tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75599661638310131672024-03-05T12:27:50.686-05:00A Golden Life: The Blog Home of Author Claudia MossA Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-17652616359262643342012-07-05T05:49:00.000-04:002012-07-05T14:20:35.522-04:00Five Ways to Win My Heart<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. To enter the golden gateway to my heart, my lady love must be considerate, thoughtful, compassionate and generous. Respect and self-love should be enviable parts of her innate make-up. No pretending or sending a representative to be a "model" soul, until she unsheathes her true self. I don't want her to lose herself in trying to please me. She should know herself. I desire a gentlewoman, one who is not only gentle with herself but with me, others and definitely those who can never repay her kindness. I'm no longer in a combative mode thinking the worst about a person or a situation. I'm faithful, and want her to be the same. I trust that everything is already just fine, is as it should be, and if it isn't, it will be when I bring the quiet stillness of spirit to any uncertainty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 2. My lover has to match my adventurous spirit and want to see the world with me, whether that world is the beauty of discovering American states and cities or the mystical wonders of the globe. Beside her, I want to taste the cuisine of life, to smile and shimmy at strange, new dishes and pucker our faces and words when those dishes are discordant melodies of yuck. She's got to be game, not squeamish, for the unknown. A trailblazer, not a complainer. Filled with a joie de vivre, my lady and I will cultivate oneness in love to encourage one another to great heights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. I want passion. Give me, Universe, a deep-running river of "you satisfy a visceral place within me, Baby, and together, we can accomplish the impossible dream." Our passion will fuel our every day experiences, and nothing will ever be the same. The simple art of reading, when we read to one another in the middle of the night, can be foreplay with passion. I want to be passionate about everything about her, and she me; I can already appreciate her voice, her excitement at what makes me shiver in the reading, the revelation of story, and what types of stories take me their and appreciate what happens when two experience life and stories together. In all that we undertake in our love affair, I want the two of us to become one in more ways than being engaged in glorious sex. She should hypnotize me with her walk, her thoughts, her touch, her stare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. Humor is a mainstay, a balm, a bridge over troubled water. If she can make me howl with laughter, she can melt my heart, even if it's iced over from something she did or something out of her control. Laughter has the medicinal ability to turn tides and to win wars. Humor requires a certain charm and natural intelligence and a captivating way of seeing the world. Possessing these qualities, my lady love will be able to stand with me in any wind, in the lee of our love, and bend and sway like a tender tree. Humor will allow us to experience life with a heart beating with optimism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5. She must love music, especially the music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. With the love of music must come the joy and bliss of dancing and dancing with me. Life is too fabulous to dwell in the doldrums. I want her to know the power of music and dance to fall deeper into the Present, to lift us and transcend us to other worlds and times. This love of music and dance can also include learning to appreciate these arts from other countries. She should understand the language of music and dance to make love vertically, to be sensual foreplay that leaves us sweating and wholly captivated with the other long before we recline in the others embrace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />Living a Golden Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TheGoldenGoddess</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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</script></div>A Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-75766909394347107542012-07-04T01:20:00.000-04:002012-07-04T01:20:18.702-04:00On Claude Moss, Sr. retiring...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On Tuesday morning, June 26, 2012, in Patterson Hall Atrium in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, & Allied Health, at 11:30 a.m., my beloved, hard-working father, Claude Moss, Sr., 80 years young, retired from Tuskegee University. He is 80 years young, lively, sharp, witty, spiritual, intelligent and a dynamic orator. My father began his Tuskegee University experience on June 17, 1975, as the Necropsy Technician in the Department of Pathology & Parasitology (now Pathobiology). He served with "dedicated excellence" in this position for 42 years. </div>
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As a sidebar, I graduated from Tuskegee Institute High School in 1976. My father's position allowed me to attend Tuskegee Institute (the school's name at the time) for half price, which was a blessing to me and our family. The other half of my tuition was covered more than adequately by scholarships I won for maintaining a 4.0 academic average throughout my studies, which culminated in me matriculating with Highest Honors in the School of Education as an English Education major. </div>
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When I look back on my life, I realize how invaluable and instrumental my father was for a major part of my success. He possesses "stick-tuitiveness," resolve, fortitude, honor, dedication and long-suffering. Claude Moss, Sr. is a man who did what was before him to do, no matter what. And I am grateful to be his daughter, a twin to my brother, Claude Jr., who is seemingly a polar opposite of me yet we are one. My father named me Claudia. Wanting me to be named after my great-grandmother, Claudie, yet desiring to up-dated the treasured name, he settled on the name Claudia, a classic, spit-shined version of Miss Claudie!</div>
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My mother, Clementine Young, married my father after her graduation from Tennessee State and their union was blessed with 6 children. She made her transition when I was in the ninth grade at Tuskegee Institute High School. Later, my father took Gladys Levett as his wife and was blessed again with three more children. From my 9 siblings, my father has 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren...and counting! My siblings are Diane, Claude, Jr., Bernadette, Glenda, Athera Everlener, Lorenzo, Delton and Katarina.</div>
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Daddy served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955, after which he was honorably discharged. While serving his country, he fought in the Korean War. During that time, he had his fill of water and will not cross it to this day, which postpones our fabulous foray into Hawaii! Yet we remain hopeful!</div>
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Educated in the Macon County School System, Mr. Moss is a faithful, beloved member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where he serves on the Deacon Board.</div>
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He is an inspiration to me, my family and a plethora of others!</div>
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(L to R) My sister Bernadette "Chicken or Bernie" Stitts, my Aunt Marion and my older sister, Diane Moss</div>
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(L to R) My lovely nieces, Whitney McCall and Dr. Jeannette McCall, Dr. of Physical Therapy, Diane's two daughters. They have a brother, Kenny McCall.</div>
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( L to R) Entrepreneur Glenda P. Halcromb, Whitney, Bernadette, Jeannette, Diane and Aunt Marion </div>
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Sister Glenda snapping IPad pictures at the Tuskegee Institute retirement celebration.</div>
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Gladys and Daddy enjoying the distinguished ceremony.</div>
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Diane smiling for the camera!</div>
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Me!! Claudia posing for the flash!</div>
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Mikyla and Mann, my adorable niece and nephew, behaving themselves at the ceremony! They are my baby sister Katrina and her beloved Q's children.</div>
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Dr. Fredrick E. Tippett, Head of the Department of Pathobiology, honors my father with gifts.</div>
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My father was honored with June 26, 2012 as Claude Moss, Sr. day in Tuskegee Institute, AL. In addition, he received Keys to the City. The only other family member I know of who received such an honor was my cousin, Douglass Moss, who, posthumously, received a day in his honor in Massachusetts, when he was laid to rest last year.<br />
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Claude Moss, Sr. delivers a moving, humorous and loving presentation to say THANK YOU! I am a speaker today, because my father is one of the most outstanding speakers I know...outside of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<br />
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Sisters Glenda and Bernie and Auntie Marion smile for my cell phone!!</div>
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My sister Stephanie gives us a pretty laugh along with my adorable niece!</div>
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WE LOVE YOU, DADDY!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR PROTECTOR, MENTOR AND FATHER!</div>
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Living a Golden Life,</div>
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July 4, 2012</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7NJpcFrOswUX8DtY4LEr3dCcCar3BDzNTNQGhkHvcicM8ETiP8ctaDrORpt6IokGWeQYzHNAXSxQEICC9iGmiwOsJSnaPdA49EesGBy1g35nZDCxK0xr-vjmpwY-eOhuYFXhm3J1jQF-/s1600/Yeah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7NJpcFrOswUX8DtY4LEr3dCcCar3BDzNTNQGhkHvcicM8ETiP8ctaDrORpt6IokGWeQYzHNAXSxQEICC9iGmiwOsJSnaPdA49EesGBy1g35nZDCxK0xr-vjmpwY-eOhuYFXhm3J1jQF-/s320/Yeah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am blessed that the Divine has seen fit for me to witness the conjugal bliss of two very special ladies, two beautiful brides, Terri Holley and Cynthia Philips. I photographed their love in a ceremony I shall long remember. The love they share is timeless, awe-inspiring.</div>
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Terri's smile brightens any space, brings warmth and beauty and rivals even sparkling, ornate chandelier lights. Cynthia gazes upon her face and suddenly love is defined...without words.</div>
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I call this shot "The Cake Kiss," for any morsel shared on the lips of lovers is by far sweeter and more sacred than light piercing the darkest night.</div>
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This one is "The Embrace," for how could it be otherwise? To hold and be held takes on a whole new meaning when no one loves you better than she....</div>
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Every story is a love story at heart....including theirs, including yours and including mine. And so it is. When I see this picture and others, I think if Celine Dion's song and her words about being in a space where dreams and shadows play.</div>
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Today and always, I will live the love in my heart, speak the words in my soul and walk where the fearless refuse to go.</div>
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Loving Terri and Cynthia~~</div>
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Living a Golden Life,</div>
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My knee-baby sister, Miss Glenda, is a whiz at making something out of nothing! She's creative, hilarious, intelligent, generous, sweet and business-minded. The chick has always been an entrepreneur, discovering many years ago that she simply wasn't one for punching another's clock. Glenda Pearl is the first person in our immediate family to open her own store. If you are ever in Stockbridge, GA, go in and tell her TheGoldenGoddess said HELLO!</div>
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She is the person to know for all of your embroidery needs. With a visionary eye, she can create any art you can clearly describe. Need school or workplace uniforms? She's got you! Need screen printing on family reunion shirts and other paraphernalia? She's got you! Got a Stepping or Motorcycle Club and need a unique logo on your gear? Miss Halcromb has YOU! And I know I am overlooking the 1,000 other services she provides, but I'm just her writing sister, giving her a SHOUT-OUT on my blog! I mean, really, what do I know?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g4Gp9L0qmmjHI4Zyg7MbjSugTRv0rjxVp60jtkInhz_mdJj_OfkvPESRwxuvBXDSvbm71Tk5LRg3G1pZ2alDHgNnVkuVkFhfkB-cU_MkvPwCTAIMk6khnxwF_LTIcxyoa-Qph4x28vK6/s1600/Inside+GLEN'S+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g4Gp9L0qmmjHI4Zyg7MbjSugTRv0rjxVp60jtkInhz_mdJj_OfkvPESRwxuvBXDSvbm71Tk5LRg3G1pZ2alDHgNnVkuVkFhfkB-cU_MkvPwCTAIMk6khnxwF_LTIcxyoa-Qph4x28vK6/s320/Inside+GLEN'S+store.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a view inside her store!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a_lTUCfckSCNnzzp0Fo2xbF-mtLZsT-lM19jxuS0jLkUVvJu1ubGyOWB5nLq30GYlNqRIcW6NzeE7oRMY2GiEAxnIHXODFgaN5lazlFw_WOzAka3emvG4lwKsf3uTwGND6a_eKBCsO6-/s1600/Inside+GLEN's+store2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a_lTUCfckSCNnzzp0Fo2xbF-mtLZsT-lM19jxuS0jLkUVvJu1ubGyOWB5nLq30GYlNqRIcW6NzeE7oRMY2GiEAxnIHXODFgaN5lazlFw_WOzAka3emvG4lwKsf3uTwGND6a_eKBCsO6-/s320/Inside+GLEN's+store2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you visit, you will be greeted by Debra, her fabulous assistant, who provides SUPERB SERVICE with a smile!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p9duQeewNpRb3ova2YzxVbdjDB_jC126vG0jhjPaOynQjVpEeEZUmR8ItopJ9Gh-62nbpL05XnF0-M84Xy978jcprcyYm4oDbCNGDFdCYaHuUuOHo_epF3l8QioAOVAcFsl8ZOP1-0VR/s1600/Glenda+and+Bernie+in+front+of+Glen's+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p9duQeewNpRb3ova2YzxVbdjDB_jC126vG0jhjPaOynQjVpEeEZUmR8ItopJ9Gh-62nbpL05XnF0-M84Xy978jcprcyYm4oDbCNGDFdCYaHuUuOHo_epF3l8QioAOVAcFsl8ZOP1-0VR/s320/Glenda+and+Bernie+in+front+of+Glen's+store.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is Glenda Pearl and our sister Bernadette, our entrepreneur/beautician/barber sister, who is a MASTER BARBER!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpDOHf3tkyLmbUI6AQ0hpZGqKZM-sQY42CEQ3AMxBt-L53w9j91Wc81f5HFLDT0uXne4ZSi5VcnwPan3IfeDG4xRvz-78cnpgFeoMqMwwqLV1Ege3D1edqQF3ulKFNmpqJI5CT32-fnc/s1600/Happy+Glenda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpDOHf3tkyLmbUI6AQ0hpZGqKZM-sQY42CEQ3AMxBt-L53w9j91Wc81f5HFLDT0uXne4ZSi5VcnwPan3IfeDG4xRvz-78cnpgFeoMqMwwqLV1Ege3D1edqQF3ulKFNmpqJI5CT32-fnc/s320/Happy+Glenda.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Miss Glenda is the epitome of fun! She will have you laughing throughout your visit to her store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSoFQDkjnaPvtsT0BdLJwNuHHElS0BplkexOr62WKECJK43HrtA-_RFMMAaPl-_pYGx8DtfUFWnCffX_XTPvJS5IP7_ZIkpVkxG32AqSPwl1B67uJtnzqXQ_D5f6mrW-69U2o06MptYpP/s1600/Glenda+in+the+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSoFQDkjnaPvtsT0BdLJwNuHHElS0BplkexOr62WKECJK43HrtA-_RFMMAaPl-_pYGx8DtfUFWnCffX_XTPvJS5IP7_ZIkpVkxG32AqSPwl1B67uJtnzqXQ_D5f6mrW-69U2o06MptYpP/s320/Glenda+in+the+window.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Miss Glenda P. on a cruise last year! Goodness knows, they should have paid her! She was the LIFE of the ship!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKUEfV0E5yGqiDsal9F380ADFQyt3VWapWnKPV8BprRtoABX-2o9BEib_oMdgOX-5QiZwfdOiJavTU2Fp7VDkPQPB43uMHiCdZ2Vec-KW98jjzGcfFDlmEC7pM7m9J5fwbqcEoPdQh7Fq/s1600/GLEN'S+STORE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKUEfV0E5yGqiDsal9F380ADFQyt3VWapWnKPV8BprRtoABX-2o9BEib_oMdgOX-5QiZwfdOiJavTU2Fp7VDkPQPB43uMHiCdZ2Vec-KW98jjzGcfFDlmEC7pM7m9J5fwbqcEoPdQh7Fq/s320/GLEN'S+STORE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Embroidery MossWear International<br />
