Hope In OUR NATION!!!

It has been days since the election now and people are still amazing me by their actions. We all live in a land that's free, rich of culture and filled with extraordinary people. It shouldn't matter the color of our skin, sexual preference, gender, financial status, we are all Americans. It's unnecessary to show/extend hatred to others. We are all entitled to our opinions, thoughts, feelings or what have you, not everyone will agree. That's perfectly fine. Just don't treat others hostile or inhuman because their views differ yours. It's time to work together, live according and teach our children to love each other. Let's face it, in the end there is only one who has the final say. I don't understand how some say that they are Christian and love God, and then hate his brother. Please shred some insight on that to me because I just don't get it, never have never will.

It's sad how I went to vote the other day and the man standing in front of me with his son, no older than four or five, told his son that we don't vote for black people. The saddest part of the whole episode was that he said it loud enough so I could hear him and then to add insult to injury, he turns and smirks in my face. I stood there with a huge, contagious smile on my face. It's pointless and requires wasted energy to even acknowledge such ignorance. I simply feel sorry for the child because he is being taught to hate at such an early age, not that it's good at any. I only pray that our "ONE" nation, under God wakes up and work together, because if not, it is only a matter of time before extreme chaos breakout.

The night of the election overwhelmed me with emotion because after seeing Governor Romney's supporters, and then seeing all the different races, ethnic backgrounds supporting our President, it gave me hope. It gave me hope that our nation can and will work together to get back to the way we used to be and better. I hoped me see that not all people are blinded by hate, or too self-absorbed that they cannot see past the color of someone's skin. We can love each other, support each other and work together. I say this all to say, don't let a small percentage hinder your love and acceptance of others who look differently than you. Love your neighbor as you would love yourself. Treat all people equal. You don't have to agree with their lifestyle or many other things, but it isn't your judgment or duty to treat others like something on the bottom of your shoe. Keep in mind that we are all made in the image of God, and everything that God made is good!!!

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged and be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs and Kisses,
Keke Chanel  

"LISTEN..."

“Silence…We all should hear”

Breaking news,

Headlining on every television channel,

Written in every newspaper,

Displayed all over the nation,

But it was too late,

Nothing could be done about it now,

The demise of our youth

Becoming larger than life…

Another child died today,

Her screams were heard by the trees,

The wind swayed to save her,

But soon darkness came in like a flood,

Overtaking her into the realm of death,

Crushing her core, rocking her soul, breaking her spirit,

Her pain is lost,

No more suffering…

Her body moved back and forth,

Destruction consuming her,

Blood kissing the wetness of the ground,

Chills filling the air as she lost consciousness,

The beat of her heart fluttered,

Her eyes blinked rapidly,

Until her mind couldn’t take the pain any longer,

She slipped away from it all…

The handgun lay to her side,

Finger still resting on the trigger,

Brain matter spilling from her head,

Smoke in the air,

The smell of gun powder

Assaulting her senses,

Bullet fragments her only companion,

For her, justice was served…

It happened each day for months now,

Being teased, pushed around, laughed at,

Whispers down the hallways whenever she appeared,

Rude comments posted on social networking,

Targeting her,

Singling her out from anyone else,

But why,

What had she done to deserve such ridicule?

In her room she sat in silence,

Crying day after day,

Slowly losing a battle that wasn’t hers to fight,

She became lost, damaged,

Defeating herself,

The girl she once was, slipped into depression,

No one saw the changes clearly displaying in her mood,

Her facial expressions reeked of pain, longing, suffering…

The decision was made,

No one would miss her,

No one cared,

She felt defeated,

Living the nightmare called life,

Penetrated by its brutal reality,

Pushed into the abyss of loneliness,

Overtaken by her peers…

How can we stop such cruelty?

