Wednesday, September 19, 2012

BOOK RELEASE PARTY




The week was moving by so fastly, that I lost sight of what day was what, anticipating my big night. I was so overwhelmed trying to make sure everything for the party was a success, running smoothly. By Wednesday, all hell broke loose. I wanted to pull my hair out but I continued to smile, because if I trust God, I couldn’t allow doubt to creep into my mind. When Thursday came it seemed as if nothing was right and a few of the main performances for this event wasn’t coming to take place. I didn’t hear from the photographer that was supposed to set up my background for photos, the t-shirt guy messed up my signature shirt and my lyrical dancer hadn’t learned the dance to the song of my choice and dropped out, so that wasn’t going to happen either.

I felt broke in a way because of wanting my big night to be great. Yes, I am a perfectionist so the smallest things kinda get to me. Everyone who knows me knows this fact, and they try to help as best they can. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. As the day turned into evening, with no word from anyone, I just kind of wept inside not to let anyone see me sweat, I believe weakest is a sign of fear and God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear.

As decorations began to transform the place for the party into an elegant setting, I looked around and started to calm down. ‘Everything is coming to work out and this is going to be a great event’, I told myself. Placing each stiletto around the room, I relaxed. I guess it’s true, there is nothing like a little shoe therapy!  

Friday, my friend arrived in town. She helped me stayed calm and we went to finish up some last minute things, as well as pick up another t-shirt I had made for that night. That t-shirt turned out perfect. It was an exclusive shirt, just for the night, with my book cover on front of it. I must admit that when I first saw the shirt, I wasn’t impressed, but when I saw it in person, I loved it. One thing had finally been successful, so what else could go wrong?

Time was speeding by and before I knew it, it was after noon and we still hadn’t put the finishing touches on the decorations for the space. To me it felt like a million things had to be done, but with my family and close friends, it all got done. The decorations were perfect, the cake looked and tasted amazing, a dancer was found and danced beautifully, and the evening turned into a great night filled with laughs, tears of joy, and having a grand time.

I took picture after picture with everyone who was in attendance, who wanted to and signed each book for the people who bought their previously bought copy or purchased during the event. There was a deadly in stilettos contest and the women who participated worked the dance floor, showcasing their beautiful shoes. The crowd cheered them on and the winner received a special prize. We even got the men involved in a dance contest, in which the winner received a gorgeous red silk neck tie and pocket silk. There were also other prizes given throughout the event.

Traditionally, authors read excerpt from their work at a release or book signing, but I wanted to do something different. I had a book trailer made and played it right before doing a skit, and the crowd loved it. It was wonderful and I plan to make each event here ever better than the one before. I am already thinking of ideas for my next release party. Deadly in Stilettos is my debut novel, but there are many more to follow. Keke Chanel is here to stay!

I want to thank each and every person involved in that night, making it a big success. I am truly grateful. I could not have done this without all of you. They all know who they are, so I won’t call any names. But I do want to give a special shout out to Stephanie and the rest of the Quality Inn Conference Center staff. You all rock! Everything was amazing. I look forward to using your hotel for future events. (Can I get a discount for next time?) LOL

Deadly in Stilettos is my baby! My debut novel and I am so extremely proud. It is a book that will keep you guessing until the very end and even beyond that. Deminis Bradshaw is a woman who is out for redemption, and promises to get her life back from all the women and men who took a part of it from her. She will leave you in awe, experiencing every emotion known to man. Her love for beautiful shoes will make you want to go out and buy a pair or two for yourself. She uses them as therapy, confidence and her motivation to get even. No one person should experience all the things that Demi encounter along her journey. Just because she is beautiful, intelligent and has traveled all over the world, doesn’t mean that she is happy. Looks can be deceiving!

I hope you will read Demi’s story for yourself and take the journey to the unknown with her. You can find Deadly in Stilettos on amazon.com barnesandnoble.com booksamillion.com and through authorhouse.com. It is also available in eBook, and for the kindle, kindles for IPhone/IPad, nook and other devices.

Check out my website for upcoming events, book information, and tour dates: www.kekechanel.net
Follow me on twitter: @keke_chanel
Find me on Facebook: Keke Chanel 2012
Get to know me on Instagram: Keke_Chanel2012
Friend me on Goodreads: Keke Chanel

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

Smooches,
Keke Chanel     

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Book Reviews

Hello Souls,

I know it has been a while since my last post, but things have been non-stop for me. I have been promoting my new book, blogging, writing, and planning my pushed back Release party, due to Hurricane Isaac. It has only been a few weeks since my release, and I am still smiling. I am working on a few new projects, in the process of getting ready to do a few book signings locally, and then branch out. Guys, thank you so much for encouraging me. I will be adding a few new short-stories soon. They will be a bit different from the ones already posted. I what to showcase my various writing styles, but mostly show you all, my true passion, which is mystery/suspense. Yes, Keke Chanel loves a great mystery plot, with twists and turns, leaving you without a clue to what will come next. I started a "Deadly In Stilettos" group of Facebook for my book, so if you have the book or plan on getting it, please come join us. We are about to embark upon a great journey, in the world of Deminis Bradshaw! My facebook is: Keke Chanel 2012. I hope to see you there. Tell a friend because the more, the merrier. Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged and be YOU!!

Smooches,
Keke Chanel

follow me on twitter: @keke_chanel
and don't forget to check out my website: www.Kekechanel.net
and also like me on Goodreads: Keke Chanel

Thanks again!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-In-Stilettos-Keke-Chanel/product-reviews/1477229469/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Hello!!!