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Step out on FAITH and live the Golden Life you were meant to live!<br />
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TheGoldenGoddess</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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This is the gorgeous quilt that my sister made as a retirement gift for our father, Mr. Claude Moss, Sr. A version of my poem is in the middle of the creation. Pictures of my family and our siblings come before and after the poem.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Measure of a Man</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Retirement is a time in a man’s life when the world dictates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We measure him by the life we think he’s led,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So we say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The true measure of a man is how tall he stands <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Above his peers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many treasures his storehouse holds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To determine his weight in riches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many bonds and funds his accounts boast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many possessions he’s amassed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet others argue his credibility<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lies in the races he’s won and the places he’s been,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who he knows and the brands he can afford and recommend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be that as it may,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Truth rises like mist before us on a steamy summer day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The true measure of a man is what he believes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How he opens to the Divine manifesting in his every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It lies in who he gives a helping hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because he knows the poor, dubbed the least of us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">are among God’s chosen too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, the true measure of a man lies in whether he leaves the
world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Better than he finds it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether he walks up to fear and embraces those deeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That buckle his knees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The true measure of a man is whether he allows <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His Heaven Within to guide his steps without.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When judged by a spiritual yardstick,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A man knows the world’s judgment is tolerated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But never needed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For if he has walked by faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The greatest part of him, as unseen as breath,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whispers, “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well Done,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that man walks among men showered in a Grace <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That springs not from this place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">©<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claudia Moss<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6/29/2012</span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8ZY5-e5jrzret7Bk1PKntb4Gucyp454fYmR4OXdrmCQO5JeVbngcHpcL9ImMEaMrDdZ_1rIGE7ZTRrPmxrMf49VMJzRmE6Y2ZB3GaDk_dANWo_fna1d0Wngc1gvhDkCMr_8AwvpXbpQj/s1600/Another+example+of+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8ZY5-e5jrzret7Bk1PKntb4Gucyp454fYmR4OXdrmCQO5JeVbngcHpcL9ImMEaMrDdZ_1rIGE7ZTRrPmxrMf49VMJzRmE6Y2ZB3GaDk_dANWo_fna1d0Wngc1gvhDkCMr_8AwvpXbpQj/s320/Another+example+of+quilt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a lovely quilt that my knee-baby sister made for a customer to commemorate the love of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother!</div>
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The quilts can be purchased at my Glenda P. Halcromb's store, EMBROIDERY MossWear International in Stockbridge, GA.</div>
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Live a Golden Life</div>
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TheGoldenGoddess</div>
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July 1, 2012</div>
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</script></div>A Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-14271830881904526382012-06-07T00:57:00.002-04:002012-06-07T00:57:54.432-04:00Jo Linsdell: In the Book Spotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwErmsQ47Iu6srqhLyLiv1R3TkSfqisxhBmNe-86Dj6p76lFfk5FJjktOGyWksrOTzwSUE20sRL9cxKJtJMLsm3H8CgTikLKmU0aohXgRIorEFCW0PLQbWXcVJyC22TbF7GYhjv2nkXOrc/s1600/Profile_Pic_doNotRename14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwErmsQ47Iu6srqhLyLiv1R3TkSfqisxhBmNe-86Dj6p76lFfk5FJjktOGyWksrOTzwSUE20sRL9cxKJtJMLsm3H8CgTikLKmU0aohXgRIorEFCW0PLQbWXcVJyC22TbF7GYhjv2nkXOrc/s1600/Profile_Pic_doNotRename14.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">About the author:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Jo Linsdell is a freelance writer, author and illustrator. Originally from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">UK</st1:country-region>, she now lives in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy </st1:country-region></st1:place>with her husband and their two young sons.</div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Author website:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.jolinsdell.com/">www.JoLinsdell.com</a></span></span></o:p></div>
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I am delighted to welcome the lovely author, JO LINSDELL, to the blog home of the Golden Goddess. It is my pleasure to spotlight her latest release, OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgr_W1HOkf07R5VurFrd-NBltVwiGNqkkRBF0-IbBWG2Y2R8OBZF0RIRqAGjzovJfdPz4NOpeUid2qnworV6iVmg41hr588yJWtLnJ6W-t-BqEVl17aDOv-X2PKPKmsUq-c_ro3l55Caq/s1600/Tour+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgr_W1HOkf07R5VurFrd-NBltVwiGNqkkRBF0-IbBWG2Y2R8OBZF0RIRqAGjzovJfdPz4NOpeUid2qnworV6iVmg41hr588yJWtLnJ6W-t-BqEVl17aDOv-X2PKPKmsUq-c_ro3l55Caq/s320/Tour+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A multi-talented writer, Linsdell has not only written a fabulous read for our little angels, bus she has also illustrated it with warm, sweet-faced characters children are bound to love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpDtBOdiD__ogGYwNW5jkxRCtNzSjRG-7GNzOGJdRjqgjCLkASafaR9SbdtS14VDh5UgnJYEUIN9zOcNOOqJsM4fYPHyyQ5eQ2T0vhl0O8voilGO4JBHKzQR-9QVAfq2X56S1dwylxF3y/s1600/Promo+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpDtBOdiD__ogGYwNW5jkxRCtNzSjRG-7GNzOGJdRjqgjCLkASafaR9SbdtS14VDh5UgnJYEUIN9zOcNOOqJsM4fYPHyyQ5eQ2T0vhl0O8voilGO4JBHKzQR-9QVAfq2X56S1dwylxF3y/s320/Promo+banner.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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What better setting in which to charm the little ones than at the zoo! When my son was young, he adored our trips to the Atlanta Zoo, and your little angels, be they your children or the grandchildren or the neighbor's children, will love the memorable animal pals in the pages of this bright book.<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Rhyming
text and colourful pictures accompany this fun day out discovering different
animals at the zoo.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Release
Date:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> 1st June 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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details:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ISBN/EAN13: 1477446591 / 9781477446591<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Page Count: 32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Trim Size: 6" x 9"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Colour: Full Colour with Bleed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Out-about-at-zoo-Linsdell/dp/1477446591/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337772988&sr=1-2"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon.com</span></a>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-about-at-zoo-Linsdell/dp/1477446591/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337776253&sr=1-1"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon.co.uk</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.amazon.it/Out-about-at-zoo-Linsdell/dp/1477446591/ref=sr_1_1?s=english-books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337776610&sr=1-1"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon.it</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3874764"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">CreateSpace.com</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Contact details:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Email:
webmaster@jolinsdell.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Reviews:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">"</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This is a fun, short book for the grandkids! If you
love reading to your children or grandchildren, this book will become a family
favorite quite fast. The simple wording and bright interaction of characters
makes it easy for very young readers and exciting for toddlers still listening.<br />
<br />
Jo puts some serious thought into toddler reactions and includes those in the
book. My favorite part was the last page, because my toddlers decided
immediately that we needed to take a trip to the Denver Zoo. "Yay!!! I get
to see the elephants!" (Okay, that part was ME not them. </span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But
they get to go too.)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span class="gry"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span class="txtsmall"><span lang="IT" style="color: blue; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1NVJG463HRPD1/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 1pt windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;">Jan Verhoeff</span></span></a></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">5 Stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">"</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Out and About at the
Zoo by Jo Linsdell is a delightful story set in rhyme about a boy and his mum.
The two spend the day at the zoo and meet many animals along the way. Your
child will enjoy reading this book time and time again. The colorful
illustrations make this book a joy to read. Pick up a copy of this book and
share a day at the zoo memory with your little one". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">By Kate Mueller, Author of </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13624780-bella-s-birthday-surprise" title="Bella's Birthday Surprise"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bella's Birthday Surprise</span></a></span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">5 Stars </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">"</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Out And
About At The Zoo is a cute book that describes a child's memory filled trip to
the zoo. Are you heading to the zoo and you would like to tell your kids what
animals they will see there and what they might be doing? Then Out And About At
The Zoo would be a great choice. Easy to understand and easy for children to
read along with. It is filled with simple yet colorful pictures that even held
my one year old's attention!</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Would also make a good gift for young readers
who are just beginning to read!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="gry"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span class="txtsmall"><span lang="IT" style="color: blue; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A30DU0W4TMEZZH/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 1pt windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;">Virginia L. Jennings</span></span></a></span></span><span class="txtsmall"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, Author<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">5 Stars <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"What is your favorite
animal to see at the zoo? <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Author
and illustrator Jo Linsdell both describes and pictures a fun day at the zoo
that a young lad has with his mum. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>They
get to look at colorful parrots, tall giraffes, screaming monkeys, meat-eating
lions and tigers, striped zebras, scary crocodiles with big teeth, hopping
kangaroos, bathing hippos, and huge elephants. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>But how does the boy feel when it’s
time to go home? <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>How
would you feel?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Children love to visit the
zoo. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Our two boys certainly
did when they were little, and we still do even today. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Jo Linsdell is a freelance writer and
artist who is originally from the <st1:country-region w:st="on">United Kingdom</st1:country-region>
but now lives in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place>, with her husband and their
two young sons. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The rhyming
text and colorful pictures in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Out
and About at the Zoo</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>not only
make a truly fun story for children to read or have read to them and imagine
what it’s like, but will also help to familiarize them with the different kinds
of creatures that they will discover at the zoo when they do go".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By Wayne Walker, </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/"><span style="color: blue;">Home School
Book Review</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">4 Stars <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"I enlisted some help from my
daughter who turns three next month to write this review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After reading "Out and About at the
Zoo," to her, I asked if she liked the book. Her response: "I YOVE
it." (she can't pronounce "L's" very well yet but you get the
drift).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Caitlin has summed up everything you need
to know and there's not much more to add to her comment. Jo's book
is fun with cleverly rhyming text and is brightly illustrated.
