Guest Blog Submissions – Now Open!

Hi Lovies,

A couple of weeks ago I was on Instagram and a particular picture caught my attention. The site who posted it, For Harriett, sparked a discussion in the comments about women who are of a certain age who do not have children and the stigma society has attached to them. This renewed my interest in this topic. You see a few years ago I had an idea to do a blog feature about childless women, but I never moved forward with it. They say that it is all about timing and well, I have decided it’s time!

If you are a woman over 30 who does not have children I need your input. It doesn’t matter the reason you are not a mother, I want to hear your story. Here are the details:

 

If you would like to participate, please complete this form https://goo.gl/forms/VVpbuEodsDHGyV9g2  

I look forward to hearing from you. If you are not a childless woman over 30, but know of someone who would like to be involved, please share this post. Thanks.

Indie Shine – Erica L. James

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome recording artist Erica L. James!

©Erica L. James used with permission

 

Bio:

A timid nine-year-old decides she will try out for her school’s Glee Club. She is nervous and practices all night, hoping her hard work will pay off. The music teacher calls her name and she walks over to the piano awaiting his note. She sings “Happy Birthday.” He stops playing the piano and she sits down uncertain if she’s made it. After all the auditions, the music teacher stands up and says,”…the following students should remain seated,” and this is where it all began… Erica James is a R&B Hip-Hop artist from Brooklyn, NY. From her days in the Glee Club to high school singing groups, Erica has music vibrating in the core of her being. Her earliest influences were: Mariah Carey, SWV, Mary J. Blige, and HiFive to name a few… Her passion for music doesn’t rest with just singing, but is coupled with her songwriting skills. Far removed from those Glee Club days, now as an adult she shares her love of music, seasoned with the commitment to uplifting her people. Her catchy lyrics flavored with soothing melodies are for those wanting music of substance. Music that people of all ages can listen to. Music that is righteous. Her mission is just one…to create a space where love is safe.

 

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I make music that promotes positive responses to life’s challenges. My destiny is to help people heal themselves. Many of us are hurting and suffering from self-inflicted guilt, shame, and fear. We have enough music about turning up, but my music is about “turning in.” It’s time that we fix ourselves and I truly believe once this happens, the world will be a better place.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My recent single, “Other Side,” is about using meditation to find peace in stressful situations or to envision success in your endeavors. As a practitioner and teacher of Hatha Yoga, I think it’s important to share the tools I use to create a more balanced life. This song serves as a reminder to take time for yourself unapologetically.

Who inspires you?

My grandmother inspires me greatly. She is, and has given the purest form of love I know. She taught me how to be: (1) assertive but compassionate, (2) adventurous but practical, and (3) confident but approachable. I have several college degrees but my education doesn’t stand a chance against my grandmother’s wisdom. She is the smartest person I know, and her dedication to her faith and family strengthens my very own commitment to my life’s goals.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My “masterpiece” has not yet been created, or maybe it has. It is my hope that my music inspires one person to change something about themselves for the better. If I have done this, then that is my “masterpiece.”

What is your motto in life? 

My motto is: “Nothing is a problem unless you make it one.”

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dream would be Erykah Badu, Indie Arie, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, and Ibeyi participating in my yoga retreat. We would all sing, eat good food, detox, share, and create a space of power.

What is your favorite quote? 

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~Maya Angelou

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want to be remembered for creating music that changed peoples’ lives. I hope that people will say that I made it cool for music to be spiritual without being gospel.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project is my album, “Always In Love.” Hopefully it will be available to the public next Spring.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

Fans can purchase my songs on iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Tidal. In addition, fans can stream my songs on Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora.

Social Media

Website: eljmusic.com

Facebook: @songsbyEJ

Instagram: @songsbyEJ

Twitter:  @songsbyEJ

 

Motivational Monday – 9/11/17

Sometimes things look so bleak that we think we will never recover. 16 years ago the devastation that wreaked havoc on our country was tragic, but we are here today still standing. The hurricanes are battering out country right now, but once the eye of the storm passes we will pick ourselves up and start over. You are capable and never let anyone tell you any different.

Indie Shine – Author Kay Blake

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author Kay Blake!

©Kay Blake used with permission

Bio:

Kay writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. She is a mom to three cubs. Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I’m an indie author. There is something to be said about books. Books are so much. They are portals. I love the written word and it brings me peace. For that reason I write. I write also because there are stories inside that I want to get out. Stories that I want to read. So I write. And I hope that someone in the book world can read it, love it or relate to it.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent work is called Catch Me If I Fall. It is book one in a three book series called The Kim Brothers. My story is about Kasi who is a woman who has to wear a below the knee prosthetic and deal with much from her past. My hero Jae Kim is the oldest of the brothers and he is Korean American. They build a friendship before falling in love. I think it was different from my last works and it was my best that I’ve written so far.

Who inspires you? 

Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Toni Morrison and Beverly Jenkins.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

My current masterpiece is Catch Me If I Fall as it is because of the subject matter. I do think that because I am working on Book 2, that would probably be tied or this anthology piece I’m working on as it deals with the very real issue of what it’s like to be a black teenage girl in America currently.

