red M&M the next! Just too sweet!

• Real Housewives of New Jersey – I know…(shaking my head)…it’s just such a guilty pleasure to see folks acting like fools and thinking there is absolutely nothing wrong with their bad behavior. I was indifferent to the Orange County cast and New York was just plain irritating. But I like the Jersey girls and I so want the Atlanta wives to come back.

• Million Dollar Decorators – it’s a decorating show, with outrageous budgets and decorators with outrageous attitudes who just make the prettiest rooms! What’s not to like?

• Platinum Hit – once again it speaks to my creative spirit! It’s writing with music!

And last, but definitely not least,

• So You Think You Can Dance! - And no, every time I watch those kids slip, slide, and swing around that stage, I know that what I do is as far from dancing as one can possibly get. But I do have hope and I love to twist and turn and tap and pretend I can do the do.

So, I’m hooked for the summer. Again. But on the upside...

I am writing! One book down, two more to go.

And reading! Just finished Kathryn Stockett’s THE HELP, ICE: A MEMOIR OF GANGSTER LIFE AND REDEMPTION by Ice-T, PYM by Mat Johnson, and PERFECT PEACE by Daniel Black.

And I am having an absolute blast!

TAKING PHOTOS

2011-06-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

I am more comfortable behind a camera than in front of one. I have never liked having my picture taken. I am not photogenic and it is probably every one out of a hundred shots that I actually like and am comfortable with sharing. Many a photo shoot has been a complete and total waste of time and money.

I get a fair number of requests for pictures. Many of those requests are legit. A few have been questionable. Most are completely ignored and the few that are fulfilled usually get an image taken some time ago.

Social networking is making it much harder for me to hide. I cringe at family events when someone pulls out a camera to snap a shot, fearful that an image likened to Quasimodo will tag me on Facebook or Twitter before the party is even over.

My last driver’s license photo is one of my favorites. I dread the thought of renewing my license and losing that image for one that will probably have my face twisted. I like my passport photo as well. That one’s good for a few years and I’m happy about that.

But I need a new headshot and none that I’ve taken in the last few months is working for me. Through no fault of the photographers, I have not liked any of the images. Because I hate having my picture taken and it shows each time I do.

OH, DAMN!

2011-06-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

Kryptonite strikes again! I blew up another computer. Some of you may remember that this is my fifth computer. My fifth computer in the last year! I have completely decimated multiple hard drives, been attacked and infected by some viruses from hell and this time it seems that I cracked the screen on my brand new laptop. Darn thing looked like an abstract painting gone bad.

With another computer down family and friends have taken to hiding theirs the minute I step into the room. If I even attempt to mutter the words, “may I borrow…”, folks seem to disappear like vapor. My favorite was the kid who said, “don’t even think about asking” as he held up his fingers in the sign of a cross.

(BIG SIGH!)

So, with my computer down I’m back to pen and paper and it’s not working for me the way I need it to.

(BIG SIGH AGAIN!)

I’m thinking I need an intervention of some kind, maybe a hard drive exorcism, some voodoo incantation, or a talisman to ward off the demon that continues to strike every time my fingers hit the keyboard.

And I need it quick, before my computer gets back from being serviced!

HARD TO SAY GOODBYE...

2011-05-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a week of television finales and goodbyes and I found myself a bit disappointed by some of the send offs.

Biggest Loser concluded their 11th season and it was exciting to witness all the transformations. Most of the contestants made amazing strides in their weight loss goals and you can’t take anything from their accomplishments. Then there were a select two who hadn’t lost any more than what they’d posted on their last week at the ranch. Clearly going home didn’t do much for them and even in their pretty new clothes I had to wonder if they ever figured out that bickering with the trainers about knowing what was best, didn’t serve them well.

There was barely a goodbye for trainer Jillian Michaels who is leaving the show to pursue motherhood. Instead they gave a warm welcome to new trainer, tennis pro Anna Kournikova. Already I’m wondering what the blonde bombshell is going to bring. Although she’s trained herself to be a world class athlete, she has never won a major singles championship nor been ranked highly against her peers, so what does she know about training other people? What is her certification and what does she bring to the table besides that luxurious head of hair, baby blue eyes, and celebrity status? I’m inclined to say not much. I, for one, am going to hate to see Jillian leave but I wish her all the best.