Your littlies will love "Out and About at the Zoo."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">By <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/337820772"><span style="color: blue;">Pete Abela</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Strive to live a Golden Life each day,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
TheGoldenGoddess</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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</script></div>A Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-66332557812642735782012-05-21T22:16:00.001-04:002012-09-24T04:08:40.045-04:00Meet Me and Enjoy a Reading/Discussion in your own Home<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are all curious beings! We want to know how the other half lives and how they do what they do! I'll be honest. Peeking over into another person's life is enchanting to me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">And that is exactly what I'm inviting you to do on the last of this month. Come peep into mine! I'm calling this gala: "Meet Author Claudia Moss and Enjoy a Reading/Discussion as She Introduces Ms. Wanda B. Wonders!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It all happens on <a href="http://www.tinychat.com/">www.Tinychat.com</a>, a website that will allow you to view me, if your computer is relatively new and comes with built-in camera capabilities. I will be unable to see you, although you will be able to hear me and communicate with me by typing messages and comments in a box at the bottom of the video screen. How exciting is that!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The entire process has been streamlined for your convenience. Please follow these steps. First, on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at 7 p.m. EST, type the following web address into your browser, <a href="http://www.tinychat.com/claudiamoss">www.Tinychat.com/claudiamoss</a>. Once there, please type the password Clementine to enter my chat room. Next, you will be asked to select a method of sign-in authentication. Feel free to select Guest or one of the other methods, i.e., Facebook or Twitter. And that is all to it! No joining for the event.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd love for everyone to have at least 2 questions and comments! That will make for a satisfying discussion.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">During the gala, I will raffle off a copy of the Wanda B. series!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Isn't this an extraordinarily fabulous way to host and attend a reading/discussion within the comfort of your own home? It speaks to the magnanimity of technology and the possibilities that exist in an idea.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For those on Facebook, you can RSVP to attend the gala by going to my wall and accessing the event. Or leave me a comment on my fan page.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudia-Moss/128672370517015#"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNwZofwut83I-zQLNXMvTZLWV6uK4K89yIpwyjRH7nQ1n4mcDjOpXDdUMIgAIK-0spj085-Lfl9sLJfcjtX4pcUBxF2IW-ZRwf28e_bYPX4KmIcvkH5UxsLl2e-vB2moDPX8otrh4H98v/s320/Stone+Spanish+Stairway+Story+Starter....jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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PHOTO CREDIT FOR THIS PICTURE RESIDES WITH AUTHOR FIONA ZEDDE</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudia-Moss/128672370517015#">Click HERE to climb these stairs to my Facebook Fan Page</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd love to meet you on May 31, 2012! Drop in and let's appreciate the beauty of an online or virtual reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Living the Golden Life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Golden Goddess</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">May 21, 2012</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanda-Wonders-Speaks-Mind-ebook/dp/B005FHHIZI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337503217&sr=1-1">Wanda B. Speaks Her Mind</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Greetings, Everyone! I know it's been a while since I've visited my beloved blog and I know that is one of the cardinal poohs of any self-respecting writer but I do have fairly good reasons for my absence.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been preoccupied with my Thing to Do list! A good thing for anyone forging ahead with sincerity and intent. At the top of that list, for a while now, has been my goal of getting my Kindle books arrayed in professionally fascinating covers. Indeed, tis true! A book is judged by its cover. That is probably one of the first things e-book browsers judge on their way to determining whether or not they will read the work's description behind a quick peek at the price. At least that's what I do!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What about you?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to make sure Ms. Wanda B. gets her fair share of e-book appreciation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thus, my time has been spent consulting with my fabulously talented young Los Angeles-based artist, Mr. Lincoln Jude. He can be reached at <a href="http://www.parcstudyo.com/">www.parcstudyo.com</a> and <a href="mailto:info@parcstudyo.com">info@parcstudyo.com</a>. I assure you he is well worth your time and investment, if bringing your vision to a fascinating cover or website is what you desire.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not only am I having all of my e-books' covers redone, but also I am yet finishing the first draft of my latest romance novel, "Not Without Passion," in a rather inconsistent fashion although I watch it play out in my head continuously. More on that later!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I whittle away at the chores across my Bombay, glass-topped writing desk, a lovely something at which to complete any chore. I'm one of those writers who makes Mary Kay type lists that spawn other lists, until eventually I tick everything off....however many months that may take!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lately, I've been able to appreciate the top. Right now birds are tweeting outside my office windows. Their music is refreshing, nature's opera, a performance I'm usually too busy to appreciate at other times in the day. It's Sunday, 5:24 AM according to the clock on my computer screen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm writing this entry and enjoying the dregs of a cartoon Blue Bell Peaches & Homemade Vanilla ice cream. Yummy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sleep is summoning me down the hall to my boudoir so I shall obey! Until next time...MUAH!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And check <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanda-Wonders-Speaks-Mind-ebook/dp/B005FHHIZI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337503217&sr=1-1">Miss Wanda B. </a>out, if you haven't already! And leave a review on Amazon, if you've a mind! <i>Mira!</i> I've got a fabulous delight planned that will bring you into my office to meet the infamous lady! You will be able to see me as I read and share your questions and comments, which I will see on the computer screen. Don't want to give all of it away at one time, but I'll be back soon. <i>Te prometo! </i> I promise! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Living a Golden Life,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TheGoldenGoddess</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Welcome to the Author Home of Claudia Moss, the creator of Ms. Wanda B. Wonders!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To introduce Ms. Wonders to the world, I am elated to offer you a golden opportunity to meet her in the second book of the Wanda B. Wonders series, WANDA B. TAKES THE CAKE. The feisty Miss is available as a FREE e-book on Amazon from Tuesday, April 17, 2012, to Saturday, April 21, 2012.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRLMyaublYq264t9ooOal5P7NQdP2Z-ivmR_uYzQgiq_FVBhkAc11tswlOc5VGdPZO1XUukFVl3TBX39CrbSFPE7SNoqUfPKTGzQMKMlcT4RLga-JTKVh-eDtHeE7pAqXg4lnnrkxoGsc/s1600/Wanda+B.+Takes+the+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRLMyaublYq264t9ooOal5P7NQdP2Z-ivmR_uYzQgiq_FVBhkAc11tswlOc5VGdPZO1XUukFVl3TBX39CrbSFPE7SNoqUfPKTGzQMKMlcT4RLga-JTKVh-eDtHeE7pAqXg4lnnrkxoGsc/s320/Wanda+B.+Takes+the+Cake.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the cover of the paperback version! The Kindle cover is very similar!</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Make sure you download the little lady, and don't forget to tell a friend to do the same! Then, if you've a lovely mind, please leave a review once you finish making Ms. Wanda's acquaintance. And please don't forget to "like" the book while you visit Amazon. Gracias!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am grateful to a host of sensational writers who have helped me share the opinionated Miss with the world. My interview with the beautiful Jolie Du Pre, a sensational writer, editor and blogger, appears on her not-to-be-missed SheWrites blog. Click this <a href="http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/meet-wanda-b-wonders-jesse-b-simple-s-feisty-contemporary">LINK</a> to relish our exchange, and learn more about Wanda B. Thank you so much, JOLIE!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And a sincere thank you is extended to the lovely Dori Thomas Peaple for consenting to read and review Ms. Wanda B. and share the review on her blog, <a href="http://fromayellowhouse.blogspot.com/">http://fromayellowhouse.blogspot.com </a>and on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/AYellowHouse">@AYellowHouse</a>. Please mark your calendars and return to look for the lively read! Thank you, DORI!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For those readers without a Kindle, who do not wish to download the FREE Kindle App from Amazon, I will send you a FREE pdf of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanda-B-Takes-Cake-ebook/dp/B005MSCCFQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334638976&sr=1-1">WANDA B. TAKES THE CAKE</a>. Please send me an e-mail (MissClaudiaMoss@gmail.com) indicating your preference, and I will zap the pdf to you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Much love and countless blessings to all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">TheGoldenGoddess</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Award-Winning Author FIONA ZEDDE Releases New Novel</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghSKc0C0dedfGUk_RkFEk0x9TG3HrtLNVtRXhE2vc5hFi7ogpQgwprbBoc8QgEid9JDNBKTLh9MbmpMLdPqUPrqZFG0ZVmKxCv0LlSTBr-NK33T8vzcO2LAoLncViVtQ2OeQI6EDibU_C/s1600/smaller+nightshade_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghSKc0C0dedfGUk_RkFEk0x9TG3HrtLNVtRXhE2vc5hFi7ogpQgwprbBoc8QgEid9JDNBKTLh9MbmpMLdPqUPrqZFG0ZVmKxCv0LlSTBr-NK33T8vzcO2LAoLncViVtQ2OeQI6EDibU_C/s320/smaller+nightshade_cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five questions answered about Fiona
Zedde’s latest Bad Girl character, Wynne, from her new novel, <u>Nightshade</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span>Boxers, briefs, or bare?</span></div>
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This woman loves
to go bare (or wear a soft pair of barely-there thongs for pleasure and play)
as she goes about her killer business. For her, being an assassin is serious
and elegant work. The last thing she wants to do is ruin the look of a pair of
steel gray trousers with panty lines.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span>What’s Wynne’s favorite sexual position and why?</span></div>
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Despite her
intense and sometimes harsh line of work, she loves the Mandarin Ducks a.k.a.
spoon position. When she has the pleasure of waking up with a woman in her bed,
she loves to scoop in from behind to tenderly touch and stroke her lover to
wakefulness, caressing her body and whispering morning greetings in her
receptive ear. And most importantly for that position, she doesn’t like anyone
to see her coming. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span>Sushi, hamburger, or tofu stir-fry?</span></div>
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All of the above.
My favorite assassin has an unlimited appetite for most things, whether they be
food, women, or wine. If it’s delicious or different, she’ll try it at least
thrice.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span>What is her greatest regret? Her greatest joy?</span></div>
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Her greatest
regret is that she was not there to save her parents from the fire that killed
them when she was a child. Her greatest joy is the love she has for her four god-children.
They will appear in a later story where she is put in the position of having to
choose between them, true love, and her life as a killer for hire.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span>Where did her name come from?</span></div>
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Her name means
“dark and pure.” Her mother, a professor of Celtic Literature and History at
the University of Toronto, found the name in an old manuscript in Wales as a
young woman and immediately fell in love with it. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Plus a bonus
question from a long-time reader and all around awesome woman, <b>Starlita Johnson</b></span> – </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;">
After you
finish writing your books, do any of them change during the edit
process? Do you have an example story line change? </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Wingdings 3";">_</span>Yes,
it happens every once in a while. The first time was with <u>Bliss</u>—in the
original version, Sinclair returns to the United States at the end of the book
and Hunter follows to win her back—and the second with <u>Every Dark Desire</u>.
In <u>Desire</u>, the book initially ended with Chapter 30, Kylie did not return to
Belle as a vampire. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i>Want
to enter the drawing to win a free e-book version of <u>Nightshade</u>? Log
onto <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Zedde-Author/299085782357" target="_blank">Fiona’s
Facebook author page</a>, “LIKE” it, and leave the comment “Enter Me” on the
page. Winners will be announced via my newsletter, Facebook page, and blog on
May 1st. </i></div>
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<br />
Fiona Zedde<br />
Author Pic By SheDriven Photography<br />
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<b>Bio:</b></div>
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Jamaican-born Fiona Zedde currently lives and writes in Tampa, Florida.
She is the author of five novels of erotic lesbian romance -- <u>Bliss,</u> <u>A
Taste of Sin</u>, <u>Every Dark Desire</u>, <u>Hungry for It</u>, and <u>Dangerous
Pleasures</u> -- two of which were finalists for the Lambda Literary Award. Her
latest work, Nightshade: A Novella, is available now as an ebook and in print.
Find out more at <a href="http://www.fionazedde.com/" target="_blank">www.fionazedde.com</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_dPspJXdqSyUPjasfmYRR-3i9V89b7LAppSlsZ2X-BpnlalEf781wvAoqhs8KgTVfT6Ksof-N8hWteE_1u6OH8JS2wQj1KE7a5B9Lb8Sah0XxDkjBQ5653MshBL8DC3x6v22SMmNqAit/s1600/Russ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_dPspJXdqSyUPjasfmYRR-3i9V89b7LAppSlsZ2X-BpnlalEf781wvAoqhs8KgTVfT6Ksof-N8hWteE_1u6OH8JS2wQj1KE7a5B9Lb8Sah0XxDkjBQ5653MshBL8DC3x6v22SMmNqAit/s1600/Russ.jpg" /></a></div>
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Russell Blake</div>
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My Writing Journey</div>
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As a long time resident of Mexico,
I know it probably strikes my neighbors here as odd that I write thrillers for English-speaking markets, most notably the U.S.
and U.K.
