Skin Deep

Hello everyone!

I just experienced my first book signing. It was a quite an adventure and a learning experience. Thank you everyone who attended! I am extremely humbled, by the support; I am receiving from my family, friends, and church. No one is an island unto himself.

I am blessed, to have my sistah girl’s friends; these ladies continue to keep it real with me. They are my support and are not afraid to tell it like it is. That is true friendship for you. My sistah’s and I have many things in common. The one profound element that links us all together is that of our love for God. This is a deep Love y’all. We are mindful, that He is the creator, of all things and the deliverer from all things. Be blessed my friends. Let your friends and love ones know how much you love and appreciate them. In truth they are gems and their value is matchless. Until next time, my friends remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

~Vanessa

Stage Production: Someone To Love Me

Hi Everyone!

I trust you are doing what you called to do in this world. Making new and wonderful memories for you. Aspiring and never tiring to be what god called you to be.
It seems as though there is just not enough hours in the day of late. I do not normally feel this way mind you. I have taken on several projects all of which are enduring and important to me.

Each project requires time and patience. One of my down sides (my mother would agree) I feel is that I am a perfectionist, juxtaposed with that; I have a slight case of OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Order) Yeah, can you imagine the on going battles, I have with myself?

Never the less, I do have some good news. Oh--- In case, I have not made mention to you, that I too, write dramas. I too write dramas. “Someone to Love Me” is our new project. This production is slated to be performed on May 10th, 2008. Mothers Day Weekend. We were blessed to have media coverage. A local News Station featured the cast members.

Acting and writing have always been cathartic for me. Those methods worked for me; I knew it would work for others as well. We implemented a drama department at our church. We meet twice out of the week; having what I call power talks. I wrote Someone to Love Me; loosely based on some of the cast members lives; whom I call them my babies, as I much older than they are.

I have solicted sponsors from far and near for funding for my drama's. We have encountered some rejections. But that is ok. I have developed a thick skin. I know that what is meant to be will be. In most cases, some people have to dig a little deeper than others. On the flip side we did received monetary help from some A list contributors! Whoo-hooo. Thus, the birthing of our recent drama “Someone to Love Me.” I have enjoyed directing this drama. The cast members are simply superb and gifted to the third power! They made my job easy. God has been good to me. I have submitted a link to the interview. Please, click on it and enjoy.

Blessings!
~Vanessa

http://www.wwaytv3.com/video/sampson_county_church_helps_youth_through_drama/04

The Jeffersons

Lyrics

Recorded in 1975 By Ja'net DuBois (composer) and Jeff Barry

Well we're movin on up, To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
Beans don't burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin'
Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in teh big leagues
Gettin' our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it's you and me baby
There ain't nothin wrong with that.

Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

Hello Everyone---

I know that I have been gone for awhile. Life can get busy. I am preparing myself for the production of Someone To Love Me a Christian Inspirational drama I have written (inspired by God). Production is slated for May 10th, 2008 @ 6:00pm.

So, you can image the frenzy state I am in. I do love it and would not trade it for all the chocolate in the world. So between the drama and writing my second novel; I got lost in space. But I am back now. I missed you guys. LOL.

When, I am coming down from a high, I find a relaxant to soothe me. I have recently purchased the Jeffersons complete third season on DVD. Strangely enough, it relaxes me. I pop it in as I prepare for sleep.

George Jefferson is the man! I watch the dynamics of their relationship. It takes a woman like Weezy to handle his alpha male personality. The whole cast of the Jeffersons are what made that show what is was. It was a wonderful recipe.

I love the theme song to the Jeffersons. I was familiar with Ja'net Dubois; as she played Wilona on the sitcom Good Times. I was strangely perked by the mystery man Jeff Berry. He shared credit for song with Ms. Dubois for "Movin'On Up".

I donned my investigator mien and went in search of information on Mr. Jeff Berry. Below is my findings. If interested for further reading about Mr. Berry refer to Wikipedia.

Jeff Barry (born April 3, 1938) is an American pop music songwriter, singer, and record producer.Barry was born Joel Adelberg in Brooklyn, New York. His parents divorced when he was seven, and his mother moved him and his sister to Plainfield, New Jersey, where they resided for several years before returning to New York.In 1971 Barry moved from New York to California, where he had a production and administration deal with A&M Records for several years. Between 1972 and 1975, he produced hit singles for Nino Tempo and April Stevens (together and separately) and the a cappella vocal group The Persuasions. During subsequent years he shifted his focus to television (writing the theme songs for One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, and Family Ties) and movies (the score for 1980's The Idolmaker), although he continued his work in the pop music field. In 1974, "I Honestly Love You," written by Barry with Peter Allen, became a #1 hit for singer Olivia Newton-John; and, in 1984, Jeffrey Osborne and Joyce Kennedy hit the Top 40 with another Barry composition, "The Last Time I Made Love," written with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

Jeff Berry is still a mystery to me; as I could not locate a photo, to go along with his name. I won't give up my investigation; my good friends.

Here is where I enlist your help. Anyone, who can find a picture of this mysterious man, thus ending my angst, would certainly be my saving grace. End me from my misery! Oh, did I mention, to you that when I read mystery novels, I read the back first?

Happy searching,

Vanessa

The Certain Ones

I can not believe it. I have written my first Non-Fiction Inspirational titled The Certain Ones. I am so excited and I know that it will be a great inspiration to you. The title spiritually manifested itself one day as I reading my daily devotional. The verse I was studying begun like so "There was a certain man" I was arrested by the word certain.