Hello Passionate Souls,


I know that it's been a few weeks since my late post, but I have been working non-stop to gain attention to my book. Yes, Deadly in Stilettos is out and people are buying it. If any of you have read it, please leave a review. This simply let others know that the book is being read and it also bring attention to the book by media and whatnot. I thank you all in advance. And don't feel obligated to say something nice. If you don't like it or there is something that you don't understand, just say so. I learn and gain in the process to before a better writer, but by all means, if you love the book, please...please...please scream it from the mountain tops. (lol) I have joined author websites and groups to get the word out about the book, as well as meet and network with other authors. This has been very helpful for me. I have learned so much from them all on how to get my name out to the world of readers. I have also started a blog on Goodreads. When you guys get a chance, go to www.goodreads.com and like me on there. Just look for my name Keke Chanel. There is also a spot there to leave reviews as well. This is very important to me and know that I can count on you guys to help out. And if you haven't purchased your copy of Deadly In Stilettos, you can get it on amazon.com barnesandnoble.com authorhouse.com and it is also available in ebook for devices such as the kindle, kindle fire, nook, iBooks, kindle for iPhone and iPad. All of your support is greatly appreciated. So until next time Souls, be inspired, be encouraged, and don't ever give up on your dream!!!

Smooches,
Keke Chanel

follow me on twitter: @keke_chanel
find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KekeChanel2012
checkout my website: www.Kekechanel.net

Purple hugs and Kisses...

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Yayyyyy!!!!

My Book Is Here!!!

I cannot tell you all enough how truly excited I am to finally become a published author, but I am truly excited, overjoyed, and any other word that can describe my mood right now. I have worked long and hard to achieve this accomplishment, and I will continue to do so until there isn't anything left in me to do. Next up, best-seller's list.

Deadly In Stilettos is here and can finally be enjoyed by you all. Go to my website www.Kekechanel.net for more information.

The book is also on ebook and can be purchased through Authorhouse.com Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Please like me and join my friend circle on Goodreads.com just search Keke Chanel or "Deadly In Stilettos".



I will be forming a "Deadly In Stilettos" group on facebook so find me(KekeChanel2012) and send me a friend request so that when the group is formed, you can be a part of it. There, we will discuss the book without any spoilers to anyone who hasn't read it and would like to do so in the future. I will also be doing book trivia for prizes. Information on upcoming events will also be posted within the group. I will begin book signings soon and may be in a city near you, so please come out to meet me personally and get your signed copy of "Deadly in Stilettos". I think I will add the first few chapters of the book to my website and goodreads page. Yes, that is a great idea. Go check it out. I will also post new material in the group to get your input, comments and thoughts. This will allow us to get to know each other better. There is nothing like interacting with your readers!!!

I want to thank each and every one of you guys for your love, support and prayers. Without you, there would be no Keke Chanel. I write for enjoyment, but for my readers. Purple hugs and kisses to you all my Passionate Souls!!! Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged, be blessed and BE YOU!!!

Smooches,
Keke Chanel

In fact, here are the first two chapters of Deadly In Stilettos!!!!