I can appreciate that it would be a little weird - writers in Mexico, as in the U.S., are largely unheard of. The
few fellow writers I've met make a few dollars here or there at it, but nowhere
near a real living. Fortunately, I'm the exception, and this blog will seek to
shed some light on how that came to pass.</div>
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First, let's address Mexico. Why live here, for almost a
decade, and not in the U.S.
or somewhere equally "first world?" Well, for starters, because the
perception that Mexico
is not first world in many of its cities is a false one. Perhaps twenty years
ago that might have been true, but not so much now. I find that every year, Mexico
increasingly resembles its neighbor to the north, with all the creature
comforts, consumer goods, health care, and hygiene one would find in many
mid-sized American cities. Perhaps some areas will be run down and poor, just
as some areas of L.A. or Pittsburg will be less than pleasant, but on
the whole the areas I frequent are filled with Gringo tourists who have paid
thousands of dollars to spend a few days soaking up the sun on a quiet beach
sipping cold beer or margaritas. </div>
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When I sold my business, I decided to spread my wings and
live abroad for a while. I was tired of the hyper-competitive marketing and
consumption machine that was my view of American life - everyone needs a new
car every three years, a new house every five, and the population seems unhappy
and frazzled with the pressures of keeping up on this rapidly moving treadmill.
I sensed that life didn't have to be like that, so I spent 6 months traveling
around Mexico and Central America looking for a place to settle down. I
wound up choosing the Pacific coast due to the combination of weather, price,
and lifestyle, and I've never looked back. My friends thought I was nuts, and
everyone told me I was very brave (shorthand for crazy). Now, they come visit,
and they're the ones eying my existence with envy. I want for nothing, work as
little or as much as I like, and spend many days at the beach for a few hours,
walking my dogs or sipping something cold. I have no interest in or plans on
returning to the States. I'm not missing anything that I can tell. If I want to
follow the latest exploits of the Kardashians or hear the rationalizations of
bankers explaining why the taxpayers have to subsidize them while they steal
billions, I can do it from afar. No need to be in-country.</div>
<br />
As to how I came about writing, it's been a long process.
I've written for a long time. I just never though the work was deserving of
anything more than being shredded. I've spent thousands of hours writing both
fiction, non-fiction, ad copy, blogs, product brochures, etc. in a past life,
but it was crap, and I knew it. Maybe not as bad as it could have been, but not
good enough to want to charge people to read it. But a funny thing happens when
you write thousands of hours. You get better. Or at least, the hope is that you
do. Still, I was resigned to never being anything more than avocational. I
didn't have the interest in doing the big publishing company dance, working
very long hours for a pittance. Life was fine without my books out in the
world.<br />
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Then the Kindle happened. I got one, and I almost instantly
recognized that it had changed everything about reading and publishing. I
devoured articles about self-pubbed authors doing well absent participation in
the traditional machine, and last June I decided to publish my first book:
Fatal Exchange. Since then, I've released a total of 13 titles, with another
coming out in April, and yet another in May. I've written well over a million
words since last May, and 2012 will probably see nearly that many again. <br />
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My process is simple. All I do is write, 12 to 15 hours a
day, when I'm in the story. The last book and this new one I'm trying something
different - only writing 6 hours a day. If I can generate 5000 quality words
per day, I can turn out a respectable novel ready for polish in three weeks.
Before, I was shooting for 7000 - 8000, but it's exhausting, and now,
unnecessary. I think one book every six to eight weeks is plenty. But the
quality has to be there, and I won't write until I've got a compelling idea
that needs telling. I also invest in an editing team - an editor, a copy
editor, and a proof reader. My work should compare favorably to the big company
offerings, and I think the biggest mistake indie authors make is to somehow
believe they can do it on the cheap, and compete. They can't, which is why so
many self-pubbed works are miserable reading experiences. It hurts the authors,
as well as the entire indie movement, because like it or not, most of us are
relegated to the amateur/illiterate pile due to sloppy offerings from our
peers. Not all are guilty of this, but enough so that it is a problem. And
that's a shame. It's entirely preventable.</div>
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I'm making a very good living writing. Even by U.S. big city
standards, much less by Mexican standards. And I'm excited, because my sales
are growing in fits and starts, and the future has never looked brighter. After
10 months, I'm seeing sales in the 10K books a month range, which is
unprecedented given that none of my offerings are of the .99 variety. Folks are
paying $4 and $5 to read my work, and generally liking it. That bodes well for
2013 and beyond.</div>
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My message to fellow indie authors would be simple. Plan to
work extremely hard, perfect your craft and demand more out of yourself than
anyone else would, be your own brutal critic, and do this for real if you want
any chance of success. I've read that there are only 200 authors in the country
who make the kind of money writing where they could be considered to be
vocational authors. It's surrealistic, but for whatever reason, it's now 201,
although I don't actually live in the country. But the point is, I've achieved
this with no help from any corporate interest, in a business that is impossible
to break into, and where I'm competing with John Grisham and Stephen King for
reader dollars. And while I'm not seeing their kinds of numbers, I'm seeing
enough to be fat, dumb and happy down Mexico way. For that, I'm extremely
grateful.</div>
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<a href="http://www.russellblake.com/">Click here to read Russell Blake's blog!</a></div>
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Russell is the international bestselling author of <a href="http://russellblake.com/books/fatal-exchange/" target="_blank"><em>Fatal Exchange</em></a>, a groundbreaking genre-blending thriller set against the counter-culture backdrop of New York’s gritty underground, <a href="http://russellblake.com/books/the-geronimo-breach/" target="_blank"><em>The Geronimo Breach</em></a>, an action/intrigue/thriller set in Panama, the bestselling<em> <a href="http://russellblake.com/books/zero-sum-trilogy/" target="_blank">Zero Sum</a></em><a href="http://russellblake.com/books/zero-sum-trilogy/" target="_blank"> trilogy</a> of Wall Street thrillers – <em>Kotov Syndrome, Focal Point</em> and <em>Checkmate </em>(which hit #15 on Amazon’s top 100 free books), <a href="http://russellblake.com/books/the-delphi-chronicle/" target="_blank"><em>The Delphi Chronicle</em></a> trilogy (<em>The Manuscript</em>, <em>The Tortoise & The Hare</em> and <em>Phoenix Rising</em>), the epic assassination thriller<a href="http://russellblake.com/books/king-of-swords/" target="_blank"> <em>King of Swords</em>,</a> and its prequel, <a href="http://russellblake.com/books/night-of-the-assassin/" target="_blank"><em>Night of the Assassin</em></a>, and <em>The Voynich Cypher</em>.</div>
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Muchas gracias a Russello!!! Thank you so much, Russell Blake, for making a spectacular visit to my blog as a GUEST BLOGGER sharing your WRITING JOURNEY!!! I truly appreciate you!! What a delightful, informative read, one I'm sure to revisit! You are not only resourceful but generous and hilarious.<img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /> In short, awesome! I am wishing you continued success in your writing career and plenty of happy, exciting, sunny, blessed, peaceful, writerly days.....</div>
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TheGoldenGoddess</div>
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Living A Golden Life</div>
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</script></div>A Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-86674306141578516982012-03-31T05:37:00.000-04:002012-03-31T05:37:53.870-04:00Poetry in April...and The Siren Sings on a Distant Shore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr5eJPQdrH7rc8FBeZh8dsk2qeekXauq1q5B7nn-RgABCs3oFQuEpNkFHJuDR7r88obO1ug8zWHwx-VE_YPw3DesBQlRvk9MEmNWE2pK2E6M8lWyHX7DiVObiag18fsRhWOVBcb5UU8VT/s1600/Women+in+the+Photo+%231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr5eJPQdrH7rc8FBeZh8dsk2qeekXauq1q5B7nn-RgABCs3oFQuEpNkFHJuDR7r88obO1ug8zWHwx-VE_YPw3DesBQlRvk9MEmNWE2pK2E6M8lWyHX7DiVObiag18fsRhWOVBcb5UU8VT/s320/Women+in+the+Photo+%231.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Bienvenidos, El Mes De Abril! We bow to the ecstatic beauty of April and the showers of poetry that it brings! Oh how I love Spring! How fitting it is to challenge myself to pen fresh poems in addition to writing the first draft of my new novel, "Not Without Passion," as I intend to complete my first spoken word CD/poetry collection, "Soft Tsunami," this year.<br />
<br />
On a poetry stage, behind a mic, I am THESIREN.<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Women in the Photo #1"</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You don't need to ask how I feel about you</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's written across our photo in a thousand words</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As if we have written "Love, me and you"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At the bottom, scribbled elegantly in the way</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Your arm encircles my back or how I caress you with my smile</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My body askance, scripted into yours</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Poised, as if we are about to dance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Though the camera does not feel your hesitancy.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">(c) Claudia Moss 1/21/06</span></u><br />
<u> </u><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tongues</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am fascinated </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">By tongues</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In all their </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Multiplicities</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Some maliciously </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Charm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Strap arms</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And alarm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In tongue-lashing judgments that </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">leave whelps
and scars…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Others</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sweet talk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tickle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And implode</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In naked nuances that pillow the night…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Some motivate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Change history</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Adding names </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To the list</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of oratory </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KiNg<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>GaNdHi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KeNneDy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">AnGeLoU<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>HiTLEr</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whose honeyed </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Or switchblade</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tongues </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Leave you <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>H<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>U<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>N<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But to see </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A tongue at </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Can leave you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Simply sprung</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Especially if </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It holds a</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tongue degree</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Skilled in </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The artistry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of controlling breathing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">See</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Some tongues are </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ringed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To make you </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">S<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>N<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Their beat heat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That sends feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To dance on ceilings…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you’ve ever </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Been tongued</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Without saliva </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hollah</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">If not,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">No bother</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">You will---</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Just be still</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And someone is </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bound to spill</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The sight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like the tongue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That teased me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">At the party </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Last night</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It was <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Unmercifully</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Darting </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Shafting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Flitting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stinging</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Zipping</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ripping </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Velcro-ing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Me to the <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>S<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>H<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>T</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The vision wicked</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like a cobra </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In a basket</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stuck, I couldn’t help</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thinking:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Do whatever </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">With it,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But stick it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In my </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Suggestion box, please…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The melody</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of Spanish tongues </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Enthuses me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Looses me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In revelry…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Deseo ver el fuego</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">En sus ojos<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>porque
