Live.Laugh.Learn: Don't Pass Me By, Part III

By: Lara Lettsome

Life should be about letting go, being free and growing into who you are meant to be. Follow the young character Karlie Sims as she attempts to transition into life after school in a new city; without all of her friends and family.

Antonio is a young man with an unexpected past. Karlie is a woman with a developing unexpected future. The present moments brings them together. Of course love will be an option, but are they ready to Live, Laugh and Learn? 

Missed out on the very beginning?  Click HERE to read Chapter 1: Realize, Honey...

~~~~~~~~~~

~*~CHAPTER THREE~*~

DON’T PASS ME BY

(Antonio)

(Don't Pass Me By, Continued) 

Karlie answered, “Um, we attend the same gym”

Brad started to think. I had told him about this very girl. It’s like a light bulb went off. “I’ll be right back”, he excused himself patting me on the back to gesture that he wasn’t coming back. He started to walk towards the bar. I sat down in his place.

“I’m surprised to see you here”, I smiled.

“Yeah.” She paused, “I’m surprised you are here as well”

“How was that thing you had earlier?” I questioned.

“Good, thanks for asking” she said dryly. Maybe I should just quit while I’m ahead. She is obviously not interested.

Things got awkwardly silent for a minute.

“Where is your wife?” she asked, taking me by surprise. Is this her way of asking me if I’m single?

“I’m still looking for her” I responded slyly.

“Is she in here?” she said glancing around.

“She might be” I chuckled, eyes fixed on her.

“I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t want you talking to me” she said sounding almost concerned.

I was confused again. “What are you talking about?”

“Looks like she dropped some stacks on that”, she pointed to my ring as she stood up to walk towards the dance floor. I followed.

“I am NOT Married” I clarified. She didn’t look convinced as she kept walking. “Wait, Wait. Hold up. I’m serious! I’m really not” I said, grabbing her hand.

She turned around to look at me. “Why do you have a ring on your wedding finger?” she said looking confused.

That conversation was far too deep for a roof top club. I thought my answer out.  “Do you know why people were their wedding rings on this finger, on this hand?”  She waited for me to tell her. “This hand carries blood straight into your heart. It is an air loom, means a lot to me.” I could see her looking for the lie in my face. “I could tell you more later, if you let me.” She was still looking like she wanted to believe me but she was unsure. She must have got a lot of bullshit niggas in the past.

I continued, “You look beautiful tonight.” I told her truth, in attempts to change the subject.

I saw her face’s mood look pacified. “Thanks. You look nice also”

“You should dance with me” Her face looked blank as though she was thinking.

“Ok” she said reluctantly. “Only because I love this song” I smiled.

She finally smiled back as we walked deeper into the crowed. She started to sway to the music. I followed her steps. The song ended and she kept dancing. It was a reggae song that told you what dance moves it wanted you to do. She was slow whining, dutty whining and all kinds of other dances. I was surprised she knew how to do all that. I wanted to ask her, but I just kept dancing along with her. Then a slow song came on. UB40’s version of “fools rush in” started crooning us on the speakers; I grabbed her waste and pulled her into me. She didn’t resist. She laid her head on my shoulder as she danced chest to chest with me.

“I love this song too” she smiled again, speaking into my ear. Her cheek brushed against mine.

We slowly bounced to the beat, while remaining in step of a slow dance. She turned around so her back was on my chest. I continued to hold her as we danced. The DJ called for last song. I hadn’t even noticed we had been on the dance floor that long. She smelled so good.

I pushed her hair to one side as I whispered how much I loved her fragrance in her other ear.  Jah cure’s “longing for” was the last song selection. Others started to leave as we kept dancing. When the song stopped, I realize she was oblivious that VIP was cleared out. I wasn’t really paying much attention either, I was focused on the moment.

“Hey, here is my business card”, I said, giving her my number. She took it. “I understand if you don’t want to call me, it’s no pressure. I just wanted you to have it. I really enjoyed myself tonight and I would like to see more of you. Take you out to eat. Get to know you. But if you don’t, I understand. I won’t even pester you in the gym.”, I realized that I was mumbling. She just looked at the card and didn’t say anything. “Let’s try to find them, I don’t want you walking around here alone”, she pulled out her cell phone, reading a message on her text.

“They are in the first floor bathroom. Miranda is throwing up, I think I’ll be fine. You can go ahead”, she said.

I took that as my cue to get lost as she started to dial numbers on her phone. Probably calling them to get an update. I started to walk away as my phone started to vibrate. Assuming it was my boys tryna find me I reached into my pocket and checked the caller idea. It was an unknown Mississippi number. I answer.

“Hello” I said swiping to connect.

“Get home safe” a light voice from the other end. It was Karlie.

I turn around to see if she was still standing on the floor. She was gone. I smiled.

“You too Karlie”, I responded. She hung up. She is very very mysterious.

BUT, I do have her number now.

*Stay tuned for more next week!" 

What's Holding You Back?

By: Reign Martin

"The question isn't who is going to let me; its who is going to stop me." -Ayn Rand 

