Genevive Chamblee's Blog, page 49
July 14, 2018
Quarterly Goals (March – June) Yes, They Are Late
Yes, I’m sneaking in an extra post this week. A while back, I committed to posting my writing goals as a way to keep myself disciplined. Specifically, every three months, I create a list of goals that I am to accomplish by the end of the quarter. This provides me with a guide and the motivation to remain focused. I measure success by if I have accomplished at least half of the goals I set.
The first time posted, my dates were off for my quarter, and I wiped the slate clean. In June, which turned into an extremely busy month, I have no excuse. I simply failed/forgot to post my results and new goals. I’m posting now to hopefully get myself back on track.
This quarter, I gave myself fewer goals. That’s because some of the goals were extensive and time-consuming. I’m happy that I did because lots of stuff happened.
Previous goals for March to June
Work on my website. Yes, and I will continue to strive and improve it as learn in order to provide my readers with the best experience possible.
Maintain my weekly blog Again yes.
Write weekly I modified this to include blog writing as well as writing books and editing. I had to do this, because of the “beast”. (See #5)
Host a giveaway –
Edit the “beast”. Notice, I said edit. I wasn’t foolish enough to say complete, but that’s what I hoped to do. For those of following, the “beast” is my WIP that has absolutely nothing to do with a beast. I’ve nicknamed it that, because of its size. The edit has been a slow and tedious process, and the “beast” is refusing to be tamed. Because of the amount of time I’m spending on it, it takes significant amounts of time from working on new projects. However, it must be done. IT WILL BE DONE!!! (using my Darth Vadar voice – Beast, I am your mother!)
UPDATE: Happy to announce that I did reach the second goal of editing this but not the overall goal. Once again, it must be set aside to work on other projects.
Edit the “beast’s cousin: mega beast” Uh, no. Fail. This would make me a complete glutton for punishment. I determined if I wanted to get anything accomplished, I would have to remain focused on one (or ten) project at a time. With the edits of the “beast” not complete, I would not have adequate time to work on“mega beast”.
Participate in a writing challenge. Sadly no. I couldn’t find one if you can believe that. I found plenty of reading challenges, but no writing ones this quarter. If you know of or are hosting one that you think will interest me, tag me or give me a shout. I’d love to be a part.
Write at least one short story. This is a no. My time was consumed between editing three books, preparing to publish them, and blogging.
Be active on social media Yes, yes, and yes. Come join me. I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.
Personal Goals Of 9 personal goals, I met 3
My report card: This quarter I grade myself a B-. It’s passing but it could be better. I have large projects, sure, but being a professional writer isn’t an easy job. The projects aren’t going away just because they’re tough. Time management is key, and one must bite the bullet to get done what must be done. Hopefully, I’ll go better next quarter.
New goals for July to September
Sales goals
Newsletter goals (revise and publish)
Update website
Maintain weekly blog
Increase social media presence
Learn more about writing, marketing, blogging, and branding (really sink my teeth into this)
Edit the “beast” to the final goal
Edit “mega beast” to the first goal
Personal goal (x4)
Revise RTM
Host other authors on Creole Bayou
Host a giveaway
Investigate self-publishing
The final thing I’ll add about my goal list is that find it difficult to schedule an appropriate posting date. In the future, I may keep this as a non-regular post.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Enjoy sports romance? Check out my new adult romance, Defending the Net, being released in November. It is the second in my hockey series and guaranteed to melt the ice. Preordering information coming soon. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Missed the first in my hockey romance series? Don’t worry. Out of the Penalty Box, an adult romance where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime out is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb
July 11, 2018
A Poll: All About Readers
Each week, I do all the writing and attempt to bring informative and fun content to my readers. However, I appreciate learning from my readers as my readers learn from me. Today, I’m doing a backward post and asking my readers to share with me. Answer as few or as many questions as you like. And who knows, there just might be an extra treat given to some special person who answers.
Why do you feel knowing heritage is important?
Have you ever investigated your heritage or genealogy?
