Jerry Lawson - Preserving The Art of A cappella - Soulfully‏

I've had the honor of connecting with Julie Lawson wife of Jerry Lawson - who was the lead singer of The Persuasions for 40 years. Jerry Lawson worked with Jeff Barry-- who wrote the theme song to the 1970's popular TV sitcom: The Jeffersons.


Jerry left the Persuasions after 40 years & 20 albums. He has a new a Capella CD that you might enjoy. We hope you'll visit & listen & share: www.jerrylawson.biz


On Sat. Sept 19th, 2009 at 8pm. Jerry will be performing at The Bitter End in The Village with Sean Altman & The GrooveBarbers! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4wEdd579fM)
It’s where The Persuasions launched their career!

Here is a link to Jerry’s new single http://www.twango.com/media/Scholar.public/Scholar.10006

Author and Activist Dr. Lama Milkweed chats with me

As the old saying goes " if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." On my walk of life, I've had the pleasure of connecting with several influential people-- all of whom were willing to take a firm stand in what they believe (d) in. Allow me to introduce to you one of those people. Dr. Lama Milkweed. Enjoy our interview below.

Richardson: Dr. Milkweed, thank you for taking the time out to chat with me. Please, tell readers about yourself.

Dr. Milkweed: I am merely a woman who was really to be considered as "self made." It was very difficult for me to receive the customary norms so many people take furiously for granted, but I consider myself to be a soul of triumph, although what lies in the earthly plain is considerably different. I was recognized twice by the 14Th Dalai Lama, Tienzen Gyatzo, and he proclaimed me as Her Holiness when I was 34 back in 2001. I have been catastrophically ill my whole life, and now I am receiving "palliative" care, as I have approximately six months to live from a mixture of medical afflictions consistent of albinos. To summarize me, well, I am a simple monk, but more so, a woman of our only lord God; a Catholic.

Richardson: You've written several social, spiritual and physical impacting novels. As an author it is most difficult to say, which book is their favorite, so I will not. I would like to know, however which book is most memorable to you and why?

Dr. Milkweed: I love all of my own books, but one book that stands out most particularly is "The Milkweed Prophesy; Epitaph of the Apocalypse." It is completely nonfiction like a few of my others, but this one here is a great characterization of my truest demeanor and rapport with God, and because I depict His glorious word, and how it affected my life, but the way in which the rare forms of narration are spoken, because they reveal something that is far from inert and docile. It has changed the personal and collective lives of many, especially my mother, and myself.

The "Chain Saw Man I, II.III" are also others that, although were fictional, became endowed as something that literally served as the only saving outlet for me being the victim of imprisonment and heinous atrocities I barely survived, like in my initial book publication "Eternal I.V. Pole" also nonfiction, which is a tale revealed in first person about unheard of forms of abuse in the medical world, which became a court case, and where doctors, or an entire Boston medical hospital, did everything it could to take away my frail remaining life with terrorism and gun bearing guards, and where having faith in God during the entire situation, so deplorable in nature, and where faith in action is beyond the perimeters of exemplification, and where this little religious leader of apparently the "wrong faiths" was illegally profiled and made to suffer the cruelties of living hell, which is no stranger to THIS author; this human being.

Courage to stand up against hideous opposition is what all of my books so powerfully substantiate in all of their fullest "glory," but never once making an attempt to occlude the glory of His assistance and holiness, and where a revealing of that mentioned faith comes to a glowing sense of fruition and manifesto where I profess a myriad of person dictum as a woman of the cloth.

Richardson: Just recently you were considered an potential nominee for THE PULITZER PRIZE, in 2008 for your book in the Vatican, THE MILKWEED PROPHESY; EPITAPH OF THE APOCALYPSE. How did your receive the news and what was your reaction upon receiving such an high honor of recognition?

