Fresh Like This

My life has really zoomed off since January of this year when I decided once again to make life shifts to increase my health and to decrease my unhealthiness. Now don't get me wrong, I have always tried to put my health first but always got over whelmed by crazy things that has happened like my mother's cancer status. However, this time is different because I am no longer using life challenges as an excuse on how or why I won't put my health as a priority in this life. Six months ago, I made a committment to my health, asked for friends to be apart of my journey (my accountability partners have been so helpful in my journey on this, along with my fitness coach, Pamela Lobell, and my friends online at several websites and facebook groups). Lastly, using sensibility as a choice this time, and making substitutions that are reasonable has helped me a whole lot. I try to work out from time to time (in the beginning i wasn't working out at all, now I work out at least 4-5 days a week using videos, or hitting the treadmill hard at the gym). I'm not a person who uses classes, but I love to walk and that's what I do most along with drinking water ten glasses a day! I am feeling blessed and fresh after my hard work of getting down to a size 18 from a size 24. Lots of clothes I can't fit and i will donate to shelters or places (my really nice stuff); the other stuff is getting tossed unless it's something I can have someone amend to my new size. I have a lot of inspirers too. Many of my online friends have lost 100 or more pds! Even some of my close associates have lost 40-60 pds which i feel is a blessing. For me, it's good to just be in a healthier frame of mind. Even when I am stressed, I choose to write, to sing, to walk, shadow box, dance or use my resistance bands. Yes, there are days when I don't want to work out. I try to at least walk, drink that water, and if I get off track, I allow myself the occasional cupcake (which I had one last night at an event -- but I won't be eating that until my bday again). I think it's about a balance. You have to allow yourself to fail, then try again. To mix up your food and workouts. I don't like to get in a rut or get bored so I tend to try new things. I'm currently drinking protein shakes, eating protein bars, lots of fruit, unsalted peanuts and cashews. I can now eat a can of pringles over a week or two whereas before I would gulf it down in one night. I don't eat chips daily and I normally try to do my own smoothies, my own meals, versus eating out daily at fast food chains. Whole foods is not the enemy neither is a burger. You just have to choose lean versus fast food'ng! Use olive oil, and bake or steam your food. Those are a few of my things. My secret weapon is my resistance bands. I use them every day and do wallpushups and a lot of floor work now. Those are only a few of my approaches. I"m sure if you are reading this blog you might have your own that work so please share them. Life can be fresh as you want -- a sweet peach dripping inside your mouth if you allow it ! Don't confine yourself and define your own rules when it comes to this. Read all you can and then apply what you feel will work for your situation. I am currently a person who used to use my circumstances to define who I am; I now define my situations. Mastering my own path through a strength that comes from the one above. I am wishing you a productive and blessed week ahead.

Keeping the Faith

This inspirational book will hit shelves in early 2011. I am honored to be one of the faith walkers who will be sharing personal testimonies. These stories are inspirational in nature and I felt blessed to share some of my own challenges and triumphs in real 'life' scenarios! Vanessa Miller edited the collection and you can do pre-orders soon. Check the blog for details on that. I keep the faith through god's grace and favor, wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That - April 2010

Lutishia Lovely brings back the spiritual fire with a fiyah flame in between sheets of the eye alluring Reverend who has been 'covering' many women at his church, Gospel Truth Church. What you find is generational sensual affiliations with many women and if that hasn't gotten your tongues a wagging, the way the story goes down will. Because Nate has his pick of the flock, he didn't count on his heart falling for one special woman who has the cloth of the Proverbs woman within her spirit as she grows in Christ and away from his 'harem' so to speak. This is a engaging story that explores secrets, abuse of power, generational curses, unhealthy relationships and reality of some churches that some may not want to hear about but is a reality for some churches and their members. Reverend Feelgood is a contemporary story that shows what happens when a bonds are broken, when shocking sins continue to flourish, and explosions happen when the worse in human sensuality and behavior occur. Be ready for a wild ride.

Coming up next on my show this week will be poet Melissa Ewell Miller discussing her book, Love Notes. Tune in on Tuesday, May 4th at 9 PM ET/8PM CT time.

Til then, keep the pages turning!