If you could visit the past and speak with one of your ancestors, who would it be and what would you ask?
What is your favorite Creole and/or Cajun dish/meal?
When someone asks you “what is Creole”, how do you explain it?
Who are your favorite authors?
What do you do to support Creole culture and traditions?
What is your favorite part about Mardi Gras/Carnival?
Do you believe Roman Catholic continues to be the primary religion of Creole?
What does the fleur de lis mean to you?
Do you think Creole culture is accurately depicted in the media?
On Creole Bayou, do you prefer to see more recipes or more informational content?
How often do you read/watch articles/documentaries about Creole heritage?
Are you interested in contest and giveaways that Creole Bayou may hold occasionally?
What are some of your favorite aromas?
Where do you go to find information on Creole heritage?
Are you named after anyone? If yes, who?
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Enjoy sports romance? Check out my new adult romance, Defending the Net, being released in November. It is the second in my hockey series and guaranteed to melt the ice in November. Preordering information coming soon. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Missed the first in my hockey romance series? Don’t worry. Out of the Penalty Box, an adult romance where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime out is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
July 4, 2018
How to Balance Writing with Everyday Life
Happy Fourth of July!!!!
So many people ask what the secret is to finding the time to write when life is jammed with other necessary duties (e.g., family, full-time jobs, social obligations, etc.). The secret is: there is no secret. One must MAKE the time to write. It may seem impossible viewing from the surface. However, there are several ways to do this, and the first is recognizing a writing opportunity. Everyone has heard of cuss jars or quitting smoking and storing the money that would be spent on cigarettes in a jar. Over time, the coins add up. So, add up the spare five, ten, thirty minutes one might find during the day. For example, persons with a thirty-minute lunch break may write while eating. A person must capitalize on these moments. That’s number two.
Once a moment is recognized, a writer needs to act. Just thinking about writing isn’t accomplishing much, unless the writer is mentally plotting, brainstorming, or outlining. This quickly leads to number three. How? If a writer commutes to work, perhaps on the commute he/she could use a voice recording app to dictate the story and transcribe it later. Or perhaps if another person is in the car, that person could take dictation. A writer at lunch may need to write on a napkin or the back of an envelope. It would do a writer well to always be prepared to have a method in which to get down story ideas. Perhaps, have lunch at a coffee shop and take the laptop. Maybe a writer decides the atmosphere is not good for creative but has a hard copy of his/her WIP at lunch. In this instance, the writer could possibly edit or perform internet searches for research. During an orientation, the group leader stated she was giving everyone a fifteen-minute break. That fifteen minutes I was able to work on my blog—something that I desperately needed to do.
I find having a small notebook handy is great for jotting down notes. I traded my purse for a backpack and am ready most times for just about any writing opportunity. In it, I have pens of assorted colors, Post-Its, notebooks, flash drives, a calendar, etc. I know most people keep digital calendars, and I do that as well. The paper calendar I used to track submissions, edits, blog posts, conversations with agents, etc. I like paper for this, because I sometimes, I can’t whip out my phone or laptop. Or as in one case, the power was out for hours and I needed to conserve my batteries.
Some writers have rituals or routines they need to perform before writing. So, writing on the fly may not be something practical. Also, what gets written may not be the best. However, writers shouldn’t be seeking a finished product at this point. The idea is to get down the words and edit later. This is an especially useful technique for writers who need to produce a high quantity of documents/works. For example, bloggers may need to write many posts at once and schedule them for later publication. Filling these open moments with rough drafts may greatly help bloggers to meet deadlines and goals.
