Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 34

BLURRING THE LINES OF FRIENDSHIP

Today's another #writerwednesday, and I'm sharing an excerpt from BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel. Life can become confusing when we're ending one relationship, and could quite possibly find ourselves on the brink of another.

Angel and Alex have developed a close and comfortable friendship. She knows she can rely on him through the challenges she's going through. But could it be their friendship isn't what she thought it was?



CHAPTER 23_BLURRED LINES

Angel and Alex had been spending quite a bit of time together going to festivals, skating, bowling, kayaking, and sporting events. Sometimes TJ was with them and at other times they were alone. She had invited him over to meet her mother, a couple of times. Angel had pushed most of her friends back during her marriage to Black. Throughout their separation she had been lost and lonely. But Alex had proven to be an excellent friend. He listened to her and honestly cared about her feelings.
“So what’s up with you, girl?”
Alex was sitting with her on the large wraparound porch of her mother’s house. “Nothing much, I guess. What are you talking about?”
“You told me your husband was coming to see your son tonight. How you feeling about all that? I mean you cool, you comfortable?” Alex’s concern was etched all over his face.
“I guess as well as I can be. My mom will be here and her boyfriend, Richard, too. My sister, Camille and her husband are coming over for dinner and conveniently hanging around afterwards. I think we’ll be fine. I’m not worried about him trying anything crazy.”
“Emotionally? Are you going to be okay in here?” Alex asked, placing his fist against his chest. Angel had developed a comfortable and relaxed friendship with Alex, one where she could trust him with her deepest feelings and secrets.
“You know what? I really am. I have allowed my healing to begin and I’m stronger than I was several weeks ago. No matter what guilt trip that man lays on me, I’m well beyond that. I have let him slam my heart against the wall too many times, and forgiven him too many times. I can’t do it anymore. Matter of fact I don’t want to do it anymore. I mean, I’ll always have love for him, but I’m not in love with him no more, Alex. I lost all respect for him after what he took me through with Kianna. I don’t even harbor hate in my heart. It’s like I’ve learned to forgive him…you know what I’m saying?” Angel pulled her feet up into the rocker swing underneath her legs.
“You sound like you got this together. What about TJ?”
“Well I told him that his daddy was coming, so he’s been excited all day about that. Asking me and mom every 15 minutes when his daddy is coming.”
“Yeah I noticed when I pulled up that he was at the door peeking out the screen.”
Angel laughed because TJ had opened the door for Alex and when he came inside, TJ had announced ‘It’s just Alex, Mommy and Nana.’
“He was excited to see you still today like he always is, but you know nothing trumps that daddy card.”
“That’s a beautiful thing. Every kid needs that. I know when you first told me what happened, I was disappointed that he took you through that, but I felt bad at the same time.”
“Why?”
“Because he needs his dad in his life. And his dad needs him, too. He might not have changed during the marriage but now that you two are separated he’ll probably make the change for his son.”
“Why do you think that is?” Angel asked.
Alex shrugged, “Maybe he needed his freedom and didn’t know how to tell you that. I don’t know. That’s a conversation you two need to have when you are back on friendly terms. You know…none of that friendly fire stuff.”
Angel laughed. “Yeah, there are some conversations we need to have. I’m not looking forward to them because I don’t know how he will act.”
“Do those conversations include the topic of divorce?” Alex blushed looking down into his lap. “I’m sorry, am I being too nosy here?”
Angel hit him playfully on his leg. “Boy, no. You know I can talk to you about anything. I’ve told you that a million times. But yes, I am going to ask him for a divorce tonight. That’s one thing I’m not changing my mind about. But after we have our conversation, I will be filing.”
Angel had been staring off into space thinking about the upcoming conversation when she looked up and caught Alex staring at her. Once again he blushed and turned away. Angel reached out and touched his hand, which he snatched so fast that it startled her. “Are you okay, Alex?” GET YOUR COPY TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!eBOOK PAPERBACK
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...



WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY
 

REFRESH YOUR SOUL

 Today's another therapeutic Tuesday. As a writer, I often have to take breaks to relieve the stress of daily living to encourage my creative flow. I use writing as an outlet to dump the stress and negativity that builds up, but sometimes the words won't come. And when that occurs I have to find other outlets, and one of my primary ones is listening to music.


I hope that you take today to unwind from a hectic Monday, breathe as you get through Tuesday, and don't stress the rest of the week, but enjoy this moment in time.