Mocha Sistah

Reading This and That -- Feb 2010

I just finished Sinsatiable by Shelia E. Lipsey. Supertalented Aisha Carlisle lives her dreams of owning her own dance studio but when a challenge gets thrown in her way, instead of waiting for god to lead her in the direction of solving the problem or the solution spiritually, she takes ownership of the issue at hand and totally gets sucked in a life that threatens to tear her world apart. At the same time, she meets a man who at the onset gives her the attention she wants and needs but then as things goes, she learns that not everything is as it appears. Her world is tossed here fro as family issues and her personal world collide. I give this book 4 mochas! The author took a lot of time to build a good story, subplots, and twists and turns with major characters that made this a great read. The title is published under Urban Christian Fiction, you can find it online at Amazon!

I also have a few other books to read including...

A Man's Worth - Nikita Lynette Nichols
First Comes Love - Shana Johnson Burton

I'll keep you posted as things goes along. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead,

Mocha Sistah

Author of the Month: T.S. Jones

Atlanta native, T.S. Jones scripts a book that will move the soul and make you think about motivations of men, women and relationships. Is it more important for a woman to forgo her spirit in chase of the almightly marriage bed, the ring, or should she just focus on the finances she'll gain? There are many different ways this debut author could have written her book. However the fact that she chose to use many different elements in an entertaining way to create tension among her characters, create a dialogue for the sexes to discuss important elements of marriage, relationships, and listening to god's voice is the reason why I chose her as the Author of the Month to feature here on my blog. I love the way she crafted her characters, in a realistic way that gave good portrayals of both men and women within this world of secrets, lies, insecurity, and made this reader finish a book so quick it made my head twist faster than the speed of light. The reason why I asked T.S. Jones to be a feature on my show was the uniqueness of her story and the fact that I felt her book was different than most written in this genre. Not to slight any other authors out there, I felt Ms. Jones spent time developing her characters, plot, and pushed her subplots very well. I also loved the fact that the book felt fluid and realistic than many other christian books I've delved into the past few years. As an author she didn't write any cookie cutter characters. These characters felt real, layered, and diverse in really good ways that made you want to get to that next chapter. Her subject is real, and many women will feel the struggle of the three women on a quest to find love or being married. Some men will also find some good nuggets in here, as well, because this story isn't just about women and love. Its about finding what is real love is. What is committment? What is sacrifice? So many elements I could find in this book that made me want to pick it up again. By the way, I finished the book in 6 hours. Yes, it's that good.

You should pick up T.S.Jones because she has a fresh approach and perspective that will be enjoyable and make you want to call your friends up and have a discussion about the anointing of the word that is displayed in her work. To find out more about this author, please visit her publisher's websitehttp://www.nevaehpublishing.com. This book will have your tongue's waggling, your soul shouting, your head shaking, maybe a tear or two shed, and maybe just maybe you'll smile~

Also, if you want to hear T.S. Jones in action, she was featured on Literary Pizzazz on January 2th. Check the featured show.

Mocha Sistah

As We Come To a Close

Lord, I cannot remember a month going by so fast. We opened the year fresh and anew. I have been literally humping since Jan 1st. On my plate this month as been volunteering with a senior center in the Bronx on Jan 15th and also helping to pack boxes for troops earlier in the month. Trips all over the 5 boroughs has resulted me in connecting services for youth and families between the South Bronx and Queens, Harlem, Manhattan, and Staten Island. It's be crazy but good.

On the book tip, I have been heavily reading a few books. I'm currently in the middle of Sinsatiable by Sheila E. Lipsey, and A Man's Worth by Nikita Lynette Nichols. I also have Tracey Bateman's Thirsty to finish before my next book club meeting.

I have a bunch of authors to interview for the show so keep yourself posted by checking out my show line up at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz

I have been in the kitchen a lot lately shaving calories but cooking up a storm. Since last year, shaved off about 30 + pounds, and hoping to do more but in a very healthy way. I"m cool with losing 1 or 2 pds a week and nothing more. No crazy diets, just me eating god's green earth: 5 fruits and veggies a day! Lots of water, and if I want to eat some discretionary calories, don't go over board.

I'm getting comfortable in my place living here in New York, thus, I am now considering doing some writing and teaching gigs (volunteering my time yet again) with youth writers and in the community.

On the entertainment tip, I got a chance to see Book of Eli and was blown away. Still haven't seen Avatar yet... it's on my list.

Vocally, I want to get in the studio but waiting on god to present some opportunities for that. Until then I'm reading, writing, and working hard for the foster youth.

Hope this friday brings a peace your heart and soul can appreciate.

Talk with you on the 'next' go around.

With light and love always abounding,
Mocha S.

