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

Just one of those days!!!

Today has been a long one. As I scrolled through my phone I ran across this photo. It pretty much sums up my day perfectly. People will try your spirit, Jesus! Please take the wheel as I wu-sah.

On a brighter note, my Husband comes home tonight ;)

*happy dance*

No writing related post today. Just venting. We all need to vent every now and again! Ya'll enjoy the rest of your day.

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

Purple Hugs,
KeKe Chanel

Happy Release Day to ME!!!!

Hey, Ya'll! The wait is over. My new book Silence is now available. Yayyyy...

This book has been a long time coming due to unfortunate acts of LIFE, but I wouldn't change a thing. I believe God's timing is always the best timing. Can somebody say AMEN?! We never know why certain things happen in our lives, but they always work out for the best. Well, that's always been my experience. I can go on and on about this but it's my Release Day!! Ain't God good, though? 

Back to my book... Still can't tell I'm excited! LOL 

Author Note: 

 

Writing Silence was an emotional journey for me. I wanted each emotion I experienced working on this project to flow over to my readers. Savannah Rose whose name was April when I began this story, is a character none like any other I've developed. I wantedvher story to reflect pain, love, and second chance from a child's point of view. Imagine being stuck watching the people you love and the people who stole your life go on with their lives. Being trapped, longing to be with your parents who passed unexpectedly. How would you handle that?
 
The town of Milledgeville gave way to the voices and storyline dancing around in my head. Well, at least one of them.There are way too many... I wanted a creepy town vibe with a close-knit community. When tragedy happens no one wants to take ownership because that would mean their town isn't so perfect. It was the seamless opportunity to allow all hell to break loose. I was able to broaden my horizons and let the story go where it wanted to go. I'm very pleased.
 
Now, my favorite character in the story would have to be Miss Odessa. She reminds me of someone who I've known a long time. Her character has many layers. One minute she is sweet, the next she's sour, and in another, she can be a bit of both combined. Her sharp wit and genuineness gave me a better appreciation of her over the course of the story.  I didn't want the story to become predictable in any way.
 
I think the most mysterious character is Mr. Hanny. I think there's more to his story than what this book gave a glimpse of. Who knows, there may be more from Old Man Marshall in the future. I'm already working on something. :)
 
And what about Blue Cantrell? Gotta love Blue! He is another one of my favorite characters. People judge him by who his family is and assumes he's a certain way. We have all been guilty of this at some point in time. I wanted his character to reflect "never judge a book by its cover." There is definitely more for Blue. He may find himself back in the place he despises. There is much to learn about Milledgeville.

Synopsis:

 
Savannah Rose was abducted from the Milledgeville County Fair when she was only eight years old. After searching for several months, all hope of ever finding her alive vanished. Her body was never found. The town grieved the loss of such an amazing little girl, yet someone knows what really happened that day. When April Rose returns, she isn’t quite what the people she encounter imagines. She isn’t the sweet, cheerful, happy little girl they once knew.

Seeking revenge on the town’s residents for not protecting her and finding out the true identity of her abductor is the only way Savannah Rose gains any sense of justice and peace. Will she solve the mystery of her death so that she can finally transition or will her spirit stay trapped forever? Will the town of Milledgeville still exist once her mission is complete or perish before making good on the oath, taken centuries ago?

As Savannah Rose unleashes her wrath, secrets of Milledgeville meant to be kept hidden forever are exposed. Total damnation lives in the woods surrounding the quiet, close-knit town. It is up to the remaining founding-family members to keep the deal made by their ancestors intact before destruction wipes them off the map.

I hate there is a white border around the cover. Tried removing it several times but it won't go away. Anyway, I digress!

Here's an excerpt for your reading pleasure:
 

A soft thump caught his attention. It was darker in the backyard than Bobby remembered. The few lights surrounding him flickered, but he didn’t think much of it. Sometimes the lights did seem to have a mind of their own on their property.

The still of the night soothed Bobby, comforting his weary soul. He sipped his brown liquor allowing the robust taste to carry all of his troubles away. Bobby closed his eyes and exhaled. Suddenly, the wind began to howl, and the stars vanished. Rolling clouds of gray made the sky look as if it was about to reach down and collar him. The forecast hadn’t predicted any inclement weather. Then again, summer nights in Milledgeville were unpredictable.

“What is happening tonight?” Bobby said in a murmur. His eyes scanned the night. Dancing shadows caught his attention in the nearby woods surrounding his property. Rubbing his hand down his face, Bobby shook his head. He was tripping. Drinking alone always made his mind see things that weren’t there. Maybe it was time to join his brothers inside. Just as he was about to make his way toward the back door of the house, something stopped him dead in his tracks. Bobby wiped his eyes. Clearly, he was more than a few levels past tipsy.  

Everything around him became calm, silent. Bobby’s eyes darted back and forth. Staggering toward the house, he paused to keep his balance. He could feel a presence close in proximity. He wasn’t alone. The shadows in the woods continued to dance, mocking him. Bobby nearly stumbled and fell. Light whispers engulfed him causing his heart to nearly jump out of his chest. He was unable to move. Although he told his mind to haul ass, his body wasn’t listening.

He focused his eyes. It couldn’t be. There standing, only inches from him was the little girl he had just been thinking about.

“I really should stop drinking,” Bobby said laughing at his paranoia. His brothers were trying to scare him.

“Bart, Blue, Bill and Bull, you sons-of-bitches must want a good old fashion kick in the ass. Stop playing around! I’m in no mood for games tonight,” Bobby called out in a long frustrated slur. He waited until one of them answered or started laughing, but that never came. Instead, walking out of the darkness with eyes that emitted embers was Savannah Rose. She fixated her attention directly on him, ensnaring him in her visage.

“What are you doing here? You’re dead! We left you bleeding to death that day. You can’t be real,” Bobby yelled in a frantic tone.

Savannah Rose didn’t dignify him with a response. She lifted her arm and flung it to the left causing Bobby’s body to go flying through the air. He landed next to an old pickup truck. He howled in pain. She moved toward him using her force to break each window. Glass shattered about, some cutting Bobby on his arms, face, and legs. He used his hands to shield his head. His fingers stung from the shards of glass nicking them.

The impact of the breaking glass should have been enough to get his brothers to check on him. Where were they when he needed them? The more he called for help, the more the silence submerged him. No one could hear him. No one would hear him.

To purchase your copy of Silence click on the link below. Paperbacks will be available soon. 

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBWQLDA

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

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel