Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 72

MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL MOMENT_FRIENDSHIP: RARE GEMS

http://www.rgbstock.com/photo/mHSOgrI/Friends

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."
- C.S. Lewis

Red Beryl, Blue Diamonds, and Tanzanite are rare gemstones...much like the rarity of these gemstones are friends.

I have experienced moments, such as the one C. S. Lewis quoted above, at various intervals throughout my life; and usually they are at a point in time that I really need a true friend. My mother always taught me that you cannot consider everyone a friend, you have acquaintances, but not always friends. Growing up I made that fatal mistake of calling everyone a friend, just to have my feelings hurt in that pivotal moment when I realize they meant me no good.

As an adult I've learned that friends come by seldom. And in those rare moments that you meet one, you must learn to cherish them, and protect the friendship from external forces. That one girlfriend you can go to and share your closest secrets; the one that you can share your hopes and dreams with, these are to be nurtured and cherished. Nothing can separate true friendship, not betrayal, not lies, not jealousy, not money, not fortune or fame. They come once in a lifetime, and if you're lucky you get two.

I have been just that lucky. And I thank God for the beautiful women He gave me to be friends in this lifetime. I hope you are as blessed as I am.

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JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com

RONNIE_THE MEN OF: "IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?"

www.nairaland.com  


I have brought the women of "Is the Grass Really Greener?" to you. You have read excerpts, seen pictures, met them through their blog hosting days, cried with them, and laughed with them. Well, now it's time to meet the men.

Ronnie is a father of three triplets, and married to one of the main characters, Davina. When I think of this strong character's physical makeup, I think of actor, Laz Alonso.

The character, Ronnie, is a man who knows how to have his woman's back. He is handsome, intelligent, an attentive lover, and is extremely protective of his family. His woman is a nurturer by nature and is always there for everyone else. Therefore, he is the type of husband who must understand his wife; pouring everything good back into her to replenish her strength and positive energy at the end of the day. And because she is not financially dependent upon him, he must supply her needs beyond the financial.

Ronnie is a protective husband, loving his wife with a fierce passion that protects her from harm. He will never allow her heart to suffer, or neglect her emotional, or spiritual needs. He listens to her, loving her, understanding her, and not allowing her to go through anything that is unnecessary for her. His one flaw in the eyes of the other women is that he is currently unemployed. It is also a thorn in his side, as he struggles to return to being the major provider in the household.

EXCERPT:

“Well I had plenty of time to think while I was away. You know I spent so much time looking for a job and volunteering at the kids’ school before I left, I never truly thought about what would make me happy and add to the support of this family. D I want to open my own business. I’ve been thinking of starting a business as a technical communications consultant. I could market it by building a website, and engaging in other online marketing tools, and some low cost TV and radio ads to really get the word out. I was thinking with the connections I do have in the business, I can actually get some TV commercials in exchange for performing some work. And some of the money that I made while I was away would be sufficient to make that marketing investment. There’s also my retirement fund that I didn’t touch. We can consider that too. I would work from home and travel when needed.” He held his breath waiting to hear what she would say.
“Well you know how I feel about that retirement fund. We didn’t have to touch it before, and I definitely don’t want to do it now. I don’t know if the penalty is worth it. We could find other ways to make this work. But where would you be traveling to baby?” she asked.
“Locally here in the Atlanta area and maybe from time to time, places like Florida and the Carolinas. I have contacts there, but it would be no more than a few days at a time. I’m not talking about going away again, but I would have to visit firms to determine what their exact needs are, and map out a plan from there. But more often than not I would still be at home,”
“What about the boys’ football team? Would you still have time for that this fall?”
“Sure I would. I think the greatest investment of time would come this first year as I work to build it up. But in the long term it will pay off. Towards the fall things should be starting to fall into place where I can dedicate that time to them like I need to. And I’m not saying it won’t be difficult and bring its challenges along the way, but I can definitely do this. I just need to know how you feel about all this and if you have my back?” he asked lifting up on the couch and looking into her face.
“Babe if this is what you want to do, I think we should do it. We just need to come up with a game plan and execute it, that’s all,” she said lifting her head up to kiss him ensuring him that he had her support.
“Cool. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page. I don’t think you know the pain that I go through, or have been going through over the past three years. D it’s been hell, cuz I’m supposed to be the provider,” he shared.
“Ronnie you have been. It’s not like you haven’t been working, you have temp jobs that help support the family.  You take care of all the cleaning and cooking when you are at home, handle the errands, the kids, and save us money on maintaining things that get broke around the house…when you can anyway.”
“No babe. You don’t get it. I have to hold this family down and I made a vow to take care of you. I haven’t been able to do that at the level that I know I can. My Pops always supported us and busted his ass to do it right. It’s because of him that I was able to go to college and start my family on the right track. I know y’all appreciate me baby and what I do, but I have so much more to offer. I need to do this thing and I can’t explain it to you the way that I feel it, but I gotta do it. I need to have a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And I haven’t had that in a long time,” Ronnie confessed
“I know Ronnie; I could sense that in you. But it’s such a sensitive subject that I never wanted to put any strain on you,” Davina expressed. “Sometimes we don’t always have all the right words to say. The only thing that I knew was that I had to back up, give you your space, and let you figure it out on your own. You know I always got your back, as long as you ain’t planning another trip to the Seas we’re all good baby,” she said leaning in to kiss him on the lips.
“I know…Big Daddy ain’t going nowhere else. I promise you that. If a man ever wants to do any soul searching that’s a good way to do it. Boy, you’ve got nothing but thinking time on your hands, planning, coming one to one with nature, and facing the fact that a boat full of men ain’t gonna always see eye to eye. Sometimes you want to handle something a certain way because you know it’s best, but someone else feels different. And if you were doing your own shit, it wouldn’t be an issue,” he explained.
“Well baby I can think of a helluva lot better ways for a man to do some soul searching than being on a boat with a bunch of other lonely men,” she said and began stroking him to get him started again.
“Aight now you betta watch yourself,” he warned with a serious look on his face. Thank you for visiting for another excerpt. Please join me by clicking the follow or subscribe buttons on the right panel. If you enjoyed this post, I encourage you to share it with others by clicking the social media icon above or beneath. You may also see more of my works by visiting my website below. I love you for visiting, and as always, please leave a comment.JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramsey www.cmichelleramsey.com  