If we continue to turn our heads,

Sweep it under our feet,

Never teach our children to tell,

To speak up,

To step in and help,

Dangerous consequences

Of hurting others,

A line of communication is crucial,

It is our responsibility

To fight for our next generation,

To make sure they are protected,

Not taken advantage of,

Bullied into self-destruction,

Pushing them over the edge of reasoning,

Taken too soon…

Something has to change,

Before this becomes an epidemic

Spinning out of control,

Before it hits home,

Shaking us with the unthinkable,

Before another child is lost,

Looking for a way to happiness

Deceived by suicide…

Author Spotlight!!!!

Hello Souls,

From what I know about this spotlighted author from just my short time interacting with him, as well as many others in a group I'm in on Facebook, he is very wise, funny, down to earth and easy to get along with. If I am having a bad day, trust and believe he will say or do something to make me laugh. Whether through his humor or a simple photo, but I can always count on him. We call him the comedian of the group. If you want to know who he is as an author, check out the link below. I will be doing a review on one of his books "THE FRIDAY HOUSE" soon, so be on the lookout for the post. I am so glad that I found so many amazing writers in one place. S/O to my R.I.B family!! Seriously, you guys ROCK...

Let me know if you check out Mr. Gaston or any of the other spotlighted authors from my recent posts and your thoughts of their work. And if you have someone you think I would like or need to know about, please send me an email: KekeChanel2012@gmail.com or simply leave the information in the comment box. I am always looking for new books to read and people to know. Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged, and be YOU!!

Purple Hugs and Kisses,
Keke Chanel

Here is the link:

:

Author DK Gaston:
http://www.amazon.com/D-K-Gaston/e/B002BM21LQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Book Review

Good Afternoon Souls,

Here is another amazing author you should check out. She is an awesome story-teller.

Author to know and watch out for: Leandra Le Rae

Hood Love is an awesome tale of love, betrayal, heartache and abuse. The main character Jonnae is a sweetheart. I felt every emotion, during all the things she encountered in the book. I was shedding tears, and that doesn't usually happen while reading. Watching movies yes, but not a book. The special bond between her and her brother is so touching, loving and genuine that it made me cherish having a brother. My brother and I share a similar bond. I could personally relate to this story because I am happily married to my high school sweetheart. Although our story isn't anywhere close to Jonnae's, Chink's or Capo's, we shared our ups and downs. I have the same best friend since the seventh grade and I couldn't imagine going through what Jonnae and Shakeisha went through. I hope that it all turns out well between Jonnae and her mom too. There is no greater love than of a mother and child. I won't give any spoilers, but this book is a page turner. I read it in three hours. I am so excited to see what happens next. If you are looking for a good story, Hood Love is an awesome choice. You won't be disappointed. Great read!!!

Leandra Le Rae is also on Facebook and twitter...get to know her there! 

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged and be YOU!

Purple Hugs and Kisses,
Keke Chanel

Book Review!!!

TL does it again. You know that usually book sequels are not comparable to the first, but I am glad to say that that is not the case here. I thought the first book was amazing but this sequel, far exceeded my expectations. I love horror and paranormal stories, and i'm not easily spooked, but TL got me several times with Uncle Tommy's Cabin 2. I couldn't stop reading and when I did, I could have sworn Uncle Tommy and Thomas Jr. were in my bedroom. I even thought up the tone the little chant the little boy always sing, and song it to my husband. He laughed of course. Yeah, weird I know, but what can I say. This book had me so engrossed that I felt every inch of fear, emotion, even the changes in the weather, playing out each scene in my mind. I even pictured myself being attacked by the bloodhounds. I won't give any spoilers! Tabitha and her friends were really brave and Darlene is a great friend. She is truly the definition of a ride or die chic. I wouldn't have returned to Jessup County for nothing in the world. This book is a great read, has an amazing story line and in the back of my mind I wonder if it is all over? Hmm... I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good book, period. Sure you will get a bit frightened at times, but that's the point when dealing with supernatural elements and ghosts. Another job well done Mr. Gardner. Now I'm off the read the "Demon Hunter series!"

Get your copy today: http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Tommys-Cabin--Family-ebook/dp/B006LD6UHC/ref=la_B002BM1O5U_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1350084533&sr=1-10

I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I have. Until next time, Be inspired, Be encouraged and Be YOU!!!

Purples Hugs and Kisses,
Keke Chanel

For more books by TL Gardner visit his Author page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/T.-L.-Gardner/e/B002BM1O5U/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1350085394&sr=1-2-ent

Here are a few:

Excerpt From "Deadly In Stilettos"

It had begun to rain and the wind blew a deadly chill along the avenue. Maybe they should have turned back, but it was too late. Finally, traffic was flowing normally and within minutes they were at the hospital. They knew Enry was no longer in the ICU, but in a private room on the fifth floor. All they had to do was take the service elevator and no one would ask any questions.

Enry lay in his bed. He looked completely out of it when Demi walked over and looked down on him. She smirked, “Too easy.” She leaned in closer. She wanted to get a few things off her chest while she had the chance. Whispering in Enry’s ear, she said all the things she should have said years ago.

“You will never hurt me again. I once was a fool for you and this is how you treat me? What did I ever do to you to make you want to hurt me so bad? All I ever did was love you. I wanted to be you wife and the mother of your children. Now, here you are helpless. Here you are lying in this hospital bed unable to move.” She laughed even as tears fell from her eyes.

Tabi put on rubber gloves, and then Demi got out the plastic container that held the slimy little creatures. She put a glove on her uninjured hand then took out the first one and put it on Enry’s back. The leech quickly latched on. Tabi and Demi smiled at each other, and then the two women applied leeches to Enry’s back until he was covered from his shoulders to his ankles. When they rolled him back over none of the leeches showed. When the nurses came in to check on him, they would not see them. The leeches would be free to drain his body of blood. Enry would die a slow and painful death, just as Demi wanted. No sympathy. He did not deserve any mercy.

Tabi turned and left the room. Demi followed, but not before making sure Enry got a good look at her shoes. He did, and to Enry those shoes were his ultimate nightmare. Women who loved shoes more than anything else were trouble, and now he knew just how much. Enry had once bought Demi beautiful designer shoes simply because he wanted to see her happy. Her expression when she saw them had sent a chill down his spine each time, but he quickly dismissed the look when she thanked him in more ways than one. Now she wore that same look. It was as if the shoes knew he was about to die, and the more he looked at them, the more he was sure he saw them smiling back at him. I must be hallucinating, he thought. Shoes did not smile. Suddenly, it occurred to him that someone had drugged him. Demi had more help than he’d realized. Did that many people truly hate him? Had he caused so much pain and grief that others were willing to help end his life?

Enry suddenly felt regret. Regret for doing all the hurtful things to people who didn’t deserve such treatment. He believed he could feel the leeches draining his blood. He tried to scream for help, but that was useless. 

Demi walked toward the door, blew him a kiss, and then was gone. Enry fought to stay alive. He tried moving but could not. His movements got slower, his body became cold. The leeches kept sucking, sucking the life right out of him.                            

Demi and Tabi got into Tabi’s car. They put on their designer sunglasses and grinned like teenagers going on a joyride. They didn’t speak but the message was clear. Their secret would remain, even beyond the grave. The bond they shared was greater than before. No one would ever come between them or would it?

Author/Artist Spotlight:

 

Hello Souls,

As I told you a few weeks ago, I will be doing things a bit differently on the blog until next year. I want to showcase some of my favorite and newly found artists, writers, poets, or anyone else I come across that I feel you would love just as much as I. I believe that greatness comes in all forms and should be showcased. There is nothing like finding a hidden treasure or sparkling diamond in the rough. I am just grateful to be able to provide such a great service, through my blog, to all of you. I am all about helping others. We all have a voice to be heard. It’s time to stop talking about it and be about it! With that being said, today we have someone near and dear to me, a Poet on the rise to greatness. He is someone I have known for years, since high school in fact. So, let’s give a warm welcome to Isiah “Zae” Brown.  (This interview was conducted through email since we don’t live in the same state and couldn’t sit down to do a formal face-to-face.) We would have never gotten anything done because we tend to laugh a lot while in each other’s company if my memory serves me correctly. LOL Thank goodness we have the internet!

