Happy Holidays!!!

Season’s Greetings

My favorite time of year is here!!! Aren't you excited? All the joy and Christmas spirit floating through the atmosphere. It truly warms my heart. People are nicer during this time of year, well, at least where I live. It keeps the people who are genuinely pure at heart true to their character. With everything that has transpired in our country, we need that. Good still exists. In my opinion, it overrules bad. Having a positive attitude is the only way to overcome certain circumstances I shall remain nameless. Anyway!

Do you have any holiday family traditions? Watching Christmas movies and drinking homemade hot chocolate, are just to name a few that my family and I share during the holiday season. Don't you just love Hallmark Channel's countdown till Christmas movies? Or ABC Family's (now known as FREEFORM) 25 Days of Christmas? If you haven't tuned in, you, my friend, are missing out. I have been watching Christmas movies since Thanksgiving Day. I know...I just can't help myself! Don't judge me. 

I finished decorating my home last weekend and it feels amazing when I walk through my living room and see the decor. There is nothing like being festive, especially during the holiday season. The music, the lights, the greens and reds, the garland; the list can go on and on. 

Each year, my siblings and I kick off the holiday season by indulging in Black Friday. It's our bonding time. This year, we left our parents' home around 11pm Thanksgiving night and didn't make it home until 12noon the next day. Yeah, we stayed out all night, morning, and would have stayed throughout the evening until sleep started to kick our butts. WE HAD A BLAST, though. And no one got ran over by a shopping cart. Long story for another time. I've said too much! Lol... 

On a more serious note. 

Many people become depressed during this time of year. It can be due to losing a loved one or someone special, a terrible breakup, or something they refuse to share. Please pay attention to the people you interact with on a daily basis. If you see them sitting quietly, or not acting quite like themselves, ask why? Show compassion. You never know how your kindness can change or save someone's life. Invite them out to lunch or to that holiday party you're throwing. Or if you're feeling generous, get them a copy of my latest book Silence.

Click on the link to read an excerpt from the book

thekekechanel.com/news

It's also available on amazon.com. 

amazon.com/dp/B01LBWQLDA

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I usually set realistic goals and prioritize to meet those goals throughout the year. Here are a few tips that can help you complete the goals you set.

1. Be realistic -Don't have outlandish expectations. Make sure you don't set yourself up for failure be having unattainable goals. (Ex. Don't say you're going to start working out five days a week when you don't work out at all right now. Start by doing two days and commit to them. Once you accomplish the two days, increase! 

2.Write it down –Write your goals down somewhere. It’s been said that seeing something written down someplace can help you stay focused. Once you complete one goal, mark it off the list and go forth to the next. 

3.Set aside allotted time each day to give attention to each goal – Schedule time to work on your list. This creates a routine. You can set an alarm, put on one of your favorite CDs, or go to a designated area in your home to work. After a few days, your body will know it’s time to ‘get it done’.

 

4. Step away if you feel stuck or overwhelmed – Don’t allow yourself time to get burnt out. It happens. Take a breath. Step away. Fresh eyes and a clear mind will achieve more. Don’t become consumed. Enjoy the process. 

5. Find Inspiration – Sometimes, following someone in your area of expertise or desired platform can be the boost you need to get going. Read books that stimulate your creative flow. Find quotes or mantras and recite them. Meditate. Call that friend who always offers words of encouragement.We all need someone to push us and hold us accountable. 

6. Reward Yourself – I say this all the time when offering tips. You deserve a pat on the back or a nice treat for pursuing your goals and accomplishing them. It’s not easy! 

7. Show your success –Tell someone what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. People are rooting for you. *If you don’t have anyone in your life who wants you to succeed, find new people to form your inner circle* It feels good to hear others say “I’m proud of you” or “I knew you could do it” or “I’m happy for you.”   

Finish strong! There is still time to accomplish something you haven't yet in 2016. Focus and bring in the New Year with a positive attitude, mindset, and purpose. The only person standing in your way is you. You can stand still or move forward. #YOUGOTTHIS.

Untile next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You and Yours...

DuEwa Frazier

As you all know, I love featuring authors on my blog. Today, I’m featuring Author/Poet DuEwa Frazier. She’s here to tell us about her latest work as well as allow us to get to know her on a more personal level. We connected via social media a few years ago. It’s refreshing to have support from fellow authors. #authorssupportingauthors

DuEwa featured me on her blog a few days ago. If you would like to read the interview, please click on the link below.

Author Interview: Keke Chanel

Help me give DuEwa a big Kickin' It With KeKe welcome...

About the Author:

 

DuEwa Frazier is an educator, poet, children's/young adult author, performer and speaker.  Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she is the author of two young adult novels to date - Quincy Rules (2016) and Deanne in the Middle (2014).  DuEwa is also the author of several books of poetry: Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems (2013), Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children (2010), Stardust Tracks on a Road (2005), and Shedding Light From My Journeys (2002).  She is the editor and publisher of the award nominated anthology, Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees (2006).  Check the Rhyme received the coveted NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Literary Work - Poetry, in 2007.  DuEwa is a publisher who founded Lit Noire Publishing in 2002.  DuEwa has shared stages with esteemed poets, actors and authors, and has produced numerous events including the 2010 "Haiku and Handgrenades" tribute to Sonia Sanchez at The Harlem Book Fair and the 2016 "I Rise" Women's History Month tribute to women poets at The Missouri History Museum.  She is featured in the Rhyme and Reason documentary on poetry.  Her poetry and essays have been featured in numerous publications including:  Crossing the Divide Anthology, Eleven Eleven Literary Journal, Split This Rock, Essence Magazine, For Harriet, Poetry Ink Anthology, Poetry In Performance, Stanford University's Black Arts Quarterly, Black Renaissance/Renaissance Noire, Tidal Basin Review, Reverie Journal, Drumvoices Revue and others.  In addition to earning the B.A. degree in English at Hampton University, DuEwa earned the following advanced degrees: M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University (NY), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Creative Writing at The New School (NY), Ed.M. in Educational Leadership at Columbia University (NY). Visit her website at http://www.duewaworld.com./ 

So tell us, how long have you been writing? 

I’ve been writing since I was a child.  I always kept a journal.  I started writing poetry in college.

What genre do you write or prefer writing? 

Poetry has been a passion of mine, but I first started writing professionally as a journalist.  I started writing fiction stories years ago, but my first fiction publication is my first young adult novel, Deanne in the Middle (2014).  I don’t have one genre I prefer, I just enjoy writing and being creative.

How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer? 

Probably since college when I became an English major. 

What inspires you to write? 

Everyday life, reading the work of others, social issues, things that go wrong, things that go right, history, art, music and education.

What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

For my YA novels, I want young readers to feel like they can relate to the characters and visualize the scenes.  For my poetry I want to take the reader or hearer on a journey, and maybe they can reflect and think about something in a different way.

How would you describe your writing style? 

Sometimes poetic, sometimes humorous, sometimes inspiring.

Who are some of your favorite authors?  Zora Neale Hurston, Flannery O’ Connor, J. California Cooper, Langston Hughes, Ntozake Shange, Sonia Sanchez, James Baldwin, Lucille Clifton, Ralph Ellison, Gwendolyn Brooks, Virginia Hamilton, Walter Dean Myers, and many others.

What are some of your favorite books?  Their Eyes Were Watching God, Invisible Man, The Book of Night Women, Creative Visualization, Rotten English, Wrapped in Rainbows, Sassafras, Cypress & Indigo and many others.

What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

Sometimes I write in silence, sometimes I listen to music.  I don’t have a formula. 

If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why? 

I’d actually love to collaborate with illustrator Bryan Collier or Christopher Myers on a picture book.  They both have exquisite illustrations in award winning books for children.

What advice would you give aspiring authors? 

Keep at it.  Write. Reflect. Learn. Grow.

I love it!  Write. Reflect. Learn. Grow. I'll definitely be borrowing that. A great mantra to add to my list of daily inspiration.

What are you reading currently?  Poetry, short stories, children’s stories.

Tell us about your latest book. 

It was actually fun for me to write my latest book, Quincy Rules.  It is a story about a 15-year old teen named Quincy Lyles.  She's a sophomore in high school.  She teaches yoga classes at her mother's studio, loves thrift shopping, and has a BFF - Delaney Rojas who is always with her.  Quincy wants to find her father, who she receives cards and letters from with no return address.  Her mother and stepfather don't really want to get involved. This is where Quincy's search begins.  It's an interesting story, and it's so different from my last young adult story, Deanne in the Middle.  I hope the young readers who pick up this book will find some value in it, and see themselves in one of the characters.  

Quincy Rules 

Genre:  Young Adult/Juvenile Fiction/Teens/Mystery

192 pages

Publisher:  Lit Noire Publishing / CreateSpace, October 2016 

Available in Kindle or Paperback via Amazon.com 

Quincy Rules

Go to amazon.com and get you copy TODAY!!!

 
How can readers find you?  www.duewaworld.com

Links:

DuEwa Frazier (@DuEwaWorld) | Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/DuEwaFrazier

As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?  Totally.

What’s next for you?  I have some events coming up.

Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry? Why? Why not?  Networking just to network is a waste of time.   It’s better to form long-term connections with those where each of you finds a mutual benefit.  Don’t focus on networking.  Focus on doing what you came here to do. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?  Still creating.

Where do you want to be with your writing in five years?  Growing and developing.

Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?  Tomorrow is a new day.  Change is inevitable.  Keep your eye on the prize (whatever that may be). Faith. Hope.

If there is something I didn’t ask that you want readers to know about you, please include it at this time.  Follow me via Twitter @duewaworld and ‘Like’ my Facebook Author Page www.facebook.com/duewafrazier

Please connect with DuEwa and learn about all the wonderful things she has coming in the near future. Authors love to connect with readers. It’s how we exist! Thank you DuEwa for Kickin’ It With KeKe.

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & BE YOU!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Hey Y'all!!!

It's my favorite time of year!!!

Well, October ended on a good note. I watched lots of scary movies, some corny, some classics, and some that didn't hold my attention long enough to finish. I went to vote during early voting here in Louisiana and just relaxed. I don't usually celebrate Halloween, but this year my Sissy and BIL hosted their very first party and it was a blast. We dressed up and acted like big kids for a few hours playing games, eating, laughing, dancing, and having a grand time. Who knew dressing as someone else could bring out the "happy bug!" It's always important to take a moment or two to enjoy life. To do things that make us happy and spark new thoughts, new passions, and new creative flow. October is my month for doing those things, my month of preparation.

My Costume: Woman in Black-Soul Taker

Because I participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November, I free my mind to heighten creativity during October. This is a wonderful event for writers, authors, and anyone who needs motivation from a community of likeminded individuals. Last year,  I surpassed my goal of 50,000 words in a month. From it came my latest book Silence.

Available now in paperback and eBook

This year, I plan to achieve my goal and produce another great book for your reading pleasure. NaNoWriMo is a great way to hold yourself accountable and accomplish a goal you may put off any other time. It's not too late to join if you are someone who has a goal you want to fulfill when it comes to writing. If you do, please add me as your writing buddy. I'll be on the lookout for you. Writing is no easy task! Receiving motivation and inspiration is essential. This event will surely point you in the right direction.

www.nanowrimo.org.

Aside from relaxing, I have been on a yoga journey. Let me tell you that it has helped me in more ways than I thought possible. I sleep better. I feel better. And, I have dropped inches from my waist. If you want to get in tune with your spiritual self through releasing deadly toxins, go to YouTube and check out Yoga with Adriene. She will change your life and for the better.

