Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 77

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY_PSALMS 32:8

freeimages.co.uk I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 
Often times in life we are confused and/or conflicted about choices we must make. This confusion can turn into worry leading us into a path of indecision. I have learned that indecision and doing nothing about a situation can turn into fear, immobilizing you and it will escalate out of control. There comes a time when you must make a decision about what direction to turn when you come to that fork in the road. No matter where you find yourself in life, when that moment of indecision or doubt arises, turn to Him and pray. He will guide you and make the way clear. It may not come at the exact moment you want it to, but it will come in time. Trust and believe Him to provide the direction, the instructions, and the resources to light your path and lead you on the correct path. He will empower and equip you to do what He has called you to do.


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

EXCERPT III_IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER

She's living life on her terms, with her demands. She makes no excuses, she sees what she wants and she goes after it. She's determined, but sympathetic of others; she's aggressive, but patient; she's successful and she's a fighter. Now life is calling her on the carpet for daring to live life on her own terms. Our third excerpt from "Is the Grass Really Greener?" features our small Cuban flame, Pavielle.



“Damn!” Pavi said aloud as she slammed the phone down on its cradle. She breathed a deep sigh reflecting on the phone call. Dr. Schwartz wanted to see her in the office today. That could only mean one thing…she might be dealing with the “C” word. Pavi recalled the morning that she had first found the swelling when she was finishing her shower before work. Aaron, her boyfriend, had already left for work after spending the night with her. She was finishing a hot and refreshing shower reminiscing about the night before when she started her self-breast exam. It was something she had done every month since she was a teenager, and an act she recommended to all of her family and friends. Pavi was diligent about being a health conscious person, working out, eating healthy, meditating, routine doctor visits, and staying as stress-free as possible.
‘It can’t be what I think it is…is it? No I’m being neurotic that wasn’t anything, just a little swelling,’ she thought to herself. ‘Perhaps I have some type of bacterial infection under my arm,’ she attempted to reason with herself. She knew that it hadn’t been there last month…or had it?
Before she allowed her anxieties to kick in, she got out the shower, dried off and made the call to Dr. Schwartz’s office for an appointment. That had been almost two weeks ago, and now she was getting the phone call that she had anticipated and dreaded simultaneously.She turned away from her desk and stared out the window at the fountain in the park across the street, seeing but not seeing. Her view of the square was exquisite, but it didn't hold her attention at the moment. Tapping a long Platinum Pink lacquered nail against her pearly white teeth her mind was a million miles away. Strategic planning was her strength not indecision. Indecision was for the weak, it was for the confused. She lived life on her own terms and dictated what did and did not happen. And that's what she was about to do now. Taking her right hand and pulling her long, red hair up into a messy bun, she plopped down into the high-backed tan leather swivel chair.
Picking up the phone, Pavi dialed extension 5387 for her assistant Carolyn.

          “Yes, Ms. Herrera?”         “Can you please check my schedule and tell me what I have scheduled for the rest of the afternoon?

“You have an 11:30 with Pete Ogilvie and a 3:15 with Nicholas Hambrick. You are scheduled to have a 1:00 lunch with Sharon in accounting, and that’s been rescheduled twice,” Carolyn stated with a bit of warning in her voice. If Pavi decided not to keep these appointments, it would be Carolyn’s responsibility to cancel, and she knew that Sharon was not happy about the two canceled luncheons already. She would never take her frustration out on Pavi, but Carolyn would definitely feel the effects of that.
“Damn,” Pavi said again for the second time in less than five minutes. “Cancel my 3:15 with Nick until next week, and I’ll contact Sharon. It’s already after 11 so Pete’s probably on his way. Update my calendars for Nick and send a birthday card to Mike Eggers.”
Pavi hung up the phone before Carolyn could reply. Carolyn didn’t take offense at it, she knew that Pavi had just received a call from her doctor’s office and she had been distracted all week. Carolyn made a mental note to get Pavi a thinking of you card.  Pavi had been a wonderful boss over the course of the past 2 years since Carolyn had been working at the real estate management firm, and was always thoughtful of what was going on in Carolyn’s life.
“Sharon…I’m rescheduling our luncheon this afternoon. Yes the reports are in now but I have to handle something that can’t be helped. I’m sorry but you’ll just have to consult your schedule and tell me what available opening you have on Monday. Yes, sure, I promise we can meet on Monday for lunch…on second thought scratch that let’s move it to first thing Monday at 9, are you open?”
Pavi listened with a small thread of patience as Sharon consulted her calendar. They scheduled their meeting for Monday morning at 9, and Pavi hung up to prepare for her meeting with Pete Ogilvie. Life would go on. JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,C. MICHELLE RAMSEYwww.cmichelleramsey.comI hope you enjoyed this excerpt from 
           "Is the Grass Really Greener?"
 Please leave a comment on your thoughts in the comments/no comments link below. I love to hear feedback from you all. Be blessed! 