Dr. Milkweed: Well, Vanessa. I was very delighted for this high honor, and it had also won me the "Writers' Digest Award' a year earlier, but I found out through a private source, because you probably well know that this kind of thing is considered as strictly confidential. But to answer you're question, I was thrilled, but more so because of the fact that due to the manner it had to be publicated, [pod, publishing on demand],more people would be able to know about it's prolific presence in correlation to letting others know about the rare testament of this very realistic apparitions and summonings I have received from God since my life began as a handicapped child.

Richardson: Do you hear from your readers much? What are their responses to your written works?

Dr. Milkweed: No, I really do not. I don't understand why. In fact, Vanessa, I allow the publishers to place my personal contact information both on the websites and in the books themselves. The responses I generally get are mainly that the books makes them "think, and think, and think." While from the lips of others,and especially when I was on the radio in my area two years back while on a home PCA, or pain control administration pump with my still evident i.v. morphine placed through in implanted intravenous in the chest, I hear things of praise when regarding my profound wisdom about such things of perplexity that manifest when regarding life's norms, and the manner I manipulate my written words about vital indifference's about life and the human condition, especially illness and religion, life and death, the purely spiritual, and physical or psychological, but also the heinous horror I sustained while being routinely tortured and held in stirring captivity and was allowed to literally starve to death.

(I never once gave up on the love and mercy, and understanding of my Lord, my God.) I honestly wish, especially where I am very soon to pass away at 42, that people took more time to know me, but just as vitally, to read these beautiful books, which truly and very effectively, proclaims our needs, our emotional scope that substantiates not only characteristics of the former, but brings people back to the truest regimens of the self, and especially an understanding for God and His little ones; us His children. To procreate compassion, as my books have been called "manuals for the living soul, and exactly the myriad of reasons that perpetually loiter behind them.

Richardson: Dr. Milkweed thank you for taking the time to chat with me and our readers, it has been an high delight. You are an inspiration.

Dr. Milkweed: Thank you Vanessa. It was a pleasure being interviewed, but I hope to be talking with your further, as I have so much to say when regarding my books and all what they have to offer. As a survivor of years in captivity and torture, as well as an actual denial of "self determination," it is truly inspiring to me, and to my fellow ordained intellects, both in the Catholic and Buddhist churches, that I became a Professor of religion and Sacred Theology at such a young age.

In fact, the Dalai Lama himself said to me that he never met someone who contained such a rare variety of loving and tender outlooks which are placed onto all peoples; even to those whom the world condemns, as I am also known as "voice for the condemned" by past political icons, which were also well depicted in vivid chronological content in my last book title by Jones Harvest Publishing, 'The Electric Chair; Journals of H.H. The Most Ven. Lama Rimpoche, Miss Milkweed L. Augustine." [A first person tale about my 22 year ministry helping condemned inmates, and my experiences losing many friends to the electric chair-a truly malevolent and barbaric device that only substantiates how weak and frail minded, and obtuse humans really are. (children of God) God speed His love to you all, and many blessings. Love and respect to all readers! Her Holiness The Most Venerable Lama Rimpoche, Prof. PhD. D O.F.M. Miss Milkweed L. Augustine author, pacifist leader, religious leader VOICE FOR THE CONDEMNED

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1933655-lama-milkweed-augustinw

Worth a Thousand Words Blog Tour

Worth a Thousand Words
Jubilant Soul Series Book Two
by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Life has always gone Indigo Burns’s way. She’s smart, pretty, and talented, and she knows exactly what she wants. A photography internship at her hometown’s local newspaper is the next step in her well-laid plans for her future. But her long-term goals are put to the test when her boyfriend Brian proposes–two years before he’s supposed to and in front of all the guests at her college graduation party.

Too concerned about his feelings to say no, she heartily agrees, but inside she’s cringing. Indigo knows in her heart that she’s not prepared to sacrifice her dreams to become Brian’s wife–not before she has achieved any of them. Will she find the answers among family and friends in Jubilant, Texas? Or will the picture-perfect life she dreams of be left behind?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls. She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles. Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children.

Vanessa Richardson's Review of Worth A Thousand Words.

