Unshackled

Unshackled by Gene McGuire is a God Send. This book was so inspiring and captivating.

Gene spent over 30 years in prison and during that time he found God and changed his life behind bars. Gene's book tell's about the Murder that led to his imprisonment and life behind bars. He leads us into how he finds his faith and the people he met along the way. Gene is another reminder of how Amazing God is!

It took me a couple of months to read this book due to my busy schedule but I think I could have finished it in a week if I had the time. This book is 15 chapters and about 300 pages. It reminded me of one of those true crime stories you watch on the ID channel. It's a story of redemption, faith, and overcoming in the worst circumstances. I kept thinking while reading the final chapters if he can change his life in prison then we can change anywhere and no matter the circumstances with faith in God. What a great message from Gene! I love this story.

Gene is currently in Texas since his release in 2012. He does motivational speeches, book signings, and church ministry throughout the DFW metroplex. He is so encouraging and supportive. I look forward to hearing him speak soon.

Please grab a copy of Gene's book.  I recommend it highly. You won't be disappointed.

Back like I never left

If You are Reading this...Heyyyy.

Hey Bookworms, I have some interesting things to share with you. I been LIVING! I been thinking about my bookworms too, and I am sincerely sorry for neglecting the blog. Forgive me!

I am reading a good book :) and it is so good. Unfortunately I am a bit behind on reading so I am taking a break to refocus, I got you, but I am catching up and I also have some pretty cool books coming soon, I'll be thumbing through more pages here soon!

I ain't done with y'all yet honey! Here are a few pics of me getting my life over the last few months. I wish you all peace, happiness, and love.

 I stumbled upon the Fort Worth Water Gardens on my sister city Adventure.

This place was so cool and relaxing. Great way to beat the Texas heat.

Beautiful water falls and an awesome scenery.

My Favorite part was walking into the big water fall and hearing all the water around me.

This is a great place to go with your family but be careful with smaller ones in the big water fall. There was a small boy there and my heart jumped every time he moved, I can only imagine how his mom was feeling, after a few jumps she took him back up, lol. 

I hosted my very first Bridal Shower for my great friend and old roommate. We had so much fun in our church hats and gloves, it seemed to go by too fast. I was honored to be included in her wedding party and I love that she let me create an ambience of love and great memories shared, all by myself. I enjoyed decorating and hosting, it is definitely my 2nd calling. I also celebrated her Fabulous Bachelorette Party and The Wedding was Lit! It's been such great times these last few months and I am so happy for her. I hope their marriage last a lifetime.

I attended the Woman Evolve Conference. It was pretty amazing. I took a trip to Denver with my homegirls and we turned up with Sarah Jakes Roberts for two days. It was an evolving experience hearing other women's stories and finding ways to cope with all these women problems together. We go through a lot and we need each other. This was a great experience. I look forward to attending this conference again

I had a birthday and I got flowers! Hey Hey Hey Hey! Lol

Last, but certainly not least. Look out for these two books coming to the blog soon. I am currently reading Unshackled by Gene McGuire. Gene's story is so captivating, I can't wait to finish the last few chapters. Next up I will be reading Colliding with Destiny by Sarah Jakes Roberts. I finally grabbed a copy of her book at the Woman Evolve Conference. I can't wait to dive in. 

Keep your head in the books! Don't forget to LIVE!!

Give me 50 feet

Boundaries by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

I picked this book up at the book store in my Church. The art work on the front cover caught my attention along with the word "Boundaries" so I skimmed through a couple of pages and I felt as though I had to read it. This book was not an easy read as it did seem kind of repetitive. What I liked about it most though, was that each chapter gives you a different scenario on how to have good boundaries, at work, relationships, and with family to name a few. 

This is a good one to keep around for reference and check back in when your feeling out of balance. I also liked that it referenced different bible verses throughout the book. There was one part of the book where they talked about how God wants us each to carry our own load. It's ok to help others as we all need help at times but every one should be carrying their own, not putting yours on others or carrying yours and others loads too. Good Boundaries bring you peace and this book shows you how to have good boundaries with everyone in your life. 

I read this book in pieces over the last few months as I have been swamped with responsibilities. I need an assistant (I can't afford one lol)!! It's not an easy read but it is insightful. I have a copy if you want to borrow or you can order this one online. Get you some Boundaries honey!