Before we begin, here is a picture of Isiah:

Good Afternoon Isiah,

First, I would like to say thank you for allowing me to feature you on my blog. Most people think that I want something from them, when in fact I just want to help. I am just showcasing their talents. On my blog I talk about LIFE, that's probably why it's titled "Passion, Love and all that other S$&T..."

Anyway, I have been blogging for almost two years now and I love it. I get to share my thoughts, feelings and beliefs with others all around the world. I’m ecstatic that they are about to be introduced to you, the next best-seller, world-known Poet. Yes, I speak it and believe that you will be right there with me and many other hidden gems on the top. We going places my friend!!! Okay, with that being said, let's get started!

Me: Hello, hello, hello, my dear friend!

Isiah: Hello there! Well, let me start by saying it is a pleasure to be interviewed by you. I am a fan of your work. I dig your style!!

Me: The pleasure is all mines. And thanks for liking or should I say appreciating my work. Truly means a lot. It’s always nice to know you have support from the people are grew up with. S/O to “THE HAWKS” I know you left us, but we had some great times in high school, right!

Me: Tell us a little bit about yourself

Isiah: Born in New Orleans and grew up in Kenner, I am a blessed man with lots of artistic adventures and I call them adventures because they take my on many journeys of discovering my true self through life. I love to draw also.

Me: At what age did you start or how long have you been writing?

Isiah: I have been writing for a long time, I noticed it began to really become more noticeable after my heart was broken about 10 years ago.

Me: What inspires you to write?

Isiah: What’s my inspiration... hmmm would have to be love for my life and family. Just people in general...  I love to reach others intellectually. Feed there hunger for more of what’s important to them... laugh love live long life (My philosophy).  Passion…passion…and more passion!!! Music too!! Neo soul!!!  

Me: What is your overall writing style and why do you use it?

Isiah: My style hmm. I would have to say just a mixture of Free Verse and Haiku. I always write with passion. My writing usually has lots of love and expression as though I want to read it, like it’s a conversation or thought u had or better yet, thinking.

Me: That is why your work is so real, so passionate and people can relate to it. Like having a deep conversation indeed, nice!

Me: Who are some of your favorite writers, artists and why?

Isiah: People or authors that inspire me...hmmm. V. Kottavei Williams, I love her work. She speaks from the heart, always on a different level. Oddly, artist Salvador Dali…but they are many more I just can’t name them all. I really like vibing to Raheem Devaughn... my style for sure…dude bad!!!!

Me: Passion is the best inspiration and motivation for writers. When we feel it in our core, it draws our audience in. Do you like Bilal? And are you familiar with Sunni Patterson. She is amazing!!! I love her. And I dig your style too!

Isiah: Yes I like both their styles. They both go deep and I love to go there.

Me: Coolbeans! (Yes, I just said it. It's my favorite word) lol Sunni is sick with it!!! Meaning she comes up with the most powerful, outlandish, think outside the box, makes your heart skip a beat, bring tears to your eyes dialogue that I find truly breathtaking.

Isiah: I like that word…Cool beans…lol

Me: So, do you only write about life experiences or is some of your work fictional?

Isiah: Most of my work is nonfiction.  I love real life.

Me: Experience is the best TEACHER, right!!!

Me: What do you like to do in your spare time? Who is Isiah outside of writing? And what's your favorite color and zodiac? I like to ask the last question just for kicks to see if there are any Capricorns or lovers of purple like me!

Isiah: In my spare time I enjoy chilling, listening to music... drawing or painting, coming up with new ideas for inventions, spending time with my family. I like to get out on the town and dance with my Sweetie and of course write! My favorite color is golden brown. I am a Leo, August 1st.