A Year In Reflection

We've had our highs and lows, we've lost friends, family members, gone through trials and tribulations and we are still here. We are still standing. Now is not the time to feel remorse, or sadness about what happened because what is, WILL BE. Life is for living and each breathe of life must be enjoyed for we do not know when it will be our time to go. This year I've made a huge shift in my life by moving out of one career to another new one. A transition that I've been in for the last 6 months of this year. Moving to the east coast wasn't easy but it was the best thing God allowed me to do this year that actually made sense. Don't get me wrong, I do miss being in the class room, planning lessons, working with parents,and in schools in the Chicago Public System, but being in New York has given me more empowerment to do things in a different beat. Working with youth in the foster care system has been rewarding, and very freeing -- i'm seeing things with a new lens. A lens that has given me clarity in a different way to serve as I support the youth of the Bronx and encourage others to do the same.

I sit here all bright eyed and bushy tailed (locks all over the place), feeling that I am right where I need to be. I'm still writing, still singing, and still living well, learning how to budget effectively and be more healthier has been additional gifts bestowed on me and appreciated. My original goal of moving was completed by July (thanks god), and I lost 25 pounds before I left chicago, though my total weight loss is closer to 50, and I feel great. I'm cooking all the time, and learning new ways to support my balanced diet -- don't get me wrong, I love eating! and I don't miss any meals, but I do it in more of a very balanced way that lets me get all that I want in, but i don't miss eating a lot of bread or heavy (greasy meats). Last year at this time, I was an over worked teaching artist who didn't have time to cook or eat right, god fixed that when I moved here.

This year I was able to actually 'pen' a few things -- Psalms of Love -- which will be tweaked and released later in 2010 and my attempt at another novel, "Not Between These Thighs" which will be released in the Fall of 2010.

I find myself at a very peaceful place this year -- working on many shifts in my mindset, to mold myself to be a better virtuous woman, to allow real love to come into my life, to be bold in my doings, but more humble none the less.

I've had a heck of a year -- and enjoyed all of it! Glad god got me through the rough phase of my last teaching days -- and although I miss Chicago, being in New York has given me knew wings to fly higher.

Did I mention, I won two airplane tickets from Jet Blue, which I haven't used yet? I am still praying I used them in wonderful ways... god will tell me what needs to be done.

Although I'm still processing the lost of a few friends and an aunt who passed away recently, I am happy I was able to have positive exchanges with these people. Enjoyed them while they were in my life.

As I sit here on the last day of the year, I have no regrets, for I think everything has been put in place for me to rise higher and I encourage you to do the same. Whether you 'ring' in the new year quietly or with friends, wipe that slate clean and try to start the new year with new thoughts, a new mind frame, and energy to push on and claim more blessings. Don't wonder what it's going to be, just be open for things to happen and CLAIM them into existence. Speak words of kindness, and peace! Let serenity coast your spirit, and rise you higher. Do not look back, look forward to all the brightness before your soul. Wishing you a bountiful new year 2010, filled with many possibilities.

Mocha S.

New Days Ahead

Osbey Books is moving to NYC! It's a time of renewal and change. Too much to process on this end and packing my life into boxes and rearranging myself as I relocate is very involved but I am excited. Hopefully I can update this blog by next week with new work.

Currently I am teaching literary classes at an elementary school (with parents). It is very fun and creative. As a group we are really having a great time. We are covering prose, poetry, creative writing, personal essays, and commentaries. We are working on using metaphors, figurative and descriptive language, similes, and concrete words. So far, it's been good.

Besides that a short appearance at this years Printer's Row Book Fair went fairly well. I am letting my non fiction title rest as I organize myself for living in NYC.

2 other novels are brewing and will be re-edited for release in late fall. Besides that, just enjoying the rest of the summer in Chicago.

I always thank God for seeing me through my new paths in this life. It is fulfilling and makes me feel like I'm walking in my purpose.

Be blessed everyone!

Mocha Sistah

Repeat This

Often in class, I find myself repeating a lot of things. So I snuck and wrote a poem about it, using repetition basically.

Enjoy!

