Vocal Expressions

Tis the season for good cheer to all men and women. I always look forward to Christmas as it's a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ while partaking in a fantastic meal prepared by my mother. This evening, as 16 family members gathered around the table, and a prayer was said to bless the food, I was reminded of how much I'm grateful and thankful for. It's truly a blessing! So with that being said, I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and wealthy New Year. May 2012 be an abundantly great year for everyone!

This afternoon, I was the guest author on the show "My Soul Spotlight," with host, Biblical Jones. I had a great time on the show and can't wait for it to air on public access TV.

A few days ago, I tuned into a webinar hosted by Steve Harrison. The first question that Steve asked the audience was "How committed are you to getting the word out?" He suggested that as authors or as someone trying to promote a product, you should get into a daily promotional habit of making at least 5 contacts to viewers, readers, etc. I thought this was a very tall order since my days are filled with other commitments. However, I did find the following strategies to be very useful and I'll definitely be using them to get publicity for my book. 5 Maximizing Publicity Strategies: 1. Give the media a hook . Give them something that they can use to "grab" their audience, tease folks into wanting to read their publication or watch their shows. 2. Avoid thinking, "I'll wait till my book comes out," approach. If you already have a list, use it to create a following both on and off line to talk about your upcoming book. Ask yourself: Who are the new &

Teleseminars are a great source of information. This evening I listened to host, Steve Harrison interview his good friend, James Malinchak, who shared several tips on how to get started giving paid speeches - even if you're a complete unknown in your field. Here are 5 steps he shared for landing speaking engagements: 1. Determine what market is ideal for you. * You can't market to everybody. * You must target your market (teenagers, women between the ages of 30 - 50, college students, parents, etc). 2. Put together your positioning. * You are the main ingredient, you make you different. * Do you want to be a keynote speaker - speaking for 45 - 60 minutes? or A workshop trainer? * Decide whether to promote yourself as a speaker or your topic. * Incorporate "you" into your presentation - be yourself. 3. Put together a brochure. 4. Market your speaking availability to the people in your market. 5. Leverage your booking. * When you speak for a group ask for multiple booki

This evening I tuned into Marshawn Evans, Attorney, Author, Reinvention Strategist and Owner of ME Unlimited, LLC tele-event about "The Power of Platform." I thought this was so pertinent to me as today is my birthday, a time of renewal and rebirth, a day which marks a year of me being older and wiser. ME's focus in tonight's call was knowing the difference between a DESIRE and a DREAM. She stated that a DESIRE is rooted in a place of want whereas a DREAM is rooted in a place of worship (a gift from GOD which focuses on service). She pointed out that we're often led to believe that dreams are supposed to be far off. However, she said that this thinking is "warped, twisted and a straight up lie" because you should be able to experience your dreams today. Furthermore, joy should be tied to your dreams as you're supposed to feel strengthened, reinvented and rejuvenated. In order to accomplish your dream, you should make sure that you're properly pos

It's funny how things can come together. I remember when I first met the founder of this book club back in September 2011 at the Baltimore Book Festival. She said that she was thinking about starting a book club and asked whether I would be interested in being a guest author. I responded "absolutely!" So I was very excited when we agreed upon a date and time to discuss my book, Gotta Let It Go . When I arrived at the meeting this evening and met the members, they were all very welcoming. They had lots of questions about my book, the writing process and how to get a book published. I answered all the questions including my thoughts about going the traditional route versus self-publishing. At the end of the discussion, I got some great insights as to what they would like to see in the sequel. Overall, it was a great evening and I enjoyed every moment of it including the sangria which was made by a member of the group and the delicious lasgana which was made by the host/foun

Just finished listening to a very informative webinar on how to create your own WebTV show with Steve Harrison and Perry Lawrence. Here are the 5 top reasons for doing so: 1. It's easy and effective (get a flip video camera to record your episodes) and build a relationship with people who have a list. 2. It creates exposure (allows you to develop multiple audiences and widen your social media footprint). 3. It sets you a part from others (what side of the mike do you want to be on - behind as part of the audience or infront as a speaker?). 4. It gives you celebrity and authority status (if you're consistent in posting your videos, you'll be seen as an expert). 5. Huge ROI (return on your investment) - add your audience to your database. For more information, visit www.yourwebtvshowhow.com

I had a very, very long week! My friends could tell that my stress level was up and that I needed to get out the house. So off we went to the Half Note Lounge in Bowie where Style was performing. It's been awhile since I saw them perform and wow - they really rocked the house! After enjoying some wine and soul food (catfish and macaroni and cheese), I was on the dance floor like nobody's business. Sweating out my hair and just having a wonderful time. At the end of the night, my stress was lifted and I felt rejuvenated to tackle the week ahead. Sometimes, a girl just need a GNO!

For the past couple of years, I've enjoyed attending the For Sisters Only ("FSO") event in D.C. So today, I was pretty excited about meeting a friend of mine at FSO to browse the vendors, get some goodie bags, play some games to win prizes, listen to the relationship chats and enjoy the line of artists: Bell Biv Devoe, Johnny Gill, Wale, Eric Benet, Tank, Estelle, and others. We had a great time and left before it got too crazy - traffic can be a beast! So, enjoy some pics from the event!

This evening I listened to a webinar by host, Steve Harrison who shared tips on how to become a well-known, well-paid author, speaker or expert in your field. I really enjoyed his tips for achieving these goals especially the 5 short cut tips he shared to make this happen: 1) clear action plan, 2) custom tailored support for your publicity (radio, TV, newspaper, pod casts, etc.), 3) concrete models and skills, 4) connections and 5) community.