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cuando tu escribas su nombre</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A traves de mi corazon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Beseme y</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Comame como un dulce</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">De dedo la medura…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">In company</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was told</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">H<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>O<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>L<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">My tongue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As little girls</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Were meant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">To be seen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like a store-bought </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Painting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not having</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Anything to say</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">That might mean</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Something</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Little girls</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Became</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Voice-less</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Beings…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">And let us </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not forget</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Granma’s favorite adage,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“If you don’t</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Have anything </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nice to say,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Don’t,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Say nothin’ at all,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In essence</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Translates,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Say something.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Don’t leave it </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">At nothing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">But a tiny tongue’s truth might </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Challenge Granma’s sensibilities</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As Granma…………..Who knows out of the Mouth of a Child</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Could come a hurtful truth……….Might yet be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Soothing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">A wayward child inside </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whose tiny tongue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Once charged a debt Granma’s backside</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Paid in a switched <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>H<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>n<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I commemorate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">An organ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Weighing less than</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">An ounce</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For as surely </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">As numbered hairs </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Power of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Life and Death</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Resides there</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">On the tip </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of your</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tantalizing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Truth-welding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Teasing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Take that</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tongue…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">©<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claudia Moss<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>08/29/05</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 4.75in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
**************************************************************************<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">“This is a Love Poem”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">From me to my heart</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Written in the sensual ink of self-love and gratitude</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">A Goddess</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Painted me in Her image</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To define myself</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To embrace my likeness</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To Divinity</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Blessed I AM I don’t</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Bow to</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Hetero-skewed notions</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Of what I should be</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">No, that’s why this is a Love Poem to me</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">If left up to you</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I would be</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Effaced as you think I AM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">My footprints already eschewed from the sand</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">‘Cause your voice and your media</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Proselytize lesbians don’t exist</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">After forty</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Much like all women whose parts deflate</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Their guarantee</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Proven fake</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">If under the knife <span> </span>they
don’t go</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To maintain</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Their womanly refrain</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">That keeps you sane</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">In your love poem in the lustiness of</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Your midnight porn where</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Two curved angels </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Wings flapping</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Breasts fluttering</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Thighs quivering</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">For you<span> </span>while
you stoke</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">A furnace you intend</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">For them</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Being you figure who else could be the center</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Of their erotic fantasies</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Never minus testoste</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">RUN…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">It’s a known fact in your Male festo</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Dykin’ is fun<span> </span>a’ight
even</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Long as it’s enacted</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Under your supervision, <span> </span><span> </span>a result of your decision</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To please self</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Every verse in this Love Poem whispers to me</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">In soft-lipped, glossy revelries </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Of an endless love</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">A timeless promise</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">That I AM </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">The One</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">A sea-slick Venus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">A bare-breasted Isis</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Or</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">The thick-thighed Nzinga</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">The honey-voiced Nefertiti</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Here to right nothing<span> </span>‘cause
Nothing Really Matters<span> </span> like Hill sings</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Outside of my desires and whims</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">So I let the world write itself</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">As that is the way She has it<span> </span>being She is Love </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Like Walt’s <i>Mulan</i><span> </span>my duty is to my heart</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Thus, when I harken to its calling</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">When the curtains rise</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">And I star in my own eyes</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I do
me:</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Loving
who I love</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Saying what I say</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Writing what I write</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Dancing how I dance</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I am a Sapphic Siren</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Singing on a sugary shore</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Serenading the sea</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I am a Golden Goddess</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Doesn’t matter who tires of women</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Claiming the right to be <span> </span>thus</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I’m patiently content</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Grateful for my Queen’s certain advent</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">See, this is a Love Poem </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">And in it I AM the gift </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">Of me</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">To myself and</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">I need no other reason to be</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; line-height: 115%;">©<span>
</span>Claudia Moss<span> </span>2/1/2011</span></u></span><span style="font-family: "Estrangelo Edessa"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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</script></div>A Golden Life...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02215463486030774957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559966163831013167.post-14167714615178118862012-03-27T14:25:00.002-04:002012-03-27T14:25:49.614-04:00Nita Bee's Review of My Novel, "If You Love Me, Come"<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-853" height="300" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/If-You-Love-Me-Come-by-Claudia-Moss-199x300.jpg" title="If You Love Me, Come by Claudia Moss" width="199" /><br />
<strong>Format:</strong> Paperback<br />
<strong>Author:</strong> Claudia Moss<br />
<strong>Publisher:</strong> Mariposa Publications<br />
<strong>Publishing Year:</strong> 2011<br />
<strong>ISBN-10:</strong> 0983269734<br />
<strong>ISBN-13:</strong> 978-0983269731<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Book Description:</strong></span><br />
(Taken from back cover)<br />
Frenonia Roberts leads an idyllic life, if you ask her baby sister
Rhonda Butler, her best friend Sharmayne and anyone else looking in on
her glamorous, Buppie existence in Atlanta, GA, where she high-steps it
through her days as a young entrepreneur, the owner of The WeAreFamily
Bookstore and Coffeeshop. She is the apple of her mother’s eye, a heavy
hitter for the city’s National Black Arts Festival, founder of the
esteemed Daughters of Isis Book Club and the flame in J.T.’s heart. Then
one evening Free closes the bookstore and bows to the whim of a
supernatural breeze guiding her Mercedes towards Techwood Homes, a
neighborhood off her normal route back to the suburbs. She has no
warning that a simple turn in the road will catapult her into a
devastating, downward spiral to a place she’s never known…until now.<br />
In turmoil, Free watches as worlds collide and hearts weep. Used to
being the epitome of control, she learns to surrender to an unseen power
moving for her good, even when she craves little more than an endless
night. Meanwhile, the people closest to Free can’t stay her inevitable
plunge; they’re too busy handling their own mazes. How is Free to know a
stranger with the music of the South in her mouth will be the saving
grace she and the others (Rhonda, Sharmayne, Pinky, Pastoria and J.T.)
will need to lead them back to love?<br />
A novel about the healing power of love and redemption, about
betrayal and longing, about family and its many forms, IF YOU LOVE ME,
COME resonates with lyrical language and reservoirs of emotion.<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Nita Bee’s Buzzin’ Review:</strong></span><br />
This was one of those books that absolutely took me to another place.
Comforting, beautiful and refreshing is how I can describe it. If you
are a lover of words this book will definitely pull you in. The spirit
of the wording brought me to a pleasurable read high, and I don’t say
that lightly. The author used very descriptive language and as said in
the description, lyrical language which helped present a very good
visual. You’ll surely feel the poetess in her writing style. As well, I
was clearly able to relate to the characters and see myself in some of
the struggles presented. It was refreshing because from all of the books
I’ve read thus far, this was a different sort of novel read for me due
to the authors writing style. Did I mention, beautiful and refreshing <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> .<br />
This story was based around the main character, Frenonia (known as