This quote has been a source of inspiration to me, and I just had to share.  Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness are a resounding theme in today's world, and often play a part in whether or not many of us live to be happy, or are simply happy to be living.

Those that live to be happy are often looking for the next best thing (or person) to make them happy, make them whole.  This person usually has a ton of potential and even opportunity to be or do something huge, but their thoughts are so clouded with negativity and defeat, that they fail to see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'.  

Those that are happy to be living are enjoying life to the fullest.  This person is taking advantage of all that life has to offer, whether alone or surrounding by friends and family.  They are often successful at fulfilling the dreams and desires of their heart because they are not worried about the natural "downers" of life and never let another persons actions or negativity get in the way.

As we all grow older, we grow wiser.  With this progression, comes a time where we often think about where we were, where we want to be and where we are.  Sadly, less than half of us have achieved even a third of the goals that we had as a young adult.  Think about it, when you graduated high school, you most likely had dreams of having a successful career, a family, a healthy bank account or even and extensive travel itinerary.  Whatever it was, can you honestly say that you have achieved it?  Have you achieved a third of your list?  If not, what's holding you back?

We as humans often want to blame our lack of achievement in life on issues of the world, citing money problems, having kids or family issues as the reason.  In this day in age, these types of excuses have become irrelevant because everyone has money problems at one point or another.  Having children is a thing of the norm, especially for young ladies under the age of 25, and everybody has family issues.

Sometimes, its the act of doing that actually brings about a change.  Stepping out on faith, working hard and staying focused will take you a lot further than excuses and worrying about the "what ifs".  A friend recently recounted the story of how she stepped out on faith, and successfully switched her career path.  She didn't allow worldly things to hold her back, and was rewarded with a career that most people dream of, but are not hungry enough to work for.  She has inspired so many with her achievements, and for that, I am proud to call her my friend.

Every year, around my birthday, I always take a minute to evaluate the past year and think about what it is that I want to achieve the following year.  Worrying about the things that I can not control are a non issue.  I simply focus on my past accomplishments, and what I need to do to achieve the new goals that I have set for myself going forward.  These are my goals...in my opinion, no one has the right to tell me anything when it comes to fulfilling my dreams.

I challenge you to truly think about what's holding you back from achieving your dreams.  I challenge you to stop allowing the woes of the world to control your life, become an unstoppable force that embraces all that life has to offer, all while working towards having the kind of life that you truly desire.

So, I have to ask...who (or what) is going to stop you?

Poetic Expessions: Darkness of Love

By: Ladie Leblanc

www.ladieleblanc.com

Sadness filled my soul the first night I spent sleeping on the floor in a blanket in an empty apartment. Tears wanted to jump out of my bones but my mind wouldn’t let them.

 As scenes replayed in my head and my heart remained broken and unrepaired. At these white walls I stared.

As I seen all the fights and remember each night I lay awake as you slept. The memories of all the words flying out of my mouth. All the phrases that were spate out of fear.

“Fear” the thing that I had never felt! The emotion that caught me off guard because it was never present or near. Fearless is what I had been then suddenly this feeling inside clouded my head.

 My mind is screaming at the person I love as my heart cried out, “please hear me through all these words”

Love dark and dreary because I can’t love.

 A love so painful that no one can understand the language that it speaks. A love so deep that not just anyone can seek.

 My skin crawls aching to be held by your hands. My body calls to its partner that can no longer hear and it just remains still.

My eyes remember your soul and how it feels to stake into someone’s being.

My eyes only saddened even more as they search for that same sight but they cry because it’s not there and they want to avoid seeing.

 Love so hard that when hit going 100mph it is just pulled along.

 A love so full of tears you can’t see it’s face. The water that runs down my face and hits the floor silently.

 Love that was too much to lose and it’s so sensitive but doesn’t want you to know the truth.

 A love that lives for your intimacy and sanity.

 Dark and lonely a love that only remains to show me what I am missing.

Sad and friendly a love that can’t be tamed or matched.

 Unthinkable love that only understands us!

 The darkness of our love!

Live.Laugh.Learn: Don't Pass Me By, Part II

By: Lara Lettsome

Life should be about letting go, being free and growing into who you are meant to be. Follow the young character Karlie Sims as she attempts to transition into life after school in a new city; without all of her friends and family.

Antonio is a young man with an unexpected past. Karlie is a woman with a developing unexpected future. The present moments brings them together. Of course love will be an option, but are they ready to Live, Laugh and Learn? 

Missed out on the very beginning?  Click HERE to read Chapter 1: Realize, Honey...

~~~~~~~~~~

~*~CHAPTER THREE~*~

DON’T PASS ME BY

(Antonio)

(Don't Pass Me By, Continued) 

I looked back at the painting and then at them smiling. They were probably slightly wasted. I smiled. The show ended at about 11 o’clock and then we made our way back to south haven thinking about our next move. One of them suggested that we go to club Layers. Club layer’s was a 5 story club that played different types of music on each floor. There was a Rap, Todays Top Hits, Throw Back (mostly 90’s to 2000), Salsa and the top floor was usually a tossup. It would vary between techno, rock, jazz and reggae. We were unsure what the top floor would be tonight because it’s usually a surprise, but we decided to try our luck.

The women’s line went fast, they probably got in for free and we would probably be paying close to 25 dollars for the same experience.  By the time we got in, it was about 11:45. We skipped the rap floor; it was mostly teens dropping it low. Nothing we could really work with. Today’s hits had a mixed crowd. Which was fine, but they came to the club to choose, and they loved the black sisters.  For that same reason, the salsa floor wasn’t going to work. It was a cross between older folks who took salsa at their local gym and couples. We had already eliminated 3 floors. We only had two left. We stopped in the Throw Backs. EU’s doing the butt was on. The “thug” in them didn’t want to let them cut loose and do old school dances, so this floor wasn’t going to hold us for long. I glanced around. One of my brothers hit my arm to get my attention. His eyes were fixed on a group of about 7 or 8 women headed for the elevator. They looked good, mature and they fit the get chosen description. He watched as the elevator number went up to the 5^th floor. He wasn’t the only one watching, my other brothers caught on quickly. 7 or 8 ladies who were that fine were not going walk out of the 4^th floor without being noticed. We all made eye contact as we headed for the stairs. When we got up to the top floor, it was our luck. They were playing reggae. The vibe was nice, the roof top was open so the light summer/fall breeze and heat made it feel like we were on an island.  By the bars, they had fans that shot out a cool mist. It wasn’t too crowded up here, so the girls wouldn’t be that hard to find. I split up from the boys to go get a drink from the bar.

“Two Rum, no rocks” I said to the man standing behind the counter.

“10 dollars” He responded.

I handed him my money and took both shots to the head.  With a sour face, I turned around to see where the guys went.  I scanned the floor intensely. A soft voice was trying to increase volume to ask for a pina-colada. I turned to see a young pretty brown skin girl with dreads. She looked over and smiled at me.

“7 dollars” the bartender said to her.

“I’ll get it” I handed the bartender the money. I had no intentions to get at her, just wanted to do something nice. She looked like a sweetheart.

“Thanks You!”

“No problem at all”, I continued my search

“I’m here with my big sister and her friends. Are you alone?” She asked

“Naw… I’m here with my frat brothers”, I responded still in search.

“4 Guys?” she asked

“Yeah, have you seen them?” I turn towards her looking for answers.

“They are in V.I.P. with us. I don’t like the vodka or the champagne they have. That’s why I came over here. Plus they kind of all started flirting.”

“Can you show me to them?” I questioned

“Yea, sure” she said. She led me over to the V.I.P. section. 

She was right; everyone was kind of hooked up except for one light skin chick and another young looking girl. I couldn’t really make out all of the faces yet. The young girl with the dreads grabbed the other young looking girl as they made their way to the elevator. Probably to go to a floor with more people their age. I look intensely out of place as I sit down at the sofas with them, next to the light skin girl. She smiled at me.

“Hey, How are you?” I attempted to seem remotely interested.