This past week was very hectic for me. So when Friday finally rolled around I simply couldn't wait to get home, grab a shower, and unwind with a glass of wine. It felt so good to be in the warmth of my home that I didn't look forward to running any errands on Saturday. Anyway, as I dragged myself out the door on Saturday afternoon, I was met with rain/snow which was a highly unlikely weather combination for October. But, I put my cap on and pulled up my collar, completed my errands and headed once again to the warmth of my home with the anticipation of staying in on Sunday as well. Sometimes that's all I really need to put things into perspective and to re-energize my mind, my body, and my spirit!

This weekend I finally took time to check out hottie Idris Elba in his role as DCI John Luther, in the BBC America drama series, "Luther." On Friday night, I watched all the episodes of Season 1 and on Saturday, I was caught up on the most recent episodes of Season 2. I love the premise of this crime drama because the writing is so fresh and the criminals do things that test Luther's resolve. He is a man haunted by the death of his wife and while he can become volatile and unhinged at times, he is fiercely dedicated to those who are loyal to him and he'll stop at nothing to help those in need. So two thumbs up for Idris Elba in this leading role and I look forward to seeing what his character will do next. Check out details of the show and its characters at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/luther/aps/luther.shtml

Yesterday, I took my car into the dealership for some transmission issues. This wasn't how I had intended to spend my Saturday afternoon but I really didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Anyway, a salesman approached me and asked whether I'd like to test drive a new car. And I replied that I'm not in the market for a new car as my car still had a ways to go before I had to make that determination. Nevertheless, the salesman was very adamant that I at least test drive the car and that it wouldn't hurt to do so. When I got into the car, everything was shiny and new: the smell of leather seats, moon roof, keyless entry, nice CD disc changer, place for my iPod, etc. I took the car out for a spin and while I really enjoyed the new features and the way it handled on the road, I couldn't bring myself to signing on the dotted line. It was a no money down, zero percent interest and quite enticing. But as I sat in the salesman's office, I looked him in the eyes

The mentoring program began again for this upcoming school year. Fresh new faces (mentors/mentees) graced the opening and the blessing of the program. I'm excited to a part of a program that blends new concepts in reaching the young adults because they are indeed our future. So I look forward to learning from them while teaching them life skills to make them better role models to others.

Two of my favorite cable shows premiered tonight: Dexter and Hung. I've been an avid fan of Dexter since the first show aired on October 1, 2006. Each season gets better and better with new villains and this season, I was pleasantly surprised to see Edward James Olmos and Colin Hanks as Dexter's arch rivals. The theme this season centers around religion and viewers get to see Dexter questioning his faith or lack thereof. While he has a son to raise, he is very protective and fearful that his son will inherit some of his habits of taking the law into his own hands. So, we'll see how he struggles to reconcile his feelings this season. As for Hung, what can I say? This show is so hilarious. I've been hooked on this show since it premiered on June 28, 2009. I can't seem to get enough of the characters' theatrics and motivation as to why they do the things they do to survive. I love the dark humor about a subject some would find taboo especially it has been always be

After a long day at work, I decided to treat myself to a movie with two of my favorite actors, Robert De Niro and Jason Statham in "Killer Elite." This movie was based on real events that "pits two of the world's most elite operatives - Danny, an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) and Hunter, his longtime mentor (Robert De Niro) - against the cunning leader of a secret military society (Clive Owen). Covering the globe from Australia to Paris, London and the Middle East, Danny and Hunter are plunged into a highly dangerous game of cat and mouse - where the predators become the prey." Open Road Films I thoroughly loved the action scenes and it was good to see Robert De Niro - I can't get enough of this seasoned actor - he's still got it. Two thumbs up for this movie in my book!

The Baltimore Book Festival ("BBF") features hundreds of author appearances (celebrity and local) and book signings, 100+ exhibitors and booksellers, non-stop readings on multiple stages, cooking demos by celebrity chefs, poetry readings and workshops, panel discussions, walking tours, storytellers and hands-on projects for kids, street theater, live music, and a delicious variety of food, beer and wine. This event took place on September 23 - 25, 2011 and I participated as an exhibitor, selling my novel, Gotta Let It Go, in the Authors' Tent on Saturday, September 24th. The Authors' Tent was buzzing all day with folks browsing the author's work, buying books, chatting with us and networking. A very good friend of mine supported me all day by helping me to set up, meet and greet folks and keep track of my sales. I had a great time taking pics with fans who bought my books and made some great connections for future events. Overall, the BFF was great and I look forw

My last vacation had me travelling all over the place, hopping from one train to the next, checking in and out of hotels, shopping and enjoying the sights. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed my European vacation, but nothing beats just relaxing on the beach with uninterrupted time. Well, my Caribbean vacation allowed me to do just that and I really enjoyed visiting the following locations: Winnifred beach, Reach Falls and Frenchman Cove. The food was fantastic, the folks were very warm and generous and I enjoyed the early morning breeze that rolled over the sea and wafted through the windows of my room. Aaaaah, perfect! Now it's back to reality until the next vacation, I'll have to savor the moments captured in my pics!

All work and no play makes me a dull girl. Well, off to Europe I go for my vacation to Switzerland, Italy and Paris. After a long flight with no sleep, watching 3 movies non-stop and eating pretty delicious food on Delta Airlines, I arrived in Zurich, Switzerland. After going through customs and then getting my bags I was more than ready to fall asleep in my hotel room. After waking up and feeling refreshed several hours later, I headed out to explore the town and then had a bite to eat at a restaurant with outside seating. The next day I set out with my fellow travellers to Locarno, Switzerland to attend the Locarno film festival and check into another hotel. The film festival was simply awesome. It was an open air movie theatre and the films they showed that night were a Japanese film by Hitoshi followed by "An American in Paris" starring Gene Kelly. It was a great evening. After the movies, folks were still having a party - it was 1 a.m. It was a fabulous affair! The next