REPEAT THIS!

repeat this...is what i gotta say everyday.
repeating things as i stand at the front of the classroom
being tested by 30 students palming their grimmy pencils
and white paper with scrawled names
repeating abc's
repeating 123's of poetry
repetition is the name of a poetry teacher's game
and please don't be lame
cause kids will laugh in your face
sometimes i cannot think because i am constantly
repeating..
please-stop-doing-that!
repeating in my head (lord don't let me have to utter
that syllable again!)
repeating errands that i must do in my head like
memorizing math multiplications or substracting
the times i've had to stop class because of inappropriate
or distracting behavior...
i just don't want to forget... what i was teaching
what was i teaching?
anyway...
i repeat steps as i walk my walk
i repeat steps as i dial momma in between classes
and laugh about my crazy 3rd grade class at koz
i sometimes laugh inside at the kids...
they are like instant entertainment...
distracting little play performers on crack
jingling this way
wiggling that way
spotlight on the main performers as they keep me
entertained
this repeating days and moments feel like
lyrical mathematican's running a crazy conference
about lack of self control with behaviors that
tintinnbulate the verses of their syllables
that constantly tumble of their mouth sounding
so unephonic...
i rehearse my little spiel and hope they get something
from the lesson, close my bag, slid papers in them and
then return to the first time i entered the learning
tool box as i know... that lessons beyond poetry
are always shared and learned
and those will be repeated in future generations of
writers who experienced a little sharing of words
with me in a class somewhere in between the midwest
and south, so i retire my pen and my soul
even for a little while maybe the hungering for new knowledge
will have been planted by a forty minute session in a class
where language was the fore front, not just slight interruptions
of human behavior

(c) 2009 by Mocha Sistah

The Many Things of Mocha

I know it's been a while, so I'm updating this blog! It's been more than a few months since I've blogged seriously, so here goes.

Although I do have my company, Osbey Books, I am quietly building a client base and revamping certain aspects of what I do. Focusing on providing the same services, I have a new site @ http://osbeybooks.webs.com/ which will be updated as things are progressing.

Current book projects for my author Onika Pascal, Collections of a See Through Soul Portraits, is now on sale at http://www.authorsbookshop.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/.

I am finishing up a few of my schools currently and in transition as I either head for Atlanta, Hawaii or Japan this summer. Yes, I said that! I have planted the seeds of change and going where the universe is sending me. I am leaving open the options and seeing where God wants me to plant new roots. All three locations would be very different and give me the curiosity i seek as well as something exciting to look forward to.

On my contracts I have four weeks of teaching left; and although it's one of those ending periods for me, I am happy that I am ending on good notes at all schools. The turmultous air that has followed us all during the recession has embarked in the murky waters of artists every where. Because of funding issues in the state of Illinois, I have decided this is my last go around in the schools as a teaching artist. However I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe God allowed me to spend as much time being an advocate in the schools to prepare me for other educational roles which I am qualified to do. Going back to school and getting my Masters in Reading and Literacy is a goal I hope to achieve in the next 2 years either here in Illinois or abroad elsewhere.

My trip to Atlanta was great (a few weeks ago) and I got a lot of information that will help me make some decisions regarding my summer trekking to Georgia if I do not decide to go to another location.

Japan and Hawaii may have to wait if Cobb County or Gwinnett offers me the opportunity to work with students and parents in Georgia. We'll see. Only time will tell.

I was speaking with a recruiter the other day and he wanted to know why I wanted to relocate or start over during a recession and my response was, "why not?" I'm single, strong candidate in any area that I've focused on, and have no other pressing responsibilities which would keep me in Chicago. So why not try? Why not explore? What is holding me back? ONLY ME! I know a few people are wondering why leave during a recession but my theme of the year is to keep pressing on despite challenges and to challenge myself to not be stagnant. If you want true change you must be willing to be the CHANGE you seek!

I'm off the air for a week and will return with great authors. You may want to check in with me and Juisee Da Queen next Monday on www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz. Next Wednesday I interview Chamein Canton and then in April I will be hosting some fabulous authors and poets during the National Poetry Month.

Performance wise, I am scheduled at a few venues, so check back for the updates on my locations.

Trying to catch up with me more and wanting to see new work posted weekly, check me out on Facebook. Wanting to know if I am still writing books, yes, I am. I will be releasing something during the summer of 2009, so thanks for that continued support.

I am hoping you have a wonderful day ahead!

Mocha Sistah

Change of Me...

I have crossed a mile stone. I'm 40! I enjoyed a birthday that was special with those who love me. The dinner was awesome. The weekend was great and the weather was perfect. I couldn't ask for more.

For me it means.. a New number, different mind set. I'm happy. Things are okay and flowing the way it should. I'm deciding on some important matters. I'm making some transitions. I'm watching the political race and I"m involved.

I find that 40 (for me) is freeing. I'm more honest about things. I'm not as concerned with other's thoughts of me. I'm working hard on my goals and dreams. I'm focused more on family, and small moments of time...

