The elaboration of relationship connections

recent posts

about

Judy Owens is a 2025 award winning author who is an avid reader of all genres of books. Her book title “A Thirst That Never Ceases” has won an International Impact Book Award in the category of “Life Experience – Real Life Accounts”. In January 2026 her autobiography titled “The Secret Place: Life Stories of Healing and Hope was published. The books are sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Ingram. For more information refer to website: https://bookofrelationship.com
  • I heard it through the grapevine

    I heard it through the grapevine

    I heard it through the grapevine that my stalker is a good person who secretly admirers me. How was I supposed to know?

    Let’s talk about it…

    Sophia has been divorced for two years. She separated from her abusive husband after five years of marriage. Her husband gave her an option in the divorce decree that she could not turn down. He offers to give her full custody of their four-year-old son in exchange to him keeping their family house as well as him not having to pay child support or alimony.  Sophia did not care about waving her rights to child support and alimony, she wanted out of the toxic marriage. Sophia was happy that she stashed a little cash before separating from her husband. It helped her and Jeffrey Jr. to get on their feet after being kicked out the family home. Sophia found a job working in Customer Service. Her and Jeffrey Jr. found a really nice one-bedroom apartment. The bedroom was large enough for a queen bed, a twin bed, a dresser and two-night stands. After the divorce, Sophia struggle financially. She always paid her rent and utilities first; However, she would struggle with paying child care, buying food, and clothing for her growing son. For the first year and a half of working, Sophia only purchased sale items at the grocery store and shopped at thrift stores for clothing. She was an outstanding worker. She was liked by her co-workers and highly favor by the Customer Service department upper management team. After nearly 2 years of working, Sophia received a promotion. The promotion helped to ease her financial burden. Not having to worry about her finances help Sophia to become more sociable with her co-workers. She started attending functions at their homes as well as occasional happy hour socializing after work. Sophia bubbly personality and compassionate spirit drew people to her. People felt safe sharing personal information in her presence.

    Men would approach Sophia often to ask for her phone number or to ask her out on a date. Although it has been three years since her divorce, Sophia was still feeling traumatized by her ex-husband abusive behavior. She wasn’t looking to enter back into another romantic relationship anytime soon. Sophia’s co-workers knew she had a bad break-up from her ex-husband but they did not know the integral details of the relationship. Whenever one of Sophia’s co-workers would try to play match maker, she would express to them that she was not ready for any intimate relationship. They respected her decision. Shortly after Sophia co-workers stop playing match maker, she starts receiving gifts on her desk at work from a secret admirer. The gifts were small and appeared to be innocent in nature. She would receive inspirational music CD’s, gift cards, birthday cards, toys for her son, notes type on fancy paper on how much her gentle spirit and beautiful personality is admired. Whenever Sophia would inquire about the gifts from her co-workers, no one knew who was putting the gifts on her desk. Sophia felt uncomfortable receiving gifts from an unknown person at her job. She talked to co-workers about having management place a camera around her desk but did not want to get the person in trouble or fire when the gifts appeared to be innocent in nature. After expressing her concerns to co-workers, the secret admirer stopped putting gifts on her desk.

    After three months of no gifts, Sophia thought it was over when one day, upon arriving home from work she finds a gift box at her door. She lived in a triplex apartment building. She thought to herself, this had to be placed at my door by mistake. When she looked at the gift card attached to the box; it read “To Sophia from secret admirer”. Sophia became frighten because now this person knows where she lives. Sophia made sure her door was securely locked behind her. She wasn’t to concern about her windows because she lived on the second floor. She begins to wonder if this person was a threat. Would this person try to hurt her and her son? Sophia pulls a typed note out the box. The secret admirer had to know the gift box placed at her door would frighten her; because the note tells Sophia not to be frighten or to worry about any harm coming to her and her son. The admirer expressed his love for her gentleness and her poise. He expressed that he was very shy and had heard from her co-workers that she was not ready for an intimate friendship. He expressed that he just wanted to be her friend. He did not want to come to her home; just talk to her over the phone until she was comfortable with them hanging out. Sophia thought to herself; my co-workers have to know who is this person. He is referencing my co-workers too much in this note. She further thinks to herself; how do I find out which one of my co-workers know who is this person.

    One day Sophia goes to the warehouse to speak with the Supervisor who was not answering his phone. She had a hot replacement shipment that did not have a Return Material Authorization attached to it. After she finish talking to the Supervisor about the shipment, he made a statement about liking the same musical group she likes. Sophia asked him how do you know I like that musical group. The Supervisor states, the musical group CD was playing in the warehouse when I overheard your co-worker Cynthia telling a couple of my workers that you are also a fan of the musical group. The Supervisor could not recall which of his workers Cynthia was talking to about the CD. After returning to her desk, Sophia asked Cynthia if she could call her after work. Sophia gave Cynthia an approximate time she would be home and available to talk. As agreed, Cynthia calls exactly at the hour given by Sophia. “Good evening, Cynthia, I see you are equally on time in your personal life as in your professional life. My phone rang exactly at 7:00pm.” “Well, you sounded very complexed at work when you asked me to call you. What’s on your mind; states Cynthia, besides I try to value people time by being on time.” Earlier today at work, I had a conversation with the Supervisor of the warehouse. He made a statement about overhearing you talk with two of his workers about me liking a musical group whose CD their were listening to.” “Oh yeah, shouts Cynthia, I remember that conversation. John and Nathaniel were the two workers I mention that to. Did I do something wrong?” “No, you did nothing wrong. I only asked because the person who call themselves my Secret Admirer gave me a copy of that particular CD.” “Oh, I see where you are heading with this, it’s possible that John or Nathaniel is the Secret Admirer or know who is the Secret Admirer.” “That’s it exactly Cynthia.” “Well Sophia, based on their relationship status, it’s possible your Secret Admirer could be John; he is single. Nathaniel is married; however, I did hear that him and his wife is having problems. Because of his marital status, it would make sense why he would be your Secret Admirer. John would not have a need to be secret.” “I appreciate your help, Cynthia. Have a good evening. I will see you tomorrow at work.” “Okay Sophia, you as well.” The next day at work, the grapevine begins to talk. It was obvious to Sophia that Cynthia had discussed their conversation with other co-workers. These co-workers shared with Sophia that they think Nathaniel likes her because he always asks how she is doing. After work, Sophia runs into Nathaniel in the parking lot. “Hi Nathaniel, I did not know you drive a King Cab Pickup Truck.” “Yeah, this is my man toy. Do you need to use the service of my truck? My mom doesn’t live that far from where you live?” “Oh, you know where I live?” Nathaniel giggle as he stated, “well I was going to my mother’s house one day after work when I noticed you were driving in front of me. I couldn’t help but to see where you live.” “Oh, I see states Sophia.” At that moment Nathaniel knew he put his foot in his mouth. “Sophia, I have a confession. Can we go to a local café to talk? I do not want to talk in front of the job; our co-workers love to gossip.” Sophia agreed to meet Nathaniel at a coffee and donut shop ten miles away from the job.

    Nathaniel was the perfect gentleman at the coffee shop. He opens the door for Sophia and pull out her chair to sit before he sat. He ordered and pay for them both a cup of coffee. He starts the conversation by saying, “please let me apologize if I frighten you with all the anonymous gifts. It was not my intend. Sometimes us men don’t think with wisdom when it comes to courting a lady.” “So, is that what you were doing?” Yes, it is. I like you a lot. There is something about you that I cannot put into words. You make my heart flutter every time I see you or think about you.” “Nathaniel, I heard through the grapevine that you are marry. Is this true?” “Yes, I am; however, my wife and I am going through a separation. I am looking for a studio apartment. Currently, I sleep on a roll-away bed in the den of our home.” “Nathaniel, you have to understand, you might have called yourself a Secret Admirer who was trying to court a person you like a lot; however, my perception was totally different. To me, you were a Stalker and I was very concerned for my safety. I would love to get to know the real you, but it will take some time. I have to transition my thoughts from Stalker to Secret Admirer. I’m sure you are a good person otherwise I won’t be here at this coffee shop with you. Please allow me the time to learn more about who you are as a person. We can keep in contact by phone and can occasionally meet at this coffee shop to talk in person. I have a young son, therefore; I don’t feel comfortable with you coming to my home until you have the green light from me. The light was red, now it’s yellow.” “I understand Sophia. I’m happy you are open to getting to know me better. Nathaniel walked Sophia to her car; he asked permission to hug her after opening her car door. Permission was given. They both drove away with a smile on their face.

    https://bookofrelationship.com

  • Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart

    Stop in the name of love, before you break my heart

    It’s time to exit from this open relationship before my heart gets broken.