I absolutely love my new book mark. It was gifted to me for Christmas, and I have never had a book mark this big but I think it's my new thing. I love the words printed on the front and the beautiful artwork, how unique.

If you have some cool book marks post a pic and tell us about them. I am falling in love with book accessories. I will share some more goodies I have acquired soon.


*KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE BOOKS*

FOE

MAMA 

By Terry McMillan

I loved reading this book from beginning to end. I laughed out loud, I cried, and I even found myself wanting more at the end. Mama was so entertaining and down to earth. I felt like I was reading about my own family. This drama filled story describes first hand what it's like to be a poor single mother with 5 kids. Mama is a true survivor. Its one of those feel good books that reminds you how crazy life is, but we all need a Mama like her, a fighter. 

McMillan produced gold here, this is truly an art work. Black culture is captured so perfectly here, the good and the bad. It's like watching an old family video or watching Color Purple for the first time. It's such a great message! If your Mom is a book reader, this would be an awesome Mother's day gift. Order a copy for yourself and a copy for her, it's a good book to read as a family and share some laughs.

It took me about a month to read Mama. I could have read it sooner but a sister gotta pay the bills and duty called. It was such a fun read I found myself sneaking off to read it whenever I had a free moment. I was so into it I have thought about reading it again. Let me just say, there are not many books I would read twice. This book is 25 chapters and 342 pages. If I had a two week vacation from work (a girl can dream right!) and a cozy beachside hotel room I could have finished this one in 3 to 5 days. Its fun, it's real, it's raw, it's exciting and each chapter pulls you into Mama's crazy life even more. I give this one two thumbs up. It's a must read! I have a copy to share or you can order it online through Amazon or whatever company you prefer. There may even be a copy at your local library. 

*Please comment below any thoughts on this book, Hope everyone enjoys Mother's day! Keep your head in the books!*

Oops he did it again!

The 5th Agreement

Another Don Miguel Ruiz masterpiece. Let me just say I plan to read anything he writes.

The 5th agreement was another insightful book and a must read!

WARNING: This book opens up your mind. Might have you giving advice to your friends like a GURU. People might say you're acting funny cause you are. LOL

On a serious note I could have finished this book in a couple weeks but it took a couple months because I tried it on Audible. I DO NOT like Audible. Having someone else read to me made me feel like I was 5. I kept wanting the guy reading to shut up. Then I questioned myself: "Am I so vain that i only like the sound of my own voice in my head?" LOL. Long story short, I am not continuing my audible subscription. It's just not for me. Having other people read to me is just not my idea of a good time. However, this book was so good I finished it on audible despite my dislike for it (and because audible was doing a free trial, Hello!). I am so glad I did because it was the perfect start to 2018!

I had a conversation with a friend last year and she shared with me that she was "Mad at God" because of some things happening in her personal life. I had just read this book and I was feeling full of wisdom so I said to her, "What agreements did you make with yourself? It's not about God it's about you." We discussed the things that lead to her feeling down and I was able to provide some insight to a great friend. To my surprise those words rolling off my lips helped me as well and that's the beauty of having friends and helping others, you learn about yourself in the process. This book helps you to do exactly that, figure out who you are in this process called life. We are all here together, constantly searching for answers and better ways to live our lives, this book is a reminder to be careful of the agreements you make with yourself and others. Be skeptical, but learn to listen :)

In this book there is a metaphor he uses to describe how we see others and how others see us. It was perfect, a real eye opener in my opinion. A lot of us get caught up in how others see us, this book reminds us that what others see is not important, What do you see?  So many great "AHA!" moments in this book. I am definitely going to buy a paper copy soon so that I can reference back to this one when needed. I suggest you all read this one and any of his other books, he's a genius! 

Book Worms please tell me what you think about Audible? Is it just me? My little cousin suggested I try it while I am cooking or driving but that drove me crazy too. LOL. What's your reading style? Clearly I'm old school, I need a quiet space and no one in my face. Tell me your thoughts. 

*Keep your head in the books*

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Career Moves

A few years ago I made a career move. At the time I thought this would be the best option for me but upon taking the job i realized it was not the ideal environment for my personal growth as a mature professional. I ran into issues directly related to my skin color, culture norms, and unprofessionalism. 

This book was given to me as a gift and it is essential. "WORKING WHILE BLACK"is a must read. Whether you are doing well at your job or struggling to understand your role, this book is a very insightful guide.

This is one I reference often. I look at the contents when I'm trying to balance work and my personal life. Sometimes it gets stressful! This book is like having a close insightful friend you can talk to about work problems. We all have that co-worker we can't stand. We all have the supervisor from Mars, and I'm sure we have all noticed the attitudes and behaviors towards and of people of color. This is a tell it like it is masterpiece. Grab a copy for your personal library, I recommend it highly.

*Keep Your Head In The Books*

A New Chapter

Dante's Baby Mama

By T.T

(Chapter 2)

Dante woke up at 5am and headed to the gym. He took pride in his physique and style, he worked out 7 days a week and sometimes twice on Saturdays. Today was no different, other than the fact that he met Elle a few days ago and he was still beaming on the inside. Dante sat in the gym locker room after his workout thinking about Elle. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and he was smiling from ear to ear. Dante laughed out loud thinking about a joke she cracked on first date. "This girl is a keeper", he said shaking his head and still grinning. Suddenly Dante heard a familiar voice "Dante is that you?" It was one of his old buddies from high school he had not seen in years, Robert. "Oh hey man" Dante snapped out of his happy thoughts. "How you doing Rob?", Dante remembered he was called Rob the Slob back in High school but he left that part out. Robert quickly glanced at Dante as if he read his thoughts. "Its just Robert now, no one has called me Rob in years" Robert said correcting Dante. Dante smiled "Oh my bad man, you come here often?" He asked hoping to change the subject. "I just joined this gym man, I like it so far!" Robert exclaimed. Dante nodded his head in agreement noticing that his old associate was not a small guy anymore, he was buff and obviously in the gym as often as Dante. Dante added " Ok I see, you looking good man, see you around". Robert blurted out while walking away "What happened to you and Kiera?".




Dante was used to everyone asking him about Kiera. She was his High School and College sweetheart. They starting dating his senior year of high school and continued through College. Dante stopped and looked at Robert who was waiting for a response, "she is still around man, but we are not together anymore if that's what you mean". Robert shrugged his shoulders, "It happens, these women come and go". Dante smiled and waved goodbye as he exited the locker room to head for work. As soon as Dante got in the car his phone began ringing. "Speak of the devil" Dante said laughing. It was Kiera. "I will call her when I get to work" Dante said while texting Elle: Good Morning Beautiful. Can't wait until our next date.



Kiera was fuming. "All I asked him to do was come to the family breakfast at DJ's school, he can't even show up for that!" Kiera begun pacing the floor and cleaning up things around the house with an attitude. DJ came into the kitchen, "Is Daddy coming mommy?" DJ was 4 years old and chocolate brown like his father and he had the same smile as his mother. Kiera looked at him trying to sound as loving as possible, "I am not sure baby, but I left him a message and he said he would so we will see if he comes to the school" DJ was smart for a 4 year old, he knew that anything other than a yes might as well have meant NO. Kiera saw the disappointment in his eyes. "Go ahead and finish getting dressed baby, we have to leave in 5 minutes." Kiera went into her bedroom to put on her shoes and jewelry. She was about 5'3, brown skin, hazel eyes, and a very curvy woman. She put on a few pounds after having DJ but she was still gorgeous. Kiera grabbed her lace front wig and applied a few last touches to her make up. "Still killing it" she said with forced a smile on her face, still mad at Dante for his latest non sense. "We are going to have fun regardless, let me call mama!' she exclaimed while securing DJ in his carseat.