I've taken more time out in the last 2 weeks to slow down and enjoy the little things. Laying out by the lake, writing in my journal, and breathing slow to enjoy time as it spins very serenely. Going to Millenium park, walking around town, taking care of my health is sooo important to me. That's it.

I find also that this 'age' has helped me to cut the fat in my life. Not fat but people. People who mean me harm, who have never really supported me who need to be out. So I've slowly begun to transition the not so good elements, cutting down to the ones that really are for me, and not against me. I really don't have the time or the attitude to have people around me who are negative spirits who PRETEND to be something they aren't.

My intuition is running things along with the spirit God has instilled in me.

So yes, I'm being very focused on what is working in my life and what isn't.

I'm excited about my background melodies (good things in progress), along with the radio show, new books, and other haps.

I challenge you to be the change you want to see in the world. As Ghandi said, because you'll be waiting forever for someone to change what you want to see. It's like Nike says, just do it!

Mocha Sistah

Over Kill

Yes, I'm to the max. I always am. So when I woke up on Monday morning to no DSL service I was petrified, but it proved to be something of a blessing. See I spend countless hours online promoting, emailing people, updating blogs, contacting clients, etc. Having spent almost 6 days offline proved a few things -- I'm loved -- missed -- and of course, the time off was needed. I work hard. In fact the last month has been my most hectic. I'm lucky that I didn't have any health issues for I did push myself beyond my normal limits.

My cellular phone pretty much blew up when my primary account was inactive. People worried about me kind of surprised me but also was cool because it meant, some really did miss me. In my interim time offline I lost a family member; another reminder that life is important and that I don't have a lot of time myself, as I don't know what my 'number' is. God does though. The family member that passed away was only 57 years old, and I'm nearing 40, so that was startling to me.

On my flip side, this week wasn't all bad. I received an award from a school regarding my years of service as a Literary Educator, and two of my programs went extremely well.

I got rest, had time with my family (more time than I usually have), and that was a blessing in itself. As a great friend reminds me, that my superwoman cape has to come down sometimes (smile) and I'm allowing people to actually take care of me. I surely appreciate those who contacted me during my offline time , especially those who called or emailed me to just check in to say hi. That is very important. I know sometimes I don't seem to be available or that people believe I am too busy to slow down, neither are true.

It's just that I am more like my Grandmother (r.i.p "Ma Davis") who always keeps it moving. But learning to slow down ain't bad either.

With that said, I'm heading over to the Chicago Gospel Fest this weekend to restore my spiritual soul and hang with a few sister friends.

It's another nice day outside and as I smell the flowers in my house today, I'm reminded that quiet and solace is a blessed thing.

Here's to wishing you a bountiful weekend.

Mocha Sistah

Thinking of Many Things

Well, I hope this blog finds you doing very well. It's almost Mother's Day, can you believe it? I've spent the last month hopping around doing this and that. Time spent at the Romance Slam Jam was pretty hectic but very good. It was the first time I ever spent talking to others about my short stories and pitching publishing houses. I got some great feedback and I'm working on sealing up several stories to get to the pub houses for review of possible contracts. I'm just excited that I can get some more short stories either in e-book or paperback format. I will probably have the books published under another pen name though.

I'm in the middle of a lot of planning for culminating events for several programs with Poetry Center of Chicago and Family Focus, Inc. Students are performing at schools on May 15, May 27th and May 30th. In addition, I am on stage during the week of May 21st with John Beer and his "poetry theatre series". I will only have a short amount of time to study and learn my lines before I hit the stage. Then there's Career Fair events on May 10, May 20th and May 21st. Let's not forget the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry event on June 5th with the Words @ Play program. I hope I still have air in my lungs by the weekend of June 7th to attend the Sox game on June 8th.

And to think I thought I would be relaxing between April and July. Didn't happen.

There is also a book in production with O.B.I, and a few new projects from other authors during the summer of 2008 including, Loving Your Life.

I'm excited to say I will be attending a wedding of a friend in August 2008 in St. Louis, MO so that's going to be very nice. I cannot wait to see my friend and her fiancee seal the deal. It's such a beautiful thing to see black love in motion. It still exists folks.

Well, right now, I need to get ready to go to the Career Fair at Senn High School. I will be working with teen girls, some pregnant or young mothers. The workshop will focus on self love, self care and self worth through reflection and creative expressions. I hope they get a lot out of it, I am just excited to be with 25-30 women to dialogue about life and their world.