Now, I’m not a fan of writing just for the sake of writing. Some experts argue that a person should write daily regardless of what they write. For me, spending fifteen minutes writing useless dribble is counterproductive. The writing that fills these gaps should be directional and meaningful. There may be tons of grammatical mistakes and typos. That always can be cleaned up in subsequential editing. However, the content should be solid. The content should form base ideas that will eventually be turned into usable. If it’s not, the time could be better spent making a grocery list. But speaking of lists … Sometimes writing a list is useful. One may write plot points or checklist of items to correct. Frequently, when doing this quick block writing, I make organizational lists such as writing characters names or name changes. I’m a pantster, so it’s not uncommon for new characters to crop up. When marketing, I like telling readers about the characters. This is the best way to not forget anyone. Also, sometimes, I change a character name because the names may sound too close to each other. A character list will allow me to quickly discover that. Or if I’m stuck on a part of a story, I might list possible options to solve the story without writing out the entire scene. Lists are sometimes very quick to compose; thereby, making the gap space a perfect time to write them.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Enjoy sports romance? Check out my new adult romance, Defending the Net, being released in November. It is the second in my hockey series and guaranteed to melt the ice. Preordering information coming soon. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Missed the first in my hockey romance series? Don’t worry. Out of the Penalty Box, an adult romance where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime out is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
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June 27, 2018
First British Queen of African Descent
On 05/19/2018, millions tuned in to watch Prince Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor, better known as Prince Harry, the younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, marry Rachel Meghan Markle of Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California. Upon his marriage, Henry was bestowed the titles of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.
Meghan, now titles the Duchess of Sussex, Kensington Palace is the first person ever to hold the title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex because the previous duke’s two marriages were both unapproved by the monarchy. This deemed them unlawful and caused his brides to be ineligible to hold the title. However, Meghan is not the first European royal of African descent, which is why some viewers that demonstrated no previous interesting the royal family tuned in to watch the wedding. Meghan describes her heritage as her father being Caucasian and her mother African American.
The first European queen of African descent was named Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (05/19/1744 – 11/17/1818), the wife of King George III, who she married in 1761. Together, they had fifteen children. Of her children, two became kings: King George IV and King William IV. of Additionally, she was the grandmother of Queen Victoria.
Charlotte was the daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg and Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen. She was given the titles of Queen of Great Britain, Queen of Ireland, Queen Consort of Hanover.
It is believed that although Charlotte was German, her ancestry is an African branch of the Portuguese royal family, related to Alfonso III, a thirteenth-century ruler, and his moor/African lover, Valdes. Of course, there are critics that state the evidence to support her African ancestry is thin and even if true, she is too far removed to be considered biracial.
As a side note, the city of Charlotte, North Caroline, nicknamed the Queen’s City, is named after her, and tributes to her can be found throughout the city, including statues and streets bearing her name.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
June 20, 2018
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy
For the last two weeks, I’ve been posting lists of my most popular blogs. Today, I conclude with the yummy stuff. Food is a huge part of Creole culture. This week, I’m recapping my most popular and mouth-watering Creole recipes/food post.
In the Kitchen: (Red Beans & Rice)
What’s Cooking? (Jambalaya):
Sweet Taste of Creole: (desserts)
Health Benefits of Okra in Creole Dishes:
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
June 13, 2018
All About Creole
As I explained in last’s week post, I’m compiling a list of my most popular blogs, as I ponder the direction to improve Creole Bayou. Today’s post will be a listing of my informational blogs. In writing each of these posts, it was my intention to enlighten and bring compile hard-to-find information about Creole life in one spot in an accurate and objective manner. The information is meant for anyone interested in this topic. In these posts, readers will find information about origins of the Creole flag, zydeco music, Cane River, Creole French, Mardi Gras, Fleur de Lis, and much more.
The Difference Between Creole & Cajun:
Mardi Gras: (Creoles Influence in Mardi Gras)
Laissez Bon Temp Rouler: (Creole Festivals)
Racial passing pt1: Betty Boop Caused Trouble
Racial passing pt 2: one drop:
Creole & Cajun Funeral Ceremonies:
Weather BreakWeather Break (How to prepare for Hurricanes):
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
June 6, 2018
Writing Tips & Nips Reboot
As some of you may have noticed, last week was no blog. That is because besides life getting in the way, I was considering revamping Creole value. I view this blog as a constant work in progress, continuously moving forward. At present, I post something writing-related on the first Wednesday of each month. During the remainder of the month, posts are dedicated to Creole facts and information, Creole recipes, and updates on my writing projects (which always include Creole characters). I’m considering expanding my topic base slight to include more romance—since, after all, I’m a romance novelist. What say you? What changes/additions would you like to see happen at Creole Bayou?