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Roger Sayles, Flickr, 2013
Today is a day that we celebrate our freedom as a nation. However, more often than not our focus is on the celebration, rather than the reason we're celebrating. Barbeques, picnics, family, food, festivities, and the fireworks are at the top of our agenda. These are wonderful ways to celebrate, but we must not forget the reason. We must remember the importance of having our freedoms as a nation, being thankful for something we often take for granted.
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RANDOM RAMBLINGS_BOOK DESIGN

We all experience great challenges from time to time; more often than not the hardest part of the challenge is all in our minds "a figment of our imagination." These challenges can bring a halt to everything you are pursuing, like a big stop sign ahead.

My great challenge? Deciding what to do regarding my book cover design for a book that is scheduled to be released two months from now.

My dilemma is what route should I take with designing the book cover, for a book that is complete aside from editing? I requested feedback from other authors in FaceBook groups I belong to and the answers varied. The options are as follows:
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BOOK SPOTLIGHT_HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT: MARTA PERRY

FROM AMAZON:
 
"Please God, if you're listening, keep Rachel safe." She couldn't turn her back on her family in their time of need. So when her sister was injured, financial expert Andrea Hampton traded the big city for Amish country to help turn her grandmother's house into an inn. But life with the Plain People took a treacherous turn when a string of accidents and pranks threatened her family. Someone didn't want the secrets the old house harbored to come to light. Trusting anyone—even the handsome carpenter who seemed so genuine—was a battle for Andrea, but her life depended on her ability to find the truth.
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MONDAY MORNING MOTIVATIONAL MESSAGE_THE PURSUIT OF DREAMS

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
-Pamela Vaull Starr    Leland Francisco, 2010, Flickr


    I would love to have you follow me if you're not already to get updated reviews on books, as well as new updates on my upcoming releases.
Please join me by clicking the follow or subscribe buttons on the right panel. You may also see my works by visiting my website below. Thank you.
JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com 

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY PROFESSOR "X"

Happy 10th Anniversary to my wonderful husband Professor X.  My husband is loving, compassionate, strong, inspirational, faith filled, wise, intelligent, and so much man!!! To put it in Toni's words...I love me some him! We've been through a lot in the 17 years of our relationship, and these last 10 years of marriage I wouldn't trade for nothing in the world! I praise God for blessing me with Marvelous.






HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARVELOUS!

JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com

THURSDAY CHARACTER REVEAL_JARED COLES

http://abstract.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/22287/Yesterday I gave readers and followers free downloads of Reflections of Promises, in honor of its 1 year anniversary.
Today we take a look at one of the main characters from the book in a pivotal scene. He's the character everyone loves to hate. I have received much feedback on how Jared easily angers my readers. Whether they relate to what he sends his wife through, or just the despicableness of his actions; women readers tend to have a hostile reaction to this character.

A professional and well respected therapist, image is everything to him. He has his trophy wife, a beautiful home, and an esteemed career; however, he is missing one thing. He wants children to round out his vision of the perfect family life.

A professional licensed social worker and director of youth and teen behavioral counseling services, at All Haven an outpatient medical center, some would say Jared needs counseling of his own. His handsome features, and smooth façade draws the ladies in.  But what repulses his wife, is the monster he becomes behind closed doors. Patricia endures his constant affairs and domestic violence, not allowing it to be the reason she leaves him. But with his desire to have children, comes the threat that her hidden past will become unveiled. Will it be the catalyst for her escape?
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HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY_REFLECTIONS OF PROMISES FREE BOOK TODAY

Today I am giving away free copies of my book Reflections of Promises until tonight in celebration of it's first year anniversary. So please join me to download your free copy today only.

*As a side note let me say I have learned a lot throughout my journey. This book (being my first published novel) was not edited and does have a few formatting errors, I apologize in advance.

Seventeen years ago the thought of my work being shared with anyone else terrified me. The fear of failure, judgment, and negative comments kept me in hiding. I continued down this path until 2011, when at the encouragement of my husband I shared my work with people who did not realize it was mine. The comments, praise, and admiration for my work filled my heart to overflowing with joy. Could I really engage and entertain people with the thoughts flowing through my mind?

I didn't know, but it seemed as if there might be potential for me to do just that. After receiving reviews for my unpublished work, I embarked on the journey to become a published author. On June 26th my book became available on amazon.com. I didn't discover it until 2 days later on the 28th of June, which happens to be my wedding anniversary. I wanted to shout out to the world, but I had no clue about marketing, and I didn't want to overwhelm anyone else. So again I hid. There was so much to learn, so much yet undiscovered. There would be many disappointments along the road (because of my lack of action), as well as achievements. I have not regretted one moment of this amazing journey. I continue to grow as an author and learn from other authors along the way daily.

So I would like for you to help me celebrate today. It's not only my 10th wedding anniversary, but also the first anniversary of my first published work "Reflections of Promises." I am offering a free copy for download today only. So go ahead and click the link below for your free copy. I would love to hear your feedback and I hope that you enjoy the story I have to tell. I only ask that you write a review on amazon when you're finished.

AMAZON OVERVIEW:
Sometimes we make choices to avoid drama in life. But what happens when the road we take becomes the road that brings us face to face with it? Patricia Allen-Coles is a career woman, hell-bent and determined not to struggle and live a life of poverty and desperation. A UC graduate armed with her Masters she has claimed a new life and identity for herself. Running from her past, she has just begun to realize all of her dreams. But will the past catch up to her?

The handwritten note mysteriously appearing in her mailbox sends alarms throughout her and triggers a series of events she is not prepared for. She had worked carefully to conceal her past, yet somehow the rules changed and the barriers have been broken. Patricia must determine if she is ready to reveal the truth. As she balances the scales of right and wrong, she must finally face the destruction she has caused.

Reflections of Promises is a tale of deception and betrayal that will take you on a fast-moving emotional journey that invokes passions deep within from page 1. When foundations are built on untruths, and cover-up, can everything that appears to be solid still stand?

REFLECTIONS OF PROMISES FREE DOWNLOAD

Please be so kind as to leave a review on AMAZON for me. You can find the link to write a review for Reflections of Promises here: http://amzn.to/1bWbLKR

JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,By: C. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com

BOOK SPOTLIGHT_THE CLASS CEILING by KERRY FISHER

  AMAZON OVERVIEW:

Feisty Maia Etxeleku is a cleaner for ladies who lunch. She spends her life wiping up spilt Sauvignon and hoovering around handbags before rushing back home to skivvy after her children's feckless father on an estate where survival depends on your ability to look the other way. But an unusual inheritance catapults her into a different world where no child can survive without organic apricots and Kumon maths classes and no woman can contemplate a week without Pilates and pedicures. As she blunders through a middle class minefield, dashing from coffee mornings to her mops and buckets, she is drawn to the one man who can help her family fit in. But is his interest in her purely professional or will her modern My Fair Lady experiment end in disaster?
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