RT @jamalhbryant: Ladies stop looking for a knight in shining armor to save you and find a construction worker to build with you! #FB

RevRunWisdom: Live the life you've imagined... U want something,, GO GET IT...... #Period

RT @EDC1Creations: Excerpt: Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go by Lucille O'Neal via Black Pearls Magazine eSpot http://tinyurl.com/34ugjvb

Click to Hear New Lauryn Hill Music

IyanlaVanzant: Beloved: Just for today be loving, affectionate and supportive. Be delighted and excited, caring and giving. For today, BE LOVE! #Iyanla

'Interview-Little Black Book of Success Authors'

The Little Black Book of Success

Laws of Leadership for Black Women

On BAN Radio Show with Ella Curry

Monday, July 26 at 9:00pm EST

www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

Click on the link below to learn more about the authors
'Interview-Little Black Book of Success Authors'

EDC1Creations: Key Symptoms of Teenage Depression and Teenage Stress via Black Pearls Magazine eSpot - http://tinyurl.com/34xb2q4

I Changed

See what had happened was


We thought it would be okay to call and text.

Yeah, I figured being friends would be cool.

Then I began to realize that I broke the rule.

But I tried until you threw your new “her” up in my face.

See that was straight wrong on every count.

So now I need to create a permanent way out.

I am trying to let Ghetto Chick speak

And bring Sumthing Special to the street.

Man, something’s gotta give.

So I can go on and live in a world where you don’t exist.

See, I’m changing and I am trying to move on

He said I was acting like a kid

So can I tell you what I did?

Before he could text me that I was any dumber

I went and changed my wireless phone number.

Now I can’t be a b….or a dumb hoe

Or some naïve woman you think you know

From now on you don’t have to set me aside

To solidify your position with your next free ride

And since she is next

This will stop you from speaking on my sensuality in a text

I called the phone company and asked them to rearrange

So the next time you attempt to call or text me

My phone number has been changed.

Twelve Roses For Uretta - Arlene R. Crenshaw

This is an emotional story about a woman's struggle with domestic violence and the secret her daughter who tells the story never got to tell her mother before her mother's untimely death.
BPM: Tell us about your latest release, Twelve Roses For Uretta.


The Book is called "Twelve Roses for Uretta" This is a true story of a mother's struggle with domestic violence, while trying to raise her eight children. This story is told through the eyes of Uretta's daughter (Erica) who carried the burden of not being able to help her mother because she was just too young, plus Erica's own secret she was never able to tell her mother' before her mother's untimely death.





Intimate Conversation with Arlene R. Crenshaw - (This information is from Black Pearls Magazine)

BPM: What specific situation prompted you to write your book?

My story is a true story and after the death of my mother, life was never the same for me again. For years I suffered with depression and anxiety because of my past. Finally one day I decided it was time to take control of my life and by doing that it prompted me to write my book "Twelve Roses For Uretta." The book tells of the domestic abuse my mother endured from her husbands, and the secret her daughter Erica never got to tell her before her untimely death. The more I wrote my story the more I began to feel better about life. I started to notice that all the pain that was embedded within me and even the things in my life I blocked out, was now coming out and I felt renewed, then a sense of healing within. After all the adversity I had been through in my life, I was now starting to live my life, and know I live my life beyond adversity.


BPM: Who do you want to reach with Twelve Roses For Uretta and the message within?

My book also brings about awareness to a problem that exists sometimes right under our noses, and many just ignore it sometimes to the point that it's to late to recover. There are a lot of people that would like to ignore that domestic violence is present in their lives or a loved ones. I grew up around it, I've met many women who have gone through it and I know many who still do endure domestic violence everyday. My message is that love shouldn't hurt, anyone who loves you wouldn't do anything to damage you in anyway whether it's mental or physically. Love shouldn't hurt.


BPM: How will reading your book shape the readers lives?

I hope by reading my story that it helps someone to think twice about being in a relationship that involves domestic violence and my greatest hope is that an abuser reads this novel and changes his or her ways...because you know that an abuser does not always have to be male. Love shouldn't hurt.


BPM: What are some of their specific issues or problems addressed in this book?

Two specific issues are "warning signs" most abusers love to be in "control" and they'll work day and night on your "self-esteem" trying to destroy what ever fight or little fight you have to stand up for yourself, and break you down to your lowest point. Do not allow anyone to take your power.



BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.

I have a new book coming out July 2010, called "Hidden Closets" a book of fictional short stories. The stories will hit close to home for many! This book journeys into the minds of people with jaw dropping hidden secrets. They never want people to know about their REAL side, for fearing of being exposed to their real truths. Visit my website for excerpts and other news.



BPM: How can our readers reach you online?

Readers can reach me at arlene_crenshaw@yahoo.com, arlene crenshaw@facebook, and my website is http://www.mscrenshawbooks.com/ I also post a daily quote on Facebook and Blogger I call it "My quote of the day" which I share everyday. I try my best to inspire people to believe in themselves and to let no obstacle stand in their way, no matter how difficult life or challenges in life may seem.