    Let’s talk about it…

    Paul and Martha have been in an exclusive relationship for five years. They both are in their mid-thirties. They met at a millionaire dating event put together by Paul and his business partners. Paul is a member of a millionaire entrepreneur club. The name of the club is “Reaching for The Sky Millionaire Club”. The club consist of five guys who are friends and millionaires. They pool together a percentage of their income to invest in new joint adventures. The members of the club purchase together, two high rise condominium buildings; one night club and bar; a golf course and club; and the millionaire dating club. The purpose in starting the millionaire social dating club was to bring people of the same financial status together in a safe environment. Paul and his four-business partner had trouble finding women to date that was in the same financial status as themselves. The club host millionaire parties one a month. Only club members are allowed to attend the monthly gala. Each member must pay a yearly membership fee in the amount of $200,000. The fee covers the expenses of the monthly gala. Paul was mesmerized by Martha beauty and poise when she walked into their first millionaire club party. She walked with confident; yet she was very dainty and poised. One could tell her confident was not arrogance. That night at the gala, Paul introduces himself to Martha as one of the club owners. They begin to talk. They both realized they have a lot in common. Before the evening was over, they exchanged contact information. They were dating each other for six months when Paul asked for the relationship to change from casual to exclusive. Martha asked Paul his reason for wanting to be exclusive. Paul expressed how he notices the attention she gets from other guys when she attends the millionaire monthly galas. He didn’t want anyone else to snatch her away from him. Martha agrees to change their dating arrangements. Once Martha and Paul became exclusive, she stops attending the monthly galas. Paul continued to attend as one of the owners. Martha did not understand why Paul had to attend as an owner. She felt staff was more than capable of making sure all went well at the parties. Nonetheless, she wasn’t going to tell Paul how to handle his business. Three years after exclusively dating Paul, Martha noticed a change in him. They would talk less on the phone; go out together to dinner and other social gatherings less; and he stopped spending the night at her home. He was treating her like a one-night stand each time they came together. After years of Paul’s change in behavior, Martha decided their relationship was not worthy of the status exclusive. She asked Paul for an open relationship. Paul was opposed to an open relationship but have no other choice when Martha presented receipts showing that she had proof that he was dating other women from the millionaire social club. She was tired of sitting home alone with limited contact to Paul while he was out enjoying himself. Paul agreed to the open relationship under one circumstance; that she does not rejoin the millionaire club to find dates. Martha agreed.

    Paul thought by preventing Martha from becoming an active club member would limit her from finding anyone to date. Martha found a new website called “The Millionaire Socialites.” To join the site, a person would have to create a profile as well as pay a monthly membership fee of $300. To Martha surprise, as a new site, the millionaire dating website had many members. Martha was intrigued by three individuals on the site. They all were handsome, single, with no kids. The first person she met and started dating is Jesse. Jesse is a very adventurous person. He loves to sky dive; sail; take hot air balloons rides; and hike. William is the second person she met and is also dating. William loves theatrical outings. He and Martha would fly all over the country to attend concerts, plays and musicals.  Glen is the third person she met and is also dating. Glen loves walking alongside the shore at the beach and planning romantic picnics. Also, he loves indoor rock climbing, bike riding, skating and going to the gym with his date. Martha felt when you put all four of the men she was dating together, she had the perfect man. Of course, Paul has priority over the other three. Nevertheless, she never had any scheduling problems. Her life appeared to be purposeful and fulfilled. She was living her best life. She never had to sit home waiting for Paul to have time for her again. She never wonders about who he was dating or what he was doing. Martha did not care about what people thought about her living her life out loud in the same manner as men. Martha thought to herself, if a man can do it, so can I. I do not believe in this double standard Mombo Jumbo bull kraft.

    Because Martha was always readily available for Paul, he did not know that she was dating three other guys. This caused him to become very arrogant in his disposition toward her. One of the things Martha had always loved about Paul is his confidence was without arrogance. This is what drew them together as kindred spirits. Suddenly, Martha notices Paul was feeling himself by thinking he had the upper hand in their relationship because he had access to many women who were members of his millionaire social club. Also, because he didn’t see any signs of Martha dating anyone other than him. Paul became so arrogant, he begins to shove his dating relationships in Martha’s face by telling her, I can’t come over tonight as planned, because Janice needs more of my time. I will be spending the evening with her. Barbara and I will be out of town for three days on a weekend cruise. I will celebrate your birthday with you next month after I return from Jamaica with Susie. Martha would smile without comments to Paul arrogant statements. She realized, why am I making Paul a priority in our open relationship when he isn’t making me a priority. She thought to herself, as of today this will end; I will fit him in according to my schedule. I know I am the one who suggest the open relationship; however, it was only because he was secretly dating other women; so, I figure why not join him by dating other men.

    Paul calls Martha after he returned from his Jamaica trip. Rather than ask her how she was doing, he immediately started to talk about the awesome time he had in Jamaica. He was telling her about the trip like her and Susie was best of friends. Martha patiently listens to him talk without interrupting his flow. When he finishes bragging, he tells Martha, I cleared Saturday so we can spend the day celebrating your birthday. Paul was taken back by Martha’s comment. “Paul honey, states Martha, why don’t you give me a call on Sunday with the details of how much fun you had celebrating my birthday. Maybe Janice or Barbara is available to celebrate with you. Susie might be to tire after the Jamaica trip. I have plans on Saturday. As a matter of fact, the only dates I have available is a Thursday evening three weeks from today and a Saturday one month from this coming Saturday. Let me know if any of these dates are good for you. Maybe we can go see a movie or go to our favorite restaurant together.” “What do you have plan, in place of celebrating your birthday with me, asked Paul.” “Saturday morning, Jesse and I will be sailing on his boat. We will have lunch on the Marina and spend Saturday evening taking a helicopter ride to dinner on his friends private Island.” “Who the hell is Jesse?” “Someone I am dating, states Martha.” “Does Jesse know you are in an open relationship?” “Yes, he does and so do William and Glen.” “What the F. How many men are you dating?” “You make four”. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating three men besides me?” “Paul, I might have been the first to verbally request an open relationship; but it was only after finding out you had been secretly dating other women for two years while we were in an exclusive relationship. When you agreed to the open relationship, you were the one who set the rules. Not one time did you state I have to report to you who I was dating. All though I am dating three other men, I always made you priority until I realized that I was not priority in your life. I decided to follow your lead in this open relationship. So, you tell me what is it that you want to do. I refuse to be in another one-sided open relationship with you. Whereas you are the only one dating other people while I sit home waiting for you to have time for me. I am not that girl. I have too much confidence in myself and self-love. I am not close minded to trying new things; for this reason and because of my love for you, is the only reason why I requested an open relationship. Otherwise, I would have simply ended our relationship once I found out you were dating other women while we were dating exclusively. Talk to me. What do you want to do?” “Let me think about it. I will call you tomorrow, state Paul.” Both hangs up the phone.

    The next day Paul calls Martha. “Hello Martha, I gave our conversation on yesterday a lot of thought. I need for us to stop in the name of love. It’s time to exit from this open relationship before my heart gets broken. I am willing to go back to us dating exclusively. I promise you; it will not be one-sided. If you agree to us dating exclusively, I will immediately end my relationship with the other women. I am here to commit to you and only you. My actions will align with my words. I will be more present in this relationship. Will you give us another try?” “Yes, Paul; I would love to give our relationship another try. I am open to us only dating exclusively. I will also end my relationship with the other men immediately.” “Can I come over tonight? States Paul. I need to see you; kiss you and hold you in my arms. I love you, Martha.” “I love you too Paul.”

    https://bookofrelationship.com

  • Cruising Together

    Cruising Together

    Baby let’s cruise away from here; together, forever. This is not a one-night stand.

    Let’s talk about it…

    Barbara Jean is a 29-year-old divorce woman with no kids. She married her high school sweetheart when she was 21 and he was 22. Their marriage last only three years. In high school, Barbara Jean and Windell were best friends. They were known among their friends as the couple that would last a lifetime together. Windell’s parents bought him a car for his 16th birthday. Barbara Jean worked part time during high school. She would spend her entire check on the latest fashion. Her and Windell were always dress to a Tee. Because of their fashion and Windell’s car, they were very popular among their peers in high school. Windell reason for divorcing Barbara Jean is simply because he felt they married too soon after leaving their parents’ home. He felt they didn’t have any time apart to explore life as single individuals. According to Windell, he rather divorces Barbara Jean than cheat on her. Barbara Jean knew otherwise; she knew Windell was cheating on her a year after they got marry. He was cheating with big booty Judy from high school. Judy didn’t have a curvy shape in high school. She was slim and awkward looking. After having twins by Tyrone shortly after graduating from high school, her figure became curvier. Her boobs blow up like balloons. So did Windell’s head when he saw Judy. Tyrone and Judy broke up after he found out she was pregnant. Tyrone told his boys in the hood that he wasn’t ready to be a father.

