Enough Said

Who would have ever thought it was possible? Yes, We Can!

Peace! And check out this video that sums up the feelings of a nation. I jacked it from another blog. http://pajamagardener.blogspot.com/

Change We Can Believe In

What's Playing on the iPod right now: Nothing. Too busy watching election returns.

Today I voted for a black man. Is it possible that this country will be lead by an African American? Tonight will tell the story.

Peace!

Sad News

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "A Change Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke

Been dealing with some family drama. My stepfather passed last Saturday and we had the funeral today. Even though he was sick for awhile, it still came as a shock. This man had been with my mother for 20 years. I remember Coach, that's what we called him, would always be ready with a smile and was always willing to help you however he could. When I was in college, he would come by the dorm with a sack of grocery and take me out to dinner. He loved my mother and took care of her. I couldn't have asked for a better father. Thinking about all the times we spent together, I composed a poem to honor him. My sisters and I read it at the funeral. Here it is:

BONUS DAD

With this ring, a man took a wife
And three little girls were included
That man entered all of our lives
No one was ever excluded

It takes a special kind of man
To walk into a ready made family
But he assumed the responsibility and loved us all
Always with a smile
And a story filled with wisdom

He gave correction with a smile
Quick to offer assistance
A strong, gentle teddy bear
The Rhett sisters were truly blessed

He was there for weddings, holidays, celebrations
And graduations
Our children were his grandchildren
He showered them with adulation

And as we grew and moved away
We took comfort in the fact
That this man would take care of our mom
And always have our backs

He may not have been there at our births
But he was there to nurture and guide us
We got a double dose of love
The Rhett sisters were truly blessed

Never considered a stepfather
Loved as a parent
This man is known as Coach
Our Bonus Dad.

This man was a major influence on my life and I will miss him. What a man, what a man. What a mighty good man.

Peace.

Update

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "This Love" - Maroon 5


I've been making progress. I've been losing sleep, but I'm making progress. About a couple of weeks ago, I decided to start waking up at 5 a.m. to get some writing done. It's the only time when I have no distractions. The kids and hubby are asleep and my mind is free from my usual check list of things to do. I've done good ya'll. I have written two additional chapters since I started this.

I write in longhand (I love notebooks) and then go back and type it. I have 52 typed pages which equals 13,591 words. But I've written a lot more than that. I've have got to finish this book. I want to be able to say that I accomplished that much.

Other updates..............

* Took a Royal Caribbean cruise with the fam. A week of total bliss. Wish I could have stayed on St. Thomas Island.

* My nephew graduated. Hard to believe the B-Boy is 18 and going off to college to play football. I am so proud of him.

* Bought my dream ride. Now I have a car payment but it's all good.

* Hubby is applying for jobs all over the region. We may have to move. I'll have to explore how I feel about that later.

* Book club drama. But we are still keeping on. Just read "Orange Mint and Honey" by Carleen Brice. This book is excellent! I host this Saturday.

That's all for now. Peace!

Triflin'

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Spotlight" - Jennifer Hudson

I know it's been a minute but bear with me. A sister been busy. But that is no excuse, I am suppose to blogg about writing and I have done very little. But there is tomorrow and the chance to start anew.

Anyway, I am loving, LOVING the new Jennifer Hudson song! Girl killed it on this track. It has a nice mid tempo feel to it. I have it on repeat on the iPod.

Writing updates soon................ I hope.

Peace.

Random Thought

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Heaven Sent" - Keyshia Cole

It's been a minute.........but here are just some random thoughts floating around in my mind.

Did you see the season finale for Grey's Anatomy? Loved it!

The Lakers are in the Western Conference final. Yeah!

My birthday was yesterday. Turned 39. Next year, I have got to throw a party!

Went to the Katt Williams concert with baby sister. Laughed until my head hurt!

Still working on my novel. I'll have to post a words written count soon.

My nephew graduates this month. The B-boy is all grown up.

Too many thoughts and not enough time. I'll try to make time to post later.

Peace.

Life Interuppted

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Doesn't Really Matter" - Janet Jackson

What has been going on? Well for starters, Hubby had a car accident which totaled the car. Thankfully, he was not hurt and he wasn't at fault. But my car affectionately known as "The Bucket" sacrificed herself. The car is gone. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

And this.......

And this...........

The insurance company totaled it out today and gave us a check. The Bucket was 13 years old and paid for. The money we got is enough for a down payment but not enough to purchase a new car. So, we will have to buy a car when we weren't really trying to do it for another three years.

Life has a way of screwing with your plans, huh?

Peace.

Book Blurb

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Real Love" - Mary J Blige

I was over at Tayari's blog when I saw a link to another blog called Practicing Writing. After strolling through the entries, I saw one entitled Page 123. The basic premise is that you are to pick up a piece of fiction that is nearest you, turn to page 123, find the fifth sentence and post it along with the next three sentences. I thought it would be interesting to try so here it goes:

I have just finished reading "Song Yet Sung" by James McBride. (Excellent read.) Here is page 123 from the this novel.