RevRunWisdom: FAITH = (F)orsaking (A)ll (I) (T)rust (H)im

jamalhbryant: If you don't do something different this week it's gonna end up like last week! #FB

ATL Chocolate Social

ATL Chocolate Social 

Date: Thursday

July 29, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm

 

Hyatt Regency Atlanta

265 Peachtree Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Go to the link below to receive information about an exciting opportunity

'EDC Creations Gives Kindle Reader'

Verse 3

There are not many words that kind describe how the summer is ending for us. It was to be the summer that my son got out in front of college coaches and got ready for his senior year, on and off the court. I kept hearing people say "We prepared for this moment." Now that the moment has arrived we didn't prepare for this particular moment and it has been hard for so many people to understand what is going on with him. I say to myself "God knew in eternity and it's all working together for us".

For the past couple of weeks I have heard Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up" way too many times. The song was released in 1993 and it's 2010. Why have I heard it on the radio like 3-4 times in the past two weeks? (I believe in signs and wonders) The last time I heard it we were leaving the doctor's office and I simply stopped and stared at the radio. I was like, "For real?" Is this the song I hear after the doctor gives his report?

This particular song has been a refuge for me many times. My son was born in 1992 and we have had our ups and downs but we always continue to press on. Every year, since my son was born, during different points of my life I would hear this song and sometimes the tears would just fall. I can remember many days just pulling the car over and waiting to hear Verse 3. Boy! Does that verse speak to me.! It was too many things to deal with but outside I was looking fearless. Not many people would know what it has taken to raise my children but as my bestfriend often says, we just keep it moving. We don't stay in negativity. If something unwelcomed comes into our lives we deal with it and move on.

When I heard the song last Thursday two things were different 1) My son turned it down and 2) I didn't cry. I have come along way since 1993. My son and I have come a long way since 1993. Being a single parent is rewarding when you put the right things first. Trials and tribulations will come and go but when you are truly focused on your family everything tends to come together. As we navigate through our current obstacle we kept hearing the same phrase over and over, from different people. "Keep Ya Head Up". I am so grateful for that song. My son is getting older and older from having the world on his shoulder. But he will never let up because he knows that good things await him and that good people are aligned with him.

I could listen to Verse 3 over and over and reflect back the past 17 years. It ain't been easy but it has been worth it. To single parents I say it may get rough and at times you become frustrated but you birthed greatness and God will not allow you to suffer beyond what you can bear. You gotta keep your head up!

Click to listen to Keep Ya Head Up

Inside Rain (Trailer) - Monique D. Mensah

Click here to see the trailer for Inside Rain

Authoress Monique D. Mensah

RT @ClaryIngram: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass-- it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Behind the Seen - Phyllis Kennedy Brown

Phyllis Kennedy Brown is a witness for God the Father. She is the mother of one son and two daughters; the grandmother of three boys and two girls. She is founder of 'Women About Christian Obedience' which is a ministry from the book of Titus chapter 2. She worships as a member of the Assemblies of God Church organization.
She is a native of West Virginia, graduating from Washington Irving High School. She is a retired Vice President of a major National Bank. She is the former CEO/Entrepreneur of Jubilee Cove Assisted Living Facility. She is the author of an inspiring book about her life released September 2008 - 'His *time of refreshing, Behind the Seen!' Also, released in September 2009, -'Forgiveness: An Offensive Weapon'.

Click Here to Read More About Phyllis Kennedy Brown

Beauty Gleeks - Milani Cosmetics

Don’t let Glee withdrawals stand in the way of your perfect summer…

SHOWCASE YOUR INNER GEEK AND REMAIN UBER CHIC WITH THE HELP OF MILANI COSMETICS

Milani is mixing things up for the month of July offering two of their hottest nail lacquers in one specialty pre-pack celebrating beauty geeks all over.

Mix and match your favorite Milani 3D Holographic & NEON nail lacquer shades to create a variety of personalized trendy-techie or naughty-neon looks.

NEON NAIL LACQUERS, 8 shades for $4.99 available at CVS

3D HOLOGRAPHIC NAIL LACQUERS, 6 shades for $4.99 available at CVS

http://www.milanicosmetics.com/

RevRunWisdom: How high you fly depends on you! Your altitude depends on your attitude! #weflyhigh

Summer Camp Me!!!

I had often thought of how my younger son's summer would turn out. I wasn't going to put him in a camp, I still believe he is too young for that. So I had to get creative this summer, not that that should be hard because I work with children daily. I should be able to come up with something. What has really helped is my best friend Ra who has boys and is always finding activities for them.

My son has done several activities in our yard and he even has his own gardening tools and gloves. We planted some flowers and he keeps them watered. I learned for the month of July the Showcase has a program where if you submit a book report you receive free admission. We have attended for the past two weeks. Did he write the book report? No.... But I am well trained at reading and scribing so that was not a problem. It did assist him with using his verbal comprehension skills. So far we have seen Kung Fu Panda and Charlotte's Web. I wished someone had warned me about Charlotte's Web, all of the spiders at the end was a bit much. :-/

The Cincinnati Zoo has an Arts and Crafts day coming up for $1.00. Now if the temperature is anything like today we will be at the movies. lol  Last Saturday he attended Monster Jam for $5. If you have read any of my blogs or know me that was huge for him!!