Chapter 1       

            There are some things men should not do and pissing off a woman is top of the list. They take and take giving nothing of great use, only to leave you heartbroken, wounded like an animal. Never again, thought Deminis Bradshaw. She was a woman with one broken heart, too many. All the men she let get close in her life caused nothing but great pain, beginning with her own father. Before she allowed anyone else to take advantage of her, they would die first.
            Revenge was now her main objective in life, next to finding unconditional love. Deminis Bradshaw knew how to do many things, write, cook, shop, have a fun time, but dealing with a broken heart wasn’t her strongest. She just wanted to be loved, truly loved without hidden agendas, or because she was beautiful.
At a young age she was thought to be very intelligent, wise beyond her years. However, the hardships of the various relationships throughout her life, caused emotional damage so severe, Deminis had never experienced a successful one.  All the people who deceived her would be sorry. Capturing her prey was on the top of Demi’s list of things to complete. She planned to accomplish all of them real soon.
            Being as what any people would call high-yella, Deminis Bradshaw possessed the beauty of what most women would pay thousands of dollars to obtain. Her big, slanted, marble-shaped, light brown eyes gave her an exotic look men admired, becoming hypnotized at first glance. With a perfect size six body, curves all in the right places, men constantly fell under her spell. Too bad when she finally let down her guard, they all tried to manipulate her mind; leaving her once again wounded. When they realized she had brains to go along with her beauty, they couldn’t handle being with her. She was always left with loneliness, something she was determined to get over once and for all. Deminis Bradshaw considered herself a woman built for what tragedies life had to offer, but couldn’t understand why she had endured such hardship along her journey.
             Deminis gave much thought to the names she wrote down on the long list laying in front of her. She gazed at each name carefully, making sure she left no one exempt. Each person on it was someone who had hurt her in a most critical way that left her feeling unloved, disrespected, and downright dirty. It was only a matter of time before Demi’s list was complete, casting out all who ever made her cry. Right now her father was about to feel the impact of her wrath. And if she had to add a name or two along the way, then so be it.
            When her mother died giving birth to her, her father held her responsible, treating her like an outcast. If not for her mothers’ sister Charlotte, Demi, as most people knew her, would have died. Melvin Bradshaw simply despised his only child. The pain of losing the love of his life was too unbearable. How could he ever love the child who took her from him?
            A father’s love was something Demi never received, so when she got old enough, she looked for it elsewhere. That careless behavior only led to broken heartedness, misery, and aching in places she did not know existed within her. She felt that pain each and every day in some way or another. Her mind constantly relived her past.
            Demi wanted the pain to be over with, so she could move toward a life of happiness, one she could tell her future children and grandchildren about, without having to lie or feel shameful of.
            At first, life was great. Aunt Charlotte made sure Demi knew many things about her mother. She learned from pictures, home movies and other sources, as well as her Aunt’s vivid stories, that her mother was a well-rounded person. She was a great student, Captain of the basketball team, also one of the best debaters on the school’s National winning Debate Team. Demi was in awe as her eyes sparkled each time she learned of how special, talented and intelligent her mother was. She wanted to be just like her, so she studied hard. Books became her best friend.
            Reading at the early age of two, Demi stunned many adults she came in contact with. Aunt Charlotte put her in ballet classes, tap, jazz, and any other form of training she could afford. Demi was engrossed in learning something new daily.
            By the time she was eight, she was fluent in Spanish and French. Her teachers loved her. A shining star ready to soar to higher heights was what they all called her, according to her Aunt Charlotte.
            Demi loved her childhood until whenever her aunt had to go away and she was taken to stay with her father. Having no other relatives in Dallas forced her aunt to leave her with him. Although, Charlotte tried on several occasions to allow Demi to stay with friends, one night at a friend’s house, a drunken husband came home and raped her. While the wife watched out until it was her turn to take advantage on her innocence. Demi was never the same after that. It was the first of many tragic experiences she would later encounter. Aunt Charlotte pressed charges on both the husband and wife tag team pedophiles, telling Demi she would have to stay with her father when she was out of town that day forward. Demi wondered why she was never able to go with her aunt, but later discovered that, which changed her life forever.
            Demi remembered the first day she was dropped off, how her father stared at her with a look so disgusting, she wanted to run and hide. Melvin Bradshaw simply hated her. The scowl across his face told her just that fact. There was no excuse for the terrible things he did to her. In his mind, he was justified by having his wife stolen from him by birthing her into the world. It wasn’t fair and he no longer the child he was so excited to have a part of his life.
            He beat her just for asking to have a glass of water. Night after night, Demi cried herself to sleep. He locked her in the basement in complete darkness for several hours without food or water, sometimes just until hours before her aunt was scheduled to pick her up, to bath and eat. Melvin told her if she said a word, the next time would be much worse. So Demi kept what happened inside. Suppressing all the hurt and pain eventually grew into anger and rage. The once happy little girl became dark and withdrawn.
            When Aunt Charlotte returned from one of her trips away, she noticed the coldness in Demi’s eyes. Her entire demeanor was changed. Something was different. Aunt Charlotte worried about her, but she was too weak to focus on it more with her ailing condition.
            When asked what was wrong, Demi lied. She loved her father in spite of his abuse, and she did not want to get him in trouble. Now, all the secrets and lies protecting him were over. Melvin Bradshaw would pay with his life.
            A father was supposed to protect his children not contribute to their pain. Melvin Bradshaw was a prime example of what a father should not be. Demi fought back tears. It was too late to turn back now. Time would only tell how she would gain the life she was destined to have. No one was supposed to be this mistreated in one lifetime, she told herself, especially the innocence of a child.
            The Flight Attendant informed the passengers that they would be landing in Dallas shortly. Demi felt a charge through her entire body. Her throat felt dry. The feeling of rage overpowered her. The current moving through her body sparked a feeling she quickly found intoxicating. It was almost as better than having a much needed orgasm.
She was finally returning to her place of birth for the first time since she was fifteen years old, after running away with the one person she thought at the time was the love of her life. Feeling stupid and naïve, Demi did not return when the guy left her in the middle of the desert. Instead, she made a new life for herself all the while hoping her father would finally come and rescue her. Demi smiled thinking about when she first met Troy.
            Troy Dunbar was the most handsome man she ever laid eyes on, other than her father. Standing over six feet tall, with a flawless caramel complexion, dark penetrating eyes, that hypnotized even grown, married women, Troy would smile and everyone around him was under his spell. He always smelled nice and dressed even nicer.
            When he approached her one day walking home from school, Demi did not hesitate getting into his car, or doing anything else he wanted her too. Six years her senior, Troy made her feel like a woman in every way possible. All of her friends envied her, one in particular, that later turned out to be a tad bit crazy.
Ignoring the crazy looks from Anya Bankston was Demi’s way of staying out of trouble. She and Anya had been friends for a long time, but there was something about her that Demi could not put her finger on. Especially when wherever she and Troy went, Anya just so happened to show up or hide out thinking no one saw her.
            Demi did not pay too much attention to Anya after losing her virginity to Troy. All she wanted to do was go to school then see him. All of Demi’s friends envied her but they did not know all the abuse she endured when they were behind closed doors, shortly after the beginning of their relationship. The once nice, caring, respectful Troy disappeared. He became a total stranger, a monster.
            It was as if something took over his body causing him to do horrible things to her. He became extremely jealous. His temper was downright insane. No one would have ever guessed it because of the way she carried on and on about how nice and sweet he was. Troy promised to love and take care of her forever, which Demi believed like the naïve little girl she was.