“Free”), who although has a struggle with her own self, is spirit moved
to help herself and others in an indirect way. Free would take in the
knowledge and wisdom of an older southern woman, who spoke with a true
old south southern tone, named Miz Too-Sweet and would get some valuable
life lessons through her storytelling. <br />
Throughout the pages there are lessons for us all to be learned from
Free and each supporting character. They all had their own self
struggles to deal with as the story showed life and love through,
relationships, sexuality, family, growing, hurting etc… the author
covered a good few. The whole idea I got from this story is no matter
who you are or where you come from, learning ones true self and knowing
where you truly belong within, can get you to that place where love an
happiness meets.<br />
You will absolutely get something out of this story to carry with you.<br />
One of my favorite quotes is “<strong><em>Love life and life will love you back</em></strong>“, My favorite quote in this book is at the very end that says “<strong><em>Fact is, Love call, you come</em></strong>” , which says it all about this story. I suggest you read the book and see what I am talking about…recommended.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Overall Buzzz Rating:</strong></span><br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-362" height="30" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tinyreview_bee-11.jpg" title="Review Bee" width="30" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-362" height="30" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tinyreview_bee-11.jpg" title="Review Bee" width="30" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-362" height="30" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tinyreview_bee-11.jpg" title="Review Bee" width="30" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-362" height="30" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tinyreview_bee-11.jpg" title="Review Bee" width="30" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-362" height="30" src="http://nitabee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/tinyreview_bee-11.jpg" title="Review Bee" width="30" /><br />
<br />
<div class="thdrpy">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong></strong></span> <a href="http://nitabee.com/2012/03/if-you-love-me-come-by-claudia-moss-book-review/">http://nitabee.com/2012/03/if-you-love-me-come-by-claudia-moss-book-review/</a></div>
<div class="thdrpy">
<br /></div>
<div class="thdrpy">
"Many thanks to the lovely Nita Bee and her beautiful buzzin' bees! My novel can be purchased on Amazon as a Kindle book and as a softback book." </div>
<div class="thdrpy">
<a href="http://www.createspace.com/3655363">"If You Love Me, Come" </a></div>
<div class="thdrpy">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Love-Come-ebook/dp/B00505C5IU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1332872423&sr=1-1">Kindle Copy of "If You Love Me, Come"</a> <a href="http://www.createspace.com/3655363"></a></div>
<div class="thdrpy">
<br /></div>
<div class="thdrpy">
TheGoldenGoddess </div>
<div class="thdrpy">
</div>
<div class="linkwithin_hook" id="http://nitabee.com/2012/03/if-you-love-me-come-by-claudia-moss-book-review/">
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<br />
<script src="http://e.change.org:80%20/flash_petitions_widget.js?width=300&petition_id=297280&color=ef6b01" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
********************<br />
<br />
<br />
As the mother of a young Black man in America, my heart goes out to Trayvon Martin's family. No Black male is truly safe tonight, from Sanford to D.C., until justice reigns in Seminole County. Vigilantes who take the law into their hands must feel the full wrath of a blind justice system. A midnight noose will not be replaced with a handgun in broad daylight. Let peace be still and justice reign like mighty waters across this nation...<br />
<br />
TheGoldenGoddess<br />
<br />
***********************<br />
<br />
<br />
Why Is This Important<br />
<br />
On February 26, our son Trayvon Martin was shot and killed as he walked to a family member's home from a convenience store where he had just bought some candy. He was only 17 years-old. <br />
<br />
Trayvon's killer, George Zimmerman, admitted to police that he shot Trayvon in the chest. Zimmerman, the community's self appointed "neighborhood watch leader," called the police to report a suspicious person when he saw Travyon, a young black man, walking from the store. But Zimmerman still hasn't been charged for murdering our son. <br />
<br />
Trayvon was our hero. At the age 9, Trayvon pulled his father from a burning kitchen, saving his life. He loved sports and horseback riding. At only 17 he had a bright future ahead of him with dreams of attending college and becoming an aviation mechanic. Now that’s all gone.<br />
<br />
When Zimmerman reported Trayvon to the police, they told him not to confront him. But he did anyway. All we know about what happened next is that our 17 year-old son, who was completely unarmed, was shot and killed.<br />
<br />
It's been nearly two weeks and the Sanford Police have refused to arrest George Zimmerman. In their public statements, they even go so far as to stand up for the killer - saying he's "a college grad" who took a class in criminal justice.<br />
<br />
Please join us in calling on Norman Wolfinger, Florida's 18th District State's Attorney, to investigate my son's murder and prosecute George Zimmerman for the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin.<br />
<br />
~~~Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton<br />
As seen on www.Change.org<br />
<br />
<br />
Please sign this petition.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/prosecute-the-killer-of-our-son-17-year-old-trayvon-martin">http://www.change.org/petitions/prosecute-the-killer-of-our-son-17-year-old-trayvon-martin</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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COLETTE aka ARTISTCG<br />
<br />
<br />
Colette aka ArtistCG--- Poet Interview with The Golden Goddess<br />
<br />
<br />
When did you know you were a poet?<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember writing poetry as a teenager. I think it was probably crappy love junk. I remember doing drawings from the back view of a couple standing, holding hands, wearing Levi’s. haha I think the crappy poems accompanied these crappy drawings. <br />
<br />
As far as when did I know? I would say perhaps in the past year. Some of my poetry has been published several years ago, but I don’t think I ever saw my poetry as being something truly worthy until recently. Now, I’m like Yeah, write on! I’m a poet and I know it! LOL<br />
<br />
<br />
Who influences you as a poet?<br />
<br />
<br />
Writers from before my time (living or not) who influence me and why:<br />
<br />
• Charles Bukowski (raw truth)<br />
• Pablo Neruda (metaphorically delicious love)<br />
• Anais Nin (love knowing no boundaries)<br />
• Colette (I think I’m tied to her somehow)<br />
• Marguerite Duras (The Lover.)<br />
• Maya Angelou (endured a harsh past and still appreciates the bird’s song)<br />
<br />
Man...looking at that list, I wish I could arrange a face off with those peeps and have them compete for the top spot! There are singer/songwriters that I could add to that list too. I have a sense of nostalgia for the past, and I feel a connection to them when I read how they approached situations during their time. Times change, but certain things are a constant—like struggles, desires, and the emotions that are attached to both.<br />
<br />
<br />
Writers who currently inspire me are:<br />
<br />
• Claudia Moss (lively spirit who gives all her characters great voice!)<br />
• Joyce Conley Williams (knows a woman’s hardships, and certainly knows her worth)<br />
• Kumasi Mack (a modern day romantic, but he calls himself Abstract due to his flavorful metaphorical word choices)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
How do you contribute to the love of poetry in the world?<br />
<br />
I began posting my poetry online at theStarliteCafe.com in 2002. A man named Albert used to run it, and it was a pleasant place to share, get feedback, and bond with other poets. Since he has passed, various changes have occurred on the site, and there are a lot of glitches. I later started posting on WritersCafe.org. I’ve had some poetry published in India through the Taj Mahal Review, and various other small journals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/poetryzombies">Almost Dead Poets Society</a> We are the Almost Dead Poets Society. If you are interested in poetry...whether you read it, write it, or enjoy listening to and watching spoken word performances then this group is for you. <br />
<br />
<br />
About a year and a half ago, I formed the group the Almost Dead Poets Society. I had renovated my studio/living space to showcase my art, and I had a vision of this place I call the Avant Garde 2434 becoming a comfortable hangout for artists, musicians and writers to share their passion and inspire each other. I hosted the Sunday Nite Poetry Chill n Thrill for a year here, and took a few month hiatus recently. We will resume on Saint Patty’s Day with an Afternoon Delight potluck, and perhaps get back to our Sunday night routine from there on. I created a Facebook group for the Almost Dead Poets Society not long after our physical group formed, so that I could post the challenges, and we could also read the words we heard spoken. I have been delighted with its reach to those in other locales—including other countries. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC1TGNifZPqmKjcdKvoi9I0dQKtVuFgecOrC8ypulVpdE7fjMtaCbM9tAJCXiIcE-h_wd-sao0um0Zf_ST84Mou8dVfONo7fsTcZ9I_ktcavJKpc19cP3lfZpljON2cQJZTYR80nzAEX8/s1600/KUMASI.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722902082868144290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvC1TGNifZPqmKjcdKvoi9I0dQKtVuFgecOrC8ypulVpdE7fjMtaCbM9tAJCXiIcE-h_wd-sao0um0Zf_ST84Mou8dVfONo7fsTcZ9I_ktcavJKpc19cP3lfZpljON2cQJZTYR80nzAEX8/s400/KUMASI.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Kumasi Mack, photo taken at the Avant Garde 2434<br />
Poetry Chill & Thrill 2011<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcKWVEyJuGsAkkXWXzXbS15a4NSjOp9RpIGjk1IaOTnrOJcKmuS_IQRaTwk_gmylGYlSw0ER5TWLpMml9fgw5SlzRz59aPKy0ZXAVXsZOUeMS1byefJlakproVdZTzIKZWdoKksmXjSZt/s1600/JOYCE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722902897988282882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcKWVEyJuGsAkkXWXzXbS15a4NSjOp9RpIGjk1IaOTnrOJcKmuS_IQRaTwk_gmylGYlSw0ER5TWLpMml9fgw5SlzRz59aPKy0ZXAVXsZOUeMS1byefJlakproVdZTzIKZWdoKksmXjSZt/s400/JOYCE.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 293px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Joyce Williams, photo taken at the Avant Garde 2434<br />
Poetry Chill & Thrill 2011<br />
<br />
<br />
Last year, I created an art exhibit I titled Hung Out to Dry. I hung photographs I had taken of some of the poets from our group, and poetry from these poets and some from afar who participate in our online group. It was a one-day event that included several segments of spoken word. I’d love to take something like this on the road. Ahh one day! You know...Wishing Thinking of the Urban Mind! ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_s8HQHo3CwhJGspFfFXFwLuPQPCvhY1hfMFuj49oZgN6CNFAwSIfAPKvmbQEK340hCp6YeVSL1OpaAhW_iuObfdaOV-YnH8PhbK54VgyhqSFAInzFJggaijF5H6m_ioZbZBSPevfTHD/s1600/POSSE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722903565225320754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I_s8HQHo3CwhJGspFfFXFwLuPQPCvhY1hfMFuj49oZgN6CNFAwSIfAPKvmbQEK340hCp6YeVSL1OpaAhW_iuObfdaOV-YnH8PhbK54VgyhqSFAInzFJggaijF5H6m_ioZbZBSPevfTHD/s400/POSSE.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
HUNG OUT TO DRY...Poets from the Almost Dead Poets Society<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have plans to put my poetry in print and eBook form soon. The means to self publish and reach an International audience is amazing thanks to online sites such as Blurb.com, and Apple iBooks. Besides having a few of my own collections I wish to publish, I want to compile a collection of poems from our Almost Dead Poets Society. Quite possibly, I will tackle that before my own, because I’m eager to share these amazing poets with the world!<br />
<br />
<br />
Describe your writing process?<br />
<br />
Free flow. <br />
<br />
I’d like to stop there, but then you’ll yearn for deeper explanation—right? I write when my mind is pushing it out of me. Pushing it from my mind to my fingers to any pen, paper, keyboard I can get into contact with. Often I have words—more importantly thoughts—running around in my mind, and sometimes I’ll get them down if I have paper and pen in reach. Sometimes, I don’t. And, sometimes they are lost or changed by the time they do meet the page. It’s more of a burden of thoughts...things that trouble me. Sometimes, it’s things that elate me. I just let it out. And, sometimes, maybe later, I’ll go back and tidy up the thoughts and words a bit and shape it into a more coherent poem. Sometimes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Describe a time when language mesmerized you.<br />
<br />
Honey, when hasn’t it? The womb? I don’t know...I think that my collective unconscious is tied to some former writers and artists, so it’s part of my DNA. I’ve been mesmerized since before my flesh encased my spirit.<br />
<br />
ArtistCG's Poetry<br />
<br />
Day of the Dead / Night of the Devil<br />
A Poem by Colette<br />
"a Halloween experience"<br />
<br />
<br />
I fuck everything up / the pie<br />
no brown sugar / for my brown sugar<br />
no crust / wrong shell<br />
hell<br />
More time cleaning up / than clearing up<br />
the energy<br />
that pulled him here / that pushes him away<br />
<br />
I want to impress / to decompress<br />
to touch soft / love mellow<br />
yellow / everywhere / to symbolize<br />
<br />
<br />
Happiness<br />
<br />
<br />
What is it?<br />
No one ever knows 'til it's too late / so I wait<br />
to no avail / jail / feels like what I'm in<br />
because I did find out / what "it" is<br />
but, I can't obtain it / fully<br />
<br />
Slivers of my piece of the pie<br />
not even satisfactory<br />
though I try<br />
<br />
I'm a ghost in this land of the unknowing<br />
Even when I blurt it out / paint it / create it<br />
demonstrate it<br />
I'm unheard / unseen / nothing but awkwardness<br />
showing<br />
<br />
It would be easier if I could think<br />
walk / talk<br />
dream of a future / like them<br />
but, I can't.<br />
<br />
I'm spilled over / peeled off / sliced<br />
chewed up / spit out<br />
discarded like trash / recycled<br />
too many times<br />
<br />
I watch lesbians build families / scouts build fires<br />
burn what's meant to stay semi-whole<br />
signs everywhere looking for new hires<br />
<br />
I'm strong as titanium / as weak as these old, falling leaves<br />
No one knows what to do with me / And,<br />
I don't know how to sit still / I'm not addicted to a pill<br />
or alcohol / or, otherwise<br />
<br />
It's the simple things that give me thrills<br />
<br />
Perhaps I'm meant to remain alone in this life?<br />
Feeding squirrels peanuts / walking an incognito cat on a leash<br />
Because, I don't think I'm designed to merge<br />
with these humans<br />
<br />
completely.<br />
<br />
© 2011 Colette<br />
<br />
*********************<br />
<br />
Our Scars<br />
A Poem by Colette<br />
"flashbacks, and how they cripple our future. *inspired by the film Black Snake Moan"<br />
<br />
<br />
that black snake moans<br />
<br />
those flashbacks<br />
<br />
of the wars i’ve fought<br />
<br />
with my father, brother, steroid pumped man in blue<br />
<br />
all i’m keepin true<br />
<br />
<br />
my truth<br />
<br />
<br />
wanting to give it all to u<br />
<br />
inside out, and back in then out<br />
<br />
again<br />
<br />
no air<br />
<br />
choking throat<br />