    When Barbara Jean suspect Windell was cheating with big booty Judy, she joined the gym to lift her booty. She had her breast enlarged but nothing seems to work. Windell would say her breast was too hard causing them to not feel nature. She tried to get pregnant to see if having a baby would naturally enhance her body the same way it enhanced Judy’s body. Barbara Jean became depressed after Windell divorce her. She would only go out the house for work or to grocery shop. Barbara Jean’s friends were very concern about her. She was always the life of the party. Now she doesn’t care about her appearance or her attire. Barbara Jean three closet friends, Cindy, Babe-Babe, and June came together to do an intervention; hoping that it would help her find a way back to the joy she once displayed each time she was presence among her friends. Because Cindy lives the closet to Barbara Jean, she decided to host the intervention at her house. Babe-Babe was responsible for catering the food. June was responsible for the drinks, and Cindy was responsible for decoration. Cindy decorated her huge backyard with different pictures of Barbara Jean from high school. The pictures were enlarged and placed on five feet Easels. Also, large balloon arrangements of the school colors royal blue and gold were place throughout the backyard. Many of Barbara Jean’s friends were given an invitation with a plus one. They were informed the purpose of the intervention party and therefore was told to not invite Wendell or bring him as their plus one. Babe-Babe is a member of a motorcycle club; she invited all her club members. Three hours before the party, Cindy leaves Babe-Babe and June at her house to welcome the guest as they arrived while she goes to Barbara Jeans’ house unannounced. She rang the doorbell for approximately 15 minutes. Cindy felt Barbara Jean was watching her ring the doorbell through the Ring doorbell camera. She also knew Barbara Jean could her saying “open the door” through the mic on the camera. Barbara Jean was so angry at Cindy for ringing her doorbell now stop; she storms down her stairs to the door. She was prepared to curse Cindy out. When she opens the door, Cindy pushes her way inside. “Okay shouts Cindy, let me have it. Go ahead and curse me out. Get it all out your system. I am not leaving here tonight without you with me.” “What the hell are you talking about Cindy, shouts Barbara Jean. Why are you here unannounced; ringing my doorbell like a mad woman?” “I am here because I love you. I refuse to allow you to give up on life because of the asshole that broke your heart. Why should you punish yourself for doing nothing wrong? Look me in the eyes and tell me to my face that you deserve to spend the rest of your life in sorrow because you love someone who was not faithful to you. Especially when the asshole is out there enjoying his life. Trust and believe me when I say, the hurt he gave will return to him one day. I am not here to focus on what that asshole did to you. I am here to declare that you are loved by so many other people. And these people miss you very much and wants to see you happy. I am going upstairs to run you some bath water and to pick out one of your sexy outfits to wear to my house tonight. I refuse to hear the word NO out of your mouth. You are going with me to my house to have some fun. Period!”

    Barbara Jean begins to cry. At that moment, she realized she had friends who truly loves her. She did not argue with Cindy. She allowed Cindy to run her bath and pick out an outfit. Cindy did her friend makeup and hair. When she finished, they were ready for the five-minute ride to her house. Cindy text Babe-Babe and June letting them know that they were on their way and would arrive in five minutes. To Barbara Jean’s surprised there were two hundred people waiting for her to arrive in Cindy’s backyard. People begin to greet her with a hug as they whisper in her ear; I love you, Barbara Jean. Barbara Jean’s heart had open once again with the outpouring of love she received that evening. Everyone was enjoying themselves dancing, eating and drinking. One of Babe-Babe club members name Dave approached Barbara Jean. He introduces himself. He tells Barbara Jean, before you form a preconceived notion as to who I am because of the leather biker gear I am wearing; let me tell you a little about myself.  I am thirty-five. I am an attorney. I have my own law firm with three other attorneys working for me. I am single and at times very busy when I am working on a case. I do not have kids. I was instantly attracted to you on sight and would love to take you to dinner sometimes. If this is okay with you, I would love to get your phone number. If you need time to think about what I am asking of you; by all means, please take your time. I am not here to rush you into anything that feels uncomfortable to you. Please take my business card and call me at your leisure, when you are ready. Barbara Jean was frightened of the feeling that was flowing through her body as Dave talked to her. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to feel that type of feeling again. She took his card; then thank him for approaching her in a compassionate way. It made her feel safe. She informed Dave that she would give his request some consideration. After the party was over, Barbara Jean thanks her three close girlfriends for rescuing her from herself destruction. She told them about Dave.

    Babe-Babe confirmed all that Dave had told Barbara Jean about himself. A month after the party, Barbara Jean realized that she was going out the house more. Talking with her friends over the phone and on a couple of occasions, she went to have a drink at the bar with Cindy. She couldn’t believe that she was almost back to her normal self. She also notices, she did not think any more about the asshole that divorce her. She was ready to move on by living her life out loud again. Barbara Jean decided to give Dave a call at 6pm on a Friday. Dave was preparing to leave work when he receives Barbara Jean’s call. Her name came up on his caller ID. “Well, hello beautiful,” states Dave after picking up the call. “Is this how you greet all your callers, joked Barbara Jean.” “You are the only one who would get this type of greeting from me.” Barbara Jean begins to giggle. “I hope you are calling to tell me that you will have dinner with me tonight.” “I would love to state Barbara Jean with a smile on her face. Dave asked can he pick her up or if she would feel safer meeting him at the restaurant. Barbara Jean felt safe with Dave. She gave him her address. Dave arrived at Barbara Jeans house at 7:30pm that evening. He took her to an Argentina Fresh Grill Restaurant. They sat for over two hours at the restaurant talking and sipping on wine as they ate their grilled steak and vegetables. Dave and Barbara Jean spent every weekend together after their first date. Dave was very patient with Barbara Jean. She had informed him on their first date that she was emotionally wounded and still in recovery. After six months of dating, Barbara Jean invited Dave to have dinner at her home. She prepared a romantic candlelight dinner. Together they drank two bottles of wine. Barbara Jean did not want Dave to drive home after consuming the bulk of the wine. That evening they became intimated for the first time. Because Dave did not want Barbara Jean to have any regrets, he reassured her that he wanted her to cruise with him forever. He tells her, “Baby, this is not a one-night stand, I want you to cruise with me forever. Don’t be confused because the way is clear. If you want it; you got it forever; just let me love, you. That night was ecstasy for both.

    Two years after dating Barbara Jean, Dave asked for her hand in marriage. Three kids later, Dave and Barbara Jean are still cruising together.

    https://a.co/d/8OGtheN

    https://bookofrelationship.com

  • Ladies First

    Ladies First

    What happen to male chivalry? Did it end with generation X?

    Let’s talk about it…

    Curtis and his wife Gloria are having their first child. Curtis is excited to find out the baby’s gender. If it’s a boy, he vowed to pass on the Jordans’ family legacy of chivalry to the male offspring. However, if it’s a girl, he vowed to start a new family legacy by teaching his daughter what not to accept from a man. Curtis’ father Curt taught him the history of their family legacy when he was thirteen. On Curtis’ thirteenth birthday, his father took him camping. For three days, young Curtis learned how to fish; hunt for food; build a campfire; listen for sounds and signs of near danger from wild animals or nature. He learned how to protect himself as well as protect anyone in his care by using nature and items found in the woods to build a weapon or shield. Curtis was taught how to use different types of hunting knives. On the last night of camping, young Curtis was taught the most valuable lesson of chivalry which is how to treat a lady. Curtsays to his son Curtis; “Son, this final lesson starts by hearing then by observation; follow with actions. A woman is the mother of the earth in humanity form, through her loin’s life is reproduce. She is wise, strong; yet soft.  A man should never damage or abuse a “Woman”. Because a woman is a nurturer by nature, she will provide nourishment to a man’s body with food and to his soul with spiritual encouragements. A woman is a man’s lucrative investment. What a man gives in relationship to a woman, he will reap 100 times 100 percent in return. What I am saying son, if a man gives respect to his woman, he will reap respect, dedication and loyalty from his woman. However, if a man damages his woman by hurting her mentally or physically, he will reap sorrow, misfortune and pain in his life. Also, his off springs birth through her loins will not respect him. Son, a man should protect his woman and off springs as well as provide for them. This is not saying that a woman should not work outside the home; but a man’s first financial priority should always be his family’s well-being. A man should open doors for a woman; pull out her chair in restaurants before she sits; carry heavy items for her; make sure the maintenance of her car is up to date. What I have taught you this weekend was taught to my father from his father. This tradition of legacy started with your great-grandfather. It is my sincere desire that you also past down this tradition to your son someday.”