The word certain is defined as: established beyond doubt or question; definitely known. These certain ones lives were already written out for them! Despite the rejection, the physical ailments, and their disappointments. There was no doubt or question that they would emerge as the victors! It was written to be so. I then began to research these certain ones and discovered a wealth of information. These Men and Women were vehicles used for illuminating purpose. They were testimonies that would inspire and galvanize the weak and the weary. You know much like you and I :).

Luke 16:20 and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores.
Ester 2:5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite.
Acts 10:1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Mark 5:25 and a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years.
I can even add myself to the certain ones list. There was a certain woman named Vanessa who suffered from an ailment for several years and there had seem no hope for her. Having done all she knew to do; she would seek after a healer. This great healer one must search with their hearts in order to find Him. Vanessa sought him hard; refusing to be deterred by the noise of rejection and the silence of un- forthcoming answers, her search for him would increased. Whom her soul sought she had now found. And in Him was her healing.
When the wind blows and the flood flows I simply dawn the garment of faith. Resting my head on the pillow peace. I am certain that the storm will pass. It has been established beyond a doubt or question that I am victorious.

Not everyone is called in to greatness. Fact: Many can not handle the process that goes along with becoming great. Only the certain ones who endure can obtain greatness. I will be posting an excerpt about The Certain Ones at a later date. So continue to visit me and leave me a comment. I would love to hear from you.



~Vanessa

Hello everyone!

When I was a child I use to look at pictures and glean a story from them. It is true. It is as if I'd go catatonic. The room and everyone around me would just shrink the noise would fade out. It would be just me and the story that is unfolding in my head. I would turn to whom every mainly my cousin Patricia and tell her the paintings story.

Of course she was acclimated with my strange behavior; so she'd just nod and and say "Okay. Now back to what I was say..." LOL. My Mother and Aunt would just shake their heads at me. But I think now they understand me better. I am a story teller a weaver of words. I love creating things. Be it a story or a painting or the wardrobe that I wear. I not only have to create but I must share it with others. I think that is a writers angst. Not to be able share their stories with others. Above is a painting by Monica Stewart. I have never met her but it is as if she has captured me on canvas.

Do you see the young woman's story? Share with me what you see. I have viewed this painting several times and her story has changed with me several times. Here is what her story tells me now.

For when I see her. She tells me that she'd just received good news and was contemplating share it with another. Her husband. You see she is with child and she is very afraid to share her good news in fear that something might go awry.

You see she had several complications in conceiving and this was the longest she has carried. Fear had its claws in her overshadowing her joy. She just needed sometime to think things through. No, she needed to talk to her, Daddy. He always know what to say and how to say it.

"God? I need to talk to you" bowing her head she closed her eyes. "You know my situation. So, I am going to be honest with you. I am afraid...I don't want to lose this gift I am carry.'' The tears began to flow. "I lost to many times. Hurt to many times. I want to bring forth life."

Silence. She opened her eyes and saw a bird soaring above the soft billowy clouds. Silence.

"I am ready to soar into my destiny." She laughed softy. I sense this is a female child I am carrying. Her name shall be called Destiny" She laughed again. "Destiny it is time I now embraced mine" Standing up she swirled happily in a circle. "I am not afraid of destiny. My Destiny" Stopping she placed her right hand on her womb. The babe leaped.

She began to laugh and cry and the same time. How could she not tell of this wonderful child. She did have a choice. She would declaw the teeth of fear and embraced destiny. As if affirming her self proclamation the babe leaped with in her. "It is all good baby. It's all good" The bird released a cry reminding the woman of her earlier ruminations. "It is all good and it is good to be me". With that she set out to tell her Husband the good news.

The bird soared higher and higher until it disappeared from the Earth and far beyond the sky and sun. Divesting its self from animal form; the being looked at the woman running to her husband. It is good.


Happy readings,

Vanessa


Matthew 5:7-8. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

My Dear Sweet February!

Wow, where has the time gone? Another year and I am celebrating another Birthday! whoo, hoo! I would first like to thank God for allowing my mother and father to conceive me and my brother (yep, I am a twin) at the appointed time. LOL.
I love the month of February it is an unusual and history defining month. Alright, I am sure your saying that about your Birthday too and I agree with you, your special too. Awww, I see you smiling :)

Here are a few things that the month of February is known for
1. We celebrate Black History.
2. Not that I believe in this...but the ground hog traditon is practice this years made 122 year and yes he saw his shadow.
3. Leap year occurs in Febraury and this year is leap year! There is an african american saying about leap year. I am told that pregnancy rates are increased during that time. Humm....interesting.
4. Valentine's Day is celebrated.

I did a little homework and listed some celebrities born in February.

Celebrities Birthdays
Natalie Cole: February 6th
Charles Dickens: February 7th
Seth Green: February 8th
Jennifer Aniston: February 11th
Benicio Del Toro: February 19th
Erykah Badu: February 26th

I look Around

I have had the opportunity to meet inspiring women. I also had the opportunity to meet women who just flat out refuse to be inspired. The latter is what causes my heart to hurt. These women have such great potential, yet won't capitalize on it. When given a choice they choose the wrong. The most unique thing is that the wrong seems right to them. Well in their eyes it does. It is like something out of sci fi novel.

I desperately wanted to understand the stand they've taken in their lives. I wanted to dig deep and talk to these ladies and ask them what makes them do what they do? There is no one answer to that question really. In fact some couldn't even answer the question. Which brings me to another of my humm.... moments. And I get them alot you will notice as you frequent my blog. Maybe together you and I can figure somethings out, eh?


Happy readings,

Vanessa