Local NC favorite, Scotty McCreery was crowned this year’s American Idol and although I was not at all impressed with the final round of competition between him and Lauren Alaina, I thoroughly enjoyed the finale show. The stars came out in droves and every performance was stellar, although Jennifer needs to let Mark Anthony down nicely and let him know just because she got a good gig doesn’t mean he needs to ride her coattails and try to come out of retirement. I also wish whoever is dressing judge Randy would put a mirror in the room so the man can take a good look at himself before he steps out. He’s not sixteen anymore, nor is he a size small. The outfits have been a touch too small and just too out there for a man his age but hey, whatever floats his really skinny jeans.

Then of course Oprah Winfrey took her last bow. The star-studded, two-day extravaganza was fun to witness and was a fitting tribute to a woman who has given so much over the last twenty-five years. And her grand finale was fitting, Oprah at her best. She was funny, moving, preachy, enlightening, gracious, and all things you’ve either loved or disliked about her. It was hard to say goodbye and she will be missed by millions, myself included.

So now that a few of my favorites are all done and finished I’m determined not to get caught up with the summer line up of anyone’s reality shows. No dance nothing, no reality-this or American-that. Nada! I’ve promised myself to read more, write a lot and watch TV less. We’ll see how that works out for me!

LIVING IN LOVE

2011-05-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

It was a conversation about Dianna “shacking” with her man. Dagmar was quick to point out that her sister was living in sin. She even quoted script and verse to substantiate her point. We heard about “fornication”, “uncleanness”, and “covetousness spells”. Dagmar quoted Corinthians, Matthew, and Ephesians. When she was done preaching, there were a few of us, myself included, who were suddenly concerned that we might actually be headed straight to hell.

Then Jane added her two cents. She questioned our definitions of “marriage”. Pulling out dictionaries, laptops, smart phones and the like, everyone Googled the word “marriage” for clarity. In the end, most agreed on the technical definition that marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. Such unions are often, but not always, formalized via a religious or civil ceremony.

With a definition established, Jana quietly interjected food for thought.

“Nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about a ceremony, a certificate, or a legally binding document. For a man to take a wife, all she needs to do is live with him, sleep with him, and have his children. So if two people live together in a committed relationship, for the long haul, til death do they part type stuff, where they call each other husband and wife and have established a life together as one, then theirs is a marriage. Many cultures still practice this very method of matrimony without benefit of a white dress, an over-priced reception, and a $50 piece of paper from some government agency. Marriage is about two people living in love.”

As we all mulled over Jane’s comment, Dagmar huffed, shrugging her shoulders with a perturbed eye-roll. And I’m still wondering if a few of us are actually going to make it through them pearly gates.

RESTED WATERS ON KINDLE!

2011-05-10T21:31:00.001-07:00

Although I love a good book with a great cover and many pages in between, I'm a little partial to my KINDLE, too!

Now, RESTED WATERS is also available on KINDLE!

ENJOY!

RESTED WATERS - THE BOOK TRAILER

2011-05-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Filming the book trailer for RESTED WATERS was a wonderful experience. Kudos to my littlest star, Miss Tanzania Moore, who gave an absolutely stellar performance. This kid was a pro from start to finish and I can't wait for the day to come when I can say I "discovered" her! And much appreciation to her parents for their patience and permission.

Hats off as well to her co-star, Mr. Fred Holt, an exceptionally gracious actor and proud new grandpa.

The workings of this project did not happen without much divine intervention. From start to finish it all fell together with perfection. The resulting product makes my heart sing.

ENJOY and please do let me know what you think about my newest book, RESTED WATERS!

MY SMALL TOWN

2011-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

I don’t live in your typical small, Southern town. In fact, this small town is quite extraordinary. With a population of some 24,000 persons, it has one of the highest concentrations of residents who are nationally known authors, including Hal Crother, Annie Dillard, Jaki Shelton Green, Allan Gurganus, Randall Kenan, Zelda Lockhart, Michael Malone, Frances Mayes, the late Doug Marlette, Anna Jean Mayhew, Jill McCorkle, David Payne, and Lee Smith, to name a few.

On any given day you might find renowned politicians catching a ball game down at the local pub while throwing back a few brews, and I won’t even begin to list the award-winning, nationally celebrated musicians and artists who have hailed from this town and walk the downtown area on a daily basis. The area has been a political and cultural center since forever and it remains so today, with many activities celebrating the arts and history being held almost daily. This town challenges my creativity and I love everything about it.