With Worth A Thousand Word, was quite an enjoyable read for me. It is filled with surprises, intrigue and is laced with a self and spiritual growth journey. Stacy Hawkins-Adams, characters are both intriguing and inspiring. Adams did a great job of dealing with life unexpected circumstances and the trying of ones faith in them. There were several times, I wanted to email Adams to inquire if she had ever met my family before. Her characters were just that believable.

For more information about Stacy, visit her at http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/

Follow the blog tour schedule at http://bitly.com/WorthAThousandWords

Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems

I am excited to have had the opportunity to chat with another poet and and fellow Author Patricia Neely-Dorsey. Please enjoy our engaging conversation below.

Richardson: Hi Patricia! Thank you for talking with me. Please tell readers about yourself.

Dorsey:I am a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi. I received a Bachelor Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. I currently live in Tupelo with my husband, James: son, Henry, age 10 and Miniature Schnauzer, Happy. Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is my first book. I consider myself a late bloomer, as far as this literary thing goes. (smile) I wrote my very first poem February 14, 2007 at the age of 43!

Richardson: Wow, what an inspiration you are! Patricia, could you please tell readers about your inspirational book of poetry Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia?

Dorsey: Reflections is "a celebration of the south and things southern. "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life.

Richardson: Writing is not for the faint at heart. I tell that every where I go. Not to discourage but to encourage. I believed that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. How did you/do deal with rejection?

Dorsey: I have been really blessed to have received overwhelmingly positive responses of the book ,overall. Fortunately,I don't have too many rejection stories to share (smile) However, poetry is a very "hard-sell " in the industry and you do have to have a tough skin to deal with all of the brick walls that are often put up before you can even get in the door. It's amazing how hard it is ,in many cases ,to get reviewers to even consider reviewing a book of poetry...What's the deal??(LOL)

Richardson: I am an avid fan of poetry. It was poetry that help galvanize me into my destiny of writing. Poetry greats such as Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes,and Paul Laurence Dunbar only to name a few. All had to over come rejections and set backs in their lives as writers and authors. Their lives and written works are great inspiration to many. Patricia, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Dorsey: In general, I always give advice to writers, artists and anyone who has anything to share with the world. ..Believe in your work..Believe in what you are doing..Don't take no as a final answer..Keep Knocking...Never Give up!!
If you can't get in through the door..go through the window.
Patricia's P-Attitudes are:
Patience.... Persistence ....Perseverance ....Positivity (Is that a word??) (LOL)

Richardson: Yes, it is certainly a word of ACTION. I love the P-Attitudes, and I am going to avail myself to them from time to time. lol. Do have any forthcoming projects readers should be made aware of?

Dorsey: My publisher is encouraging me to do an illustrated children's version of Reflections with the age appropriate poems . So, that is in the works.
I also plan to publish a book of some of my love poems entitled The Secret Garden of Love


Richardson: Patricia, thank you so very much for taking the time out to chat with me. Please continue to inspire as you aspire!

Dorsey: Thank you so much for letting me share with you and your readers about my "little book of southern poems." More information about me and the book can be found on my website at :www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com


PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems " a celebration of the south and things southern" "Meet Mississippi Through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word" http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com/



SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I'll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems


BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/book.asp
or www.Amazon.com

Through The Storm

What a glorious day it was going to be! I'd planned my day a week in advance. Another lesson learned: Life can become unexpectedly busy. Yet in somethings, there are no lesson to be learned. Sometimes, you just KNOW a thing. I know to appreciate the beauty; that life has to offer me. With this thought in mind. I smiled enjoying my day of repose. I inhaled the saltiness of the fresh air. It was 7:00am. The earth looked revived, in its morning glory. I was feeling a sense of completion.

The water looked inviting. Contentedly, I watched the waves bobbing up and down. The seagulls were calling out to each other in loud song. Their calling sound was comforting to hear. Sipping from my bottle of water, another smile escaped me. Then...I thought about yesterday. Another lesson learned: Somethings are just better left behind. My smile was replaced with a frown, as I was 'remembering' last night. I was in a storm-- and I shall never forget it. Ever.