            The abuse started a few months into their relationship when he saw one of her classmates and good friends, Stanley Cruz, hugging her after school when he came to pick her up. Demi did not expect Troy to be jealous; after all he was in college and looked like a Roman God.
            When he took her back to his apartment that day, their relationship turned from sweet to sour. Before Demi got in the door good her face burned from the slap landing across it. That was the beginning of her nightmare. Each time Troy hit her, he apologized by buying her expensive gifts. That made up for it in Demi’s eyes because she always had the latest fashion trends and shoes.        
            At fifteen, Demi’s love for stilettos came to life. To this very day, she loved them and rewarded herself with a pair as often as possible. Her closet was filled with over a thousand pair and counting, in which she could choose without the blink of an eye. Demi didn’t wear the same pair twice, never had, never would.
            Men and women complimented her on her shoes everywhere she went, even the grocery store. Demi simply never left home without wearing a pair of stilettos. They washed away pain that refused to leave her alone. Stilettos gave her a light in the dark tunnel she called her life. A slight rock of the plane caused Demi to pop back into reality.
            As the plane descended from the cloudless sky, Demi was full of excitement. Melvin Bradshaw was in for a big surprise, one that would surely knock him off his feet. As she buckled her seatbelt, Deminis smiled. She was about to embark on a great expedition that would impact the lives of the people who used and abused her over the course of her life. Sadness was her compass; revenge her map, pain the journey that would eventually lead to a future much deserved.
            Demi closed her eyes remembering the day she learned the meaning of her name. Her father told her he gave her the name because he felt she would become a menace to all she came in contact with, beginning with his wife. He told her that no one would ever love her. That she would become nothing, and live a sad, lonely, pathetic life.
            The words from her father tormented her each day. The only positive thing in her life was her education. Demi knew that life for her was about to take on a much better meaning. A woman scorned, neglected, punished for simply trusting and loving with all her heart, was now about to take the world by storm. Whoever was on that list was in big trouble Demi concluded, lying back relaxing in her first-class seat. She sipped the last of her champagne thinking, today is such a beautiful day.
            Looking down at her “Something Blue” Satin, silver tonal, crystal broach, 4”, Manolo Blahniks, Demi took a deep breath. She picked those out specifically for her father, since he would not be at her wedding to give her away when she married the love of her life one day, those made the perfect choice.
            Even though Demi had a rough life when she went to visit her father, Aunt Charlotte made sure she was happy when she was with her. Knowing something horrible must have taken place; Charlotte gave Demi more and more love and affection any child could handle. If she had ever learned of the things Melvin subjected upon her precious niece, she would have killed him herself, Demi thought thinking of how much her aunt loved her.
            When Charlotte passed away from breast cancer, Demi was left to fend for herself. She then understood why she wasn’t allowed go with her aunt whenever she had to go out of town. It was hard at first, but Demi focused on survival and staying out of the system.
Aunt Charlotte owned her home, so Demi was safe there. No one ever came to the house in fear that they would tell her secret.   All of her friends wanted to know why they were not invited over, but Demi told them her aunt was strict and they would not have any privacy. Troy never asked to visit because of the age difference between them. He did not have time to deal with some old lady putting him in jail for rape.          Although Demi was a minor, he liked her. She made him feel good about himself. Giving up basketball because of failed grades depressed him, so when Demi came into his life, she gave him the boost of confidence he needed.
It was funny just how having a young-tender alone made him feel like a God. She didn’t see him as a failure like the rest of his family and friends, who turned their backs on him when he couldn’t get them any free tickets to any basketball games. People never amazed him, Troy thought. But Demi was different until she made him angry. If only she wouldn’t laugh in every dudes face. He didn’t like hurting her, but she made him do it. It was all her fault he kept telling himself after he struck her.
            Demi got a job working at a local grocery store in Dallas to make sure the electricity, water and other utilities were paid. She did not watch much television so she did not keep the cable on. Books kept her company when she was not with Troy. Thinking she was too mature and cool for the rest of her friends, with the exception of Sidney, Demi did not spend much time with them. Being popular had its’ place, Demi just did not find it enjoyable being around too many people with all the bruises she tried to cover with makeup.
            Although she had all the freedom in the world, Demi stayed on top of her studies. Even when Troy left her in the middle of the desert, she paid a homeless woman to pose as her mother so she was able to enroll in the local public high school.
            Once, the Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Pennington, asked to meet with her mother to see about placing her in advanced classes, but Demi came up with a thousand excuses why her mother was not available. Finally, Mrs. Pennington took it upon herself to put Demi in the classes, prepared to deal with the consequences if need be.
            Surprisingly, Demi excelled in the classes. All of her teachers praised her. That was the first time she received any kind of recognition in her life, and she loved it.
            Aunt Charlotte had been there for her, however, it was not like having the bond most kids had with a parent. The only thing focused on in the household was cooking, cleaning, and doing well in school. Besides, as time progressed, Aunt Charlotte’s out-of-town trips got longer and longer.
            Demi was glad when she turned fifteen so that she could take care of herself when it came time for her aunt to go away. Getting a job down the street from her house was another way to make sure she would not have to go stay with her father. At first, Aunt Charlotte didn’t want her to work, but when Demi started paying the bills, that thought was quickly replaced with more love and gratitude.
            Being a failure was far from Demi’s mind. She focused really hard on her school work. Maybe if she performed well in her studies, got recognition for it, her father would come for her. They would finally be the family she dreamt of each night, Demi thought each day as she read several chapters in books, mastered math problems the teacher could not find the answers to, and expelled further in her studies.  
            Unfortunately, that never happened. When Aunt Charlotte died, Demi continued providing for herself. All the while, she wanted desperately to please her father so that he would come looking for her and mend their dysfunctional relationship. That never happened and Demi grew more and more determined to succeed. She didn’t want to fail at everything else. Her relationship with her father and Troy had already proven to be that, and Demi wouldn’t travel down the same road twice. Not if she had anything to do or say about it.
            Up until the day she left with Troy, Demi hoped that once her father learned of her aunt’s death, he would come to bring her home. Wishful thinking gets the best of us all, Demi realized after she waited two full days before telling Troy she would run away with him.
            After being in the new town for more than three months, Demi lost all hope in her father coming to rescue her, but continued pursuing her education.
            Graduating top of her class, she received a full scholarship to Princeton University. Receiving two Bachelor Degrees in Fashion and Merchandising and Finance in only three years, Demi went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Mathematics, securing a job in New York, as a buyer for a major department store chain. Life was looking hopeful for the young country girl from Dallas, Texas.
            Demi loved her job. She went shopping, getting paid for it. Plus, she received discounts on her most prized possessions, Stilettos. The hassle of not having someone constantly standing over her, watching her every move was one of the things Demi also loved about her job. She was simply her own Boss. All she had to do was find new designers, purchase merchandise for the stores, and oversee any changes, per request the CEO of the company.
            The money she made provided her a great lifestyle, filling her closet with more and more Manolo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos, and other expensive designer items. Her high-priced, high-rise condo was simply remarkable. Demi filled her home with lavish art pieces, custom made furniture, and many other expensive things to make up for not having them as a child.
            Even though she enjoyed material things, it was nothing like having real love to fill the void in her heart. Demi would soon learn another hard lesson in love when she met a certain professional athlete. He too was another name on her list that would soon have a pair of Stilettos standing over his body, when she stormed his life like Hurricane Katrina.