Youtube.com/Yoga with Adriene

Remember to breathe, focus, and not worry about things you have no control of.

Until next time Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be You!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel 

My October: Part I

I don't really celebrate Halloween but I do love scary movies. Well, all things horror for that matter. Call me what you want, I'm not alone. Shout out to my people who can appreciate a good scare or things that go bump in the night. #WeRock 

Thirty-one days of Halloween has commenced! We kicked the month off searching football on Sunday. Our New Orleans Saints got a win. Hopefully, October will be the green light for a great season. But hey! I'm a Greenbay fan. #GoPack 

My daughter and I watched horror movies all day on Monday and I must say, I wasn't all that impressed by the choices on our guide. We settled on four that sounded interesting enough. From The Mothman Prophecies to The Evil Dead 1981 (which is considered a classic by the way),  to Unfriended and  The Visit. Maybe not in that order, but we spent our day laughing, giving side-eyes, to trying to get back the time wasted on such disappointment. Can y'all believe punkass Ash has his own show now? Ash vs. The Evil Dead. Don't believe me, look it up! It's on Starz. 

Moving on...

The Visit wasn't so bad, though. The tale of two children going to spend a week with the grandparents they've never met. What kind of parent sends their children off for a week to visit with parents she hadn't seen in nearly 15 years? Just dumb...  Wouldn't you at least go with them? I won't give any spoilers. When you watch it, if you haven't seen it already, please send me your thoughts. Lol... Favorite line from the movie is when Tyler, one of the children, says in his rap "shit don't taste like chicken." You gotta watch the movie to understand. *shaking my damn head*

Last night, we watched Cooties. Yes, you heard me, Cooties. If you haven't watched it please do just to get a good laugh. It is ridiculously hilarious and dumb as hell! Takes place in Fort Chicken, Illinois. A sudden virus erupts when children are imposed to a contaminated meat product starring Elijah Woods. Yeah... 

I wonder what we will watch today. Right now I'm sitting in the doctor's office with my Daddy waiting for him to have eye surgery. Nothing serious, he's good. But boy are there some characters in here. I have formed a plot and created a storyline that will leave your side aching from obsessive laughter. Umma be nice! *covers mouth with hands* 

Anyway, I just wanted to share my October experience this far. I'm sure there will be much more to come. I'll keep you guys posted on the movies, but I have a question. My baby sister and her husband are  hosting their first Halloween party. Since I'm a lover of Prince, I wanted to go as "Purple Rain" but  the costume isn't turning out the way I had it pictured in my head. My question to you is: What/Who shall I go as? I have an idea, but I would love to hear your suggestions. Post your pick in the comments. I'll be waiting...

Come on... Get into the spirit to the start of the holiday season. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween, don't keep others who do from having their experience. Who knows? You may add more years to your life by living a little. Everything doesn't have to be so serious. Live...Love...Laugh ya heard me!

And don't forget October is also Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Voilence Awareness. Support by donating, educating yourself, and supporting others. Your presence and contribution can save a life or two. A friendly attitude, warm smile, and word of encouragement can change a life more than you can know. 

Until next time, Be Inpsired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU with a little extra!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel 

If All Lives Matter...

Happy Wednesday!!! 

I went to bed last night with a heavy heart. I woke feeling the same way. Then, I logged on to social media and became outraged. Another senseless slaying of someone who looks like me. The only way to release and try to wrap my head around what's happening so blatantly in this coldhearted world is to pen my words. If this offends some of you, take self-inventory. Something is obviously wrong on your part. If you feel my pain, I'll pray for you as you pray for me. One day, we'll all be free. 

If All Lives Matter

I walk in silence but the melanin in my skin  speaks loud and clear; putting my life in harm's way without realizing it. Why? All Lives Matter, right?! Bullshit! Tell that to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who stood for "all lives matter" but was killed by a bullet that begged to differ. Yeah, All Lives DO Matter or SHOULD MATTER, but society got it all fucked up.