Outside of writing Isiah is a best described as laid back going 100 miles. I am a thinker. I am a romantic and a techy... I enjoy sports...love to golf.  I really enjoy helping people as well. Very passionate about that!

Me: Sounds like fun all day, every day. It’s always good to laugh, be youthful, smile and most of all dance. I like making up my own dances, and my Hubby and family love it because I always make them wonder what I’ll do next. And there is nothing like spending time with family. It’s therapy for me just like my writing.

Me: So Isiah, is there anything else you would like to share before getting to your work?

Isiah: Hmmm…not that I can think of.

Me: Well, this has been fun, very insightful and personal. I love how we get to know more about you. This helps us understand you as an artist I believe.  Okay without further ado…

Souls, it’s time to show you all what I mean when I say that Isiah is a great Poet. When I first heard some of his works, I was speechless and that doesn’t happen very often to me. His play of words excited me, warmed me, heightened me, keeping me engaged and then wanting more once it was over. I wanted to showcase a few of his poems so you can experience first-hand the impact and effect they have on me and others who hear them.  Sit back, relax and get ready to be wowed!!

Each one of these poems are strictly as written by the artist, with his permission to copy and paste them on my blog. All rights reserved to the artist.

Political Junkee

By: Isiah “Zae” Brown on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10:58pm ·

CHECK…YOU… OUT….Yourrr….. Allllll…dressed....up…suited and booted…..in that dark blue coat…white shirt and red tie speckled with stars…a high price tailor made suit…damn…you are ..... DRESSED TO KILLL…. A well dress Junkee…. you are....addicted to politically inhaling our socially conscious positive thoughts, fumes burning out of control, laced with the new world order ...your lungs poisoned with backdoor bribes....your lips burn… turning good intentions into cancerous flames…...ashes of emancipation proclamations, my ancestors, former slaves to your ....ignorant.... white.... lies... that gathered like clouds.....your greedy hands always stretched out.....overshadowing and holding our attention.... constantly blowing smoke out ya ASS.... your massive weight resemble that of an ELEPHANT, though lacking its memory. I know some say that if you smoke enough long enough, one tends to forget things... like how...……. “WE THE PEOPLE”…....you know …us…voters... rolled your ass into office. How dare you ask us to.... puff...Puff...GIVE….you another term in office so you can serve the same lame ass, self-gratifying, junky like high.....we'd be damn if we allow you another opportunity at trying to choke the humanity, freedom, and liberty out of us.. Every few years your reach into the cabinet for a Rep... Labeled so call...light delight-able full of honor ... its continents… all distasteful disrespectful and dishonorable.....high in calories.....you’re.....Economically numb…. from Over 200 years of false fulfillment. .....you have gotten fat…while serving in the House...we are tired of you serving us this weak as shit.... always munching on the media buzz…your appetite for power has paralyzed you …….. bruised with the common man and woman’s pain, desperate for change in equality, an apple …you are rotten to the core…buried up your neck in debt …deep in mud ….long fallen from tree of honesty …we need more fresh fruit of life...don’t get me wrong….O.. I will have a slice of that American Pie…I just like mines with more spices .........sprinkle a lot more red, white, brown, black, tan and yellow… all beautiful colors... their flavor makes life a lot sweeter. ..

I just wish my momma’s….. Momma…. MOMMA could have bared witness to Obama taking that oat, with great honor... I dedicate this to all those strong, intelligent, wise and faithful brothers and sisters hung by their throats...... who long fought for equal rights to vote ....For You As I Write This Poem...I Shall Proudly Raise It Like A Fist...A Damn Good Extension Of My Black Pride.  And I shall say......" A great victory in the revolution, I…I...I just pray that we continue to create more solutions in the fight to filter out unjust political pollution" ...........…always stealing and selling other people shit....Damn Junkees

I vote to move all your no good crackhead lard asses out of office... We deserve better and….. TRUST ……In….GOD ….as my witness, a change will come......Now put this in your pipe in smoke it…..