“I’m ok.” She responded. I nodded. She continued, “These must be your friends who have my girls intrigued” I scan trying to make out the more distant faces in the low light. “Stacy and Lia are usually flirty. Its Quetta’s promotion celebration, so she is feeling herself. I don’t know the other chicks. Quetta’s cousin Jazz and Stacy’s friend Kimmie Sam or something like that” I nodded as she told me this uninteresting story. She was too drunk. That’s probably why they didn’t talk to her.

“Let’s play a drinking game!!” Light skin shouted as everyone turned away from each other to look towards her.  Everyone looked uninterested to play a drinking game in the club.

Then I caught a glimpse of Karlie. She looked different, in a good way though. Usually when I see her she is at the gym, natural faced and gorgeous. Tonight she had on makeup that highlighted all of her features. My mouth opened as I took a large breath. Her eyes looked sparkling. Her lips were shiny and plump, like she coated them with honey. She wasn’t dressed like the others in short revealing clothing. She had on plum high waist skinny pants, with a tight black cropped top that went up to her neck. She had a small portion of the top of her stomach out. She put the outfit together with a bright green clutch that matched her black and bright green pumps. She had style. My throat got dry as I clothed mouth. Brad was all over her. I got up, excusing myself from the drunken light skin girl and made my way to where they were sitting. Like I true cock blocker I interrupted their conversation.

“KARLIE, Brad” I addressed them both. Brad looked confused.

Karlie looked up and noticed me, “Oh……” she paused, looking lost. Her eyebrows made a slight V as they contracted. “Antonio?”

Brad stuttered, “You guys know each other?”

*Stay Tuned for Part III next week!*

Book Review: Skeletons in the Closet

By: Reign Martin  

As an avid reader, I can't even begin to tell you how many books I've read in the last year.  I remember using books as a way to "escape" as a child, and my love affair with books have continued well into my adulthood.

I was recently gifted Skeletons in the Closet by Sabrina A. Hunter.  Thanks to my parents, I have graduated to a Kindle, and had actually forgotten that I had it, until my sister in law called to tell me that it was a must read! 

About Sabrina A. Hunter...
Sabrina A. Hunter is a writer, accountant, and model. Her debut novel, Skeletons In The Closet, is the result of actual events intertwined with imaginary characters and experience to create a story of love, lies, and betrayal. Her next book, Everybody's Got One, continues the escapades of Skeletons in the Closet's main character, Larissa, and her friends. Ms. Hunter, born in Los Angeles, was raised between California and Louisiana. She currently resides in Houston, TX, where she spends most of her time reading and writing. For more information visit her website sabrinaAhunter.com or on facebook bribrihunter and twitter sabrinaAhunter.

Purchase Your Copy Here

About Skeletons in the Closet...
Skeletons. Everyone has one. And everybody wants to bury them, deep. Larissa Fontaine, a celebrity publicist, specializes in keeping skeletons hidden. She makes sure her clients shine like the stars they are, or believe they are. Married to a well known actor and co-owner of Clean Closets Public Relations, at 25 years old, she was living the good life. That is, until she became the star of her very own Hollywood scandal, thanks to her husband. Humiliated, Larissa does exactly what she would advise any of her clients to do, leave and take his money with her. Meet Quincy King and Ana Christina Gonzalez. They are Larissa's two best friends and are her permanent co-stars. Quincy is a stylist and the other half of Clean Closet Public Relations. Ana is a rising Hollywood star, set to become a household name . She was also Clean Closets first client. They have all been friends for most of their lives and have always shared everything with each other. Or do they? Titus Anthony III, is a sexy linebacker for the San Diego Maruaders, who lives in LA during the off season. On the same day that her divorce is finalized,Titus and Larissa paths cross as they catch each other s eye. Titus wants everything Larissa has to offer. But Larissa does not want to get caught up. All she wants from him is his business. But Titus is persistent and is set on proving to her that he is more than just a satisfier in the bedroom. Larissa is determined to live a life in which relates to a fairy tale. Until secrets beyond her control, that refuses to stay buried, come busting out of closets. Secrets which may very well prove to be deadlier than any of them ever thought possible.

Click Here to check out the trailer for this novel!

Thoughts...
I initially thought that this was going to be a sappy love story, and that it would take me several months to complete.  Was I wrong!  While the first chapter set me up to believe this, I realized that the first chapter was truly there to set the scene.  By the end of the first chapter, I felt like Larissa was a good friend of mine, I knew Quincy from high school and Ana Christina was a distant homegirl!  