When an innocent human being can get murdered for walking down the street, or waiting to pick up a child, or selling CDs, or simply minding their own business, we are in deep trouble. And it's not just the men and women in blue who are mauling us down likes savages. Oh no! We have to be accountable for the actions we produce within our communities. Until then, justice will never prevail.  So quick to say "I am my brother's keeper" yeah, okay! When, one day, can go by without an act of violence committed... Let me leave that alone. Nobody wants to hear the truth! But All Lives Matter, right?!

I cover my children in prayer for fear they will leave our home and never come back because they have brown skin; that they may return traumatized or victimized in some way makes my heart ache. I know things happen, LIFE HAPPENS! But if the color of their skin plays a part in their perception of society or tragic end, don't tell me shit about "I'm sorry for your loss" or "why did you get them go?" We can't keep our children sheltered or locked away. When they do join society, they will surely be eaten alive. 

I pray for my nieces and nephews wondering will they get treated equally hanging out with their friends who don't see color barriers, but another's ignorance open a can of hatred unhealthy for the soul. Prejudice is a taught behavior. If you don't agree, you are apart of the problem. 

I weep for my husband, brothers, Dads, cousins, and friends putting myself in the shoes of countless others who have experienced firsthand the injustice for their fallen loved ones. We, one nation under God, should be ashamed. We should want better, do better, and be better. We should walk in love, show ourselves friendly, and not only when it's convenient. Imagine where we would be if God was like man. If God was one of us, the devil would get his entire life. Wait a minute, he's not too far from that! But All Lives Matter, right?!  

Wake up, people! How long are we going to keep our eyes closed? If we place value on the lives of others the way we place value upon ourselves and the people we love, we wouldn't have to worry about each other. We wouldn't have to wonder if All Lives Matter. We could then worry about how Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton are the candidates for the next President of the United States of America. Now ain't that some shit...! 

I hope my thoughts haven't left a bad taste in your mouth. They are after all, my thoughts. May they bring forth wisdom and understanding,  so that our nation can change for the better. It's up to us all to create the change we want to see existing in the world. Are you a part of the change or a part of the problem? 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & BE YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel 

Will It Ever Get Better???

As I sit here watching television in the comforts of my own home, I'm on edge knowing that many of the men and women I love dearly are in a world that doesn't value them at all. Tears well up in my eyes everytime I think about the senseless slayings of my people. Will it ever end? 

We shouldn't only get upset when others maul us down like animals. We should see what's happening and do better. Value ourselves so that "they" can value us too. Be our brothers and our sisters keepers. Become examples for our children, our neighbors, the next generation because if we don't, there will be no generation at all. Global Warming isn't our main threat, it's mankind who doesn't give a damn about climate control. Trigger happy muckerfuckers!!! 

We matter!!! We have always mattered... It's time to stop living in the past, to stop having the "that nigga think he all that" or "they act like they better than me" mentality. Hell, there's enough to go around, but it takes work! It takes determination, dedication, and getting up off our asses. Contrary to belief, no one owes us anything! 

Whatever happened to seeing someone come up (make it in life) and admiring them, being happy for them, and wishing them well. Why not let their success be a reflection of what you will achieve? Let it be the motivation you need to see it exist and know you can do it too. Why not pay it forward so that forward progress can overshadow anything less? Jealousy is Misery's twin! Remember that.

Education is a weapon. Go to school. Listen to the teacher. Do what's right and not what's expected due to the melanin in our skin. Raise the bar. Set a standard. Don't allow circumstances, or the environment from which we live or came from to dim the light God placed inside us all. If we were created in His image, no one, I mean no one, should be able to make us question our importance or our worth in this life. We're all on borrowed time anyway. 