While I ponder, I’ve compiled a list of my most popular blogs, by dividing them into the aforementioned categories. For those who have missed anything, it’ll be an easy way to catch up. Since this is the first Wednesday of the month, I’ll begin with a list of my writing-related post over the previous year. Note, this list does not include guest author interviews or my novel updates.
How to Venture into Anthology:
What to know and consider before agreeing to be published in an anthology
The business of writing:
The craft of writing and what makes it difficult; common problems and writing issues
How Not to Bake a Blog (Blogging Tips)
What to know and consider when blogging
https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/how-not-to-bake-a-blog/
Myths of How to Reduce Word Count (Editing Help):
Common and not so common tips for reducing word counts in writing
Glance into the Past (Creoles in Literature):
A brief look at Creole writers and their works
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
May 23, 2018
Okra Healthy
Since okra is frequently used in Creole and Cajun dishes, I thought I would give some interesting facts about this love/hate fruit.
While many people think of okra as a vegetable, it is classified as a fruit by scientists.
The scientific name for okra is Hibiscus Esculentus. It is in the mallow (Malvaceae) family.
Other names for okra are gumbo, kiabo, lady’s finger, and okro.
It is a flowering plant that has yellow flowers, a crimson center, and heart-shaped leaves.
It is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm climates.
The origin of okra is disputed. Most scientists agree that its origin is in West Africa. However, other experts argue that the origin is from Ethiopia or South Asia.
Okra is rich in nutrients and possesses many health benefits.
Okra inhibits alpha-glucosidase, which is found in the small intestines and breaks down disaccharides to glucose. This helps break down carbohydrates, which improves cell sensitivity to insulin. As a result, this helps with reducing glucose levels and helps with diabetes.
Okra may increase energy levels by supporting the storage of glycogen in the liver. Glycogen is a substance deposited in bodily tissues as a store of carbohydrates. It’s a polysaccharide that forms glucose on hydrolysis. It’s a multibranched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as a form of storage in human, animals, fungi, and bacteria.
Okra helps prevent fat accumulation and weight gain. It also provides a feeling of satiety that lowers desire to overeat. (Good to know for dieters)
Okra supports the production of bile acids in stools. This can result in a reduced risk of cardiac arrests and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease/atherosclerosis, which is an accumulation of cholesterol, fat, and other substances on and in the walls of the arteries. In a related note, okra can lower cholesterol levels.
Okra is packed with soluble fiber and improves water absorption to prevent constipation.
Okra is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of over five hundred phytochemicals, which occur naturally in plants. Polyphenols provide plants their coloration.
Okra is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation (a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells) of other molecules. Antioxidants help keep the skin healthy, soft, and young. Therefore, okra helps with skin health.
Okra is plentiful in Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for growth development, maintenance of the immune system, and vision health. Thus, okra may improve eye health and prevents vision issues.
Furthermore, okra is high in Vitamin K, which helps the blood to coagulate. It lowers the risk of excessive bleeding, increases white blood count, and promotes bone health by strengthening bones, lowering the risk of osteoporosis, and lowering the risks of fractures.
Okra can help prevent kidney disease.
Okra helps fight Helicobater Pylori (H. Pylori). H. Pylori is a bacterium that can cause peptic ulcers and live in the digestive tract. H. Pylori bacterium in the intestines and lowers risk of gastritis. Gastritis is any group of conditions which the stomach lining is inflamed.
Okra frequently is used in eastern countries as a pain reliever.