This is how my story goes: I was driving down the highway, when I was soon caught up in an unexpected storm. I confess that there were some signs. The dark clouds looming above gave me warning that it was coming, the wind had begun to pick up speed sending the debri in a tailspin. I like so many others opted to ignore the signs. I didn't want to see or hear about any bad news. The meteorologist predicted it would be a sunny and mild day; and that was what I believed. This happy news prompted my decision to go to the beach! I packed my necessities (somethings are necessary when your life is orchestrated by God) and loaded up in my car. My Bible. Which is like my American Express card. I never leave home with out it. Be it in my heart or in my car. My Water. I often found myself becoming thirsty at the strangest of times. The sun was shinning and I was ready.

The heavens had suddenly opened releasing the rain fast and furiously. The forceful gale of wind was causing my car to shake. And my faith, too. The heavy rain was hitting hard against my window, the sounds was eerie. The silence in my car was deafening. I wish I had someone with me in my storm. I been her before: In a storm. Again, the rain making hard for me to see. My wipers were up to the max, yet seemed no match for fast falling rain. The weather was at odds with my vision. I saw myself luxuriating by the calm water and communing with God. Not struggling through the rain.

All I wanted was to reach my destination. Where the sun was shinning and water was calming. Yet, there I was driving in a storm. I felt all alone. Several times, I wanted to stop and pull over. Something deep inside told me to keep going. I pressed on. It seemed like this storm would never end. The question is/was: how long? became my song. It would had been alright if someone was on the road with me or in the car beside me. But it was just me. Or was it?The road seemed long and barren, not a single car could be seen. I thought am I the only crazy one? Again I thought all I wanted was a day in the sun. My teeth were chattering uncontrollably. I was cold with fear. I hated this feeling. My anxiousness was causing my throat to become dry. I rarefy for my bottled water and began to drink. I couldn't afford to dry up in the storm, I've come to far for that.

I looked down at my bible (and this wasn't happenstance) and was comforted. See, I wasn't alone. I remembered God's words...these are those that I hid in my heart: “...Peace! be still!” Luke 4:9. I quoted this. I believed this. I knew that I would make it through through the storm. I continued on,after awhile, the sun began to shine again. The wind began to calm and the rain ceased its descent. I had a peace within. I had weathered the storm! God's word was my guide. It is funny how after the rain, everything looks and feels new. I was destined to succeed and so are you!

I Love My Garden

There comes in a point in a person's life where they just need to be alone. To think. To breath. To see. To cry. To release. Running never solves anything. The consequence of loss is too strong to risk. On the other side of the coin there is confronting the issue. Confronting is almost like a dance. There is a art to it. It requires timing and tactic ism. The goal is to problem solve or least identify the root problem and deal with.

Maybe for you this day will yield the answers that you've sought for so long. There are different levels to needs. Level 3. Although the need is strong your still able to function by rote with your daily routine- your image is nothing is amiss with you. On the surface everything appears all right. Level 2. Your in desperate need of answers and although they are fleeting, you're determined to hold on. Only it's not for the sake of yourself-- but for others such as your spouse, kids, and friends.

Level 1. You can no longer “pretend” it is well, not even if you tried. The energy is just not there. Even a blind man could notice the changes in your personality. You aura that once shone so brightly has now lost its luster. You've lost the person you use to be and now your crying inside for help. Can someone one anyone hear you silent cry. Your hurting inside.

Vivid is the memory of level 1., for me. It is a level, I vowed never to tread again. Ahh, somethings can be prevented. I've build up a resistance to the things that can hurt or distract me. I am not perfect as I am still learning. I've learned to resist the subtle pull, of low self worth and hurtful words from others. I am no longer a destroyer of myself and others. I am now a planter. I plant positivity and hope in to the lives of others.