<br />
<br />
nothing but a hair left behind, and<br />
<br />
those scars<br />
<br />
<br />
i see the you you don’t see<br />
<br />
you see the me of the former remnant of women past<br />
<br />
and i am ready to strangle that fucking black snake<br />
<br />
til it no longer moans, but screams, then fades<br />
<br />
then relaxes<br />
<br />
to the present<br />
<br />
<br />
i say i want to massage your temples<br />
<br />
until your misgotten memory turns liquid<br />
<br />
so i can swallow<br />
<br />
swallow that black snake<br />
<br />
so it chokes no here and now no more<br />
<br />
<br />
that black snake moans<br />
<br />
and i cry<br />
<br />
cancerous tears<br />
<br />
tears of death moans playing in my cerebellum <br />
<br />
body twitching both involuntarily and voluntarily<br />
<br />
hell, i don’t even know the difference anymore<br />
<br />
<br />
and somehow both of our necks begotten<br />
<br />
like some African mythology springing forth new life<br />
<br />
out of the dead crevices<br />
<br />
we have to learn who to be thankful for<br />
<br />
<br />
i’ll suffocate your fucking, moaning, black snake<br />
<br />
i’ll help you breathe, but<br />
<br />
<br />
what will you do for me?<br />
<br />
<br />
what will you do for me?<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2011 Colette<br />
<br />
**********************<br />
<br />
Abstract Artist<br />
A Poem by Colette<br />
"a dedication to Kumasi Mack--The Abstract Poet"<br />
<br />
<br />
I call it motion / they call it abstract<br />
<br />
I call it feelings / they say it looks like a heart attack<br />
<br />
I say the colors are like the wind on a hot summer day<br />
<br />
I say the gay rainbow flies / I say... Sailor, Hey!<br />
<br />
<br />
Movie screenings / temporary tattoos<br />
<br />
The work of an artist will do / What? / Only if they lived before you?<br />
<br />
<br />
Pistachios / Mangos<br />
<br />
Yellow / Pink / Orange / Purple<br />
<br />
You know I dream in Technicolor<br />
<br />
You know when you dream of me there is little color / no obstacles<br />
<br />
a barrier / reef<br />
<br />
and we’re back to a reality in a colored land<br />
<br />
<br />
Give me your hand<br />
<br />
African myths / a gazing globe of peacock feathers / watermelon lingerie<br />
<br />
said to cure what ails you / and help you sleep<br />
<br />
<br />
Deep<br />
<br />
<br />
They call us lewd / I call them funny<br />
<br />
They call her nude / I call her lovely<br />
<br />
<br />
They call me / I don’t call back<br />
<br />
Today might be the last day / I’ll have a Big Mac attack<br />
<br />
<br />
I’m down with the hoops / not with the studs<br />
<br />
A painting that doesn’t encourage growth is simply mud<br />
<br />
<br />
I call it the Ripple Effect / they call it football<br />
<br />
Sometimes<br />
<br />
He falls / He says, “We can’t fly” / I say, “Gimme your hand”<br />
<br />
<br />
You might call it metamorphosis / I say<br />
<br />
the caterpillar can’t eat if the butterfly don’t know where to land<br />
<br />
<br />
We call our language metaphors / a fictional version of facts<br />
<br />
He calls me Moonshine / I call him Abstract<br />
<br />
***********************<br />
<br />
ArtistCG is also an awe-inspiring PHOTOGRAPHER!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/1028261">http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/1028261</a><a href="http://almostdeadpoetssociety/"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6NQrSfWzXRHCAtZbm4DHIwNcgNrp0_TzGx-2uugL-qRYw3-g9EMCR42vVomDSKS1rW6uC-5Y-KYcexiomnHnKuxEDXrptKIl2v2_9d74RH75UBdxpCZwVLPQUC9r9VePuGo6lvYzVHwc/s1600/IntheBedroom.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720393411852372978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6NQrSfWzXRHCAtZbm4DHIwNcgNrp0_TzGx-2uugL-qRYw3-g9EMCR42vVomDSKS1rW6uC-5Y-KYcexiomnHnKuxEDXrptKIl2v2_9d74RH75UBdxpCZwVLPQUC9r9VePuGo6lvYzVHwc/s400/IntheBedroom.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 334px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Images of people in their bedrooms to demonstrate that regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or cultural backgrounds...we are all similar.<br />
<br />
<br />
Living A Golden Life,<br />
TheGoldenGoddess<a href="http://almost%20dead%20poets%20society/"></a><a href="http://www.almostdeatpoetssociety/"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/poetryzombies/"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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With 1,000 excuses strapped to my ankles. But something in me beckoned, the forefinger summoning me back to the drawing board. "We never give up, Heifer!" it scolded me, rolling its eyes.<br /><br /><br />It may not be now, but you, young lady, will sit to meet this goal. Nothing is insurmountable...if you give it your best. Then I mused: Did I really give it my best? Deep within, I knew I hadn't. A door opened and I dashed.<br /><br /><br />Now I walk up to the challenge again. Resolved, indomitable and elated---I am telling The Golden Goddess, Ms. Claudia, you can, you must and you will. It's a simple as that!<br /><br /><br />So, beloveds, in April, (yes, next month) come hell or high water, I undertake the mammoth venture of completing the first draft of my new novel, NOT WITHOUT PASSION. Not only will I have the initial write, but also I will rewrite the manuscript and include subplots and anything else the second write should possess in May. Afterwards, off to a potential publisher it will traipse, high stepping it all the way.<br /><br /><br />In dedicating myself to the undertaking, I decided to invite the lovely Dr. Victoria Lynn Schmidt to A Golden Life to share her pearls of writing wisdom...with me and any other writing soul out there who could benefit from her encouragement and expertise. I must say, I reached out and Dr. Schmidt received me graciously. She consented to my request with the warmth that only a master teacher can exude to those who come to sip of her knowledge. Thus, without further ado, I give you V.L. Schmidt!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDzXsz2Hlky45Mu7UbRsTWikhelrpNWtVMkDLoSrbWhTtQNEiIPZX5Ndl5vWpcm7vq6_1tIjiLJzeTutjowECuq9OU86S6t0pNTzxQn-Cw1KDioKmJ6ckIrsjxm1USVDGeOg6DWpyhM9R/s1600/DrVictoriaSchmidt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDzXsz2Hlky45Mu7UbRsTWikhelrpNWtVMkDLoSrbWhTtQNEiIPZX5Ndl5vWpcm7vq6_1tIjiLJzeTutjowECuq9OU86S6t0pNTzxQn-Cw1KDioKmJ6ckIrsjxm1USVDGeOg6DWpyhM9R/s400/DrVictoriaSchmidt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717778196201597378" /></a><br /><br /><br />"I'm so happy to be visiting with you all on the Golden Goddess! I know many of you are pursuing writing a book in a month, or at least just spitting out a draft of it which is wonderful. You will be far ahead of most writers out there who never actually get to 'the end' so be sure you pay attention to the 'celebration stage' you deserve it!<br /><br /><br />Try to think of things in terms of steps. Try not to see the whole manuscript in the beginning, just see the first page, the first chapter. Take that first step. Don't stop to take care of anything else, don't worry about things being perfect. The stars will never align. You just have to take that first step and get things rolling. THE STARS WILL NEVER ALIGN PERFECTLY! Don't wait.<br /><br /><br />Also, start every writing period congratulating yourself. Take a moment to look back at all the pages you have written and feel good about it. We often go crazy staring at where we need to go that we forget to take pride in what we have already accomplished. Be good to yourself and your muse will show up. It's like we climb to the top of a mountain and worry about the next mountain, instead of taking a moment to see the glorious view in front of us already. Writing is a journey.<br /><br /><br />A bit of practical advice - be sure you create back ups! I just heard from another writer who lost all her files to a virus. E-mail your ms to yourself at the end of the day at the very least if you have to. Your work is precious, take care of it."<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68TOAGTekMWtSUH7DhCnTQaCNMUvWqwWAmWUnKUhpwkPYZ0LBEKyID-b6TgNeMbQRUxvPSIA7K161CKUaNSHX4gYFKSHBkclFJ_p3MDwTm85h85XymNpR2Qj8zDc40TVxbeqqQI3OKJpG/s1600/Book+in+a+Monthzz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68TOAGTekMWtSUH7DhCnTQaCNMUvWqwWAmWUnKUhpwkPYZ0LBEKyID-b6TgNeMbQRUxvPSIA7K161CKUaNSHX4gYFKSHBkclFJ_p3MDwTm85h85XymNpR2Qj8zDc40TVxbeqqQI3OKJpG/s400/Book+in+a+Monthzz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717777824371117650" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is the BIAM book that guides me on my voyage! I have been rereading it to reintroduce myself to my support system. This time, together, we will dock in a port of phantasmagorical accomplishments!<br /><br /><br />Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for the beauty of your presence in the world!<br /><br /><br />Victoria says:<br /><br />"I am an author, instructor, and holistic-minded explorer of psychology, spirituality, and creativity. My books combine my unique interests in ways that allow my readers to think differently about subjects while offering them practical tools to explore things on their own.<br /><br />My first book series is the best selling Creative Writing Series – 45 Master Characters, Story Structure Architect, and Book in a Month. These books combine all of the above to show readers around the world how to hone their craft and reach their dream of writing a book or screenplay. (45 Master Characters was recently translated into Korean)"<br /><br />Read more: http://victorialynnschmidt.com/<br /><br /><br /><br />Living the Golden Life<br />TheGoldenGoddess<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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White: An Award-Winning Poet Who Humbles the Soul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWs929LCDn7n7RR48gvBbllyui_bborD6luv5tIbFrigwfEPqvBJlMQc3KmIE7e8Fz1uGPz2pytcjYcgFt0-grzJfsMF-Daek8Bjb5sZgFxPnd-NGxKFhd0eucbsKhwJHmdco4M37ZYBV/s1600/Reflections+Cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWs929LCDn7n7RR48gvBbllyui_bborD6luv5tIbFrigwfEPqvBJlMQc3KmIE7e8Fz1uGPz2pytcjYcgFt0-grzJfsMF-Daek8Bjb5sZgFxPnd-NGxKFhd0eucbsKhwJHmdco4M37ZYBV/s400/Reflections+Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714467368508600450" /></a><br /><br />Sylvia McAfee created the cover image for Reflections.<br /><br />Award-winning author, Robin G. White releases her long awaited second collection of poetry, Reflections of a Life Well Spent on March 31st, 2012. <br /><br /><br />Award-winning writer, Robin G. White is the author of two published collections of poetry, Resurrection: A Collection of Work, Reflections of a Life Well Spent and a forthcoming e-book collection of poems of love and loss titled, When Love Departs. White is the author of two collections of short fiction, First Breath and Intersections and a guided writing journal, Omphaloskepsis Twelve Powers Writing Journal. In addition, she is the pseudonymous author of seven children’s books. Her memoir, One of These Things Is Not Like the Other will arrive in the Fall of 2013.<br /><br />She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for her work as a writer and publisher including The Chicago Literary Award, a Georgia Author of the Year Award finalist, the Urban Media Makers Award, an Astraea Foundation Poetry Prize Judge, CUNY Medgar Evers College Writers of Color Alum and the Lambda Literary Award Independent Publisher for Kings Crossing Publishing. <br /><br />She is the President and CEO of Sunset Pointe Press, which publishes inspirational poetry, self-help, memoir and fiction. She resides in her hometown of Boston, MA.<br /><br /><br />www.robingwhite.com<br /><br />*******************<br /><br />I had the pleasure of reading Robin's poem, "A New England Morning," on Facebook and, enchanted, felt inspired to ask her a few questions about her artistry.<br /><br /><br />TheGoldenGoddess<br /><br />The New England morning is so much a Presence in this piece until it is a personality as multifaceted as any person I have met! Where are those YouTube vids of you reciting or reading? How long does it take you to pen a poem? Where do you write? What time of day? Night? What is you process for composing? When you finish crafting one, to whom do you present it? Do you lead poetry workshops?<br /><br />RobinGWhite<br /><br />Claudia Moss...That is because there is nothing like a New England morning. The feel of it invokes steel grey turbulent tides and the leather-faced fishermen who greet her. <br /><br />So, to answer your questions.<br /><br />---Where are those YouTube vids of you reciting or reading?<br /><br />Sadly, Beloved there are no YouTube videos of me reciting, although there have been many threats about making them. <br /><br />---How long does it take you to pen a poem?<br /><br />I am kind of wired this way, so it takes little to no time to write a poem. Most of them come fully cloaked and ready to harness their power on to the page once I unleash them from my brain.<br /><br />---Where do you write?<br /><br />I write everywhere. Like a visual artist sees everything in pictures, I see everything in words and description. I never see a woman's hips I see undulating and curvaceous hips, swinging and birthing hips, I see mountains and hills, landing places and children's beds, I see invitations to love the fullness of the hips. I see everything that way - in great detail. <br /><br />---What time of day? Night?<br /><br />I write all day and night. I like night best, really late, often 2,3, 4 in the morning.<br /><br />---What is you process for composing?<br /><br />Anything can set me off - a word, a phrase, an idea, TV, radio, someone else's conversation, a slouching body, the touch of a brim of a hat - they all take off with my imagination at any given time of the day any where. I keep journals and pens with me all the time and I just release what comes through me.<br /><br />---When you finish crafting one, to whom do you present it?<br /><br />I generally post them on Facebook so everyone can enjoy them and then they end up in a book eventually like "Reflections" which debuts here in Boston on March 31st and "When Love Departs" which comes out on Mother's Day as a tribute to my parents, or "First Breath" which will debut in Atlanta sometime this Spring TBD.<br /><br /><br />************************<br /><br /><br />Long Awaited Return by Award-winning Author, Robin G. White<br /><br />Boston, MA – March 1, 2012 Award-winning author, Robin G. White will release her long awaited second collection of poetry, Reflections of a Life Well Spent (Sunset Pointe Press ISBN #978-0-9838208-0-2) on March 31st, 2012. The collection, which is the first release of her work since the award-winning (Georgia Author of the Year Award finalist, Chicago Literary Award winner) Resurrection: A Collection of Work was released over a decade ago. <br /><br />The author turned publisher spent nine years focusing her inestimable talents publishing and promoting the works of other writers as one half of the Lambda Literary Award-winning publishing duo of Kings Crossing Publishing. The now defunct company released its authors in 2009 and White moved on to promote new works with her newly acquired Sunset Pointe Press out of Clearwater, FL. The company will work with new authors in the inspiration industry. Reflection of a Life Well Spent is a prime example of the company’s new line.