"PAVI"ELLE_CHARACTER REVIEW

So we're in week three of the "Is the Grass Really Greener?" character review episodes.

People are often driven by thinking they want to be like someone else. When trials and tribulations come they often think they are misunderstood by the world. But when it occurs to someone else they are quick to tell the person it will be okay and they will get over it. Why do people build themselves up by tearing other people down; and why do people pretend to have something they don't just to fit in? A good portion of the world is motivated, by believing the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. As time goes on it is easier to imagine themselves in a situation other than the one that they're occupying. Yet, what they must learn to do is open up and take a look inside and get to know themselves. When they learn themselves they love themselves, and when they love themselves they can embrace themselves, and see the green grass grow all around.

"Loving yourself is the primary fertilizer to growing green grass." Marvin Ramsey Sr.

The first week we got a glimpse of Ms. Christina our fab and hot news reporter. Last week I shared Davina Devine, our resident nurturing mother that has everyone wondering what went wrong. This week we follow up with our "Little Latina" Pavi. Proud of her Cuban descent, she brings fire to the group in an elegant and loving manner.




Pavielle also known as Pavi, this character lives up to the meaning of her name. "Pavi" Hindu for small and "Elle" French for torch, translates into "small flame." While Pavi may not be big in stature standing  5'1" and weighing a mere 105 pounds, this lovely little lady is a force to be reckoned with, both in the boardroom and for her man in the bedroom.

The Southeastern Regional Director of Communications for a global real estate management and equities firm, this lady is all business. Strategically planning out her life, she has accomplished most of her goals. She's recently purchased a high-rise condo, adding to the status in life that her Mercedes Benz SLK280 Roadster has given her. Still chasing her dreams, now she has found the love of her life Aaron. And they're planning the fairytale wedding of the year, complete with a horse drawn carriage to be covered by WSKY-TV, Channel 7. But Pavi is about to enter the fight of her life, something she nor her friends had bargained for. And it has her questioning her goals, her dreams, and everything that she ever thought was important. Stay tuned tomorrow for Pavi's excerpt from "Is the Grass Really Greener?"

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

RANDOM RAMBLINGS...WRITER'S BLOCK

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Writer's block...we've all stumbled across it at times, including the most creative writers and best-selling authors. It is frustrating and daunting at best and it drives us insane! I have suffered from writer's block on several occasions, including at this moment in time. Sometimes it stems from lack of creativity, sometimes not finding the right way to say what I want to say. But other times it stems from not having the time to sit down, consolidate information that I have, and organize my thoughts. So when I take a moment to write for my blog, other social media, or other projects that I am working on I feel depleted.

I learn to focus on breathing and realize that I cannot do everything at every moment. In moments of writer's block I have found that it helps when I can do one of the following:

Listen to music- it has the power to relax me and clear my mind. Different musical genres, (e.g., jazz, gospel, country, r&b, hip hop) sets me in different modes of writing. If I am struggling over a scene in my one of my books where there is extreme conflict occurring between two characters, I tune in to hip-hop or r&b. If the scene is meant to be romantic I listen to jazz, r&b, or classical; and if it's meant to be inspirational I tune in to jazz or gospel.Read a good book - books have the tendency to take me to another world and forget my problems. I can escape the moment and my struggle with writer's block and focus on someone else's issues for a moment.Take a nap- Many of my ideas for storylines come from my dreams, hence the title of my blog "writing my dreams."Busy myself with some physical activity, (e.g., exercise, chores, etc.) - this is the source of strength and relaxation. Exercise and physically moving gets my blood flowing and creativity jumping. However, there are times when I don't even have time to do those things. I would love to hear your feedback on getting organized, focused, and calm and moving past that dreadful conflict of writer's block.
Please join me by following in the follow link in the right hand corner. You may also join through email to receive updates.  Thank you for visiting and please feel free to leave a comment.
JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,
C. MICHELLE RAMSEY www.cmichelleramsey.com 

BOOK SPOTLIGHT REVIEW_REFLECTIONS OF PROMISES

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, 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. She is being summoned home. Home is a place that her husband thought no longer existed for her. Patricia must determine if she is ready to reveal the truth to her husband about whom she is and why she’s running.  She must determine if she wants to salvage her past and come clean with her mother, siblings, and others. 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, infidelity, and a domestic violence victim’s survival story. When foundations are built on untruths, and cover-up, can everything that appears to be solid still stand?
 Today instead providing a review of a book that I have read. I will  allow my readers to share their reviews from a book that I have written. As Reflections of Promises, my first published novel approaches its one year anniversary, I wanted to share with you. By GDSReflections of Promises is an excellent book to read. This book details how a persons secrets always has a way of catching up with them. This author's writing allows the reader to really feel like they are a part of the book.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves books with some drama and life lessons. http://ow.ly/kjX2y  By LA Reflections of Promises details the story of one woman's journey from deception to coming full circle with the choices she has made in life. From page one the book draws you in and doesn't let you go. It gets your emotions flaring and keeps you wondering what happens next. As soon as you think you have it figured out a curve ball is thrown. This book is highly entertaining and a great read.

This new author is very promising and I can't wait to see what she produces next. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for excitement and drama and a great story about relationships and family drama. http://ow.ly/kjXoP   By Sheree Slaughter  
Reflections of Promises vividly details how secrets and lies always find a way of catching up to you. The author lets you experience the emotions that the characters are feeling and allows you to go through the trials and tribulations with them.

Patricia is a strong woman who has made a lot of difficult choices in her life. You immediately find yourself identifying with her and wanting to see her overcome her obstacles and find peace and happiness.

C. Michelle Ramsey does an excellent job showing how our lives are intertwined and makes you truly understand just how complicated relationships can be in life. This book will immediately grab your attention and capture your heart. I would highly recommend it for anyone who has made difficult choices and learned to rise above them. http://ow.ly/kjXXy   By T. Johnson  Reflections of Promises is a definite page turner. C. Michelle Ramsey does a great job of developing her characters and making you love them, hate them and even question their sanity. It was really nothing short of entertaining. I would recommend purchasing this book and look forward to C. Michelle Ramsey's next endeavor!  http://ow.ly/kjYjH   
By Sonya Pierce Reflections of Promises is an excellent read and I would highly recommend it. This book captures your attention from page one and it keeps you engaged until the very last page. In order for me to stay with a book and finish it, it needs to seize me from the beginning and hold my attention. C. Michelle Ramsey did just that with Reflections of Promises. Looking forward to her next one!!! http://ow.ly/kjYEp Thank you for taking the time to visit me today. Please feel free to comment and visit the links above for more information on the book.  JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,C. MICHELLE RAMSEYwww.cmichelleramsey.com   

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY_ROMANS 8:38-39

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ROMANS 8:38-39)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3ewPHaPBfA

Be Blessed!
JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,C. MICHELLE RAMSEY www.cmichelleramsey.com

EXCERPT II_IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?

Today I invite you to sit back and enjoy an excerpt from "Is the Grass Really Greener?" We have a glimpse of Ms. Davina. For those women who have taken the world on their shoulders, you may easily relate to the character Davina; feeling her passion, her pain, and her strength. Because Davina's character is unique to this book, it was challenging to provide an excerpt for her that did not include other primary characters; whose lives she is intricately intertwined in. However, this excerpt gives a rare glimpse of her away from the other characters and shows her in "mom" mode. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, get a little comfy, and sit back and enjoy the read...


IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?  “Riann, Riley and Remington…come eat!” Davina shouted up the stairs to her 12 year old triplets. Ronnie was setting the plates at the table for everyone when she came back into the dining room. He had made Chicken Alfredo, salad, and homemade dinner rolls tonight. Her husband was a fierce cook and nobody could come close to him in that kitchen. But that was fine with her because she hated cooking anyway and you could tell when you ate anything made by her hands. “What are we eating?” Remington yelled running into the dining room almost running into his father who was balancing a plate over his head and avoiding falling backwards over a chair. “Food, now sit,” Davina replied pushing the oldest of the three into a chair next to hers, where she could keep him in control. “Remington didn’t wash his hands Ma,” Riley replied coming into the dining room with an iPod hooked into one ear and sitting across from his mother. “Quit lying on me…I did, you wouldn’t know you got that crazy music playing in your head and you don’t know what I was doing,” Remington argued giving his brother a mean look across the table that Riley clearly missed as he grabbed for a dinner roll. “Ask Riann, she knows,” Riley replied around the roll he had just stuffed into his mouth. “Where is Riann,” Ronnie asked. “Here I am,” she said coming into the dining room and taking her usual place next to her father. Davina cocked her head to one side looking at her youngest triplet and only daughter. She was growing up sooner than Davina wanted, all three of the triplets were, but Riann had started her cycle and Davina wasn’t sure how to feel about that. She wanted them to all remain babies forever, and where it seemed as if the boys would remain babies, her daughter wouldn’t.  She had been wearing bras since she was 9, the rest of her body remained tiny, but her breasts seemed to be getting ahead of themselves and everything else. She took that from Ronnie’s side of the family, and her small frame too. But when Riann came to her mother and confided that she had just begun her menstrual cycle a couple of months ago, it took Davina everything to hold it in. “Girl…I gotta go…yeah, we eatin’ dinner, and moms don’t like it when I talk on the phone at dinner…yeah…yeah it’s family time and all that…yeah…yeah” “Riann Anjonee` Cox” Ronnie said in his stern daddy voice. It wasn’t the voice that he was using that got Riann off the phone; she could wilt her daddy with just one flutter of those long eyelashes that had a perfect curl. But it was the fact that he called her entire name out, which was his warning to her that he wouldn’t be able to contain her mother much longer. And she did not want to irk Davina’s ire. Clicking off her phone, she laid it on the table beside her and looked around at everyone. The entire family was staring at her, the boys because they were hungry, and knew their parents wouldn’t start prayer without everyone focused; her dad because he really didn’t like the way Riann pushed things these days, and Davina because she was ready to snap, but promised herself that she wouldn’t. “So, how was practice this afternoon?” Davina asked no one in general. Her husband was a volunteer coach at the middle school for their sons’ football team. “It went well, but Aaron and Mike not playing is going to hurt the team,” Ronnie explained. Aaron was the team’s defensive linebacker and he had a torn ACL. Mike was on academic probation until he brought his math grade up next quarter. He had received several warnings and even had tutoring, but he had missed the severity of the situation until he was suspended from playing. “I think that you boys will do great this fall. You, Coach Matt, and Coach Wiley will have to instill a positive self-esteem in those boys. They can do it if they believe they can. How are my babies doing?” Davina asked smiling at the boys. “Ma…we’re not babies,” Remington replied stuffing half of a roll in his mouth while scooping up a forkful of salad at the same time. “You will always be my babies, now quit talking with your mouth full,” she replied. “We’re doing great Ma; dad says that we might have a shot at second string on the high school team next year,” Remington explained around a mouthful of roll ignoring his mother’s request. “Really?” Davina asked lifting an eyebrow at Ronnie pleased with her boys’ skills, but concerned that her husband would tell their sons that without discussing it with her first. The thought of her boys playing with those big high school boys scared the living daylights out of her. Ronnie anticipating what his wife would say later, decided to intercede to prevent disruption later on. “He overheard Coach Wiley and me talking and shouldn’t have been in adults’ conversation anyway,” Ronnie stressed glaring at his oldest son. “Yeah, big head,” Riley taunted. “Shut up, dog breath,” Remington replied. “Hey, hey…that’s enough boys. No more talking, you two sit back and eat and don’t say another word until dinner is over is that understood?” Ronnie asked his boys. “Yes sir” they replied simultaneously. Riann rolled her eyes and quickly tried to finish her meal so that she could be excused and return to her phone call with her best friend Regan. “How is chorus going Riann?” Davina asked her daughter. Riann took in a deep breath wondering why her mother had to bring up a conversation they had already had earlier. All she had to do was tell her father about it later. What was the point of bringing it up at the dinner table again? “Cool,” Riann said. “Cool?” Davina asked with a slight inflection in her voice. “Yes, cool,” she repeated taking a forkful of salad into her mouth to prevent herself from saying anything further. She knew the rule about no talking with food in your mouth and although the boys ignored it, it often worked for her because she didn’t have to engage in boring conversations. “It’s more than cool Riann. Ronnie, Ms. Gallows asked Riann to sing the solo in the upcoming fall program. So she will open the performance with her dance routine and then follow up later with a solo…I’m so proud of you baby,” Davina cooed at her daughter smiling with pride. “That’s great, baby, I’m proud of you too. Maybe we can get Grandma Genie to come down and see your performance,” Ronnie said referring to his mother. At the mention of her mother-in-law, Davina’s eyes began to roll in the back of her head. But the look turned into a smile when her husband turned his beaming smile her way. She and her mother-in-law did not get along. She was always telling her how to run her household and she was never good enough for her son. Whenever she visited, she came behind Davina and redid everything she had just done. She said that in her day, women weren’t bogged down with careers, but they tended the home and made it welcoming for their men. To which point, Davina reminded her if that were the case, they would be living in a shelter or on the street homeless if she didn’t work. Ronnie had been unemployed for three years as a result of the economic depression the country had been going through. This always pissed her mother-in-law off and Genie would walk away with a miffed expression and wouldn’t say anything else to her. Davina would be content to leave it that way, but she often had to apologize because she felt like she was stabbing her husband in the back by bringing up his unemployment as a way to get back at her mother-in-law. Finishing dinner, Riann began to help her brothers clear the dinner plates away. It was Riley’s turn to do dishes and she didn’t mind helping him out, at least in getting the dishes in the sink. Then she would be off to jump on the phone again. After the children had left the dining room, Davina got up and went into the living room and came back with a stack of bills. “Okay, which ones are we not going to pay this month?” she teased. Ronnie rubbed his hands across his face and took a deep breath feeling the pressure of his situation looming once again.
Thanks for tuning in and the support. Guess who will be revealed next Thursday and Friday? Hmmm...I think you'll have to come back to find out. Trust and believe this is not the last you will hear from Davina or the other characters; they will make personal visits to speak with you in the weeks to come.
JUST WRITING MY DREAMS,C. Michelle RamseyFor more information about me and my works visit: www.cmichelleramsey.com