Don't forget to hug your mom, your sister, or your daughter's this weekend. This is a wonderful weekend to remember Mother's who are now in God's cloud of love. This is a time to enjoy mother's and what they bring to the world. Never forget to enjoy your Mom's while they are still in your world.

I am wishing you many blessings.

Mocha Sistah

Many Things

It's been a while, so I thought I'd post something....here you go. An update of sorts. I'm working on balance (a constant thing with me...) There's never a shortness of work with me. Things are bursting all over but as far as balancing it out in real life, I have to do a mental check and make sure I am not shorting my self or my family. That's the most important thing for me.

It's been a quiet saturday, and yes, I'm late on my taxes. I normally don't even sweat it cause I know I will owe money because I am self employed and yes, that means my lil stimulus check will be applied to any owed taxes. In fact that works for me big time. Unfortunately us self employed folks have to pay out of pocket fees because of the way we are paid (untaxed dollars) but in general terms I am okay with it. At least I can sleep at night when I know I am able to work my schedule the way I want it and it flows right that I don't have to hit the grind 24/7 or work unlimited hours at a 9 to 5. My grind is my grind. 3 years gone by and I'm still standing (yeah yeah yeah). On to other things.

The next few months are huge for me in terms of exposure and community re-connections. I am performing a few times between April and June, and of course I am teaching community after school programs in parks and schools. I will be at the Romance Slam Jam, Senn & Simpson High Schools, and performing at the Chicago Park Library on two occasions. I also will be traveling to St. Louis to participate as a vendor in a Literacy Book Festival with fellow authors in the St. Louis, Missouri area. I'll try to post something so everyone can be aware of where I'm at. You can also checkout my show listings at www.myspace.com/dapoetess.

Writing grants is my new hobby. I finished up a grant a few weeks ago and I'm working on one for the Neighborhood Arts Grant. I'm hoping to get approved by the ASM folks by Summer 2008. If not, I may go back to the private sector for a few weeks during the summer. I am helping a few folks get their businesses off the ground and doing some consulting with other authors and publishers. Summer 2008 I might be able to get to the Harlem Book Fair for it's 10 year anniversary with my author Onika Pascal.

Yes, I know I said I'm slowing down and it's true. I have a special someone in my life who is my inspiration for such enjoyment of real life off the 'net. That's a good thing too. As I creep up towards my 40th year on this earth I am always reminded everything is not always about words, baby poets, teaching poetry or staying busy as a writer and publisher.

I plan to move into a new phase of my life, to include relationships, having a family, and maybe marriage. But I'll let God work all those details out. You know with me, you never know. I am extremely grateful though. As I think about the last few months of things that I had to deal with, I am happy that I can even breath and still know that God is who he is and that he's allowed me to exist in the space I do without drama and health issues. I am extremely favored and I will say it out loud, "thank you lord."

Many things continue to pull me in many directions, I know that I'm coming soon to a phase of life where things will be more simplicist. I cannot wait for that. It's not always about the "mocha sistah" thing either. Sooner or later I'll have to take a year off and just be 'pam' and I'm okay with that.

Anyway, I bid you adieu for the moment. I hope you have a nice weekend and enjoy whatever it is that makes your soul sing.

Mocha Sistah

Inspire Higher Feature: Author Lily L. Ratiff - 03/15/08 Show

Author Lily L. Ratliff took out some time to share with the Musings Report on her book, The Life of a Lily. Please open your minds and souls to get to know this anionted woman of God through literary verses and more!

1) What compelled you to write your book? I was awakened one late night in 2001, led to write down all that God wanted to share with me. In that time of reflection and self-discovery, one of the things that God shared with me was to write my testimony. It first started as a diary/journal until 2004.

2) What was your inspiration to write the book? In 2005, tragedy struck when my brother was killed by gunfire. It had already occurred to me that I was ready to turn my diary/journal to a full fledge book, but that terrible circumstance opened up a whole new chapter in which to write about.

3) What was the major themes that you explored in your writings? Adoption and the Foster Care System, Domestic Violence, Infidelity, Depression, Tuberculosis

4) How long did you know you were given the gift of writing through verse? Since 2001

5) What should people know about this book and how to apply it to God's words through their own lives? Relevant corresponding scriptures are in the book that people can go to for a reference study and/or to self reflect. Every time I approached different circumstances in the book, that for some people could be deemed as taboo or would otherwise be considered as “airing your dirty laundry,” God’s word is then placed for people to gather a sense of His promise to us as believers who have once fallen short, but can then regain His provision of a better tomorrow.