Tell me, what does a "bad dude" look like? I guess for some,  he's a black man walking away with his hands above his head. I guess a father sitting in his car, reading a book, waiting on his daughter to get off the school bus is a threat as well. I'm telling you. We are living in our last days people. It's time to wake the hell up! If we began to love ourselves, there would be no question whether or not we love one another. All the senseless killings among US would cease to exist, daring anyone to infiltrate our community. We would become stronger, wiser, a proud people of cultural genius. After all, our ancestors built the  great country we call "land of the free and home of the brave." 

And you mad that a professional athlete takes a knee during the National Anthem and innocent men and women are killed maliciously?! Really... Get the fuck outta here! 

I dare us to be brave as a people so that we can finally be free as a people. Stop killing each other so that they will stop murdering not just our innocence but also our intelligence. Learn how to communicate verbally to resolve an issue instead of using violence to get our point across. Learn how to take an ass whipping and get up to laugh about it. An ass whooping may hurt a while but a bullet can end a lifespan immediately. Until we do, our people will continue to make headlines and breaking news. But even before one is properly covered, another dead black body is discovered. 

Black Lives Matter doesn't mean that all lives don't matter!! Let me just get that out there so we are clear. It means that our lives have never been valued the way we should. It means that a black man will receive harsher treatment than anyone else because of the color of his skin. It means that "justice for all" hasn't applied to us, EVER! Black Lives Matter is simply saying, "hey, we're here too can't you see us!" It means, "WHAT ABOUT US?!" 

Something has to change! This is too much. God, help us all. Have mercy on us too. 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!! 

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel 

Man!! Let me tell ya!

When I tell you this past weekend doesn't owe me anything! That would be too simple of what transpired. First, Homecoming 2016 in my hometown was EPIC! Celebrating our 20th year class reunion, St. Helena Class of '96 showed up and showed out like always. We had soooooo much fun. My feet are still hurting. I'm serious! It feels like my toenails are about to come off. Don't laugh, it ain't funny. (It is...Lol) The love that was shown last Friday will forever warm my heart. Every person in attendance came through with spirit and love. We partied like the civilized adults that we are, all in clean fun. Lots of smack-talking happened, but that made the experience ten times better. Sorry I missed Saturday and Sunday, but duty called. 

Then, after the rain nearly put a damper on things, my sister and I headed to Memphis were I was a featured author at the 5th Annual BWABC Literacy Book Festival. Meeting new and reconnecting with fellow authors was in full-swing. There's nothing short of an amazing time when we all get together. Thanks to everyone who came, thanks to my new KeKe Chanel readers and supporters, and a special thanks to the BWABC Team for putting such an amazing event together. Literacy is important! You guys ROCK... 

After the festival, I went back to the hotel and took a nap. Let me just say this, though. The comforters at the Sleep Inn ain't no joke. It whipped my ass, y'all. I guess I was tired, but I swear it jumped on me while I slept. I woke up feeling like a truck drove over my shoulders while a train ran across my back. Hell, I'm still sore. But all jokes aside, the Sleep Inn is wonderful. I've stayed there the past two years. It's right downtown on Front St. in the midst of everything, walking distance from Beale St and other main attractions. The staff is divine and the Continental Breakfast is delicious. 

I was exhausted from being up a full day and a half, but not enough to stay away from the infamous Beale St. My Sissy, dared me to Facebook Live our stroll down Beale with my "purple drank". Lol. She messy y'all. My first experience with peer pressure came from her. She's three years older than me, but everyone thinks we're twins. (We told a cop that Saturday night and he believed it without question) Memphis...watch out. If you want to see the video go to my Facebook page KeKe Chanel and watch all 27 minutes of it. If you don't get everything else, you will get a good laugh. 

I'm posting from my cellular device and it's not allowing me to add photos. Damn you AT&T! I am not buying the IPhone 7. My 6 is just fine. Why is it that whenever a new phone releases, all the other versions of the phone start having a mind of their own? Hmmm... I gotta know!! It's a conspiracy I tell ya. Lol. I'm still #teamIPhone though. 

This was my weekend in a few paragraphs. I'll post pics when I get to my computer. Thanks for Kickin' It With KeKe!

Until next Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel