KWANZAA

Happy Kwanzaa Bookworms

I hope that you all are enjoying the holidays with loved ones and friends. Today is the beginning of Kwanzaa! In my research, I have found that Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American Culture and Tradition. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday but a cultural holiday invented in 1966 to promote African Americans connecting with their culture and heritage. It is celebrated for seven days, starting today. It can be celebrated along with Christmas as it is simply a cultural holiday not a religious one. I think this is an amazing way to share our culture, traditions, and heritage with our families. I love learning new traditions, especially ones that help me to learn about my history. I look forward to sharing this one with my family. You can learn more about Kwanzaa and how to celebrate the culture at.. https://m.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Kwanzaa or just google it :)

Fun Facts:

Kwanzaa = First Fruits

Habari Gani = What is the news?

Kinara = a seven pronged candle holder

Zawadi = various gifts for the children

Kikombe cha Umoja = a cup to represent family and community unity

Each day of Kwanzaa the response to "Habari Gani" changes. Today's response is "Umoja" which means Unity. Happy Celebrating!

I was Young but I was not a Child

Royalty

A true queen in her time, this books captures the story of the Great Nzingha.

It was a quick read but very interesting. Only 90 pages tell her story and the remaining 46 pages include pictures of african artifacts, slave trade practices, facts about Nzingha, and traditions practiced in Angola, Africa back in 1595.

If I could compare it to anything, reading this book was like watching a short Netflix documentary and wanting more. LOL

I picked up this book from my cousin's library last year. I tend to snoop through her book collection when I visit her. She is a reader like me so I like to raid her stash for goodies and this one stood out to me. 

Laughing to myself I thought, homegirl is serving on this cover! 

So I opened the book of course to skim over a few pages and decided I was taking this one home to really dig into. I grabbed some others too but I'll share those later :)

My favorite thing about this book is how Nzingha carried herself. Here is a brief excerpt:

"But on the floor, I would have been below the (portuguese)governor, who was seated in a chair. I did not want to negotiate from a position of weakness. I called for one of the guards who attended us.  Whispering to him what i wanted him to do , he willingly obeyed. He bent over and made a bench. Seated upon his back, I motioned for the governor to continue. Clearly, he was baffled as I knew he would be. I was young, but I was not a child."

Nzingha refused to participate in the slave trade until she died. She spoke several languages and was a great leader and protector for her people. She was the daughter of a King and she never forgot it.

I recommend this quick read for everyone even school age girls. I think a young girl could benefit from knowing how to carry herself and a lady could simply be reminded she is Royalty honey. Never let anyone look down on you. Wear your crown! 

I truly appreciate the queens before us. I am so grateful I found this great read and I hope you take some time to get to know Nzingha. A Queen, warrior, and an honorable woman.

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know your thoughts, questions, or opinions about this book below. I have a copy and I am willing to share, but it could likely be purchased at half price books or amazon.com. 

*Keep your head in the books *

Floetic

Happy Halloween!!

In honor of my favorite Holiday I want to share a little poem with you all. I couldn't sleep one night and these words came to me. Let me know your thoughts. Enjoy!

Serendipity

I think about it sometimes

I think about a secret rendezvous

Us running wild holding hands in different cities.

Slipping into fancy hotels ripping lace and kissing face.

A complete disgrace.

The thrill too big for all this passion to go to waste.

Tell me you want me for yourself and we laugh at the possibility.

Bite me, scratch me, and try to leave marks..you hope he catches on and throws me to you.

We do this often and i think we should stop...don't want him to hurt you.

The caress of your skin against mine is growing too familiar

The smile you give me in the night time hours is stuck with me.

All through my days I smile at you but you're not even there.

You're the stranger in the distance or a little girl on the train.

Always in my mind. Loving you in my brain.

I wish I could have you but this feels so great.

We share our right nows before its too late.

Your smell is like sweet nectar.

Your voice seduces me and your eyes undress me.

I am always naked with you. Scrambling for my clothes.

WHAT did you do to me. Mind games I suppose.

Even our innocent talk is filled with lust.

We can stop right here but I just have to know.

It was cool with me if we had took it slow.

But you savage you had to take me and you just took it. 

Well I didn't stop you and I can't because it's not just you it's me.

I think I want it more than you

I love the way you move.

If I get nothing else from life I want this.

This feels amazing and I am caught up with you

I'm into you being into me.

These secret cities we create.

I could get lost in your world but I have my own world too.

For now, I just want to lay under the stars with you.

By T.T.

Mr. Ruiz

Happy October Bookworms :)

Book of the Month: 

The Mastery of LOVE by Don Miguel Ruiz

In a few short words. This book changed my life. Don Miguel Ruiz is a genius to me. This book is an enlightening view on life and love. For those who are spiritual this book, in my opinion, is an amazing read and it was a huge eye opener for me. 

The title of this book caught my eye quickly. I was with a friend one day and he picked up this book and read a few pages during our quiet moments. When he put it down on the table near me I picked it up, intrigued by the title, and began to read the first chapter. After 15 minutes passed I was headed for chapter 3 and before it was time to go, I exclaimed quickly, I need a copy of that book! So I bought a copy and I am so glad I did.