Senator I.B. Junkee

Making Love to Imagination and f@kg the shit out of reality…

By: Isiah “Zae” Brown on Monday, November 22, 2010 at 11:04pm ·

Standing barefoot in the sand near the ocean, eyes closed, feeling the breeze on my face.... arms wide open trying to catch the wind like a sail. ...... O I am 20 feet off the ground...  Vibing off the smell of life, getting high off the sun rays.... hmm ...tongue out, I am tasting laughter in the air.... Burping out the all my secret after thoughts... I am loving this feeling...damn... and... Whyyyyy...... can’t you join me.... hmm... I am eating the strings of this guitars melody... It has my teeth aching, cause they want me to hum along with its chords...

My ears dances to laughter's rhythm for it has become the wonderland of my soul, like a roller coaster it carries me up and down through cascades of a sea beautiful skin... tones.....   I am sharing a kiss with the wind, lips lickerish and sticky; I lick its candy red upper lip…getting wetter with each cool breeze.... I have come to love it... Mentally I am coming over and over and over. A again.... I gaze into the happiness of my loneliness ... hey I don't belong to anyone and no one belongs to me...

 Hmmmm..... I AM HAVING AN MENTAL ORGASM.

 I AM MAKING LOVE YOU IMAGINATION AND FUCKING THE SHIT OUT OF REALITY, I hope the stiffness of my words don’t fuck your head up.....to quickly.....I mean... I'd like you to cum with me... I am tired of Preeee.... tending...  that the hardening of my realness is not stretching the walls of your boring reality...

 Deep.... Deep... Deeper I get into that excuse for a wet dream you call reality, like the end of a tunnel you begin to cho ccchhhhhhh choooooooooooooo as I bang on your cabooossssee....do I have to train you to let yourself cum...Cumm..... Coooommme to understand that its ok ... I will if you let me

 OOO.... I am so bad..... I came all over you...  catch it.... catch it... say what you need to say... no need to keep lying to yourself.... I know ... I want more.... ART.....don’t leave me all blue and swollen... See I know you want it as I do...... you long for that daydream I leave on your canvas each time...

 An explosion of purples, reds, blues, greens, gold and a touch of violet..... I am painting my imagination on your soul.... baby I promise the pain ......ting.... will last long..... My tears leave stains on your easel... I need you imagination... I don't give a shit about reality, she didn’t do anything for me.... you’re my only true desire to make love.....

So where was I again ...Ooo yeah...Imagine that...

(This is a picture Isiah found to show his thoughts through an image)

These Soft lips

By: Isiah “Zae” Brown on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 12:11pm ·

These Soft lips love to taste beautiful skin, dressed in only your sexy perfume...Making it.....Hard.....to think of anything else. I go wild when I get near your neck, like a true blood, I want taste your skin candy... I promise not to leave a mark... Unless you’re really want me to. My lips held capture by your imagination.... the things you have me do makes me want to lose my mind.....baby...can...can...ccan I kiss your pain all your fears away.... I promise I won’t make you cry anymore...in the words of my homie "Dion Terry" "those lips big ass lips will set the hook right"... I hope he is right cause if he is then you’re gonna be hooked on these soft lips... Some say I speak to softly , I say to them it’s just my lips taking time to remember your body beautiful piece of art...Eyes down...Knees high.... thighs wide....chin low..... Tongue out.......these soft lips on your soft lips....

Leave your thoughts and comments below for Isiah. I will make sure he reads each and every one. Or feel free to email him at, ZAE.TEARS@gmail.com . You can also locate him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/zae.brown. Thanks for welcoming him. If you know of anyone who may be interested in being featured on my blog please email me at KekeChanel2012@gmail.com or leave the information in the comment box. Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged and be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs and Kisses,

Keke Chanel

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