Enjoy the pictures below. But as you work, play, clean, meditate or whatever it is that you're doing today, listen to the music I've included at the bottom to allow your spirit and soul to be refreshed!

https://stressreliefandrelaxation.wordpress.com
 
http://www.hapkicombat.ru/page/5/

http://shrutisuresh.com/science-of-relaxation/
http://ewomensocial.com/what-the-art-of-relaxation-can-do-for-you/

http://ewomensocial.com/what-the-art-of-relaxation-can-do-for-you/

http://dominelliwellness.com/2012/11/28/this-holiday-give-the-gift-of-relaxation/

http://www.guidedimageryinc.com/playaway-devices/guided-meditation-for-sleep-relaxation-peace-playaway/



 


LIVE RELAXED!   I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...



WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

PRAYER_MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY MOMENT

Everything I Needed
Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2012

Everything I needed,
I asked for in my prayers.
My prayers were always answered,
In many different pairs.

I asked God for some courage,
And he answered with a hum.
He gave me some dangers,
That I would overcome.

I asked God for some strength,
And he answered with a wrong.
He gave me some difficulties,
That would make me strong.

I asked God for some patience,
And he answered with a date.
He gave me some situations,
That I was forced to wait.

I asked God for love,
And he answered with throw.
He gave me lots of people,
That I could get to know.

I received nothing that I wanted,
Only that of which I need.
My prayers have all been answered,
With only a single plead.

BE INSPIRED!

I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...



WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY

DON'T GIVE UP_FOOD FRIDAYS

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes
 This week we have been focused on eating healthy and exercising in my household. Last week wasn't too successful, but we didn't give up. It's so easy to give up when you mess up, but really that's when it's time to dig your heels in and strengthen your determination more than ever. You truly are worth fighting for!


Here's today's living well recipe, once again brought to you by the Food Network.

IngredientsFor the chicken:1 lemon, juiced2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon dried oregano A couple good pinches salt10 grinds black pepper4 (6 to 7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breastsFor the dressing:1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil2 tablespoons red wine vinegar1 lemon, juiced2 cloves garlic, smashed with the side of your chef's knife1 teaspoon dried oregano3 pinches salt10 to 15 grinds black pepperFor the salad:2 to 3 hearts romaine lettuce1 English cucumber, peeled, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch chunks3 vine-ripened tomatoes (about 3/4-pound), cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese DirectionsTo marinate the chicken: In a non-reactive dish, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper and mix together. Add the chicken breasts to the dish and rub both sides in the mixture. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

To make the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a resealable container and shake vigorously. Refrigerate until ready to serve, and then bring to room temperature before tossing salad.

Assemble the salad: cut off any dark tips and the bitter white bottoms from the romaine leaves. Cut the lettuce into 1-inch strips and place in a bowl that is large enough to hold all the salad ingredients comfortably. Scatter cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta over the top. You can prepare the salad up to a few hours in advance. Cover it with a moist paper towel and refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving.

To cook the chicken: Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until well browned, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Give the dressing a good shake and pour it into a nice little serving bowl, using the lid to strain out the garlic.

Toss salad just before serving and fan chicken out on top.
 Recipe courtesy Dave Lieberman Total Time:1 hr 15 minPrep:30 minInactive:30 minCook:15 min
Yield:4 to 6 servingsLevel:Intermediate
LIVE WELL!

I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...


WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY 

1994_THROWBACK THURSDAY

The year was 1994! I thought I was grown, as I had just turned 21 that March. This picture of my mom and me was taken in July of that year. Looking back now I realize I didn't come close to knowing what being grown meant. Just because I was living on my own with a 9 month old son at the time, didn't mean I was truly grown. I had not yet began to understand the impact that every decision I made would have on his future as well as my own. Thank God for His grace and mercy! LOL!

What were you doing in 1994?

TOP 10 SONGS OF 1994
(I removed a few of the songs from the list, because I had never heard of them. So here's the first 10 songs of their top 100 that I recall):

All-4-One               I SwearBoyz II Men           I'll Make Love To YouCeline Dion            The Power of LoveMariah Carey          HeroToni Braxton          Breathe AgainR Kelly                   Bump N' GrindJanet Jackson         AgainSalt-N-Pepa           Whatta ManToni Braxton         You Mean The World To MeElton John             Can You Feel The Love Tonight
TOP 10 MOVIES OF 1994
The Shawshank RedemptionPulp FictionForrest GumpLeon: The ProfessionalThe Lion KingDumb & DumberStargateInterview with the Vampire: The Vampire ChroniclesNatural Born KillersLegends of the Fall

 90's HIP HOP FASHION


The beautiful, talented, Aaliyah (RIP)
Dre` & Snoop Dogg!