    Curtis, thinks out loud to himself as he prepares to take his wife to the doctor to find out the baby’s gender; I will teach my son the same principles about male chivalry that my father taught to me. Curtis looks up toward the sky as he says “Dad, I won’t let you down. God, please give me the gift of a son with this pregnancy.” Curtis and his wife Gloria are sitting patiently reading magazines as they wait for the nurse to call their names. Curtis’ heart being to jump as he hears the nurse shouts “Gloria Jordan”. Curtis stand up and reach out his hand to help his wife up from her seat. He escorts her towards the open door where the nurse is standing holding their chart in her hands. Good morning, this is my wife Gloria Jordan states Curtis as they approached the nurse. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, please follow me to room five; states the nurse.” Curtis follows behind his wife and the nurse towards room five. After the nurse prepares Gloria for an Ultrasound, she informed them both that the doctor would be in shortly.

    Doctor Gordon greets the couple as he walks into the room. After he examine Mrs. Jordan, he informs them that all appears to be well. However, he informs them that there are two hearts beating systematically or one heart beating irregularly.  The ultrasound will give us clarity states Dr. Gordon. The nurse turns on the ultrasound machine as Dr. Gordon pour gel on Gloria’s belly then proceeded to roll the camera on top of the gel. A picture appeared on the screen of the ultrasound machine. Dr. Gordon looks at the couple with a smile before stating; You are pregnant with twins. Let’s see if we can find out the gender of your babies. One is a boy and the other child is a girl. Curtis jumped with joy. Thank you, Jesus, shouts Curtis. Tears run down Gloria face as she looks at the screen on the machine. The Jordan’s name their twins after Curtis’ mother Brandy and Gloria’s father Brandon.

    Watching their twins grow into their teens; the Jordans felt extremely happy Brandon is not socially shy like his sister Brandy. However, they are concern about his willingness to follow the path of other boys his age. One month before Brandon’s thirteen birthday, Curtis informed him of their plans to go camping for three days. Brandon asked his dad why we need to go camping because I am turning thirteen. Well son, it’s a family tradition past down from your great-great grandfather. The purpose of the camping trip is to teach you the Jordan’s family legacy of chivalry. I will pass on to you what my father taught me about being a man and how to provide and protect your family, as well as, how to treat a woman. Aw dad, that sounds whack. If I must go, can my friends come so we can go swimming and sleep in tents? Son, I have plans to teach you how to fish; hunt for food; build a campfire; listen for sounds and signs of near danger from wild animals or nature and how to protect yourself as well as protect anyone in your care by using nature and items found in the woods to build a weapon or shield. Also, you should learn how to treat and respect a woman. Dad, I am good on how to treat a woman. I always say thank you to mom after she cook for me; clean my room and wash my clothes. I see how happy it makes her when I say thank you. When I get marry, I know to say thank you after my wife do everything for me. What more is there to learn. I don’t think I need a camping trip to learn to say thank you. I know I do not need to go to the woods to learn how to protect myself in the woods because I won’t be going to the woods ever in my life. Dad, I think you should have some fun in life. You might enjoy going camping more if you have some fun. Maybe you need me and my friends to teach you how to have fun.

    Curtis was not prepared for his son’s reaction to taking him camping in honor of the Jordan’s family tradition. He thought Brandon would be as eager as he was at the age of thirteen. “Son, chivalry is so much more than saying thank you to a woman. It’s opening the door for her. Pulling out her chair before she sits. It’s walking on the side of traffic when you two walks down the streets.” Before Curtis could finish what, he was saying, Brandon interrupts his father by saying; “Dad, girls these days do not care about that stuff. I watch music videos on cable, and I listen to my friends’ older brothers talk about girls. They all say the same thing. Girls these days are happy if you spend some time with them. They love it when you claim them publicly as your girlfriend. They want you to take them to parties and wear matching colors. If they get pregnant, they want you to claim the baby and act like a father. They don’t care if you don’t pay child support as long as you claim the baby. They only ask for child support when you don’t claim the baby. They want you to compliment them by saying they look cute or is fine as heck. They want you to be with them on their birthday and the baby birthday. You don’t have to buy a present. They will buy presents then tell their friends that you bought it. A girl especially loves you if you have a car. You see dad, I know how to treat a woman. The older guys in the neighborhood are always hipping us young guys to game on how to treat a woman.

    Curtis did not understand the last sentence his son spoke. He assumed it had to do with learning how to treat a woman from the older guys. “Son, I see you have your mind made up and it would be senseless for me to try to teach you what I was taught from my father when your mind is not open to receive. Later that evening Curtis had a talk with his wife about his discussion with their son Brandon. Gloria expressed to her husband in the most respectful way she could; “honey, I really don’t care about Brandon preconceived notions on how to treat and respect a woman. You are his father, not the neighborhood guys. I would like for you to take him on that camping trip without his friends. He does not get a say in whether he is going or not. For this household we will follow the principles of the bible. In Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 6 states: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. What he is going through, and thinking is a phase that will constantly change based on the talk of the day from the neighborhood guys. We cannot shelter him from the world that surrounds us; however, we can counter some of the things he hears by allowing our voice to be strong among the other outside voices. It might appear at times that he is steering away from our voices or teachings; it’s okay, we must trust in God’s word that when he is old or wiser; he will not depart from the principles we taught him.” “I agree with you dear; I will let Brandon know that he has no say in this camping trip. In addition to following the principles my father taught me; I will take my bible so that we end each day at camp with bible study and prayer.”

    https://bookofrelationship.com

    https://a.co/d/0ZmyVKU

  • Press Release

    Press Release

    Headline

    Judy Owens’ new book, “The Secret Place” is an enriching life story of overcoming tragedies that caused great suffering, destruction, and distress.

    Summary of the release

    Recent release “The Secret Place” is an autobiography self-published book by author Judy Owens, whose tribulations transformed her faith to be stronger and unbreakable.

    Full release text

    Putting her life on print is going against everything she was taught about family secrets. Her family has always lived by the following mission statement: “what happens in our house stays in our house.” The goal in keeping the family secrets were to not embarrassed or make the family feel ashamed by letting people know who they are behind the mask. As an imperfect person coming from an imperfect family, Judy lived what she was taught for years.

    Judy Owens is a mother, and a grandmother, who is currently living in Texas. She is an avid reader who has always desired to share her wisdom in print. Judy’s love for reading began at the age of fifteen after reading her first book, The Diary of Anne Frank. Throughout the years, reading has taken Judy into a place of serenity, where she visions the world through someone’s creative thoughts on print. Judy’s hope is to encourage and enrich the life of the reader.

    The author aspires that through her work, everyone will be guided into healing, hope and the pathway leading to God’s kingdom.

    Readers can purchase “The Secret Place” at bookstores everywhere, online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Ingram Content Group.

    https://bookofrelationship.com

  • Party All the Time

    Party All the Time

    What to do when your business partners want to party all the time with the clients?

    Let’s talk about it…

    Euphoria Enterprise is an event planning company owned by Bella Cooper, Charity Jones, and Benjamin Black. The owners are all in their late thirties and single without kids. They met fifteen years ago in community college. The college instructor, Mr. Brown, divided the class into groups to work on business projects. Bella, Charity, and Benjamin were grouped together. Each individual group in class was asked to create a business from start to finish. They were allowed to make up any business of their choice. The purpose of the project was to determine how well they processed the material and lecture given to them throughout the semester in Mr. Brown’s business management class. The business project was their final test for the class. Bella, Charity, and Benjamin received an “A+” on the project. Because they work together well, the three vowed to come together after finishing school to turn their business project into a reality. Euphoria Enterprise was established ten years ago. Their business is very lucrative.