Chapter 2

         Melvin Bradshaw, quietly set in his living room, rocking in his chair. Night after night, he rocked and rocked. The guilt he felt for neglecting his only daughter got the best of him, which led to him taking refuge in the form of alcohol. The dark house was the perfect match to his dark soul. Satan himself would have cringed at the sight of the desperation lingering in the room. The stench of regret filled what was left of Melvin’s life, as he came home each day from work. Nothing would have prepared him for what would happen next.
          Several years ago, he tried finding her only to be left with more guilt than before. Everyone who knew Demi knew of her nonexistent relationship with her father. They would not give him any information that would help him locate her. It was his entire fault. Why had it taken him all these years to want a normal relationship with his daughter? Was he worthy of that connection after treating her like an outcast?
            All the abuse, neglect, hatred, no one deserved that much pain. Maybe one day she would forgive him and they could finally have a father-daughter relationship they should have had the first day she was born, Melvin hoped. There was still part of him that wanted to continue the search. But the fear of rejection got the best of him.
            He gave up like a coward, turning to alcohol and a younger woman to fulfill his desires. His beloved wife would have turned flips in her grave if she could see him at that very moment, knowing that he had turned away from the one person still linking the two of them together. A child they created through love was now the object of his hatred, Melvin declared sipping from a bottle of his only friend called alcohol, night after night.   
            All of his time and money went to booze. The local liquor stores knew Melvin by name. They knew what he liked, often having several bottles waiting for him when he stopped by. It was a shame, but that was the only way he was able to sleep at night without nightmares. His little girl was all alone in the world with no one to love her like a father should and he only had himself to blame. Things should have been different but Melvin allowed darkness to feel his heart where there should have been love, for his only child, his beloved daughter.
            Dozing in and out of sleep, Melvin finally got up from his chair, went upstairs to his room, falling face down on top of the bed covers. Up until the day his wife died, Melvin could not wait to have children. They talked about it constantly. When she told him she was pregnant, he was determined to be a better father to his children than what his father was to him and his brother Pat.
            Pat died from being kicked in the ribs repeatedly, when he was only five years old. Their father had a drinking problem, coming home taking his anger out on him and his mother. The night Pat died, Melvin wasn’t home. When he got there, the police had his father in handcuffs. His mother was taken to the hospital for treatment. She too had been badly beaten that night, but Pat never had a fighting chance. A rib punctured his lung, killing him instantly, while their father continued beating him. To this day, his father was serving a life sentence without parole. His mother was never the same after Pat’s death. Their relationship was nonexistent, just as his and Demi’s. She blamed him for what happened, as he blamed his daughter for the death of his wife.
            When Demi’s mother, Beth, came into his life, he felt hope again. They dated only months before he asked her to marry him. Melvin worked two jobs, saving money to buy a house for them. Beth was a nurse, she loved helping people. That was one of the things Melvin loved about her.
            The day she died changed his life forever. He was lost again, just as when he was a boy, only this time he had a baby to take care of. He took one look at his daughter, falling in love with her. When it was time to bring her home, that was when he realized his wife was dead. He would have to be responsible for another life other than his own.
            His heart broke into a million pieces when he took his daughter to live with his sister-in-law, which was the best for both of them. The beatings when she came to visit were just punishment, reflected by his past. The drinking problem he had suddenly developed hadn’t helped the situation either.
            Melvin became his father, his worst nightmare, so he pushed his daughter further and further away. He was trying to protect her. If she would have stayed with him, she could have ended up like his brother Pat. Although Demi did not know it, her father saved her life by not being in it.



          ***********************************************************************

            Demi waited. She listened before making any moves. Learning how to pick locks had its advantages, she thought as she stood on the outside of her father’s house. That was something she learned while living alone in her teenage years. Some nights Demi found an empty house, breaking in to stay warm on cold nights. No child should ever live the way she had.
            The neighborhood was dark, so Demi did not have to worry about being seen. Slowly, she pulled out her nail file, placing it inside the lock. Within seconds, the door opened. Demi stepped inside cautiously. She was prepared to face her father if he had heard her and was waiting for her when she entered.
            When she was sure no one was waiting for her, she continued. Demi did not know her father’s whereabouts inside the house, so she had to take off her stilettos. She didn’t want to make any noise, bringing attention to herself or what was to come. Again, Demi smiled looking down at her shoes. Oh how she loved her Blahniks. Although she loved all stilettos, Manolo Blahniks were surely her first choice.
            It was Troy who first introduced her to them. On their first month anniversary, he surprised her with a pair, in which she still owned. Thankfully, her feet remained the same size since she was fifteen years old, a perfect size 8, but it didn’t really matter because she never wore the same shoe twice.
            Looking around the house, Demi saw many pictures of her mother, of all ages. She was just as beautiful on them, as she was on the one she carried with her at all times. Demi touched her locket, holding it in her hand. She closed her eyes knowing that her mother wouldn’t be pleased with her actions. Her aunt gave her pictures of her mother, so that she would always have her close. No matter where she went, her mother was always there. Aunt Charlotte had the locket made for her thirteenth birthday and Demi had never taken it off.
            A foul smell filled the air. Demi held her breath trying not to cough from the terrible stench. There was an old rocker recliner in front of a small television in the living room. She figured that was where her father spent most of his time. By the smell of alcohol, Demi also knew what kept him company.
            Dirty dishes filled the sink in the tiny kitchen, hence the foul odor. Demi almost cleaned them up. Aunt Charlotte did not tolerate a dirty kitchen, ever, so Demi knew all too well how to keep an immaculate house. At times her cleaning skills got her in trouble, because she would go behind her aunt redoing what she had just completed.
            The memories of Aunt Charlotte suddenly brought tears to her eyes. She missed her so much, and maybe life would have turned out differently for her if Aunt Charlotte would have still been alive. Demi also thought of her mother. What would life have been like living with both parents? Would she still have received the beatings from her father? Demi brushed her emotions off, remembering the reason for her visit to her father in the first place.
            All at once, the anger and hurt filled her once again. Turning around with each step to make sure no one was behind her, Demi made her way up the narrow stairwell. The house was sadder than she remembered. The dust was working on her allergies overtime. She put her hand over her nose several times to keep from sneezing.
            The couch was worn, covered with newspapers. The carpet looked like it had not been vacuumed or cleaned in years. Several bottles of liquor held captive the fireplace mantle, while others were scattered all around the living room. The scene was depressing, yet Demi did not feel sorry for the person living in such disgust. The inside of the house was the picture of her life; sad, depressing, lonely, and messy enough to destroy any living vessel, crying out for a good cleaning. 
            One of the steps creaked as she walked slowly. Demi held her breath. When no one appeared, she continued her journey. There were five closed doors on the second level of the house. Which one did her father occupy? It had been years since her last visit, remembering which room was what clouded her mind.  
            Slowly, she worked her way down the hallway, pushing open the door at the very end. It was a small room, painted with light pink walls. A canopy bed, with several stuffed animals took up most of the room, yet it had a cozy feel to it. As she stepped inside, she saw a vanity, with a white jewelry box on top of it. Demi was confused. Did her father have another child? Did she have a little sister whom she knew nothing about?
            Walking around the bed, Demi saw a window seat, with built-in bookshelves. As a child, she always wanted to have a window seat with book shelves for her many books. Reading was her only refuge until she met Troy. Even still, she made time to read, preferably, a great mystery story.
            There was something about the room that felt familiar then suddenly it hit her. It was her old room. The room she once stayed in when Aunt Charlotte went away. The room she had loved, before getting locked in the basement. These where the things she left just in case he came to bring her home one day. It was also the room she escaped to when her father was drunk, when he couldn’t put her in the basement. The abuse was most intense when he drank, which was all the time.  
            A sound from outside the door bought Demi back to reality. She had to do what she came to do, and get back to the airport in time to catch her midnight flight. Tomorrow, she had to pay someone else on her list a little visit.
            Closing the door quietly as she stepped back into the hallway, Demi checked inside all the other doors until there was only one left. The room was dark and quiet. Demi eased the door open carefully walking inside. An eerie feeling came over her. It was as if he was waiting for her. A cold breeze swept across the dark room causing Demi to shiver. She trembled before easing the door further open.
             There was her father lying on the bed face down. He was fully dressed on up of the covers. The stench of alcohol consumed the air along with the smell of fresh vomit. Demi almost coughed barely able to breathe. She fought the sudden urge to throw up herself.
            The “Something Blue” Satin Manolos sparkled as the light from the full moon coming from the window hit them. They gave her power. Demi walked over to the bed, pulled out the piece of fishing wire from her pocket, then eased it carefully around her fathers’ neck. He surprisingly did not move.
            Demi pulled with all the strength she had. Going to the gym each day paid off tremendously. When she heard his neck snap, she pulled the wire from around it, placed it back into her pocket, walked to the door, opened it then left. Just like that, her father was dead. He could not hurt her anymore. For once, Demi would be able to live her life without thinking he would come for her. That would never happen. He had just entered an eternal sleep.
“Rock-a-bye Baby”, Demi said closing the door behind her as she walked from my father’s bedroom. Tears flowed down her cheeks. She was not sad she no longer had a father, but happy that he was no longer able to keep her from sleeping at night reliving all the horrible ways he treated her or thinking he would someday rescue her.
            Demi did not feel any remorse as she drove her rental car back to the airport. Her flight was in an hour, so she would have time to get something to eat. When she boarded the plane, she took off her “Something Blue” Satin Manolo Blahniks, placing them in their special satin bag before tucking them away in her carry-on sack.
            She rubbed her feet. When she got to her next destination, she would definitely need a pedicure. The bright red polish shined with perfection, accenting her beautiful toes. Demi was blessed with beautiful feet complimented by all who saw them.
            Taking out another satin bag from her sack, Demi removed another pair of Blahniks. Troy Dunbar had purchased those for her so long ago. Now he would see them once again, only this time, they wouldn’t be in a way he loved, but one he was surely never to forget.
            The plane had another four hours before Demi arrived in Chicago, so she carefully placed the shoes back into their bag, closed her eyes drifting off into a much needed sleep. Demi was relieved. She had no nightmares involving her father. Name #1 was crossed from her list.



