I believe he has a skating party to attend tomorrow and bowling on Saturday. Of course we used our coupons and hit up Chuckie Cheese a couple of times and to top it all off football practice is four days a week. He looks so cute in his cleats. Oh! Lord I am raising another athlete!!!

Looking back on the weeks since we have been out of school I believe that Summer Camp Me is effective, enriching and engaging. There are academics, athletics, and entertainment at a fraction of the cost of sending him to the neighborhood camp. Hey Ra, maybe we should start our own summer camp next summer, even if it is just for one month. Summer Camp Me!

RT @RevRunWisdom: Attitude is everything! Keep ur head up! FACT> If an airplane's nose is pointed downward its about to crash #STAYFLY

Wess Morgan - I Choose To Worship

'Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women'

'Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women'

RT @EDC1Creations: Create Buzz: 10 Tips for Seductive Story Angles: http://marketing.about.com/od/publicrelation1/a/createbuzz.htm http://fb.me/uTMbiEf3

Make Something Special

Today I went to see a movie with my younger son. We saw Kung Fu Panda and it was so exciting because he has never been to the movies before. It was cool watching him laugh while eating popcorn, drinking his Icee, and eating Skittles. It was truly one of those moments that you cherish.

The movie was good and the Panda had me laughing so hard. He was starstruck by the other characters and fell into being the hero of the movie. My absolute favorite part of the movie was when the panda was given the scroll and there was nothing on it. All this time the scroll had been treasured of having this huge secret and there was no secret. Can you imagine wanting something so bad only to find out that it was nothing?

In the discussions among the characters it was stated, in reference to the scroll, "To make something special, you just have to believe it is special." With that the panda was able to find something special enough about him in order to follow through with his destiny?

How many times have we been told that we are nothing special? That we will never amount to anything? If you are told that enough you begin to believe it. You begin to live it. And if you are not careful you begin to be it, nothing. This can result in making poor relationship, friendship, and financial decisions. Your mind is that of if I am nothing, then nothing matters.

I challenge you and I challenge myself to make something special. Look at who you are, at your accomplishments, at your dreams and at your goals. Say to yourself that I am more than what they say. I more than that last relationship. I more than my messed up situations. Watch things begin to turn around in your life.

Remember that in order to make something special, you just have to believe it is special. And you truly are.

Video Release Party: The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women--Foreword by Essence(r)... http://fb.me/wsCL1KXH

RevRunWisdom: the best way 2 get rid of ur pain & sadness is to minister to others. #cheerpeopleup!

RevRunWisdom: If ur money is held up,, ur not giving enough service,, if ur feeling sad ur not cheering up enuff ppl #getbusy

Thanks Nae'

Right now I am struggling to improve my blog. I want it to look different, I just don't know what "different" is right now. Fortunately my niece is right here with me to tell me her thoughts on what looks good and what doesn't. What I have realized today is that I have reached the point of "I need help!!!!!!!!" with my site.

I have been getting positive feedback on my blog and I know that many people are pulling it up. I truly appreciate that. Again I will say God gave me a vision. Surely it will come to pass. I am thinking that my niece may have to help me out with some of this once she stops with her favorite line..."It's a recession." lol

The children truly are the future.

ClaryIngram: "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
-- Maya Angelou

God grant me serinity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, & the wisdom to know the difference

Lip Flash - Milani Cosmetics

Lip Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Gloss Pencil

comes in 8 fashion forward colors.

 It's a highly pigmented, full coverage lip pencil that comes in a non-tacky, anti-feathering formula.

 

Better Dayz by Clary Ingram

http://claryingram.com/

Keep It Moving

Wow! It's July right now!

I can say that this has been one of the most stress free summers for my home and I so am excited about everything. I am excited about how God is moving in my life and in my son's lives. I am excited about my writings. As I look at my blogs for June 2010, I see such diversity. There are blogs about literature, cosmetics, music, religion, and family. That means so much to me because all of these things make up who I am.

There are so many ideas in my mind to write out and to yet explore. I have dedicated this summer to reading more teen literature. So far I have read Street Love by Walter Dean Myers and next up I will be reading a book on my son's summer homework list. Expect a blog about Street Love. That book of free verse floored me. I had to have a talk with my son about the fruits of my sacrifice.

I have finished another writing that I will self-published but God has not given me the ok to move on that so I am staying put. But Sumthing Special is a beautiful written work. That like Ghetto Chick I am very proud of. I am blessed. Writing is a passion, something that I love to do. Writing takes me places and drives me creatively. I am a writer and I love sharing with you.

Over the past year I have made incredible contacts on fb and twitter and the support from other authors has been so inspiring. On fb, we are not always talking about literature but family and self issues. It 's so cool.

I can say that right now on the first day of July 2010 that the best is yet to come. I am going to keep it moving because God has great things in store for me. I am living a Jabez life.

I like to move it, move it....Just like the lemurs of Madagascar