What is your motto in life? 

Give your best every time. No matter what the situation is. Because at the end you can say that you did try your hardest and that it something to be proud of.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

 

Ha ha. I wanted to be an singer growing up. I have a very good voice. I knew how to go from soprano to alto, but I really don’t like singing in front of people. The ones who heard me sing is a small group. I just get in front of people and shut down. Even though I’ve been told I should do something with my voice, I know it won’t happen with my stage fright, but if it could that would be so awesome.

What is your favorite quote?

I have so many. But I’ll choose one. “Today I will behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.”

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

For my perseverance. I had a lot of things happen in my life and I set out to do things that I wanted to make sure that I would’ve been able to do despite the many challenges. Most people know that I’m sensitive, caring and empathetic. But my perseverance is something I admire about myself.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project is a novella called I Knew You Were Trouble. It is an interracial contemporary romance. It will be available on September 22, 2017.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

 

Amazon

 

Social Media

 

©Kay Blake used with permission

Amazon Author Page:  Kay-Blake

Twitter: @authorkayblake

Instagram: @authorkayblake

Facebook Author Page: authorkayblake

Facebook: kayblakewrites

The Unhappy Wife – A Book Review

Hi Lovies,

I just finished reading a great book and I wanted to share it with you. It is not often that I write reviews on this blog, but this book was so good I had to. The name of the book is The Unhappy Wife by K.E. Garland. It is a collection of stories about women and their marriages.

Here’s the skinny:

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. It wasn’t that I thought it would be bad, I simply am a lover of love. An Unhappy Wife is not something I want to read about. Boy was I wrong.

This book is a collection of stories from various women who delve into the real world of marriage. If you are someone considering marriage, you need to read this book. It is chock full of life lessons that our mothers did not teach us. Some of the lessons are converse to what our mothers have taught us.

I was blown away by the honesty and rawness these ladies exhibited. Though at times the story had me frustrated, I knew if I was in the situation in my twenties, I may have fallen into the same traps. It is easier looking back now that I have actually lived and experienced relationships.

At first I found myself saying how these women should know better, but I had to check myself. I was once a young inexperienced woman and I definitely was not without my own heartbreak. Thank God He did not allow me to marry my first fiancé. If I had, I surely would have been a prime candidate for this book.

This should be required reading for all young women who are considering a permanent commitment. As one quote in the book says “Marriage is not the wedding.” (Eva Longoria) Life lessons are sometimes learned through observing the actions of others and making sure you don’t repeat their mistakes.

This book is a curriculum of what not to do and teaches the reader the warning signs of when to get out. Kudos to the writer.

 

©Dr. Katherin Garland used with permission

I have followed Dr. Garland’s blog for some time now and enjoy her work very much. She was gracious enough to allow me to interview her on my Indie Shine Feature as well. I hope you all will pick up a copy of her book and enjoy it as much as I did. (Click Here) In the meantime, head on over to her blog Kwoted here on WordPress and say hello.

50 Days of Loving Guest Blog Intro

Hi Lovies,

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision on Loving vs Virginia which allowed Mildred and Richard Loving to live in the state of Virginia as man and wife.

This ruling has impacted mine and countless other’s lives and I am excited to bring you the guest posts today! I reached out to a wide variety of people to participate in this series. My intention was to have blogs from both sides of the issue, however I was unable to procure anyone who was willing to go on record as being against interracial relationships. Several of my invitations went unanswered so I have a feeling some of those people were not feeling it. Some people got busy and were unable to send in their article. I totally get that because life happens and you can’t escape it.

Regardless of who did not participate, I received a nice response and the bloggers are on point ya’ll. I can’t wait for you to read them!  I want all of the writers who were kind enough to indulge me to know how very much I appreciate them. You didn’t have to do this, but you did! Your kindness will not be forgotten. Below is a schedule of the guest bloggers in order of appearance. Of course I had to participate as well, so I am on there too. I just couldn’t be silent on this subject. The fun starts at 10 AM. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Indie Shine – Jennifer Robinson

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to “Shine” the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author and poet, Jennifer Robinson!

©Jennifer Robinson used with permission

Bio:

Lover of food, music and words! I am a poet, aspiring author and blogger

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am a writer and I write because I have to. Writing is how my thoughts and feelings are manifested. If I could not share my heart, I would be lost. My sister told me that I have something to say that the world needs to hear so…I write!

Tell us about your most recent work.

I have written a book of poetry entitled “But…there’s love”. It was very difficult to publish because my poems aren’t just words thrown together; my poems are what I’m feeling. They are intimate. It became easier when I discovered I was not alone in my feelings and others could relate.

Who inspires you?

Jill Scott is quite possibly my biggest influence. The way she writes is just…it’s perfect. I am also a fan of Carolyn Malachi. I love her poetic, spoken word musical style.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

I wrote a poem entitled “Beauty” with someone else in mind. However, I found out the words came so easily because it was really for me. It’s about the struggle with low self-esteem. I’ve written probably about 200 poems but this one is easily my favorite.

©Jennifer Robinson used with permission

What is your motto in life?