<br /><br />Reflections of a Life Well Spent focuses on an emotional three-year period of the author’s life following her through the end of her long-term relationship, break-up of her family, joblessness, homelessness, and the death of her birthparents shortly after finding them after a 40-plus year search. And while the reader may expect to find bitterness and despair among the pages, White expresses the numerous losses with candor and grace, arching each challenge with faith, love and a tremendous amount of hope. She dives right into the raw emotions, searching not for answers, but for the lessons that each challenge might bring. The poems become touchstones for her readers who relate to the themes of loss and resolution. <br /><br />Most of the work in this book has been posted on Facebook over the years, which has offered White a unique understanding of the moving quality of her prose-imbued poetry. Her slice of life and “this is what is happening in the moment” themes read like the diary that they are. Her love for family and friends, children and lovers are all present and are richly palpable on the page. It is enough to make you wonder what she is like in real life. <br /><br />White expects to do readings and signings at the usual bookstore venues and will follow the award-winning path she took as a publisher with Kings Crossing Publishing by focusing on her inspiration niche. Personal appearances at trade shows, churches, book clubs and private parties will follow the release. <br /><br />For booking information contact the author at info@robingwhite.com.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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That Saturday morning sun noisy, it’s been peeking through the blinds since I stumbled in here after a 6:35 AM workout, approving my peaches-and-mango spinach salad, strawberry iced tea with floating chunks of California-grown berries, grilled salmon, baked sweet potatoes and small bowls of banana chips and mixed nuts. <br /><br />This chick can spin a get-together on a dime’s notice!<br /><br />By 1 PM, the doorbell chimes and I sprint through the house from the deck, where I’ve been rearranging furniture and setting the wrought-iron table.<br /><br />“Hey, Mamacita,” Sydeeka greets me. “What’s up with you, Girlfriend?”<br /><br />Her gaze tiptoes over me, a grin hiking one corner of her full, glossed lips. <br /><br />“Whatchu all jazzed up for…lunch? Or perhaps a better question is ‘Who got you so snazzy this afternoon?’”<br /><br /><br />I can’t help myself. So I curtsey, smiling, and pirouette for the sister, my white A-line halter dress lethal, showing off shiny skin, Vaseline soft, a little cleavage, toned arms and thighs and hugging my Zumba-sculpted butt. <br /><br />“Well, top of the day to you, too, Deeka,” I say, embracing her and leaving the door cracked for Jewell.<br /><br />She reaches around me, grabbing my ponytail and draping it over my shoulder, where it ends just above my belly button under the white cotton dress.<br /><br />“Moon, if you weren’t my girl, I’d be your woman.”<br /><br />“Would you hush,” I say. “You know we’d be fighting over the shoes you stockpile and how much you spend on perfume.”<br /><br />Sydeeka laughs. “Nothing a little counseling couldn’t right.”<br /><br />I slip my arms through hers. “Woman, please. Besides, you looking fabulous yourself.”<br /><br />Sydeeka smells like cash money, as usual, her fav scent, Prada. She giggles when I sniff her neck, frisky, the sensation hunching her shoulders.<br /><br />“Don’t play, slut! Party on deck?”<br /><br />“If it were elsewhere, my love, you’d not be in attendance, and I’d be sweating from heat meted out from the friction of one-on-one fun.”<br /><br />Sydeeka plops her purse on a sofa and follows me through an open sliding glass door, dancing her way across the deck in the sunshine. She’s bouncing those 36” hips under the cutest blue-jean skirt falling mid-thigh. On her feet are tangerine wedgies perfectly matching a ribbed T-shirt and a few hundred bangles on one arm in the same tangerine family.<br /><br />Chick lives for speak-up shoes, the sort that brings women across street, club or restaurant to say hello, gorgeous, my name is whatever you want it to be and if we can be the next Bonnie and Honey, here’s all my money.<br /><br />“Don’t I know it? In my experience, I dream it before I see it. In yours, used to be the full moon glows and a crazy hoe gotta go. Today, you might have a different plan in motion, thus the reason a sister got the call and came on over. I know your ass. Spill the beans; spill the beans, Sister Girl.”<br /><br />Leaning against the deck, back to the banister, elbows on the wide ledge, she’s posed as if she’s clocking the scene of dancing and drinking, cruising and chatting, and flirting and fighting women at Bella’s. I’ll give it to her. Deeka’s swag can be fierce when she’s fully present.<br /><br />“How did you know the theme of this luncheon? You and Jewell been in conference without me?” <br /><br />Sydeeka fans the air. “I don’t need Jewell’s two cents to remember that Navajo blood chanting in your veins and hanging down your back, Sade perfect. You probably held your own powwow last night.” She walks to the table and peeks under a Tupperware-covered plate. “What I want to know is what’s taking Jewell’s raggedy ass so long? But you never cease to amaze me, Moon. Your meals are always so colorful and way too healthy for my fast-food taste buds but I’m getting better.”<br /><br />“Thank you, ma’am.”<br /><br />Then she curtsies and sits facing the backyard. “Back to Miss Thang. You suppose Woodson got her bent over a lawn chair or something?”<br /><br />I grin, loving their timing. <br /><br />Jewell mirrors my smile, hands on her nonexistent hips, as she tips gingerly onto the deck. She’s dressed in a form-fitting orange ankle-length sundress adorned with pink, white and red flowers.<br /><br />Pausing center stage, she turns to face a tickled Sydeeka. <br /><br />“Hello, Jewell! Great you made it,” Sydeeka says, smiling genially.<br /><br />“Hey, Hussy. And no, Woodson is not in the habit of ‘taking me’ over chairs and much less…lawn furniture, thank you. Might you be speaking of a fantasy in which you envision yourself and some woman panting?”<br /><br />“Most likely,” Sydeeka admits.<br /><br />Jewell rolls hazel eyes in an olive face of mixed heritage. “I thought so.” <br /><br />Taller than Sydeeka and I, Jewell strikes a diva pose, two steps from Mariah Carey, and wiggles her forefingers.<br /><br />“Let’s get this group hug in so I can sit down, ladies. These sandals nip my baby toes and my tummy’s on the warpath. C’mon, now. Make haste.”<br /><br />Our group hugs therapeutic, I live for them and for the sisterly bonding and love we share despite our flippant mouths. The Divine knows we wouldn’t fly as high without the others’ wind.<br /><br /><br /><br />TALK TO ME! SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!! I LOVE THE ENERGY OF EXCHANGE...AND I ADORE THE BLESSED FRESHNESS OF STARTING A NEW NOVEL!<br /><br />TheGoldenGoddess<br />February 26, 2012<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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Thus, to remedy the situation here, I am posting a chapter from each of the three books in the series.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy making her acquaintance!<br /> <br /><br /> Chapter 19<br /><br />MIDNIGHT PUMP PARTY <br /><br /> “Of all the places I ever thought I’d wind up spending the night, the gas station was never one of them, but that is precisely where my car swallowed its last sip of gasoline and promptly put me down right in front of the first of three pumps in the centre island of a four-island gas station on Glenwood,” said Wanda B. Wonders. “Darkness and the gas needles of other cars were falling faster than my cell phone could call Willie Wonders, who was no where to be found.”<br /> “What a frightening ordeal. How did you let your gas gauge get so low?” I asked.<br /> “Looking for petro.”<br /> “This gas scare has got to let up sooner than later.”<br /> “Miss Lady, if later, the gas families will be the only ones able to eat and travel to safer places where petro is still king, while the rest of us will be left to battle food wars and crime, being food and gas prices are climbing higher than Jack’s beanstalk in a patch of fertilizer.<br /> “Hopefully, the situation will right itself before the country knows such dire straits.”<br /> “Yes, prayerfully. As for this present moment, a lot of Blackfolks’ purses and wallets are singing the blues trying to remain law-abiding in these thumb-tack times. I never thought I’d see the day when a gallon of gas was nearly $5.00. Just last week a half tank of gas cost me $50.02. Baby, I almost asked the gas station attendant if their employees got gas discounts, because if so, I needed an employment application.”<br /> “The gas dilemma is squeezing white purses and wallets, too. At the pumps, a white man once asked me for a dollar to pay for his gas so he could get home. In times like these, people become ingenious. Some organize car pools, negotiate flex- time workdays and think about returning to home gardens," I said.<br /> “Some trifling folks will climb fences and harvest what’s in your garden, while you're at work and siphon gas from your car, but the criminally-challenged will be with us always, in the best of times and in the worst of times,” said Wanda B. “I am just not going to be a victim whatever time it is, which takes me back to my midnight pump party.<br /> “I drove into that gas station happier than a toothless, 12-year-old dog chasing a frisky, classy lassie in slow motion. Got out of my car and before I could find my debt card to pay at the pump, a white man in a button-down, tired shirt kindly informed me that the Indian station owner had not two minutes ago locked up and slapped a Will Open Tomorrow sign on the glass door. A mumbling crowd was forming at the entrance. Complaining.<br /> “Above my braids, the eggplant-purple sky was yawning and turning over, bedding down for another restful night, as though it were oblivious to the distress right under its nose. ‘Awww, no,’ I told myself. ‘This white man has forgotten he is a bonafide, red-blooded white man.’ Perhaps he is overworked and underpaid, like the average Black man, I thought. Good thing I am in command of all my faculties and have not forgotten that I am Wanda B. Wonders, Black, free and me. Here was another blessed opportunity to be The Woman.<br /> “I strolled to that glass door, smiled and waved Mr. Owner to his sign.<br />“ ‘Good morning, Mr. Keeper of the Gas!’ I greeted him. ‘How are you?’ <br /> “ ‘I am fine, but I’m also sorry. There will be no gas sold tonight. Please come back in the morning, when the gas truck is expected,’ he called through the glass.<br /> “ ‘You do know that most of these cars cannot leave to return in the morning. Mine for one has taken her last swallow, and if she moves from your station it may be behind a tow truck.’<br /> “ ‘I am sorry, ma’am. I cannot help you.’<br /> “ ‘Mr. Gas, if there is petro in these pumps, why not sell it tonight, and let tomorrow take care of itself? I am not a woman to hang in the streets all night. My husband is waiting for me same as your wife is waiting for you, I’m sure. Why keep us up all night, peeking over our shoulders at strangers, hoping someone doesn’t catch a case and go to robbing in this captivated spot? Supposed we organized out here and didn’t let you out of your station, until we each bought a few gallons of gas?’ I asked.’<br /> “ ‘I would be forced to call the police, ma’am. I said I am sorry. Now please go home.’<br /> “ ‘Yes, I know just how sorry you are. And, yes, I will be going home as soon as I get what I came for,’ I promised, opening my cell phone. ‘However, this newsworthy occasion calls for a few telephone calls: one is to our friendly neighborhood police precinct and the others are to local news and television stations. I’m pretty sure this is an all-time, first affair of its sort in this neck of the woods. Have you ever heard of such? I can see the headlines now: ‘Midnight Pump Party on Glenwood Calls Attention to Gas Crisis.’<br /> “ ‘Ma’am, there has been no law broken. Why call the police?’<br /> “ ‘To know that law and order will be maintained out here, when you are safe and sound at home in your cozy bed. Now if you will excuse me.’<br /> “After that, Miss Lady, my cell phone went to smoking, I called so many people. One lady produced a phone book from her trunk and that was all she wrote. Within ten to fifteen minutes, DeKalb’s finest strolled up, three deep, a young Chinese officer and two, middle-aged officers, one Black, the other white.<br /> “ ‘Where is Miss Wanda B. Wonders?’ This from the young Chinese officer.<br /> “The crowd parted. I emerged and said, ‘Good morning, officers! I am Wanda B. Wonders. Thank you kindly for coming out to check on the gas-out, law-abiding citizens of this great county. We don’t want any more trouble than we already have. I called you to help me mediate an agreement with the gentleman inside this gas station to sell us some petro so we can roll home to our families and prepare for another day.’<br /> “ ‘My pleasure, ma’am, but am I understanding correctly? Is there no more gas to sell?’<br /> “ ‘Perhaps you should pose that question to the gentleman,’ I said.<br /> “Mr. Gas unlocked the glass for the three officers. Then he re-bolted the door behind them. Giving me a ‘you-think-you-are-so-smart’ smile, he turned and started explaining his position to the policemen. Mind you, as they talked, I talked…to every news station that answered at that time of night.”<br /> “I should have known you’d make an effective spokeswoman, Wanda B. What was the result of the mediation?”<br /> “The Chinese officer was their spokesman. He said, ‘This man has committed no crime by withholding the gas but we have tried to get him to sell the gas yet he refuses.’<br /> “ ‘Thank you for trying, Officer---’ I eyed his tag, ‘---Officer Chin. I’m inviting you to stay, but I realize you may be needed to keep the night’s peace in other places. Before you go though, is it against the law for my fellow stranded and gas-less citizens to have a midnight party in this station under the rolling cameras of a local television station? After all, have you known this to have happened before in all your, short I’d assume, years on the police force?’<br /> “ ‘No, ma’am, I've never seen a party of this sort. We will stay as long as we can, but I can’t promise how long that will be, okay?’<br /> “ ‘Fine by me,’ I assured him, raising my voice so Mr. Gas could catch my drift. ‘It'd be delightful to get a statement from the police and the station owner for our fellow citizens to understand what could very well be their next experience.’<br /> “And at that point, I introduced myself to Officer Chin’s cohorts and them to the milling crowd. Then I informed the other folks newly spilling from their cars, patiently waiting for someone to bring them wind of what was going on.<br /> “ ‘Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, I am Wanda B. Wonders, the organizer of your premiere Midnight Pump Party. The owner of the station has decided to have us spend the night here, so that he can sell us the same gas when the sun rises. Meanwhile, you and I will pass the time getting to know one another and sharing our feelings and opinions about where we are in this moment. So if anybody has a portable radio, turn it on, and let’s party away the time. A local news station will be here momentarily. <br /> “ ‘There is always a choice in any situation, and my choice is that we make the most of every moment. Upbeat and hopeful. Not cussing and fussing and wishing Mr. Gas ulcers and other heart and body aches. If you’re with me, let’s follow Marvin and get it on!’”<br /> “Wanda B., I’m sure that last part caused the gas station owner a major headache.”<br /> “Possibly. After he saw the mood shift and sway and brighten under the lights of his pumps, the revelry rivaling the midnight stars, with the police joining in, exchanging small talk, dancing and laughing, Mr. Gas hurried up and powered up those pumps, Sweet Pumpkin. And I don't blame him, being pedestrians began swelling our ranks, asking about admission and the prices of sodas and sandwiches and other goodies people were spreading across their hoods!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- Place this tag where you want the +1 button to render -->
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