I quickly found myself as a passenger in the car on Larissa and Ana Christina's roadtrips and a silent fourth wheel at their lunch dates and business meetings, hoping that everything would work out for the best in both their personal and professional lives.  <Spoiler Alert> Titus, of course, throws a wrench in my "happy life" plans, which was totally unexpected.  However, it was presented in such a way, that I did not walk away hating him...just disappointed for my girl Larissa.

 If you like books with large words, then you'll love this one!  Outside of the words, it flows very well, and keeps you intrigued from beginning to end.  I found myself unable to put it down, and actually finished it in a week.

This is definitely a book that you want to pick up...especially if you are into reading the likes of Eric Jerome Dickey or Omar Tyree.

Skeletons in the Closet will give you drama, excitement, shock, laughter and even a little bit of danger.  Yes, all of this in 239 pages!  I can not wait to dig into Everybody's Got One, which is a continuation of Skeletons in the Closet!

Credits

Poetic Expessions: The Fallen

By: Ladie Leblanc

www.ladieleblanc.com

We are the battered and beaten dragged nearly through hell’s gates at the hands of the man.

We are the ones you call tramps and tricks once we've decided to no longer be your punching bags.

We are the ones that bare your children while you run the streets finding scarlets.

We are the ones struggling to maintain the bills as you long stroke and hit ‘em with the flex.

Curves, luscious lips, and skin soft as silk; we are the fallen.

We are the bitter and heartbroken tortured by your selfish antics.

We are the CIA and FBI agents reduced to rummaging through cell phone logs as investigative tactics.

We are the undesirable and non-cute as soon as our bodies cave in from your perpetual abuse.

We are the trash and sluts whose names are slandered and thrown into the shadows as your lustful mind is induced.

Cooking, cleaning, and raising kids; we are the fallen.

We are the hags and nags now that you've found your “bust it baby” although we are the mashed potatoes to your gravy.

We are the old fashioned and out dated simply because you wanted less than your eighty.

We are the emotionally wounded and mentally sedated.

We are the vulgar and foul mouth attitudes that you've generated.

Nasty scars, untold horror stories, and sweltering bruises festering inside; we are the fallen.

We are that ones you need but seemingly to be never what you want.

We are the ones that are not remembered just the ones that hide among the ghosts. 

Live.Laugh.Learn: Don't Pass Me By

By: Lara Lettsome

Life should be about letting go, being free and growing into who you are meant to be. Follow the young character Karlie Sims as she attempts to transition into life after school in a new city; without all of her friends and family.

Antonio is a young man with an unexpected past. Karlie is a woman with a developing unexpected future. The present moments brings them together. Of course love will be an option, but are they ready to Live, Laugh and Learn? 

Missed out on the very beginning?  Click HERE to read Chapter 1: Realize, Honey...

~~~~~~~~~~

~*~CHAPTER THREE~*~

DON’T PASS ME BY

(Antonio)

I sat among my frat brothers in deep thought. We were in the car headed towards Memphis to watch a night of talent. It was taking place at a black owned cheesecake bistro in down town. It was a small space so it was going to be fairly intimate. The place would be filled with original paintings for sale. There would also be a mix of spoken word, jazz and a special tap dance performance. I was excited to be going, but my mind kept thinking back to Karlie. She was really quick to leave. After she left I did a breath check and smelled my armpits. I just didn’t get it. For the past few months we had been making eye contact, but she just never seemed friendly enough to approach. I would smile, she wouldn’t smile back. It made her seem mysterious.  SO finally, when I seen her smile and we were alone, I decided to take my chances.

My frat brother hit me in the back of the head. “What kinda daiq do you want?”

I realized we had pulled up to the liquor store. “Not tonight. I’ll probably just get some brown at the show” I answered.

They hopped out the car and I stayed. It wasn’t long before they came back and we kept heading towards Memphis. They played the music so loud that I couldn’t continue to think if I wanted too.

We got there in about 10 minutes. The show was surprisingly dead. People don’t really appreciate stuff like this anymore. The art was really nice. One picture was a colorful piece of a young girl pretending to play the drums on a pot. She was using wooden stir spoons as her sticks. I wonder if that’s something my little sister would have done. I looked at my hand and twisted the ring on my finger.

If it wasn’t for my frat brothers, I wouldn’t really have family…..

*Stay tuned for Part II of Don't Pass Me By next week!*