I’ve yet to meet Randall Kenan or Jill McCorkle, but I’ve frequently been told that we just “missed” each other as I’ve navigated the downtown area.

Zelda and I have participated at one or two book events together and if we’re not catching up over a great vegetarian lunch, we inevitably run into each other at the post office, inquiring about each other’s children and our latest ventures.

Author Lee Smith was one of the first persons to read the original manuscript of my latest release before it became a real, live book. Her critique, as we shared a cup of coffee and an apple Danish at one of our local art galleries, resulted in some major rewrites, as she admonished me to make the reader “feel” the words. And that was a few years back.

I ran into Allan Gurganus today and we talked “shop”. I asked about his writing and he shared that he is making the rounds, reading from his work-in-progress. “It’s the truest way to know if it’s any good,” he shared, with an endearing smile. Then he wished me much success with Rested Waters, extolling how good a new book feels in one’s hands as he slid his fingers across the cover.

It’s exciting to be able to share Rested Waters with the literary family that makes up my small town. It’s like presenting my new baby to a gathering of favorite aunts and uncles and cousins. I look forward to the reviews that I know will come. I look forward to yours as well, so please, get your copy of Rested Waters today and let me know what you think.

HAPPY READING!

2011-04-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

So, I've got good news and I've got bad news.

The bad news first:

Stallion Heat, has officially been lost in editorial hell. Not really, but because of scheduling beyond my control, brother Matthew Stallion's story will not be released until May 2012. Aargh! For all you Stallion Brother fans, I wish it were sooner but some things, this thing, is completely out of my hands. Sorry!

The GOOD news: Stallion Heat is out of this world, a great read, and will definitely be worth the wait. As well, there is another Stallion story coming. The Stallion family is just coming out of the woodworks and this Stallion kin (HINT: A SISTER!) will bring some serious drama to that Dallas clan.

And more GOOD news! Coming in October, I'll be featured in the holiday novella, All I Want Is You, with author Kayla Perrin. That will be two HOT stories, from two HOT authors, to kick off your holiday reading!

And last, but definitely not least, Rested Waters, my first literary work is off and running. In the next week or so there will be a book trailer/mini video and I'll be out and about, meeting and greeting book fans. Maybe in a city near you! So, until then, very happy reading!

STORYTELLER

2011-04-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am sometimes in awe of how a story comes to me. Many, many, many years ago a story unfolded within the depths of a very dark and haunting dream. I can still remember the child who spoke to me in that dream, admonishing me to witness the details of that story through her eyes. I can still hear her innocent voice, calling for me. Calling for me to be her storyteller.

When I awoke and laid pen to paper I was a bit daunted by how easily the words flowed. It was as if something else was guiding my hand, intent on my telling each and every vivid detail.

Fast forward almost fifteen years and that story has since placed favorably in three writing competitions, one of which was judged by renowned author Edwidge Danicat. And despite its many accolades and favorable critiques, the publishing houses didn’t feel there was an audience for such a tale. Although I was told that traditional publishing was not an option and I was admonished to write other things, I remained intent on seeing that story come to life. I remained determined to prove the naysayers wrong. I knew that whatever was meant to happen with this story would come in due time. It's now due time.

Today, MaGregor Press announced the publication and release of that story. It absolutely warms my spirit to finally bring you my first literary work, Rested Waters. Rested Waters is the haunting story of Janay Tucker, a young woman who is forced to reflect back on her past and the memories of her tumultuous childhood when she receives notice of her incarcerated father’s death. Rehashing history through the eyes of her paternal grandfather, James Tucker, Janay is made to flash back to a past with an abusive mother who dies a violent death, a father incarcerated for the crime, and the family and friends left to help rebuild her future. The story is a tapestry of human encounters, delving into the emotions and experiences of love and turmoil, racism and respect, flesh and spirit. It is perhaps, some of my best writing.

Rested Waters is a story unlike all of my romances although it is clearly a story of faith and everlasting love. Please enjoy the first chapter HERE.

Rested Waters can be ordered now by clicking the cover link at the top of the page and will soon be available at Amazon.com in both book and Kindle formats and wherever books are sold.

And with that, I am back. Back to writing, back to blogging, back to the art of storytelling the only way I know how.