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*

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.