It was Wiley who held him up. The boy had pined for freedom from the time he became aware of himself. Amber had waited for Wiley to grow big enough to bear the hardship of the gospel train because, his contact had told him, the gospel train is a hard ride. Once you're on, he said, you can't get off.

Doesn't that make you want to read the whole story? I recommend it. "Song Yet Sung" is set in the days before the Civil War, when some slaves have escaped from a notorious female slave-trader. One slave, Liz, is called the Dreamer, because she has visions or dreams of the future. In the Maryland's swamp on the eastern shore, she learns of the Code and its significance to modern times. This story is drawn from historical events and told in McBride's signature lyrical style.

I give this book the coveted 3 bookmark seal of approval.

Peace.

Lint Licker.................

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Hero" - Kirk Franklin

I admit it. I have a problem. Instead of using my vast vocabulary, which was partly obtained at an institute of higher learning, I use curse words. Especially when I am aggravated. Or just want to be funny. But I have been trying to change. I have a co-worker who lets the expletives fly, and she has changed up from Fu** that sh**! to Fudge that sicle. I too can change.

In that context, I am loving the Orbit commercial. Enjoy!!!!




Peace.

We WON!!

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Father Figure" - George Michael

I know I've been gone for a minute but I have been busy. I have been working on my novel almost on a daily basis which is huge for me. Other then work and family, that's pretty much been my life since the last time I blogged. But something out of the ordinary did take place.

I think I mentioned that I am a member of a book club, Journee, that meets once a month. I am the recorder for the group. Well, in February, the hostess that month chose the book "Sin No More" by Kimberla Lawson Roby. At the same time, I received an email blast about a contest sponsored by the author. Book clubs could enter the random drawing by purchasing the book and sending in the receipt. We did and I got an email last week saying that we WON!!! Kimberla will fly into Columbia, SC and take our entire book club to dinner. We are waiting for her to let us know an exact date.

We get to dine with an author, we get to dine with an author.........(doing a happy dance!)

On another note, I do plan to update the Word-o-Meter this weekend. I have finished making edits to the first part of the book. I changed the focus of my main character so I had to go back and make sure that everything flowed. I do edits in long hand so I have to type the corrections.
Updates coming soon.

Peace!

NBA All-Star Weekend

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Grown Woman" - Mary J Blige


It is no secret that I am an avid NBA fan. This All-Star Weekend was one of the best in years. The highlight for me:

Dwight Howard Slam Dunk win!




Peace.

Inspiration

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Hate on Me" - Jill Scott

Today I was inspired. Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I didn't have anything for Hubby, I went on my lunch break to this black owned book store/coffee/bakery store called Literary Sweets. My BFF (I'll call her B) went with me. We met the owner, Shennice, who shared with us how she made her dream come true to open her own business. She worked in the corporate world in Atlanta for some years and then moved back home. She wanted to open a book store and actually started her business with only $50. Family and friends helped but she got her hussle on and is making it happen. B was impressed because she likes to be around and learn from "real go-getters".

Shennice also shared with us information on self publishing or fronting your own publishing house. She has a wealth of knowledge and turned me on to some avenues to showcase my work. This is an ordinary women who is doing something she loves without any regrets. Whenever you meet someone like that, it makes you want to do better.

I have got to get started on making my own dream come true.

Peace.

Sick and Tired..............

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Because of You" - Kelly Clarkson

A sister has been feeling poorly. Been feeling mighty bad. It started with a stratchy throat and then mutated into body aches, chills, and a cough. It ain't pretty! Diagnosis: the Flu!

So, I'm popping drugs and getting a lot of rest. But the whole time that I am laying here (watching the Today show and Will & Grace) I can't help but feel like I should be doing something. Maybe the flu is a way for my body to get some needed rest. And I must mention that I took a freaking flu shot to avoid all this nastiness.

I did have a thought: Superwoman: Fact or Myth? Most women I know carry the bulk of duties within their families. We work a full-time job, pick up kids, cook most of the meals, oversee homework and extracurriculm activities, clean the house, listen to everyone's problems, play nursemaid, seamstress, peacemaker, referee, delegate chores, make sure field trips are paid, finance lunch, contact teachers as needed, build up our husbands and still have time to get some sex-ercise! Whew. I'm wore out from typing the list. And that doesn't even cover all the other miscellaneous things that women do. To compensate, some women convince themselves that they are Superwoman. I know I do it myself. But is this healthy?

Alicia Keys wrote a song about it:


"Even when I'm a mess, I still put on a vest with an S on my chest, oh yes, I'm a Superwoman."

If you don't have this CD, you should go get it now. Seriously!

Things I missed while being sick:

* Two book signings. Donna Grant & Virginia Deberry and Carl Weber were in town this week.
* My favorite team, the L.A. Lakers made a major trade.
* Three, count 'em, three days from work. Not that I'm complaining about this one.

Peace.

Let's Hear It For The Boy

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Can't You See" - Total



Overwhelming for Obama




So, the Brother won South Carolina. I must admit, I was happy with the win since I did vote for him. I literally made up my mind on Thursday before the Saturday primary.