Dante arrived at work at 745am. He looked down at his phone wondering why Elle hadn't replied "She must be sleep" he said while opening his emails. "Let me call Kiera back" he sighed. "I just want to see my son when I want to, No Damn Drama!"Dante exclaimed while calling Kiera, she clicked over from talking to her mom, "Hold on mama, well let me call you back this is Dante" Kiera clicked over for Dante's call. "Hello Kiera, is everything ok with DJ" Dante tried to sound calm and rational to avoid confrontation, but it was too late. "You know what Dante, your son is in the back seat so i am not gonna say what i should say to you but just know that you are a breaking his heart" Kiera fought back tears. "What is going on now?" Dante was feeling confused. " I pick him up every other weekend, like we agreed, I give you money, WHAT!" Dante screamed. "I asked you to come to his school today for the Family breakfast Dante, you promised us that! Just this one thing Dante Damn!" She screamed as well. Dante looked at the big Calendar on his desk and saw the words Family Breakfast for DJ written in red. "Kiera, I am so sorry, I forgot" Dante said feeling awful. "What time does it start?" He said hoping he could still make it. "It starts at 815am Dante, can you get over here in 20 minutes for your son?" She said still feeling mad at Dante. "Yes I will be there for DJ, let me talk to my boss" Dante ended the call with Kiera and headed towards the school.



Dante got to the school at 819am in search of Kiera and his son. He spotted DJ and then saw Kiera. Dante waved and headed towards their breakfast table. To Dante's surprise, Kiera's mom was also at the table. "Hey son, glad you could make it" she said snidely. Dante ignored her and grabbed DJ. He picked him up and hugged him tight. "I missed you man, I wouldn't miss this for the world." He said while tickling DJ and making him laugh. Kiera smiled and stood up to hug Dante as well. "Thanks for being here" she said softly. Dante smiled at her then rolled his eyes at her mom where she couldn't see of course. Kiera's mom did not play games, she demanded respect. They all enjoyed breakfast together and met with DJ's teacher. Dante was happy that he got to share this moment with his son and DJ's little face was lit up like a big christmas tree downtown the whole time. "I am so happy to be here with my family" Dante blurted out before he realized fully what he was saying. Kiera smiled and hugged Dante again, "Me too" she added.



Kiera kissed DJ goodbye and also waved her mom off who said she had a church meeting to attend  and had to go quickly. Dante walked Kiera to her car "Hey, I am really sorry about this morning, it really slipped my mind. You know I love our son right?"  Dante said looking into Kiera's eyes remembering when they were crazy about each other. "Yes Dante, I know, you just have a funny way of showing it sometimes. I wish you were more involved with him, he's getting older" Kiera folded her arms and rolled her eyes. Dante stepped back "I said I will do better, I know how old he is, I just forgot! Why you so hard on me?" Dante stared at Kiera waiting for an answer. "Because you just left us! We were a family, I told you I wanted a family then we start one and you want to DO YOU! This sucks Dante, we were together for 6 years! You were supposed to be my husband! I didn't want to raise a child like this, you gave me no choice." She said while tears began streaming. Dante hugged her tight for what seemed like 5 minutes. "Kiera, we just didn't work out, but i do love you and our son". Kiera snatched away from Dante, tears still streaming, "He will be ready on Friday after school, please be on time!" She got in her car and drove away.



Dante stood there feeling like scum. He slowly walked to his car and as he approached he could hear his phone ringing. He opened the door to grab his phone. It was Elle, his smile appeared through the sadness. He read her text: Can't wait for our next date too! Miss you handsome. Dante smiled but didn't respond. He suddenly wasn't in the mood to talk anymore. He was thinking to himself, "I'll probably make her hate me too" Dante drove back to work and finished his day, all he could think about was Kiera and his son DJ. He wanted a family too and he was sad that he broke Kiera's heart but after 6 years of dealing with Kiera's attitude, having financial problems, and then suddenly a kid they didn't plan for, the relationship was just over for Dante. 


After work Dante decided he needed a drink. He went to the sports bar near his job and took down two shots of scotch. While he was leaving Elle called his phone. Dante smiled but sent the call to voicemail. "I need some time" he said simply while ignoring her attempts to reach him. Dante drove home and sat at the table looking at pictures of him and his son with ESPN playing on his flat screen  TV in the background. "I am going to be a great father to my son, that's my only concern right now" he said thinking out loud. Dante headed into his home office to plan a weekend road trip for him and DJ. "We need a new view" he exclaimed while smiling. He thought about Elle again but decided not to call or text her until he was sure he wanted to date again.

I hope everyone's New Year is going great! Don't forget to subscribe to the blog if you visit often. Next Book Review coming soon. I hope you enjoy my story. There is a lot more in store for these characters in the future. :) *Keep ya head in the books*