    Bella is the more level headed no nonsense person of the three. Bella feels her partners should be more business minded first before partying with the clients. Bella understands socializing with clients is good for the business; however, she feels there should be a separation between the two. She does not feel discussing the aftermath of a party during a business meeting is appropriate, especially when it is not business related. Although seventy percent of Euphoria’s clients are celebrities, Bella feels all clients should be treated equal. Her partners do not agree with her. For instance, Charity and Benjamin allow the celebrity clients to drink hard alcohol while doing drugs during the meeting. Bella feels once the contract is signed it is okay to celebrate with a glass of champagne; however, drugs should never be allowed in the office. It just is not good business sense. Perfect example; One celebrity client walks into the office smoking marijuana with his assistance carrying a fifth of Hennessy. The receptionist escorts the client to the conference room after informing Bella, Charity, and Benjamin of the client’s arrival. Bella walks into the conference room with her laptop. She greets the clients before sitting. Charity and Benjamin come into the conference room carrying glasses for the Hennessy this client is known for bringing to each of their meetings. This client gives many parties for family and friends as well as use the company to setup sceneries for their music videos. This client is interested in having a 40th birthday party for his homeboy slash bodyguard. According to the bodyguard who is present in the meeting, he would like for it to be a black tire dinner event from 7pm to 11pm for his family to attend. After 11pm he would like for the scenery to change to a Thug Life back yard party with a domino table, a spade table, an area for shooting dice, and a DJ with a dance floor. Bella knew this would be a huge bill because they would need to rent a large secluded mansion with a large backyard. They would need a chef to prepared an elegant dinner as well as finger foods for the backyard party. Bella noted the insurance coverage for the event would have to be large enough to cover the possibilities of damages. Her focus was on the backyard after party. Bella took notes of the details provided by the client for the event. She promises to have a written contract outlining the cost of the event within three days. As Bella stood to excuse herself from the meeting, Charity and Benjamin begin to discuss with the client the party they attended at the client home over the weekend. Bella shakes the client hand as she thanks him for his business. The client holds Bella hand; massage it gently while stating that he expects to see her at the afterparty. Bella smile as she pulls her hand from the client grip before exiting the conference room. Bella immediately starts to work on the client event. She assigns different task to their employees to find vendors, secluded mansion locations, and supplies. She asks them to include a breakdown of the cost for their findings. Charity and Benjamin spend an additional hour with the client drinking and laughing about the party they attended at the client’s home over the weekend. Three days later, Bella setup a zoom meeting with her partners and the client. She gave a short PowerPoint presentation outlining the details of the event with its cost. The client was pleased with the location and look of the mansion as well as all the details planned. Bella emailed a copy of the contract to the client for his signature. She asks that the client email back the signed signature page of the contract. She informed the client; work will begin upon receipt of the wire deposit. She also informed the client that the balance had to be paid in full before the date of the event. Later that day, Bella overhears Charity and Benjamin discussing what they were going to wear to backyard party.

    Bella was present at the mansion to oversee the setup. Once her plans were properly executed, she left her two assistants to work with the chef and to make sure the transition from black tie to Thug Life backyard party went well. After six hours, the two assistants were replaced with two more assistants who was responsible for locking up the mansion once the back yard party was over at 4am. Someone was scheduled to let the cleaning crew in at 6am so that the keys could be submitted back to the property management company, on the same day, before 4pm. All went well. There were only minor damages to a flower bed, some glass ware, and dishes. The insurance cover the cost of the damages. Charity and Benjamin both did not show up at work the following Monday after the event. Bella was concern. She left several messages on their phones without any reply. Bella continued to work as she waited for her partners to show up at work. Their client referred a female friend, who was at the Black tie / Thug Life party. She walked into the office without an appointment; she was interested in having a black-tie party for her parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. She loved the elegant details of the black tie and wanted the exact same for her parents. Bella introduced herself to the newly potential client as she escorted her to the conference room.  “Hello Bella, my name is Felisha; everyone calls me Peaches. You can call me Peaches.”  “Thanks Peaches, it is a pleasure to meet you. Would you like a bottle of water before we sit down to discuss what bought you in this morning?” “No thank you; but if you have some wine or champagne, I will take a glass.” “Sure, states Bella; would you like red or white wine?” “Red would be good, replied, Peaches.” After pouring wine into a glass, Bella and Peaches begin to discuss the details of the event she would like for her parents. As Bella was making notations of the discussion, Peaches asked is Charity and Benjamin okay after what happen at the backyard party. Bella froze in thought before being able to speak. Why do you ask are they okay? What happen at the back yard party that caused you to inquiry about their well-being? “Well, Charity and Baby Boy were hugged up all night. Benjamin kept following them around the backyard asking Charity if she was alright. Baby Boy got mad tire of Benjamin getting in him and Charity business. So, he told him that he was going to check him if he did not go somewhere and sit down. Benjamin tried to explain to Baby Boy that they own the company that put the event together and they do not get down the way they do. Baby Boy shouted at Benjamin saying, dude you are here partying hard like the rest of us. So now that your girl wants to be by my side, you want to act like you are better than me. You do not have enough money to be better than me home boy. At this point, Benjamin tells Baby Boy; you got us twisted, we are here as overseer of the property only. We are not here to indulge in any other activities. It is obvious you gave her something that is against our policy when socializing with our clients. Yeah right, replied Baby Boy, you could have fooled the hell out of me. I heard how you two get down in your office with the clients. Benjamin tried to reach for Charity who was looking like a Zombie when Baby Boy clocked him, laying him out. Suddenly Charity comes out of Zombie land. She runs out the backyard down the street screaming. Twenty minutes after she ran out, the police show up with the ambulance. At that point the party was over.” “What time did the police show up asked Bella.” “It was around 3:45am; As June Bug was leaving, he says; well, we got our money’s worth although the party ended 15 minutes early.” Bella thanks Peaches for the details of what happen. She informed Peaches her assistant will setup a zoom meeting to go over the contract. Bella escorted Peaches out the office. Later that day, Charity, and Benjamin walks into the office wearing sunglasses. Bella asked them both to come into her office. She demands to see their faces. Benjamin was covering a black eye and Charity was covering red eyes. Obviously states Bella, it had to be one hell of a party for you two to waltz in here three days later looking like you party all weekend. I do not want to hear any explanation; I need you two to listen only. Whatever you two need to do to get over being Star Struck or Celebrity Struck – DO IT! Because I refuse to work with partners who only wants to party with the clients. Please keep in mind we are not equal partners. I have no problem buying out your share to protect this company’s reputation. It took too long to build what we have here. Celebrities come to us because they like our work and trust us. Please do not tarnish the trust they placed in us by acting like possess groupies. You must understand that celebrities are people like you and I, who happen to be publicly known for their work. Complimenting their talent and paying to see their performance should be enough. Stop putting them on a pedestal because if they were not publicly admired for their talent, they would be looked upon as any other person. So, get over it NOW!

  • Workplace Bullying

    Workplace Bullying

    What is it about being an introvert and doing your job well, attract bullies in the workplace?

    Let’s talk about it…

    “Hey April, what’s going on girl?” April looks up at her co-worker, she thinks to herself before replying. Why these people cannot leave me alone when they see me reading my book as I eat my lunch. Can a girl have a moment to herself before going back to work?” Instead of saying what she was thinking; April replied to her co-worker by saying, “Hey Joy, you know me; trying to relax my mind with reading before going back to work. You look like you have something on your mind Joy; so, what is on your mind?” “Well, I and some of the other girls would like to invite you to go to Happy Hour after work.” With a surprised look on her face, April asked Joy, “they still have Happy Hour? I thought that ended in the nineties.” There are still a few places that have Happy Hours states Joy. “Well, thanks for the invite, I will pass. I hope you and the girls enjoy yourselves.” April’s co-worker Joy turns up her nose and rolls her eyes before walking off. Gee whiz, thought April, I do not get it. Why do these people get so mad because I do not hang out with them? I am sociable at work when I am not reading my book at lunch. So, what is the big deal about one less among a crowd at happy hour? Hell, they act like they cannot have fun unless I attend. Go figure.

    April was only able to read two full pages before it was time to return to work. April feels she socialize well with her co-workers at work. Her cubicle is in the middle of Sandy and Jean. She would talk to them over the cubicle every day. Many times, they would talk as they work. They do not care if other employees sitting near heard their conversations. Anything said that was personal or private was done by whispering as they gather in one person’s cubicle. Sandy is the co-worker who knows everyone’s business in the company. She always greets everyone with a hug and a “God bless your heart.” April use to wonder, why Sandy cannot simply say “good morning” or “hello”. After a year of working with her co-worker, April realized, Sandy’s religious routine was her way of getting people to trust and confide in her. Co-workers would come confess their sins and burdens to Sandy like they were in a confession booth at their church. April and Sandy, both defined themselves as Christians. However, April was more spiritual than religious. She did not announce to all that had an ear to hear that she went to church or is a believer. She operated within the realm of spiritual insight, only as the spirit guided her to do so. Sandy would often come into April’s cubicle and grab a couple of her fingers while stating “Sis, I need you to touch and agree with me in prayer;” April knew this was Sandy’s opening to gossip about one of the confessions given to her from another co-worker. April would tell Sandy, God hears you; you do not need me to touch and agree with you. Be an intercessor by praying in private. Also, Sandy would express her angry towards April for talking to co-workers that she classified as sinners. She would say to April, why are you talking to her? I told you she is an alcoholic who sleeps with marry men. Or, she would say, do not engage in a conversation with him because he is a womanizer. April refused to allow Sandy to control her work relationship with people based on their confessions to her. On several occasions, April would overhear Sandy lying to co-workers about her. After co-workers listen to the lies Sandy told them about her, these co-workers would treat April like she was contaminated goods. Many would turn up their nose to her or roll their eyes at her for no reason. One day April was reading her book while eating her lunch, when she hears a co-worker say to another co-worker while looking in her direction, she thinks she is better than everyone here and she loves to judge people so do not tell her your business. The person receiving this information ask, who are you talking about. The gossiper reply was the only person in here reading a book. April sat quietly hearing co-workers who did not know her or ever had a conversation with her believe a lie told to them, then act on that lie by treating her like she was the worst person in the world.

     April refused to allow the lies defined who she is as a person. She vowed to herself, to continue to be her true authentic self regardless of how people treat her. April was getting use to co-workers treating her like shit, then tuck their tails between their legs because they need her expertise. April loved what she did for a living, and she made sure it showed in her work. Regardless of the negative or nick picking treatment she received, she always gave her best in performing her job and working with people. April would often quote within her thoughts the scripture found in Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before man so that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven”.

    Sandy told April that she was not being a good Christian because she was not reprimanding people for their wrong doing. April could not believe what she was hearing. She looks Sandy directly in her eyes then says to her; “you do not know what a good Christian is because you are not a Christian. You are a religious hypocrite. How dare you expect me to treat people according to your judgment of their sins or wrong doing based on what they confided in you. What are you doing in reprimanding judgment of what was told to you; besides trying to bully me into acting according to your will for their lives? I am not their God and neither is you. I do not have a heaven or a hell to put these people in; therefore, I will not judge them. I am a sinner saved by grace and in case you do not know, so are you. So why are you acting like you are the holy police captain and I am one of your officers to bring law and order. You have these people treating me like shit based on lies you told them about me. I see now that something is seriously wrong with you. Therefore, I will take my own advice and pray for you in private.” Sandy, walks away from April without saying a word. She never said anything else to April about not acting like a Christian. Seven months later, Sandy quits her job.

    Although Sandy no longer worked at the company the bad seed she planned about April is still in the darkness of the co-workers’ mind. Co-workers would take supplies from April’s desk as well as her personal items like lotion, hand sanitizer, her box of Kleenex and cough drops. A director of another department once picked up a nasty rubber band off the floor, then placed it on April’s desk as he presses his thumb into her shoulder while saying “don’t say I never gave you anything.” She had co-workers go to her management with lies. One of her managers asked Aprils why do you want to move to another cubicle? What is wrong with where you are sitting? April looks at the manager strangely before replying. I never said I wanted to move to another cubicle. There is nothing wrong with where I am sitting. The manager then states; “you never told anyone you were unhappy with where you are sitting and wants to move.” April replies; “I never ever had that conversation with anyone. I never said that to anyone.” Another manager approaches April as she was working and stands over her back as a form of intimidation. April turns her head, looks up at the manager, smiled, and says “hello”. The manager proceeded to say to April, “you are not perfect, you make mistakes.” “I know I am not perfect. I never said that I was, replied April.” The manager walks out of April’s cubicle without saying another word. April could not help but wonder, what was that all about.

    Although April worked in a department that have many employees, she is the only one who knows how to do what she does. April watch many of her co-workers in her department take long vacations, as well as long personal leaves of absence as other co-workers in her department cover for them. April, normally takes a day or two off because there is no one to cover for her. Once a year, when she would take five consecutive days off, she would have to train someone for two weeks to cover only what could not be placed on hold until she returns. Which means when she returned, the work placed on hold was added to her day-to-day work. April would often tell her manager that her job was a two-person job and that someone should be trained to do what she does. For years her manager agreed to get her help. April’s manager tried to appease her by promoting someone in the department giving them the same title as April but not the work; this person was promoted, yet they continue to work with the other employees in the department and cover them in their absence.

    As the company grew so did April’s workload. April notices her work performance had begun to suffer due to the growth in work without any help. She continued to complain about needing help. Her manger would promise help is coming. Her manager begins to verbally reprimand her for work she could not complete and for minor mistakes she was making because she did not have the time to double check her work, because something else was being requested of her. On top of the heavy workload without any help, April’s manager was giving her more responsibilities. April begins to feel like her manager ignoring her cry for help is a form of abuse. To April, this form of abuse is in the same category as workplace bulling. April realized her time at this company was up. It was time to move on. April was offer one more promise after submitting her two-week resignation. Her manager promises to promote her to supervisor in six months should the position become available. April thought to herself as she declined the offer, “well at least this time my manager is letting me know the supervisor position is not a real possibility.”  

  • The Love I Lost

    The Love I Lost

    The love he lost was a sweet love.

    Let’s talk about it…

    Mark, a twenty-nine-year-old single muscular built person who stands six feet, two inches tall; took a couple of courses in music while in college getting his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. As a child, he had a natural talent for instruments. No instrument was off limit to his talent. He would watch and listen to someone play an instrument then mimic what he saw and hear without ever taking a lesson. The two music courses were to perfect his self-taught skills. Mark is most skilled with using the keyboard, drums, and bass guitar. However, like most young boys, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps by getting a degree in Engineering. All of Mark’s life his father worked as an Electrical Engineer, in the construction industry. After graduating college, Mark’s friends threw him a surprise graduating party at a jazz club. Mark’s friends knowing how much he loves music invited him to the club to hear one of his favorite jazz musicians. Little did Mark know his friends were setting him up for his surprise party. He did not suspect anything other than what he was told.

    As Mark and his friends enter the club, he could see some type of celebration was taking place in the back area of the club. He could see it was roped off with many small round tables as well as many small round ottomans for seating. He could see bronze and black balloons with a huge balloon with the word “Congratulations” printed on it. As Mark’s friend walks in the direction of the celebration, Mark’s shouts out; “hey, you all, we are about to crash someone’s party. We should check on the other side for seats” As they reached the area that was roped off, everyone inside the roped area, turns around in unison and shouts “Congratulations” to Mark. At that moment he received the surprised of his life. He could see that everyone inside the roped area is someone he knows. The party is for me shouts Mark. Everyone shouts “Yes” as they laughed out loud. Mark turns to his boys; “I take it that you all put this together.” They all nodded their heads up and down. Then he asked, “what is the occasion?” “You graduated college man; you graduated college they shouted.”

    Among the guest at Mark’s party was two of his band members. While in college, Mark and his two college friends formed a band. They would make money playing for parties and anniversaries within the town where he lived. Mark goes around the party hugging people and thanking them personally for coming. When he made it back around to the five guys he grew up with, he asked them; “so is it safe to say that one of my favorite jazz musicians will be here tonight was used as an excuse to get me here.” “Yes, that is correct”, replied one of Mark’s friends. Another one of his friends tells him, “This is the reason we choose to use the words, one of your favorite jazz musicians rather than give you a specific name of a jazz musician; we did not want you to look up anyone’s itinerary then question the lie we were telling to get you here. Well actually; tonight is a showcase for up-and-coming jazz singers and bands.” “Okay, cool,” states Mark; “I love to hear new artist showcase their skills.” The night was going well. Everyone was enjoying the music, drinks, and finger foods when an artist gets on the stage to apologize to the crowd for not being able to sing because his band did not show up; also, his manager who is stuck in traffic with his band has the music track. One of Mark’s band members shouts out to ask the guy, “was he planning to sing a self-wrote song or a song from another artist playlist.” The artist stated that he was going to sing Will Downing song “Stop, Look, Listen to your heart.” The bandmember volunteer himself before asking Mark and the other band member to back up the artist. The club had instruments on the stage that they were able to us. Mark and one band member both played jazz guitars as the other band member played the saxophone. Little did they know there were scouts presence. After the performance, the scouts offer to meet with Mark and his two band members to discuss joint adventures. Two weeks after Mark’s surprised party, him and his band members meet with a scout and his production company. Mark and his band signed a contract with the label to tour with various jazz singers as their band.