DAVINA_CHARACTER REVIEW

This week we continue to get an inside look at my upcoming work "Is the Grass Really Greener?" The story takes an inside look at the lives of five professional women, who despite being close friends, are as different as biscuits and gravy, but go oh so well together.

These women face individual struggles in life, from relationships to careers, but they continue to hold their heads high, moving forward. Each dreams of having something one of the others already have, but is not aware of the struggle her friend may be enduring to hold onto to what she has. Through the trials and tribulation they rely on their faith and strength, and in the end their friendships to pull them through. Each woman must learn to appreciate her own individual walk in life and must answer the question "Is the Grass Really Greener" on the other side of the fence.



"IS THE GRASS REALLY GREENER?"
 



Our character review for today is Mrs. Davina Renee` Cunningham-Whatley.  Mother of triplets and wife to her sexy, romantic, and loving but unemployed spouse, Davina is the rock those around her needs. She is a nurturing woman giving of herself to everyone she surrounds herself with. She always has a word of encouragement to empower her fellow women friends; and yet, she is ready to fight with the best of them. Her stability, the love of a good man, her children, and her strength are the envy of the other ladies.

The only "issue" in her otherwise perfect life according to her girlfriends, is her husband's lack of employment. Desiring to become the primary provider once again, he ventures out, and Davina has his back. But when events at a family reunion lead to a desire for more, Davina must determine if what she has is really enough. The life others have long envied, which she has worked so hard to create has suddenly left her feeling empty. Is she willing to cash it all in for something that appears greater and greener? Stay tuned tomorrow to read an excerpt of Mrs. Davina Devine just doin' her!

JUST WRITING MY DREAMSC. Michelle Ramseywww.cmichelleramsey.com

RANDOM RAMBLINGS...THIS COULD BE YOU

Throughout the years I have seen how one simple act can send lives in a tailspin. I have also experienced firsthand how one tragic event can alter your life extensively. Well that's what happened in the Anna Brown story. I first learned about Anna Brown on Facebook and began to research a little more about what actually happened.

It devastated me to learn this woman was judged by others, denied health care, and basically "sentenced to death" because of her status in life. In a country where we have hundreds of thousands of immigrants seeking a better life, one horrible event can have you treated like garbage on the street. It is so scary and my prayers go out to her family. Could this be you? Please watch the video above and leave your comments.

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

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY_JEREMIAH 29:11

  Sometimes we become discouraged when we look at our circumstances. BUT, you cannot allow your circumstances to define you. A far greater and Higher Power exists within you that can overcome every challenging circumstance and tribulation you face today. The Word of God says that before you were formed, He knew you and set you apart. Despite what you go through God already had a plan and purpose for your life before you were created in your mother's womb. And although your situation may appear bleak, although the enemy is throwing his fiery darts, God has already called the enemy a liar.  You were not formed to fail or to be destroyed. I once heard a pastor say, you may have failings, but that does not mean that you are failure. The same goes for you, if your situation appears discouraging today, just know that you are being strengthened, sharpened, and empowered for greater things. Continue to lift your head up and know that the Almighty has anointed you for great things. He has already created you for a purpose and He does not allow His purpose to fail. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep dreaming because His plan cannot be defeated and if He has given you a dream, He will cause it to come to pass and make you prosper in all of your ways. Live in an atmosphere of praise and you will overcome, you will prosper, you will go forth and succeed!