Okra may help prevent sunstrokes.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed on my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
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May 16, 2018
One Drop Rule: “Passing” pt 2
Last week, I wrote a post on “passing”. The response was overwhelming. There were a lot of comments that indicated the impact of “passing” was not understood. Many posts posed the question, “what’s the big deal?” I suppose that is best answered by people and families it directly affects; although, it can be argued that the implications affect all society in that it creates divisions and sometimes animosity. There have been multiple stories that incidents of “passing” have disrupted and torn apart families. Some people believe “passing” is an issue of the past that has no relevance in the present. For others, it has buried family roots and created a disconnect with heritage.
For those having difficulty understanding the concept or impact, I suggest viewing the 1959 remake of movie Imitation of Life, originally released in 1934. The 1959 version starred Lana Turner (Lora Meredith), Juanita Moor (Annie Johnson), Susan Kohner (Sarah Jane Johnson), Sandra Dee (Susie Meredith), John Gavin (Steve Archer), and Robert Alda (Allen Loomis).
The plot is centered on two mother-daughter relationships—that of Annie (mother)/Sarah Jane (daughter) and Lora (mother)/Susie (daughter)—and the friendship between Lora and Annie. The story opens with Lora and Annie meeting on the beach after Susie becomes lost and befriends Sarah Jane. The two single mothers also form a friendship, and Annie moves in with Lora to be her maid and nanny. Sarah Jane moves in as well and witnesses how Susie who is Caucasian gets treated differently from herself. Sarah Jane is fair-skinned and passes for Caucasian despite Annie’s disapproval. In order to pass, Sarah Jane must disassociate/deny her mother.
Another movie of interest is Pinky starring Jeanne Craine and Ethel Waters, released in 1949. This movie is about a woman who passes for Caucasian during nursing school. When a Caucasian doctor proposes, the woman turns to her African American grandmother for advice.
A movie that takes a secondary look at the issue is the 2016 movie, The Free State of Jones. This film stars Matthew McConaughey, Keri Russel, Gugulethu “Gugu” Sophia Mbatha-Raw, and Mahershala Ali. Although this movie primarily focuses Newton “Newt” Knight’s role in the American Civil War, it also addresses the issue of passing in relation to Newt’s great-grandson, Davis Knight. In fact, many would argue that it is Davis Knight’s court case that brought attention to events that had been forgotten.
There are plenty more movies that deal with the subject of passing, and this list is not intended to be comprehensive. Rather, these movies are just a few that provide some insight into why “passing” is considered an issue by some.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed on my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
May 9, 2018
How Betty Boop Caused Trouble: “Passing” pt 1
Today, I embark on a controversial topic that I have been requested multiple times to address. I’ve hesitated to do so because the topic is as complex and vast as it is controversial and requires to be handled objectively and with fairness. This topic is “passing”.
What is “passing”? In simplistic terms, passing, or more accurately, race passing, is when a person classified as one racial group presents self as belonging to another racial group. Sometimes, the person intentionally passes, meaning it is their desire to be considered as belonging to another racial group. Other times, it may be a perceived passing. People may assume the person is of another race, although, the person never declared or intended for that to be the case. It can be more complicated than that definition, but it will serve the purpose of this post.
So, what caused me to address this topic now? Oddly enough, it was the cartoon character, Betty Boop. If that sounds crazy, it sort of is. I never thought a cartoon would lead me down this road. Yet, here I am. Here’s how it started.
There was a Facebook post about heritage and famous persons of colors who “passed for white”. The lead picture for the article was of Betty Boop. For those unfamiliar with who Betty Boop is, she’s easily searchable on the internet; therefore, I won’t go into great detail about her. However, a quick overview is that she is a cartoon caricature of a Jazz-Age flapper created in the 1930s (during the depression era) by Max Fleischer and Grim Natwick and first animated by Paramount Pictures. She was a sex symbol who provocatively was outfitted in a contoured bodice that revealed her cleavage, short dress, garter, and stilettos. Her hair was black and short, styled in what some today would call finger waves. Her head was large in comparison to her body and she had wide eyes and pouty mouth. But what does this have to do with “passing”? Absolutely nothing.