    Mark was so excited about the good news, he could not wait to tell his longtime girlfriend Jasmine, who is the mother of his three-year-old son. Jasmine and Mark met in junior high-school. They always had a crush on each other. They would sneak and hold hands in junior high school with an occasional kiss on the lips. They officially called each other girlfriend and boyfriend when they were both sophomores in high school. Mark loved Jasmine with all his heart. He never ever thought about dating another person other than Jasmine. He never cheated on her or allowed anyone to convince him otherwise. Jasmine was happy for Mark and his band. She knew music is his first love; however, she accepted his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps. Jasmine could not help but think that Mark chose to get his degree in Engineering to have a strong financial foundation like his father. Mark looked up to his father and he marble at how well he took care of their family. Mark’s mother was a stay-at-home mother and housewife. She kept their home clean, supported her kids with their school and when they participated in after school activities. Mark’s father put all four of his kids through college and kept their household financially stable. Mark would often promise Jasmine; he will do the same for their household once he finishes school and gets a job as an Electrical Engineer. He also promises Jasmine that they would get marry once he gets a job. It did not matter to Jasmine which profession Mark chose, as long as, they were together and he was happy with what he did for a living.

    Things begin to take off at a fast pace, for Mark’s band, shortly after signing the contract. They were scheduled to start a six-month tour with only a two-week layover to come home after three months of touring. Mark had a month before the tour starts. Him and Jasmine used the time to rent a house together. Because their plans to marry had to be placed on hold, they did not want to put off living together. Jasmine helped Mark pack and prepared for his tour. On tour, the days were moving swiftly to Mark; but to Jasmine the days were moving very slow. She missed Mark. Not being able to communicate with him by phone made it very difficult for her. Because of the time difference, when Mark was awake, Jasmine and their son would be sleep. Jasmine could count the number of times her and Mark talked on the phone in the last three months on one hand with fingers left over. They would text each other a lot. She was happy when he came home for the two weeks layover before going back to complete the remaining three months on their tour. The two weeks layover went so fast; it felt like two days to Jasmine. After the remaining three months were over, Jasmine planned a three day stay vacation for her and Mark. She had her mother watched their son. She bought a sexy negligee and swimsuit. Mark was home a full day when he had to pack for the three days stay vacation Jasmine had planned. Mark spent the 3 days with Jasmine sleeping. He was so tired from the tour and had jet lag that it was difficult for him to keep his eyes open whenever he was sitting still. Jasmine was trying to be understanding and be patience with him, but she was frustrated. She missed his affections and his attention. They used to talk about any and everything. They used to always be together. Mark was a hands-on father and now his son is not getting any one-on-one time with his father. After returning home from their stay cation, Mark receives a call stating that a new tour is scheduled to start in two months. It will be another six-month tour with a two-week layover.

    Jasmine begins to complain. She asked Mark why does the band appears to be touring more than the artist. Mark explains, to Jasmine, they are the band for various jazz singers and each time they go on tour it is with different artists. Mark’s explanation answers Jasmine question but it did not bring her peace. As Mark enter the second half of the tour, Jasmine begins to see blogs with Mark and his band members engaging in explicit activities with women in the different countries. Jasmine could not believe what she was reading and seeing. Mark was allowing women to sit on his lap in the clubs as well as lay in his lap. She was mortified. She printed out the articles with the pictures. She tapes them on their personal bathroom wall. She did not want her son to see them. The day Mark was to return home she took their son to her mother’s house. She had moved all her and Mark Jr’s clothes out the house and into an apartment for her and Mark Jr. When Mark returned home from tour the pictures were the first thing he saw when he went into their bathroom. He turns to face Jasmine crying “baby I can explain. You know I would never do anything to hurt you or jeopardized our family. I love you more than life itself. Please baby give me a chance to explain.” Little did Mark know, Jasmine had moved. She did not want to hear another one of Mark’s explanations that did not comfort her spirit. Jasmine looks at Mark as he cries out for her forgiveness. Without saying anything she toss her keys on the bed then walked out their home forever.  

    https://a.co/d/5au6GYA

    Thank you to all who have purchased my book title “A Thirst That Never Ceases” on Amazon. Please be so kind to leave a review on Amazon; hopefully five stars 😀

  • Do not Judge the Book by Its Cover. Reading its Contents Might Change Your Perception

    Do not Judge the Book by Its Cover. Reading its Contents Might Change Your Perception

     The surface does not define what is inside.

    Let’s talk it…

    “Push mom, push! Shouts Doctor Gordon. I can see the head. I need for you to give it one more push as hard as possible.” Soon after the last push, a soft cry of a baby rings out. The doctor announces “it’s a girl.” “She looks like what grace feels like, beautiful with a glow, states doctor Gordon.” The doctor hands the baby to his nurse. The nurse announces the time of birth and weight before preparing the baby for mom to embrace her fifth child. The mom was moved by the doctor’s descriptive statement about her baby girl as she was born. She names her fifth child Grace based on the doctor’s statement.

    Emma, a single mother of four gives birth to her fifth child as her longtime partner and father of her children, James holds her hand. James takes his daughter and holds her up to the stars. “God, this child who highly resembles my family appearance from the tribe of Fulani in Cameroon is highly favor of you. Your grace is with her. She is flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone. Her spirit will know you and honor you. Her spirit will hear you and worship you in spirit and in truth. She is blessed to be a blessing to many. For this, I praise you.”

    Both Grace parents is from Mississippi. They would often tell stories of growing up as the kid of Sharecroppers and having to pick cotton before and after school. Grace’s mother people moved to Mississippi from Arkansas; her father people moved to Mississippi from Louisiana. Grace’s father’s family origin is in Cameroon Africa. Although Emma and James never married, they both raised their kids to be family minded by putting family first. Grace’s parents were not highly educated. Neither of her parents finish high school. They both left their parent’s homes in Mississippi, at the age of sixteen, to move North for work. Grace’s mother found a job in the cleaning industry at age sixteen; her father found a job in a junk yard where metal parts for cars, washing machines and heaters was refurnish and sold.

    Grace grew up living in poverty-stricken environments where broken English, now known as Ebonics, is the language of the immigrants. Grace has always been a quick learner of any skill taught to her. However, she has a lazy tongue which causes difficulties in enouncing words or articulating her thoughts well. Grace did not feel out of place, as a child, within her community because everyone looked like her and sound like her. In the late 1960s and early 1970s her mother became an Activist. Grace was at the March on Washington in 1963 when her mother told her “Just because you are poor and black doesn’t mean you are dumb and ignorant”. Grace did not understand why her mother told this to her; she knew not to question, just listen. The words somehow pierced the spirit of her soul. She could not stop thinking about what was said to her. As an Activist, Grace’s mother becomes the founder of an organization to help single mothers. Her mother worked with the Black Panther Party to feed inner city school kids’ breakfast before going to school. Grace’s mother was selected as a board member on an inner-city community health care center. She was one of the Activist flown into Washington by the White House when Martin Luther King was assassinated. Grace grew up watching her mother, who did not graduate from high-school, navigate through life helping people. Her mother believed everyone has a right to be treated equal regardless of race, gender, education, or financial status.

    After graduating high-school, Grace found a job working at the airport. She did not think about attending college. It was not discussed in her community. After giving birth to her son at the age of twenty-three, Grace begins to look at life differently. She begins to look at the high-rise office buildings with the following questions in her thoughts:  What type of work do the people do inside of those buildings? How does someone get a job inside one of those buildings? What skills are required to get a job inside one of those buildings? What is the title of those jobs inside one of those building? Grace decided to speak with a counselor at the local trade college near her home. The counselor provides Grace with a list of trades that could help her get a job in a high-rise office building. Grace did not know which trade to choose. She decided on a trade that worked with numbers. She was a master when it came to numbers. Her best subjects in school were Chemistry, Algebra and Calculus. After completing trade school, Grace found a job working with a major company who was located through-out the United States and in Japan. She masters her job skills immediately. She worked well with other departments within the company, as well as, socialized outside of work, with many of the employees. Grace begins to experience people we call “Haters.” These are the people who tries to dim your light because your job well done is being recognized and honor by upper management and because you are liked by many of your peers. These people, “haters” like to point out your areas of weakness. The haters love to correct Grace enunciation of words in front of people. Grace decides to go to the community college at night to take basic English courses. It did not matter how many English courses she took; she could not seem to change how she pronounces or enounce words. The courses did help her improve in her writing but not in her speaking.

