Broken Down to be Lifted Up!

Yesterday, before the launch party of my debut book, one of my Ganny's close friends called me to get the directions to the location. I was literally on my way, riding in the car, explaining how to get there to her and she says, "I'll see you soon. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Your grandmother would've been so proud." 

In that moment, like no other, it hit me that she was gone! I was overwhelmed with grief and sad! I couldn't stop the tears from forming in my eyes. I attempted to stop them from flowing down my freshly made-up face but all I could do was shut my eyes. My Ganny would've been either riding with me or my parents to the event to help me in any way she could have! She would've been dressed to the Nine's, prancing around like only she could, beaming with joy as she made her rounds of being, "the Grandmother of a published author." 

Within, almost, an instant though; I was comforted. It was nothing but God that got me through the remainder of the car ride. I dabbed at my eyes, so I wouldn't have to explain to my brother or boyfriend why I was crying before we arrived. That would have only made me cry more as my boyfriend is just like my mama...wants to know what's wrong to fix it. I remembered that my Ganny was and still is a Lion! She was eloquent and she didn't step out looking any way but magnificent so I couldn't arrive puffy-eyed, stuffy, and (for a lack of better words) ugly! I got it together and the launch was, in my opinion, a success! Her friend was right! She would have been proud and I'll always remember to honor her legacy as I continue on this journey....chin up, shoulders back, walking upright, perfect posture, UPLIFTED, well-spoken, eye contact, polite and kind, with a smile! 

xoxo, 

Here's the photo I took right after to deter my own thoughts and any questions about my excessive eye dabbing:

Response to Challenge

I was challenged by a dear friend and colleague. I hardly get to respond to challenges, either because I don't know how to post videos, or I'm simply behind on the deadline! This challenge, however, is relevant in the launch of my debut book this upcoming Sunday so I had to make it happen! The rules of the challenge are to name ten books that have stayed with you in some way once reading them. Don't take more than a few minutes and don't think too hard. They don't have to be massive works of literature just ones that worked for you. This was hard but here it goes: 

1. Single Girl Gems by Khrystian Nichole Cunningham (Well, duh, it's my debut nonfiction novel! My baby!)

2. Lil' Mamas Rules by Sheneska Jackson (Chilling, real-life, and surprised the heck out of me. I read this in like fifth grade. I still think of this book at least once a month)

3. Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Soldier (It was relevant during my junior year of college. The author came for a college tour and spoke on her book, autographed it, and it's been a go-to ever since) 

4. Fly Girl by Omar Tyree (Made me want to write. First male author I'd read that had a relatable voice for me) 

5. Blessings by Sheneska Jackson (Another one of those, "I'm in fifth grade reading grown folks books" books. Wonderful voice and made me want to write more and surprise my audience with more than one story line) 

6. Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life by Donald Trump (Inspired me to have an active voice and to get my money, kick ass and take names!)

7. The Conversation by Hill Harper (A book that engulfed me to take my blog and writing to another level and actually publish it.) 

8. Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillian (Again...I was too grown in elementary school and I loved the four different story lines. This book, if nothing else, proved I was a speed reader with a high IQ and adult understanding)

9. Nervous by Zane (I loved that this book brought to LIFE the need for mental illnesses to be addressed in literature in a "fiction" way. It inspired me to leave my mind wide open for the possibilities of story lines and that I can take my audience ANYWHERE!)

10. The Babysitters Club (entire series) by Ann M. Martin (I'm SO much a fan of this series, I'd still read them today. I won't give my collection away, and this club inspired me, along with my parents, to start my first business in like the second grade!)

Go figure! 

I challenge you to write out your most inspiring collection of books and share them as well....

Just About Sums it Up

You a bad girl and your friends bad too, oh! We got the swag sauce, she drippin' swagu

I may be young, but I'm ready to give you all my love. I told my girls you can get it

Don't slow it down, just let it go

So in love, I'll give it all away

Just don't tell nobody tomorrow. So tonight I'll do it every way. Speakers knockin' till the morning light

'Cause we like to party

Your touch is driving me crazy. I can't explain the way I feel top down with the radio on and the night belongs to us

Just hold me close, don't let me go

So in love I don't care what they say

I don't care if they talking tomorrow

Cause tonight's the night Oh Oh Oh Oh

That I give you everything

Music knockin' till the morning light

Cause we like to party!

Book Launch

Days away from the anticipated Cupcakes and Conversation!! September 21, 2014 at 10801 West Park Dr. Houston, TX 77042 from 4pm to 6pm

5th Grade Tales

My favorite-

5th grader: Ms. Cunningham, I need to go to the bathroom really bad; it's an emergency and I can't hold it!! (grabbing at themselves)

Me: Okay, no problem. Get the pass, write the accurate time, and that's what you'll owe me before lunch.

5th grader: Oh wait! I don't have to go. I'll wait. 

Me:😠 Get to the restroom😎

Ignorance is NOT Bliss

You either want to work or you don't. If a person asks you a question about something you said you could do, and you've yet to produce should you two continue the transaction? 

If it's your "business", shouldn't be able to meet deadlines? 

If you're trained and skilled on a speciality shouldn't you be able to multi-task without complaint, frustration, or remiss?

If it's your "passion" and interest shouldn't you be able to create from nothing, produce spectacular works, and manufacture more than enough output? 

Perhaps if you can't; it's not your calling or perhaps; if you can't do the above mentioned, you're just LAZY.  You think? 

Time Management

Who has the time to worry about others?

If you're doing what you're supposed to be doing at all times you wouldn't have room to discuss, concern yourself, or stress your little mind out about other people. 

"Get a life and get some business!" That's what you have to reiterate to people that are constantly "fishing" or bringing issues to light or creating difficulties that don't concern them. 

Trust me; it's exhausting not minding your own affairs and business. Use your time WISELY! I can't stress that enough. When you get behind on things or when things aren't working out for you...just know it could be because you're spending way TOO much time lurking, eyeballing, counting, worrying, or keeping up with other people! Geesh!

GET BUSY! Work SMARTER, not harder! Manage YOUR time wisely and keep your house in order.