6) What makes this book stands out as a unique book in your writing genre? This book is very unique. Not too many people can or will tell a story and open up their hearts like an open book. Most non-fiction inspirational books only give stories from the bible and relevant scripture and try to relate it to our everyday “now” lives (not saying those books are neither meaningful nor powerful for what many need). However, my book brings home experiences that many can relate to for today, experiences that many people are afraid to share or admit to others. This book is like a mini-diary that people can look at themselves just like looking at a mirror. So many people will not only be able to relate, but see that no matter what you go through, God has an answer for it.


7) Where can people purchase the book? People can purchase by book via my website, http://www.thelifeofalily.com/ or http://www.cushcity.com/. After April 8th, everyone will be able to purchase the book at any book retailer near them, and online retailers, such as Amazon, Wal-mart, Borders, and Barnes and Nobles.

8) Do you have any upcoming events? Friday, March 21st, I will be at Nubian Bookstore in Atlanta, GA from 4:30-7:30 P.M. signing my books. Saturday, March 22nd, I will be at the All-Alumni Step Show at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta, 7:00P.M. as a vendor, selling and signing my books as well as introducing my business, “Everything That’s Lily, LLC”: inspirational jewelry with a message of Christ. April 4th-6th, I will be going to Dayton, OH, invited to a gospel play called, Pleading My Case. During the intermission, I will be selling and signing my books. April 8th is the release date of my book. April 19th-book release party (time and place forthcoming.) May 16-18th, I will be in Houston, Texas as a participating author at the National Black Book Festival-hosted by Cushcity.com.

(Check out http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/ and http://www.cushcity.com/ for more information about the festival and to purchase a copy of the book!)

9) What do you want people to know about you as a writer?

My passion as a writer extends into ministry for people who have lost hope, or feel that their dreams of ever succeeding in life are far fetched. The devil knows how to put a limit on your goals and desires, but there’s no limit on what God can do. Writing the book, The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love displays the prime example of how one woman, who was given the command to tell her testimony, took years to complete it, but not by accident. God’s timing is not like ours. I am a writer that is pragmatic and can take the word of God and apply it on so many different levels for different individuals going through different situations, but all coming to one conclusion: God said, “My brother, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing….Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:2-4, 12). So even though it may have taken a while to publish this book according to society’s norms, according to God, is was right on time! God’s word is for his people right now!

Come join InspireHigher co-host Premonitions and I as we discuss Self-Love, Redemption and God's Grace on Saturday, March 15, 2008 with Author Lily L. Ratliff. Log on to www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz at 10: 30 AM Central Standard Time/11:3o AM Eastern Standard Time.

We urge readers to purchase her inspirational book which you can apply to any area of your life. God Bless and keep our sister of the verse.

Pam Osbey

Host, Inspire Higher Radio Show

Saluting an Oklahoma Favorite: Author Lucinda Thierry

Oklahoma native Lucinda Thierry will be our featured author on Literary Pizzazz on Monday, February 11, 2008 @ 7PM CST TIME.

Lucinda Marie Thierry is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism & Broadcasting (Public Relations emphasis) and a minor in Spanish. As a college student, she wrote for the campus newspaper and received a Third Place Award for a Newspaper Series from the Southwest Journalism Congress. She also served on the university's Board of Student Publications. Lucinda works as a civilian courseware developer and trainer for the Air Force, and she serves as an enlisted mass communication specialist for the Navy Reserve. She is also an Air University graduate of Air Command & Staff College. Additionally, she owns Made By Me - parent company to Made By Me Greeting Cards, R.C.'s Art (her son's illustration business) and Beads By D. (her daughter's bead business). Made By Me Greeting Cards specializes in hand-made cards with calligraphic lettering and personalized poetry. Made By Me also offers a travel website where you can search all your travel needs with just one click, eliminating the need to utilize multiple search engines to find the best price. Just go to http://lucindathierry.worldventures.com.

Lucinda has been published in many civilian and military newspapers, magazines and online publications as a respected journalist. Just google Lucinda Thierry, and you can read some of her work.

Salutations, Christian Poems for Various Occasions is a compilation of poems written for clients from Lucinda Marie Thierry's Made By Me Greeting Cards business.

Are you big on holidays? Have you ever wanted to say something special to a friend but couldn’t find the right
words? Maybe birthdays are your forte, or you’ve tried your hand at poetry a time or two. Well, this is the book for you. There is a poem for just about every occasion, and you can even sketch out ideas of your own inside this very book. Whether greeting a friend, saying happy birthday to a relative or co-worker, or sending someone off at a farewell party, you’ll have an array of expressions to choose from.