Ms. Diva_Janet!
My girls_TLC (RIP Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes)
My heart_TuPac! (RIP)



I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY 

I HAVE MY REALITY_WRITER WEDNESDAY

Today's a #writerwednesday and I'm sharing another sample, an excerpt from a previously published novel. I have been blessed to have a wonderful husband by my side as we raise our three children. Even with my husband by my side, I have had difficult moments one-on-one with my two sons as they grow to be men. On the heels of #mother'sday, I'm giving a hats off to all the single mothers out there. I applaud every single parent for the wonderful job they do and the strength they exude in their roles, both mothers and fathers alike.

In today's excerpt my character, Rayne, has to deal with her oldest son, Bryant, who definitely has his own perspectives. Their views on life crash, and she understands there is much that her son does not understand. Take a peek...

EXCERPT_IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?

CHAPTER_YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH


Thierry had planned a get-away for just the two of them. Brody had spent the weekend with her mother and Bryant was content to stay home alone, although he was not comfortable with her choice to go away for a weekend.
“Why you going away with that man?” he snapped when Rayne shared with him her plans to leave for the weekend.
“Bryant, I have to have a life, too. Next year you will be gone to college and Brody will grow up. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone and I wouldn’t think you wanted me to either,” she stated.
“Look I don’t care about you spending time with him, but I hope dude know he ain’t gon’ be my daddy or my little brother’s daddy,” he countered.
Rayne inhaled deeply and then let out a loud sigh. “Look, Bryant, no one is trying to take your father’s place and no one will ever be allowed to. It’s impossible and it hurts me to know that you feel I would ever try to do that. I love you and your father loved you very much. But my choice to date is no reflection on that love for our sons. My choice to date is because I am a full grown woman who needs to move on with her life after six years.”
“It ain’t like you ain’t been dating in those six years, Ma,” Bryant snapped.
“You’re right I have, but at the same time they were not serious. They didn’t understand the importance of my boys to me and therefore, they’re not still in my life. You and Brody are the most important people in my life and always will be. I won’t jeopardize that for anything, but I have finally met someone who not only understands that, but he respects it as well. That’s almost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and if there is a chance for me to find some more happiness in the world, I will do that.”
“Even at the risk of me and Brody being unhappy?”
“How is my dating making you guys unhappy, Bryant?” she asked.
“’Cuz it’s like dude trying to force his way into our lives, Ma,” he said, standing up from his bed and pacing his room to vent his frustrations, “and you just letting him. You don’t care what it’s doing to us or how we feel about it. You only care about how you feel about it!” he disputed, pointing a finger at her.
Rayne stood up from her son’s bed taking in deep calming breaths. She was ready to knock him on his ass, because he wouldn’t keep standing there disrespecting her and talking to her crazy. She didn’t care if he did stand 6’3 at 205 pounds. He wasn’t going to be a man in her house and if he thought so, he had another thought coming.
“Look, Bryant, I’m about all out of patience with you and this conversation. I am going away for the weekend and that’s it. I am going to date Thierry, I enjoy his company, and so does your brother. If you gave him half a chance, you’d find he is a really good guy. Let me explain something to you. I don’t have a problem with you defending your father’s memory and making sure no one takes his place. That’s not going to happen anyway. Your father and I were together for almost 18 years. In all that time we never got married; your father never settled down with just me, he lived his life. And even though it ended all too soon, he never let nothing stop him from doing what he felt he needed to do. I’m sure he would be the first one telling me to go on about my business. He would be the first one to tell me to live and enjoy my life to the fullest, he wouldn’t want---
“How do you know that, Ma? Huh? How you figure he would be telling you to date some other dude, and bring him into our house and go away for a weekend with him? Huh? How you gon’ sit here and tell me you know all that?” he argued.
And before Rayne realized what she was doing, she spoke out of turn. She had worked hard to preserve the memory of their father in their minds as being the best guy. But she could no longer take the disrespect her son was dishing out on Brandon’s behalf.She walked to her son leaving mere inches between the two of them and looked up at him in the eyes. “Because it was what he wanted before he died! You see, you have your memories and I have my reality..."