In 1932, there was a lawsuit by a Caucasian actress who claimed the cartoon character “exploited” her image and personality. However, it was revealed during the trial that the actress suiting had based her act and brand from an African American performer at the Cotton Club. Betty Boop’s creator insisted that all aspects of the character came from his imagination.
I didn’t read the FB article because I became stuck at some of the first comments posted. Therefore, I don’t know what the article said specifically about Betty Boop, and at that point, I wasn’t interested. From the start of the replies to the post, a fiery debate had sparked that the Betty Boop character was based on a real African American woman who creators “stole” her identity and developed as white as a means to gain mass appeal and acceptability for the cartoon. This was countered with a comment that there was no such thing as “passing” because if one looked “white” than one is “white”.
In this comment, I sat the plight many Creoles who have been “forced” (for the lack of a better word) to choose a racial phenotype for identity instead of being free to embrace their full heritage. It stems the “light skin” verse “dark skin” debate and who is allowed to call/consider themselves Creole. It creates accusations that Creoles are ashamed of part of their heritage and causes all types of conflict in the Creole community. It leaves many Creoles to question why a choice must be made between two when clearly the answer is a diverse, blended culture.
So, that is what has led to my writing this post. It’s not to debate which ideology is right or wrong, but rather, to present evidence of how this debate came to be. I do not delude myself. This is a broad topic, and no one article could possibly cover it all. It’s also one that will not please everyone. I do not claim to have all the answers or be an expert in this area, either. I encourage anyone interest in this topic to investigate it for themselves using multiple, credible sources. There’s a lot of bad and misinformation out there. Creole.nsula.edu, Frenchcreoles.com, Mixedheritagecenter.org, and NewOrleans.com are some great sites to get information. I will cover some of the basics.
One of the best places to start is to understand the terms, and there are a lot of them.
Octoroon/Terceron – both if these terms are used to refer to a person being three generations from an African ancestor.
Quadroon/Quarteron – a person with one-fourth African ancestry
Biracial/Mulatto – a person with one half African ancestry (note: biracial also refers to a person of two races regardless of what those races are)
Griffe/Sambo – a person with three-fourths African ancestry
Mustee – a person with one-eighth African ancestry
Hexadecaroon/Mustefino – a person with one-sixteenth African ancestry
Sacatra – a person with seven-eighths African ancestry
In the U.S., the “one drop rule” (also known as hypodescent) was used to classify race. This rule deemed exactly what it indicates. According to this “rule”, any person with African blood in their ancestry would be assigned to the race of the nonwhite parent and, thus, be perceived as a lower class. This was invoked to identify “invisible blackness” and preserved racial purity.
In terms of Creoles, this is more distressing and not solely a matter of “black” and “white”. Many Creoles have Spanish and Native American in their heritage as well. In fact, Creoles have a very diverse heritage of French, Italian, German, African, Spanish, Native American, and even Chinese. Asking many Creoles to identify themselves as one ethnicity is the equivalent of asking which body party they want to keep while all the others are severed. The demand is unfair and has nothing to do with denial or shame.
Then, if it’s not about denial or shame, why would one want to “pass”? This is a question that needs to be asked to those “passing” as the answers are bound to be multiple and complex. However, one of the most obvious reasons would be social equality—to not be treated as “less” or lower class. It’s been shown throughout history that persons of color who chose to “pass” frequently experienced more advantages and avoided the hardships of discrimination and segregation. They were not restricted in education, housing, or employment.
Again, this post tips the iceberg. I’ll likely revisit the subject with follow-up articles.
Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.
Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order, follow the link to http://bit.ly/2CtE7Ez or to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.
My new book, Out of the Penalty Box, a fiction romance is now available for at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
My sensual short story “Cargo” in Pirates: Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #3 is available for purchase. Find it at http://amzn.to/2DV5btz.
Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed on my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click on http://bit.ly/2zJjUdb and signup today.
If you enjoy reading this blog, please share it with your friends and family. There’s never too many people in the bayou. Spread the word.
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