So, before you put pen to paper or plan your next party, flip through the pages of this book. It just might inspire you.

To order books, email Lucinda Marie Thierry at made_by_me_creativity.yahoo.com. The cost is $10 per book. Add $3.99 postage and handling for the first book and $0.99 for each additional book purchased.

Excerpt

Longevity is a blessing
Allowing for another year to grow
We go from glory to glory
A truth that you’ve come to know
We hope you’ll enjoy this birthday
A blessing from God to you
We pray you’ll celebrate the next one
With the unified book club crew

Black History Month Thoughts - FAMILY

Hello everyone,

It's that time again. I am posting my very first voice blog. Listen and post any comments as necessary.

I hope this month helps to strengthen the black race as a whole and continues throughout the year.

Reply | Copy This

Mocha Sistah

Literary Pizzazz introduces Mark Tomback

Our featured guest on Monday, January 28, 2008 will be Mark Tomback. His book Spiriting Around: A Modern Guide to Finding Yourself. Its theme is life’s too hard but easier when we accept spiritual responsibility. Written with teens in mind it’s really for anyone. It’s a guidebook for growing up and who couldn’t use that—at any age. It describes work and responsible ways to make money.Then love: marriage, sex, friendship, and love for God—all from a spiritual standpoint. Then a unique chapter explains the paradoxes life forces on us as we make the compromises that frame our values. And the last chapter comes full circle describing God—and our future—in practical realistic terms.

Visit the author's site www.spiritingaround.com for more details on his book. Tune to his show on Literary Pizzazz, 01/28/08 by logging on to www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz.

Literary Pizzazz Introduces Author Brian Lynch

Our second author of the year...is Brian Lynch. He is an author, radio host, and entrepreneur. His company Valson Writings, Inc., connects readers, writers, and other literary entrepreneurs.

Here's a little about him.

Brian O Lynch was born to Valerie Lynch a single mom in 1971. His deep conviction of relationships was deeply rooted by his Christian background. As a young boy he was taught the basic principles of what a relationship should be. Migrating to the United States in his late teens he was soon influenced by the wrong ideas and had soon turned to practices contrary to his Christian belief. Thanks to his mom and the spirit of God working through both of them he was set on the right path again. His deep convictions were once renewed into his way of life. Assuredly no one is perfect so over the years he has learned valuable lessons when he turned away from God. His Passion to find a relationship of love, romance and the quality of life has driven him to get deeper in the subject of relationship. He credits the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the source of his knowledge. His writings are based partially on his own relationship experiences and of numerous researches that were carefully conducted over the years. His passion to see a better life for single mothers was also a strong inspiration for his writings. His greatest hope is as you read his writings you will allow it to point out where you are in seeking your relationship of love, romance and a better quality of life.

Tune in to Brian's show "Quality of Life" on Blog Talk Radio.

Visit his site Valson Writings to connect, network, etc.

His interview on Literary Pizzazz is Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

Literary Pizzazz features author Nikkea Smithers

It's that time again. We have been off the air for 2 weeks! We return with awesome author and poetess Nikkea Smithers who has crafted her novel, Keith's Story.

Keith’s Story is the long awaited prequel and sequel to the underground hit novel Gold Diggin’ Raped, abandoned, homeless and pimped (all before the age of 18) Keith is battling in a war with his mind vs. his heart. In part one, Keith is shown just how strong a young man can be when faced with challenges that are beyond his realm of control. Enduring more than a child should ever have to, Keith runs through life with the robust desire to just survive. What Keith doesn’t understand is, what is done in the dark must come to the light, no matter how long it takes for the day to break. In part two Keith must answer to his past (which may tear his new family apart) and face earth shattering revelations. Questions are answered as new relationships unfold. Taking stage after he has moved to a new town with his new wife and daughter, part two exposes him in a way he never thought was possible. Keith’s Story is raw, uncut and unapologetic. Jump in the passenger seat of this fast paced story as told by the lead character and let it take you away!

Visit the author's website @ http://ausetausarproductions.net/


Tune in to the show next Monday January 14th @ 8 PM CST TIME
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/literarypizzazz

Call into the show -- 646-478-5460 and hear her LIVE!!!! ASK QUESTIONS and FIND OUT HER INSPIRATIONS AS A WRITER and MORE!