One day I hazarded a look upward and immediately, became transfixed by the soft billowy clouds. It looked as if they were performing just for me. It was spectacular to witness. I smiled at the thought. Today was a good day as Spring had sprung! I made it through another winter season. The season was quite chilling and no matter how much I tried to cover up.

I still felt the numbing chills coursing through me. I thought- if only someone could feel how cold I really was, I wouldn't feel so alone. Experience revealed to me: Sometimes a person own pain can make them unaware of the pain of others. Please be sensitive and watch out for the silent cries of others.

That fateful day I decided it was a good day to plant my seeds.. I was going to grow my own rose garden. White, red, and yellow... I was excited to start my master piece. The day started off lovely. Some where the line I faltered. My ebullience began to fade. I began to look around me. I should have just focused on my own garden.

My neighbors yard looked like it should have grace the cover of Better Homes and Garden Magazine. Their two storied home-- (which was painted a challenging white) stood bold and majestic. It was a boggle to me, how they always managed to keep their home and yard looking flawless. Their floral garden housed an array of exotic flowers and trees.

Mums, roses, and ferns. Japanese maple and dog wood trees. Utterly breath taking. It was a beautiful to see. I wanted that! I looked at my yard and immediately became overwhelmed. I looked at my home deciding that I no longer like its coloring. For the first time I considered painting it white.

I looked at my garden, and it no longer enthused me. I wanted my garden to look like my neighbor's! Suddenly, the clouds blotted out the sun, causing a chill to course through me. A dark cast shadowed, my half planted garden. My heart sped up at the sudden phenomenon. In that darken moment; I had to make a decision. I could remain focus and plant my seed according to my purpose. Or continue to watch others and be pulled from my planting. The lesson learned: what look good on others may not be good for me. I decided, I liked my garden just fine.

My Garden may not be like my neighbors, but it was mine. I labored and nurtured my planted seeds and am expecting new growth. The process would be greater than the results. At my self declaration the sun revealed its illuminating presence, once more. I smiled. I looked around. I almost slipped but was back on track. Yes, today was a good day to plant and grow.

I Remember

I can remember several occasions in which I was rendered speechless. There is no doubt about it, life can send us some curve balls. The question is how do we handle them? I grew up in a house were art was fully appreciated and encouraged to engage in. My mother is a big fan of art, creativity, and expression. In our household my siblings and I grew up watching classical greats such as:

On The Town (1949) starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra

Singin In The Rain (1952) starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds

A Raisin In The Sun (1961) Sidney Poitier

The list is endless. I get excited just mentioning these classical greats! There is no doubt that these movies had a influence on me. I remember at the age of ten watching a particular movie. This movie was not like the ones mentioned above. This one had a different impact upon me, altering the way I'd viewed creative expression and life. Based on true events the movie depicted the life of a young African American girl and her brother.

Due to difficult circumstances the siblings were sent to live with relatives in the south. The little girl had a big voice at an early age as she was very intelligent. Her passion was reading and writing. It was clear she was destined for greatness. Sadly a tragedy had befallen the little girl, causing her voice to become silent. Literally. She stop talking for a period of time. What a curb ball. It seemed nothing could bring back her voice. Nothing except for the passion of the written word. It was a process but she did found her voice again.

Who is she? She is legend. She art. She is history. She is the great Maya Angelou. The movie was I know Why The Caged Bird Sings. I am a believer that everyone should have a quote or two to inspire them in their lives. Dr. Angelou's quotes are embedded in me, and I utilize them according to situations. Truth be told, I quote them just because. I am right now feeling still I rise. I remember watching a young girl (perhaps ten years old) performing this poem on “Show Time At The Apollo” I was twelve or thirteen years of age. I purposed in my heart, that one day, I too would perform that poem.

Immediately I set out to find out who penned that piece. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was the great Dr. Maya Angelou herself! I have been a fan, advocate, and admire since then. Thank you Dr. Angelou. Please do enjoy all over again “Still I Rise” below.


Still I Rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Maya Angelou