In just a few short pages I was hooked. It felt like the answer to a lot of life's questions. No one knows it all, but Mr. Ruiz is very insightful. If you are prepared for an enlightened experience pick this book up soon. I recommend Half Price Books as this may be one you want to keep around for reference. Let us know your thoughts on this book if you have read it. If not ask us some questions. We would love to hear your feedback.

I recently visited the National African American Museum in Washington D.C.  

It was amazing! Here is a picture of me scoping out some good books written by African American authors. I recommend this place to all! :)

Booked and Busy

About TT:

Welcome to my book blog. Here is a little cyberspace where I can exchange books, information, and insight about the books I love to read with each and every one of you.  I'm a very busy girl but I love a good book and a great adventure.

HOW THIS WORKS: I will share the books I've read with you and a little review. Sharing is Caring, let me know if you have a good book you'd like me to read. I'll check it out. Please leave your comments, opinions, questions , and concerns under each featured book in the comments section. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks.

Fiction, Non-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Sci- Fi, History, Spirituality, Comedy, and Self Help books are all welcomed. An open book is an open mind and I hope this is something you all enjoy.

Stay tuned and keep your head in the books.

Write the book TT

The Woman with the Curly Hair

by TT

He saw her walking and smiling and he couldn't help but notice her glow. She turned and they both made eye contact. It was brief but left him wanting more. "What is it about her?" He asked himself as he turned to watch her drive off before he could even say hello. "She was beautiful" He said while feeling foolish for not pursuing her. 

Dante was an educated man, loving, family oriented, funny, all those great qualities in a tall 6'2 frame with chocolate smooth skin. He drove home after buying the belt he needed and he stared in the mirror with his shirt off looking at the fruits of his gym labor, smiling. "I could have gotten her", he said  grinning. 

Elle was finally home after a long day of shopping for wedding shoes. Her best friend was getting married. She was about 5'7 and a light golden brown woman with big brown eyes. Her hair was curly and wild. She liked to feel wild it made her feel free. Her hair was an extension of her outgoing personality. She was a thick woman with curves in all the right places. She loved to eat but also loved to stay fit and healthy. She put on her shoes and sent pictures to her best friend confirming her task was complete. "Finally, I'm done shopping for the wedding, time for wine", she said laughing and grabbing a wine glass from the cabinet. A flash of the chocolate man she made contact with earlier came into her mind. "He was so sexy" she said while sipping her wine.

Days passed and it was time for the wedding. Elle dressed up and headed to the church. It was a small wedding. Her best friend was very private. Of course Elle hated the bridesmaid dress, it reminded her of something she'd seen on 'Little house on the Prarie'. Elle slicked her curly hair into a bun on top of her head so she could match the other two bridesmaids. "Anything for my best friend" she said while looking into the rearview mirror of her car.  

Dante woke up from his second dream about the curly haired woman he saw at the shopping center. In the first dream she had on lingerie and came into his bedroom from the window and then seduced him into making love with her but he woke up before things could get heavy and was very disappointed. In his second dream he was running behind her but could never catch up. "whoa !!" he exclaimed jumping out of bed. Wondering why he can't stop dreaming about her. He then turned to look at the clock and realized he was late. "whoa !!" he exclaimed again  and headed for the shower.

Elle's best friend was beautiful in her wedding dress. All Elle kept thinking was, I hope I don't ruin my makeup with tears. The wedding was about to start there was about 20 people, close family and friends.

Elle straightened her dress and began walking as rehearsed and smiling like a cheerleader with vaseline on her teeth. As Elle got midway down the aisle she stumbled and caught on to the pue beside her. "It's her" she heard him say. Dante remembered her big brown eyes and goofy smile. He chuckled at the coincidence of seeing her here , at his old college room mates wedding. Elle straightened up and smiled at him as she turned to keep walking before anyone noticed. He's here !!! She thought as she kept smiling and making her way towards the altar.

Dante watched her walk to the altar and made eye contact with her as soon as she was in place. He smiled softly and she smiled back feeling embarrassed. After the wedding they met in the reception hall. She said quickly " I almost fell when i saw you sitting in the pue" and began laughing. "I know I look good" he said laughing with her. "Yea you got girls passing out at weddings, OMG" she said jokingly. They both laughed. The groom walked up to Dante and began introducing them to each other. "Dante this is my wife's best friend Elle", he said smiling. "Wait do you guys know each other?" he said puzzled at how comfortable they seemed with each other. "No no we just met " Dante said smiling at Elle.

Dante and Elle danced and exchanged phone numbers. She was very pleased with his dancing skills and ability to still find her attractive in her hideous brides maid dress. The reception ended and he walked her to her car then before he walked away he hugged her close and whispered in her ear " Can I tell you what I loved most when i first saw you." She looked at him smiling " what ?" He slowly began taking the bobby pins out of her now messy bun. She asked, "what are you doing?", but he just said, "shhhhh", while he smiled at her and continuing to let down her  curls until they fell around her face. He stepped back and stared at her, "your hair", he said grinning.

 She smiled and hugged him again. "Thank you for being so sweet" she said as she pulled back and kissed him on the lips. They stood there kissing each other for what felt like eternity. The church parking lot was empty and it was just them two. Dante helped Elle into her car and said sternly "Call me when you make it home." She closed her car door and said, "Yes Dad" , through the window while smiling and driving away. Dante looked back at her as he watched her hair blowing through the window and smiled back as he waved her good bye. "She's beautiful. She better call me" he said while laughing and getting into his car.