What is Lee Daniels doing right now?

I'm asking this because I need him to direct a movie for me.

I've been meaning to getting around to reading John Grisham's Sycamore Row for awhile now. It's been hanging around my Kindle since November hidden among my guilty pleasure novels like K. Elle Collier's My Man's Best Friend or Daaimah S. Poole's Another Man Will (which I have yet to read by the way, but I'm sure we will discuss later), but I finally decided to start reading it two days ago.

Get it here

Okay.. I haven't finished the book, but I felt compelled to stop and express my thoughts so far. I am still in the beginning phase of this novel, you know the part of the book where you are introduced to the major players, but I can sense a "book-to-movie" when I read one.

This is where I need Lee Daniels' help. (Now I know this man doesn't know me from Adam..but allow me to dream for a little bit) If you don't know who Mr. Daniels is; remember The Butler? Precious? Yea.. that guy.

Only Lee would be able to pull this one off. A old, wealthy white guy kills himself in Mississippi and leaves the majority of his estate to his poor, black housekeeper?! Doesn't leave a nickel to his grown children?! Oooh hunty, let the drama commence.



I can already see Matthew McConaughey coming back to take over his role as Jake Brigance (I know it's been 18 years since Time to Kill, but he's been using that Mary Kay's Time Wise or something because the dude looks good).  Seth Hubbard (the rich fella that causes all of the brou-ha-ha) would be played by an old stand-by like Bruce Dern  (this guy right here) and of course Ms. Lettie would need to be brought to life by the incomparable Viola Davis.

Only Lee would be able to capture the full grittiness of the dirty south where folks still live on the "black side" of town. Where people sit on porches and everybody knows everybody or knows somebody that knows everybody.  Maybe I should DM Mr. Daniels on Instagram with my idea. Put that little bug in his ear. Should I start a Facebook page? Whatcha think?

Make time for a little reading and enjoy your weekend!

Tel

R.I.P Dr. Angelou

Rest In Peace to the author I was introduced to through required summer reading before entering the 10th grade, Dr. Maya Angelou.

(both found here)

Sunday Quote

Just Keep Writing... (In my Dory voice)

Find it here

I'm a recovering book hoarder. It is really hard for me to part with any form of publication to be honest with you. I just recently got rid of a slew of paperback novels along with three year's worth of Essence magazines and you would've sworn I was giving up my last birthed child.

Anywho, I managed to hang on to a couple of my favorite books by my favorite authors (nobody puts J. California Cooper in the giveaway box...NOBODY!) plus a few back issues of Fitness magazine that I swear I'm going to read once I start going "beast mode" with this weight loss. (I have a year's worth of issues. An entire year.)

I say all that to say this: I found the book that I purchased about 8 or so years ago that I swore was going to help me write the novel of all novels, Jerry Cleaver's Immediate Fiction. That dream I've been holding onto since I was in the 5th grade writing short stories about my imaginary break dancing, boom box carrying boyfriend and I would finally come to fruition.  Well, being that I have those procrastination issues and a big habit of starting something without finishing, it found it's way in the pile of "I will do it one day."  I think today might be the day. The urge to write has been bearing weight on me for a couple of weeks now and I think it's time to get this party started.

So.. I placed upon myself a goal. One chapter a week and all exercises completed.

Found this on Pinterest:

Let's do this.

My Constant Struggle.

I am a chronic procrastinator.  If it's not on fire, doesn't involve the children's schooling or isn't needed to keep the bills paid, most likely I've avoided doing it. This bad habit is so deeply rooted in my being, I'm constantly reminding myself I need to do something about it. Which just defeats the purpose, because I'm avoiding tackling my avoidance.

Well, since a few dynamics have changed in my life and some of the daily struggles I dealt with as a single mother are no longer there, I've decided to face this problem head-on. I am declaring the remainder of this year "The Year I Get Shit Done."

There are three major "to-do's" on my list"

1. Tackle these 40 pounds I swear I'm going to lose or embrace what God gave me and shut-up about it.
2. Write a novel. I don't care if I only manage to write one word a day, I'm gettin' 'er done.
3. Become a Naturalista and remain free from chemical bondage for the rest of my days.  

(I managed to accomplish #3 on May 8, 2014. Can you say "freedom?")

#noexcuses #2014istheyear #letsdothis

Have You Heard of Her?

There are two things I spend most of my time doing: scouring the internet for ways to lose 20 pounds in one month without dieting or working out and downloading inexpensive fiction onto my Kindle. Well, some time ago when I was on the hunt for something new to read, I ran across a series of books by Adrienne Thompson. Can you say the bombdiggity? Her writing is easy to follow and the storylines will hold your interest from beginning to end. I pretty much devoured each book in a few sittings. (and that's only because family duties kept interrupting my flow).  Start with this series of books and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

link

You can download the majority of her books at the low, low cost of $3.99 per novel. So grab your Kindle, a glass of Moscato (or your spirit of choice) and be prepared to be entertained. 

Get Over It Already

I have been stressing. I stressed myself out about sticking to a weight loss plan which led me to stress about finding time to work out which then led to me stressing about what to do with my hair. I started stressing so much about my hair, that I started eating cookies to ease the pain which brought me back full circle. 

So, I decided (for the fourth time, mind you) to chop the locks. The trials and tribulations of a black woman's hair stops today. And you know what, I like it and don't care if anyone else does. 

Mother's Day

I'm feeling the blog-fever again. I don't have a set idea of what this brilliant idea of mine will be about so I decided to just wish all of the wonderful moms out there a glorious and joyful Mother's Day!