Sunday, July 29, 2012

"STICKS AND STONES..."


                     WARNING!!! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!



MY BLOG IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. I DO NOT DISCRIMINATE IN WHO READS OR VIEW WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. IN FACT, THE MORE THE MERRIER, BUT I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT I AM A CHRISTIAN, A BELIEVER, A CHILD OF GOD, WHO ISN’T AFRAID TO TELL THE WORLD OF THAT FACT. YES, I WRITE AND GOD’S GREATNESS IS SHOWCASED IN MANY OF MY POSTS. I ALSO WRITE EROTICA, YES, YOU HEARD ME. I DON’T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD, SPEAKING ABOUT SEX IF DONE IN A TASTEFUL MANNER OR EVEN IF IT IS RAW AND UNCUT. (WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN OUR FLESH, RIGHT!!!) SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT COMFORTABLE IN SHARING THEIR WANTS, NEEDS AND DESIRES WITH HIS/HER PARTNER, AND IF THEY READ STORIES ABOUT THOSE SAID WANTS, NEEDS AND DESIRES, THEN MAYBE THEY WILL BECOME COMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO SAY OR SIMPLY EXPLORE THOSE THINGS WITH THEIR PARTNER. I HAVE HEARD MANY COMMENTS OF THAT FACT AFTER I WROTE ABOUT A PARTICULAR TOPIC VIA ONE OF MY STORIES, OR SEXUAL ESPAPADES. MOST PEOPLE DON’T EVEN KNOW THAT THE SUN IS A STAR, LESS KNOWN THE WAY TO FULLY ACHIEVE SEXUAL SATISFACTION! HEY, I’M JUST SAYING. BUT, I WILL SAY AS I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE, “I AM NO EXPERT AND I DON’T PROFESS TO BE, BUT I DO KNOW HOW TO WRITE A GREAT STORY ABOUT PASSION AND PLEASURE.”

I HAVE VERY THICK SKIN YOU GUYS. I GREW UP IN A HOUSE, WITH A MOTHER NAMED BETTY JEAN AND SHE STILL “KEEPS IT REAL” “TELL IT LIKE IT IS” OR AS MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO PERSONALLY KNOW OUR FAMILY SAY “MZ. BETTY DON'T PLAY” SO I DON’T TAKE OFFENSE TO RUDE COMMENTS. SOMEONE IS ALWAYS GOING ON JUDGE, CRITICIZE OR “HATE” ON SOMEONE FOR STEPPING OUT, NOT BEING AFRAID TO JUST SPEAK ON WHAT THEY DESIRE AND/OR PASSIONATE ABOUT. WHO SAID BEING A CHRISTIAN IN BEING DEAD???? WHO SAID WE HAVE TO LIVE BORING, BE CONFINED OR LIMITED TO THE THINGS IN LIFE? EVERYTHING THAT GOD MADE IS GOOD…IT IS PEOPLE WHO TURN OR MAKE THOSE THINGS BAD BECAUSE OF LIVING “OF THE WORLD” INSTEAD OF FOR JESUS! WELL, I’LL BE THE FIRST TO SAY, I LOVE GOD, I LOVE BEING A CHRISTIAN AND I LOVE WRITING ABOUT VARIOUS TOPICS. IF ANYONE FINDS THEM OFFENSIVE, I APOLOGIZE, BUT I WON’T STOP WRITING ABOUT WHAT I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT OR TOPICS I AM ASKED TO TALK ABOUT FROM MY READERS. IF I CAN BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE ELSE WHETHER A FRIENDSHIP, RELATIONSHIP, MARRIAGE, OR ANY OTHER PERSON, THEN THAT IS WHAT I WILL DO. GOD HAS GIVEN ME A GIFT AND I WILL USE IT UNTIL I CAN NO LONGER. DON’T ALLOW ANYONE TO HINDER OR KEEP YOU FROM DOING, SAYING, OR LIVING THE WAY YOU ARE OR WANT TO. IF IT IS LINED UP ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD, THEN DON’T BE ASHAMED OR FEEL GUILTY OF THAT. THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN STAND IN YOUR WAY OF GREATNESS/HAPPINESS IS “YOU”…GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY. STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING AND DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF.  REMEMBER THAT YOUR LIFE IS JUST THAT, AND NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S. AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!SO, UNTIL NEXT TIME, BE INSPIRED, BE ENCOURAGED, BE BLESSED AND BE YOU!!!!

SMOOCHES,
KEKE CHANEL


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Friday, July 20, 2012

"A Night At the Movies..."

Sadness in America!!!!



Today, our nation heard some very disturbing news. Headlines all over the world reads “12 Dead, 59 wounded in Colorado” Has this world gotten so corrupt, wicked, and evil that we cannot even go enjoy a movie with our families, friends and other loved ones? I cannot begin to imagine what those innocent people were feeling in that moment. Sitting there watching their favorite superhero emerge in Gotham City, and then suddenly this excruciating aroma clouds them, leaving them helpless, gasping for their next breath. The sound of gunshots becoming the soundtrack, while they try to shelter themselves from the sudden battle they didn’t even know they had become a part of. Seeing bodies drop, hearing the chilling screams of children, or just seeing someone sitting next to them take a bullet to the chest. This is something we see in movies or read in books, but not in reality. Some say we shouldn’t be shocked or surprised but I beg to differ. Movie night, really! The only question we are left to ask ourselves is, why?

Did an eerie feeling come over the people occupying that particular theater just minutes before? Where there warning signs before purchasing their tickets? It is said that before something bad happens, we are usually given signs or feelings of such. It doesn’t really matter now because this tragic event has occurred. Innocent people have still lost their lives or are still fighting to survive. And the ones who survived are left scarred for life.

What was going on in the sick mind of this individual? How did he come to the conclusion to do something so heartless? Will the truth ever be revealed? What happens next? How do the families of the victims pick up the pieces and move on with their lives? There are so many questions to ponder.

A 24 year old young man ended 12 lives, wounded 59 and plagued the lives of so many others in just a blink of an eye. Will true justice be served for our fellow American people? The sad fact is that he too is an American, not that it would make any difference if he was from another country. This is still wrong on so many levels! Is hatred this much in control of the people who walk among us each day? Do we interact with them, or pass them by on our way home? Do our children attend school with them? Are they guests in our homes, having dinner parties, people we call “friends”?

Did his parents see or hear of anything that could have avoided such massacre? When the police spoke with the mother she appeared to know something or not be surprised that it was her son who committed the devious act of crime. Should she be held accountable if she did in fact know something, along with her son? It isn’t wise to condone our children in wrong doing, EVER!!! The excuse of being too afraid to go to the proper authorities is simply unacceptable…people are dead!

Sure, we as parents want the best for our children and would do anything to protect them, but there are things were we should draw a line. Hurting others shouldn’t be acceptable. Plotting to do harm to others shouldn’t be a thought, least known a factor in this society.  There are many curve balls in life as it is, wouldn’t you agree!

My heart is heavy right now. Something so callus, hateful and demonic, has caused more chaos to our generation. Do we even have a future that’s meant to be bright? I just want to take a few minutes to give a moment of silence for all the victims…Amen!


*bows head*

To the families involved, I pray your strength, courage and will to get through this horrible time. I know this is hard, and I cannot possibly feel what you are feeling, but know that you have many people lifting you all up in prayer. It will get better! Things of such magnitude should not take place…Know that weeping may endure for a night but joy will come again!

Feel free to voice your thoughts on this topic. Leave your comments below. This is definitely something we should discuss. Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged, be safe and be blessed! We are still ONE NATION UNDER GOD…

Smooches,
Keke Chanel




Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Can keeping troubling aspects a secret in relationships lead to irreconcilable differences?




I received a question a few days ago about this particular topic and I wanted to speak about it and also get your thoughts. I have written several posts about relationships on my blog that have been very helpful and informative to others, according to the comments and emails I have received on those topics. The posts are still linked, so feel free to go check them out. I use this site as a chance to provide positive information that I have encountered through my life’s journey, or saw others go through and yet survive. We will all go through something traumatic at some point in time, right. I feel that we are all vessels that can help others along the way. Why sit on information that can help someone else? So, with that being said, it’s move on. I hope that this is helpful to the friend who asked, as well as insightful to the rest of you.

We all have been in or are currently in relationships that have been tainted due to not communicating about the things that plaque us. Not voicing one’s concern about different aspects or factors, problems, concerns or what have you, will eventually rip a relationship to shreds. I feel that it is essential to say whatever it may be, whether good or bad, in maintaining positive relationships. But in a way that is compassionate, not harsh or ugly to make someone feel bad. It doesn’t matter what type of relationship, without speaking on the issues at hand, the relationship is doomed from the beginning. Just be yourself! Don’t put on a persona to please others. Don’t conform to fit in. Don’t settle when you deserve much more. And most importantly, don’t just allow others to walk all over you and think that it is acceptable. (In the words of my late B.I.L—“Negative Chief” Rest in Peace Jean Antonio, we love and miss you much!)

Without letting the other person/persons involved know what is on your mind or in your heart nothing good comes of the relationship. There are too many one-sided relationships as it is today. There is no need to keep the cycle going. If we speak in love, with compassion, there is nothing too hard to work through. Friendships will get better. Relationships will have positive outcomes and the divorce rate in our country will decrease instead of increase so rapidly.

If we continue to keep things bottled up inside, we will become bitter, resentful, eventually spinning a web of hatred toward the people we love most. This isn’t the way relationships should be. Life is too short and once someone is gone, it’s too late to say or do all the things you should have or wanted to do. I don’t have all the answers, but if the question is asked, I will do all within my knowledge of the subject to give the best advice that I can. Feel free to leave your comments. All of your thoughts are appreciated and not taken lightly.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate!!! This is the best advice that I can give because I am a living witness that it is effective. Listen, listen, and listen!!! This is the second most important factor in maintaining a strong and lasting relationship because when you listen, I mean truly listen you hear all that is being said. Don’t judge, put down on, or speak harshly to others. Plus, no one wants to be around a person who does that less known listen to what they have to say. That doesn’t do anything but make matters worse and cause an even bigger riff between all involved. Lastly, say what’s bothering you. If we are with someone who doesn’t listen, hear or respect what we have to say, then we should reevaluate the relationship and make the best decision for ourselves. If we have friendships that cause more problems than what they are worth, cut those individuals out of your life. As I always say, not everyone is intended to travel the path that God has prepared for you. People will come and go from your life and the ones who are truly meant to be there, will be!

Yeah, we will lose great people on our journey and that’s okay. They may have been placed in your path and vice versa for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Either way, you will know the difference. It will be revealed in time. But if you do not want the best for yourself, how can you expect that someone else will? Think about that for a minute…if you don’t have your best interest at heart, no one is going to. Love yourself more to want more for YOU! Trust me, it is okay.

So in the end the answer to the question is a simple “Yes”!  Keeping things that trouble you in relationships to yourself will cause them to shatter. Don’t set yourself up for this kind of pain, heartache and disappointment because time is something we cannot get back! Until next time, be encouraged, be inspired and be YOU!!!

Smooches,
Keke Chanel