This year there is something you can like about all three Democratic hopefuls. I didn't get caught up in the sniping between Barak and Hillary during the debate in Myrtle Beach. I wasn't offended by Hillary's comments about MLK because taken in full context I didn't see anything wrong with the statement. She was simply making a case that while Martin and 'em did great work and paved the way for the civil rights movement, it took a President or government legislation to make the laws. (Although, she should know better than to say anything about Martin Luther da King. Black folks don't play that!)


Now I did think Bill took things a tad too far when he was campaigning for his wife. I can see why some people have such strong negative feelings about him. It's like he kept pointing out on the sly, "Hey people, this guy is black." But the key for me was actually a post I read by Lolita Files over at The Lo Zone. In her post entitled "Get to Know the Man" she has a video about Barak. I've included it here. Watch for yourself. And if your primary is coming up soon, make your choice.




Peace.

When You're Pushed............

What's Playing on the iPod right now: Nothing. Downloading some new stuff.

This has been a rather busy week. Normally I can get some writing done during lunch and breaks. I was only able to manage a couple of days this week. But, I should have a word count to report next week. I was driving to pick up the girls and had to pull over. A conversation that needed to take place between my main character, Adrienne and her finance, Charles, came to me like an audio clip. Had to get it down on paper before I forgot.

Anyway, I was watching the game and saw that a new Rambo movie comes out tomorrow.




"When you're pushed, killing is easy......."

All I can say to this is: WTF?

Peace.

Is There Still Hope For the Dream?

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Mercy, Mercy Me" - Marvin Gaye

I remember my father making my sisters and I sit in the living room and listen to the recording of the "I Have A Dream" speech. Before this country recognized the man's birthday as a holiday, my dad made us stop and recognize the impact of that speech.

Today I pause and wonder, "Have we realized the Dream that Martin eloquently spoke of that day." I think Mr. King would be sorely disappointed at all the wasted opportunities. Are you doing your part to make the Dream come true for future generations?

Remember the Dream, ya'll!

Peace.

Some Time Away

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "My Prerogative" - Bobby Brown

Spent the weekend with hubby in Hilton Head. Sometimes you just need to get away from the regular routine (and the kids) and just be. We made the drive down to the island on Friday. Of course, on Saturday it rained. This is the view from our balcony:

But we made the best of it. Stayed in and did what grown people do. And then when we had to leave, this is how pretty it was:

I had a nice, relaxing time though. On another note, I wasn't able to work on my novel but I did work out a scene. I don't know about other writers but my story is constantly in the back of my mind. Sometimes, whenever I get a quiet moment (in the shower, washing dishes, etc.) I can see a scene with extreme clarity. I have found that I have to stop immediately and write it down or it is lost. So, I did work a little. With the day off tomorrow, I hope to be able to get a lot accomplished.

Peace.

Theme Songs

What's playing on the iPod right now: "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield


I believe that everyone should have a theme song. The song should capture an emotion or motivate you to live your best life. I think it's obvious that my song is the one playing right now. I found this song before the Pantene commercial. Actually, my kids kept singing the chorus and I thought it was catchy. I think they got it from Nickelodeon. Anyway, a quick Google search later and I had my new tune. The words capture where my head is at now and serves as motivation and prophecy. Some of the words are "I am unwritten, can't read my mind. I'm undefined. I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned." This song is an excellent metaphor for my calling as a writer. Just listen to the chorus: "Staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find.....Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten." But don't just take my word for it. Listen for yourself and feel free to share your own personal theme song.



I think I mentioned in my first post that I am working on a novel. I have started a story tentatively titled, "Just Say I Do". I am 11,698 words and 6 chapters into it and I just realized that the direction is all wrong. Now I basically have to begin again. But I am not discouraged. Why? I was reading one of my favorite blogs by the author Tayari Jones. I learn so much from it. Anyway, on her November 5 & 7, 2007 post link she gave a pop quiz called The Wallet and the Road trip. It breaks down to say that being a writer is about making mistakes. The key to success is how you handle those mistakes. I plan to rewrite the story and keep you posted on where I am in the Word-O-Meter box.

On a side note, I am going to Hilton Head with the hubby for the Martin Luther 'tha King weekend. I might even try to post a few pictures when I return.

Peace.

It Starts with a Single Word

What's Playing on the iPod right now: "Should've Let You Go" - Keisha Cole

And so it begins. I'm going to let you in on a secret. I am a writer. It's true. Granted, you won't find anything with my name on it in Barnes & Noble, but I am a writer nonetheless. I have been studying this craft for a few years now and I have finally gotten to the place that I can actually say, "I am a writer." Do you know what qualifies me to make this claim? I simply write. Now, to get to the status of published author will take time, perseverance and a little luck. I invite you along for the journey.

What can you expect here? An update of my struggles to complete a novel, talk about music (old school R&B mostly), dealing with marriage and motherhood, discussions about the NBA, random thoughts and various topics. Basically, whatever issues are going on that day.

I hope you hang out with me.