    Because of the Haters, Grace became an introvert. It was her way of hiding. Hiding did not stop the haters but a least they did not have an audience when correcting her in a derogatory manner. She could not understand the hate people gave so unapologetically. She did not want to become like them. She understood how easy it is to give to others what is constantly deposited into your spirit; especially when what is deposit has a significant impact on you. In order to combat the hate given, she became a spiritually person. It was not about following a religious denomination with a lot of do’s and do nots. She needed to grow in relationship with God, her creator and savior. The more Grace grew spiritually, the stronger she became. She begins to gain spiritual wisdom and insight. The words her mother spoken so many years ago flash back into her mind “Just because you are poor and black doesn’t mean you are dumb and ignorant”.  Grace thought out loud, “just because I do not enounce some words correctly does not mean I do not know the meaning of the word. I come from people who was kidnapped from their country and bought to a strangle land to work as slaves for people of a language different from their own. My people method of being taught the new language of their slave owners was through the pain of a whip that pierce their skin. Therefore, I will no longer apologize to haters who unapologetically crucify me for speaking Ebonics fluently. So, in the words of Michelle Obama, when they go low; I will go high and praise my God for the ability to communicate with my voice.” Once Grace changed her mind set and no longer care about what the hater said about the way she talks; the hate stopped. This help Grace to realize that the haters used her to gain power and strength. Had she originally declared in her spirit that the haters are a liar from the pits of hell and had she refused to receive what they were saying about her as truth, the hate would have stopped a long time ago. Rejecting the haters open Grace to see to vase number of people who speak unapologetically in the same dialect as herself. She listens to Doctor Phil, on television frequently use the word Ya’ll in his conversations. To her surprise, so many different cultures of people was enouncing some words using the Ebonics dialect. Yet, they call it country instead of Ebonics.

    From this experience Grace learns that haters who hate with lies are weak and needs the power of the person they are hating on to provide them with strength. Do not empower Haters by believing what they say about you. The lies they tell are out of darkness; and when light is presence, darkness will fleet; vanish; disappear. Continued to walk in the light. God is light.

    https://a.co/d/5au6GYA

    Thank you to all who have purchased my book title “A Thirst That Never Ceases” on Amazon. Please be so kind to leave a review on Amazon; hopefully five stars 😀

  •  Wanted! Young Man Single and Free

     Wanted! Young Man Single and Free

     Transitioning from sugar baby to sugar mama. My life is a Life Time movie.

    Let’s talk about it…

    Betty is sitting at her table reading through the mail. She reaches under the pile of mail to pull out a shiny bronze color envelope. This is from Dorothy, thought Betty as she speaks out loud in her mind. What could she be mailing to me that could not be said by text? Do she not know we are living in a digital world now. After tearing open the envelope, she begins to read out loud. “You are cordially invited to celebrate my 50th birthday with me in the Bahamas.” Okay, and… thought Betty. Is this a joke? This is all she has printed on the invite. Who is going to pay for this trip to the Bahamas? And when is her birthday? Am I supposed to RSVP? Now, if I call to question her about this not enough information invitation, she going to label me as the cheap friend who does not know when her birthday is. Anyways, here goes. “Hello Dorothy girl, I just received your invitation in the mail. It’s a beautiful card. It did not state when you plan on going to the Bahamas.” “Did it not say for my 50th birthday?” “Yes, it did Dorothy, but I was hoping it would be more specific as to the exact dates. I’m sure it’s not a day trip on your birthday only.” Laughing Out Loud, Dorothy provides more details on the invite. “Girl, you remember William; my eighty-five-year-old sugar daddy.” “Yes, Dorothy, I remember William.” Well, he gifted me with an all-inclusive trip to the Bahamas for a party of ten people. He rented a mansion that has ten bedrooms, five on the west wing and five bedrooms on the east wing. It’s a two-story mansion. Because William’s health issues do not allow him to travel, he wanted me to go and enjoy myself with nine of my friends. We will fly out on the 15th, two days before my birthday and will return on the 20th. Because my birthday is in a month, I need everyone to RSVP by Thursday of next week.” “Thanks for the details, Dorothy. And thanks for inviting me.” “Of course, Betty, you are one of my best friends; are you not?” “Yes Dorothy, I am.” “Okay, Betty, I will talk to you soon.” Dorothy hangs up the phone. Betty, thinks out loud. “I really didn’t know I was one of her best friends. Anyhow, if she says so; I’m gain. I get a free trip out of it.”

    Betty is a 48-year-old single woman with one adult child who is 25. Her son lives with his girlfriend and their two-year-old daughter. Betty met Dorothy three years ago when her sugar daddy William was rush to the hospital where she works as a registered nurse. Betty was assigned to William room. She initially thought Dorothy was his daughter. She was intrigued after finding out that William was her sugar daddy. Betty befriends Dorothy just so she could get the details on how she found a sugar daddy; and how much sugar does he gives. For the entire three years Dorothy would always introduce William as her sugar daddy or address him in conversations as her sugar daddy. She would reference his title, sugar daddy, like it was a badge of honor. She wanted everyone, who came in contact with her to know his role in her life. On the day William was released from the hospital, Dorothy and Betty exchanged phone numbers. Two months after William released from the hospital, Betty invited Dorothy to hang out with her at a professional social club owned by a friend of hers. After buying Dorothy a couple of drinks with shots of whiskey, Betty was able to engage Dorothy in conversation about her sugar daddy. Dorothy talked about her experience as an exotic dancer at a gentleman club. She admits to meeting William at the gentlemen club. William would come to the club twice a week to request a private dance from Dorothy. She was paid $5,000 for a fifteen-minute dance. After a year of giving William private dances in the club, he asked Dorothy to move into his house with him. He did not want her dancing for anyone but him. Betty eventually asked Dorothy, can William introduce her to one of his single friends who is looking for a sugar baby. Dorothy and William invited Betty over to their home to meet William’s friend Chris. Chris is two-years older than William. Because Chris uses a wheel chair to help him with mobility, he doesn’t go out much. Chris is looking to meet someone to spend time with him in his home. Betty thought this arrangement is perfect because she did not want any of her professional friends to know what she was doing. Chris was paying Betty $2,000 a visit for two hours of her time. Her visits would consist of her watching tv with him, listening to music with him, sitting and talking to him and on those special occasions, she would have to sit on his lap. Betty was paid $3,000 for the special occasion visits. Betty was able to save $1 million in the bank from her relationship with Chris.

    When Betty met someone, her age, at her friend’s professional social club, she no longer wanted to visit with Chris. The money was good, but it made her feel like a nasty girl. In addition to feeling dirty, Betty was scared that someone other than Dorothy would find out. She could not bear the thought of her son knowing what she was doing. Betty became bored quick with the new man in her life. He never had any money; yet, he would always suggest they attend concerts, go out to eat, or attend sporting events. Also, He did not hesitate to ask Betty to cover the bill. Betty’s boyfriend would always say after she paid for them, “You know I got you next time.” Betty would often wonder after paying, what the hell do “I got you” mean. I am feeding him, covering the expenses of all entertainments and giving up the cookie to him whenever he wants it. So, what the hell do “I got you” means. Betty found herself thinking out loud. “If I’m going to pay, I might as well find me someone who can make me holler as my toes curl in the bedroom. I need me a sugar baby.” Betty begins to search online for Sugar Mamas’ dating sites. She was knee deep in her search when her door bell rings. Who could this be on a Thursday night? It was her “no money lover” carrying an overnight bag. “What are you doing here on a Thursday with an overnight bag?” “Well, I don’t have to work tomorrow, so I thought I would come over a day early to hang out at your place while you are at work tomorrow. This way you can cook me breakfast before you go to work.” “Oh, hell no shouts Betty. Get your no money ass out my house. My days of taking care of you is over. I’m the only one giving in this relationship without anything in return. Please leave! Betty’s lover glanced over at the computer. He looks back at her then shouts, “what the hell? You are on a dating site looking for a sugar baby; yet you are going to tell me to get my no money ass out your house. Hell, it looks to me, I was giving you exactly what you are searching for online. You should be more appreciative of me for my services.” “Get out my house, get out, get out, shouts Betty.” She slams her door after her lover walks out. Betty continued her online search. She found the perfect website. The young men on the site were physically fit and between the age of 21 to 35. Okay, thought Betty, let me create a profile. The site requires her to provide a brief description of what she is looking for. Betty’s description was simple and to the point. “Wanted, young man, single and free. No experience necessary. I will accept a young trainee” Betty did not want to chase after anyone. She wanted to choose among the candidates who applied for the position. The next day after work, Betty log onto the website. To her surprised several young handsome muscle-bound men shows interest in her profile. She decided to look at the profiles of the candidates 25 to 30. She replied to Jackson profile. Jackson is 30 years old, six feet 4 inches. He is very muscular. He works as a bartender three nights a week and a fitness trainer Mondays thru Fridays. Jackson and Betty exchanged contact information. She agreed to meet him at the Gym for a workout session. Jackson did somethings with his hands during their workout session that let Betty know she had the perfect sugar baby. She was willing and ready to pay for further services.

    https://a.co/d/5au6GYA

    Thank you to all who have purchased my book title “A Thirst That Never Ceases” on Amazon. Please be so kind to leave a review on Amazon; hopefully five stars 😀