GET YOUR COPY
IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?


I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY  

RELAX AND ENJOY

Today I'm considering it a Therapeutic Tuesday.


Mondays are difficult enough getting back into the flow of the work week, not to mention having to participate in extracurricular activities after work.








So, when Tuesday arrives, I'm barely breathing because we still have three more days of work to get through.




Although in truth, I cannot complain because I have been blessed to be allowed to work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays. So, at least I don't have to deal with the stress of traveling on top of everything else.





If you find yourself stressed at any point in your day, find your way back to this blog and enjoy...










  "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We dream of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our window today."
Dale Carnegie       ENJOY!  I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...



WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY MOMENT

In honor of all the mothers and lovers out there. Have a lovely week.

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...


WRITING MY DREAMS,

CHELLE RAMSEY

FOOD CHALLENGE_FOOD FRIDAYS

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pan-seared-salmon-with-kale-and-apple-salad-recipe.html
My daughter and I are taking on a health challenge. I am always trying to either tone up or lose a few pounds, nothing too drastic. But I've been recently inspired by my daughter's desire to get healthy. She is working to lose a few pounds and I'm joining her.

Most days she's enthusiastic about the exercise part, but the eating part is where she struggles. She, like her mother, loves food! Whether I'm bored, sad, excited, or happy I love to eat. I also enjoy eating both healthy and unhealthy meals alike. Unfortunately, I don't enjoy cooking, which makes it difficult for me when it comes to eating healthy. It's easy to throw a pizza in the oven, or a hot pie and all the other easy to cook meals. But preparation is essential in eating healthy and most times I don't enjoy that. Well, I'm ready to tackle whatever I need to tackle to make this journey with my daughter successful.

I thought I'd begin sharing healthy meal ideas with you on our Food Fridays. You can join in on the journey if you'd like, or even leave your ideas and recipes in the comments section below. Today I'm sharing a pan-seared salmon with kale and apple salad recipe, which I found on Food Network.


Ingredients
Four 5-ounce center-cut salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt1 bunch kale, ribs removed, leaves very thinly sliced (about 6 cups)1/4 cup dates1 Honeycrisp apple1/4 cup finely grated pecorino3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds Freshly ground black pepper4 whole wheat dinner rollsDirectionsBring the salmon to room temperature 10 minutes before cooking.

Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the kale, toss to coat and let stand 10 minutes.

While the kale stands, cut the dates into thin slivers and the apple into matchsticks. Add the dates, apples, cheese and almonds to the kale. Season with pepper, toss well and set aside.

Sprinkle the salmon all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Raise the heat to medium-high. Place the salmon, skin-side up in the pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn the fish over with a spatula, and cook until it feels firm to the touch, about 3 minutes more.

Divide the salmon, salad and rolls evenly among four plates.

Per serving (1 fish fillet, about 2 cups of salad and 1 dinner roll): Calories 620; Fat 36 g (Saturated 8 g); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 730 mg; Carbohydrate 40 g; Protein 39 g; Fiber 7 g; Sugars 14 g

This recipe was found on Food Network

TURNING FOR BETTER_2009

STORMThe year was 2009...a lot can change in five simple years. This picture was taken December 31, 2009 and my princess was 9 years old. We had just begun the renovation process on our home, and I had recently been laid off. It was the end of an era for my family, yet the beginning of a new uncertain time to come. I questioned everything then, but it would all work out for our good I'm glad to say.

What did 2009 hold for you?



TOP 10 SONGS OF 2009

Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom PowLady Gaga - Poker FaceLady Gaga ft. Colby O'Donis - Just DanceBlack Eyed Peas - I Got A FeelingTaylor Swift - Love StoryFlo Rida - Right RoundJason Mraz - I'm YoursBeyoncé - Single LadiesKanye West - HeartlessAll-American Rejects - Gives You Hell

TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2009

Fast & Furious Paul Blart - Mall CopWatchmenAvatarInglourious BasterdsX-Men Origins: Wolverine Star TrekThe HangoverZombielandThe Proposal
I hope you enjoyed this post. If so, please share with others by clicking the social media icons below. Thank you for dropping by and don't be shy. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love chatting with you. You can connect with me by using the social media icons on the left panel and above. Until the next time, I'm just...

WRITING MY DREAMS,
CHELLE RAMSEY