“Silver and gold, have I none, but SUCH AS I HAVE give I thee”. I live by the motto of such as I have. Whatever I have to give, be it money, a poem, words of encouragement, a shoulder to lean on, a smile, or a truth talk, then that is what I will give.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

I want to travel the country to eat. I love food, although I am somewhat of a picky eater. I want my best friend and I to leave our kids and just go around the country trying new foods.

What is your favorite quote?

“I don’t walk around, trying to be what I’m not. I don’t waste my time, trying to get what you got. I work at pleasing me, cause I can’t please you. And that’s why I do what I do”-Erykah Badu

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

That I cast fear to the side and shared what I love.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next book “Conversations of the heart” will be available in March.

Where can fans purchase your work?

My book can be purchased on Authorhouse.com, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is available as a paperback and ebook.

Social Media

Facebook:  Author Jennifer Robinson

Instagram: AuthorJenniferRobinson

Twitter: @jennrobpoetry

Blog: myemeraldlife.wordpress.com

Indie Shine – Eliza David

In this month’s edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author, womanist and creator of the popular Cougarette series Eliza David!

Bio:

©Eliza David used with permission

Eliza David is the author of the five-star-rated, six-book Cougarette series. She was born and raised on the noisy South Side of Chicago, but now lives in super quiet Iowa. When she’s not writing, working full-time, or raising two children with her loving husband, Eliza enjoys reading throwback Jackie Collins and indulging in the occasional order of cheese fries. Eliza is a blogger as well, having served as a contributing writer for Real Moms of Eastern Iowa, Good Men Project, and Thirty on Tap. She was a featured panelist at both the Iowa Soul Festival and Iowa City Book Festival in 2016. Eliza’s latest novel, Savage, dropped in September. She’s currently working on the sequel to Savage – Still Savage – for release in 2017. For additional information, including witty clapbacks from this author, visit www.elizadavidwrites.com

Q & A

 

What do you do and Why do you do it?

When I’m not working my day job or freelancing on lifestyle blogs like ‘Thirty On Tap’, I write modern romance novels about not-so-modern women. My characters are what I like to call ‘flawed but fabulous’. They are mothers, daughters, and sisters. They work hard at their careers and at love. And yes, they like to have sex quite a bit! I write because my hope is to broaden the spectrum of women characters in fiction. Women aren’t binary and there are levels to us that aren’t explored. I hope to unlock some of those traits.

Tell us about your most recent work.

 

Still Savage is a sequel to my last novel, Savage. Savage tells the story of fundraising guru Laney Townes, a divorced lesbian whose personal and professional lives intersect into sexy circumstances. In the sequel, Laney reunites with her ex, A-list R&B pop singer Eva Reynolds, for business. Of course, things happen that find them entangled with each other…which is awkward for Eva, who is still dating her male songwriting partner. Yes honey – drama!

Who inspires you? 

First and foremost, my mother – who always wanted me to be a writer but I just had to find my lane (and I have!). My writing heroes include Erica Jong, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Jennifer Weiner.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

The Cougarette series, hands down. It’s based on Laney’s BFF, CeeCee Banks. Forty-something CeeCee is only divorced for hours when she meets Jay – a man a little over half her age. The series is a collection of six books (first one’s free on Amazon!) and takes you on a sexy ride with CeeCee.

What is your motto in life? 

I remind myself often that tomorrow is another day. I tend to hold on to memories of human error way longer than I should and it never does me any favors.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

I would love to see The Cougarette become a TV dramedy and (bonus!) I’d want a hand in creating the series – not just selling the rights off. That would make my life.

What is your favorite quote?

I am drawn to Alice Walker quotes and, if I had to select one as a motto for life, it would be…‘I have fallen in love with the imagination. And if you fall in love with the imagination, you understand that it is a free spirit. It will go anywhere, and it can do anything.’

 

I keep this ideal of the imagination being a free spirit when I write. I’m still a planner, but I use my plot outline as a road map. There are many ways to get to a destination – on the page and in real life!

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

Life is so hectic so if I’m remembered for anything, I’d want it to be giving my readers a sexy escape.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

I have three projects planned for 2017. In addition to ‘Still Savage’ hitting Amazon in the spring, I have two more novels I’d like to drop. First up is another Cougarette novel, tentatively titled ‘The Westons’. It will kick off a fresh book series, so I’m excited to step back into my fave character’s black stilettos. My third novel is a standalone tentatively titled ‘For The Fandom’, which I hope to drop around the holidays.

Where can fans purchase your work?

Amazon is the one-stop shop for all things me: http://amazon.com/author/elizadavid

Social Media Contact Information:

 

Facebook:  elizadwrites

Instagram: writegirlproblems

Blog: www.elizadavidwrites.com

You can also catch her on Twitter stirring up all types of trouble @elizadwrites.

 

 

Friday Happy Dance – Rihanna

This week’s happy dance is a unique dance video filmed by @TimMilgram set to music by my chick Rihanna. It is from her Anti album that was released last year, but it has a very old school R&B feel to it. LOVE it! Here’s Love On the Brain!

 

Motivational Monday – 2/20/17

Some days you may feel less than, but I am here to tell you that is not true. #mm