I recorded The
Grammy's because I wanted to watch The Hunger Games for the first
time. The Hunger Games represented one faction of society having
control over another, to me. That movie had a huge impact on me as I
fear it is a sign of the times. My son was walking to the convenience
store, at my request, yesterday and a white man drove up, blocking his
way, and accosted him. He screamed all kinds of ignorant statements
because he was tired of “Drug Dealing Niggers,” walking down his
street. We called the police and they went out to the man's house.
This ignorant man proceeded to attack the police because he feels the
Police in our community are doing an awful job of keeping “Niggers” out
of Lake Helen, Fl. where I live. He said the Police need to stop
“Niggers” from moving here and especially stop “Niggers” from walking
down his street! He also stated he did not like the way my son dresses,
particularly the black “Doo Rag.” my son wears on his head. My son, at
the young age of 31, has a badly receding hair line that makes him self
conscience and he wears that garment to hide it. This man was arrested
but of course out in 24 hours. The convenience store my son walks to
is the only nearby convenience store in our area and the route my son
takes is the only only route to reach that store. We do not own or can
afford a car and my son enjoys walking. Are we to give up our right to
go to the store because he has to pass by that man's house? Does this
man have the right to reach into our lives and control us? Do you think
I should ask my son to go to the store again and sit home in fear of
him becoming the next Trayvon Martin? This man stopped his car in front
of our house tonight and waited. My eight year old Grandson ran to me
frightened and screaming. As I ran to the living room and parted the
curtain's he drove off. I am angry!
Trayvon Benjamin Martin (February 5, 1995 – February 26, 2012) was a
17-year-old African American from Miami Gardens, Florida who was fatally
shot by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, in Sanford,
Florida. On the evening of February 26, Martin went to a convenience
store and purchased candy and juice. As Martin returned from the store,
he walked through a neighborhood and Zimmerman, a member of the
community watch, spotted him and then followed Martin (despite being
told not to do so by the police) on foot to ensure that Martin would not
try to steal anything from the neighborhood. Moments later, there was
an altercation between the two individuals in which Martin was shot in
the chest. Zimmerman also blamed Martin's death on the fact that he was
wearing a black hoodie.
This is going on all over the country!
Back to The Grammy's, Beyonce's stage setup for her rendition of the
gospel standard "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" featured a wall of
African-American men while they held their hands up, which is a nod to
the "Hands up, don't shoot" campaign that came out of Ferguson. And
Pharrell's "Happy" used his performance to shed light on not only
Ferguson, but also on Trayvon Martin as well. Backup dancers donned
black hoodies like the one that Martin wore when he was shot and killed
in 2012, and broke out the "Hands up, don't shoot" gesture amidst the
middle of their performance.
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light: Amen!
I am glad movies like, “Selma,” are still being made, people need
reminding! But there were also Common and John Legend, weighed in when
they performed "Glory," their contribution to the "Selma soundtrack.
"That's why Rosa sat on the bus; that's why we walked through Ferguson
with our hands up," Common said. The most explicit of the comments
coming from The Grammy's came from Prince, who said, “BLACK LIVES MATTER.”
Get a copy of my book, "To Dance with Ugly People," and share the form of terrorism my protagonist, DANI RANSOM, experiences and her quest for survival. Enjoy this romantic roller coaster of reakity!.
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Amazon Books
I am sending blessings to all of my fans for love, peace and happiness!
Enjoy the following excerpts from, “To Dance with Ugly People,” and let
the love begin.
To Whom It May Concern:
I was seeing a deeper side of Chance. He put his cup down, leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him,
"And your story?"
"Divorced nine months. It’s a long story.”
He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. Warmth traveled up to my heart.
"I have enjoyed you tonight, young lady." He said.
The look in his eyes was tender.
"I want to see you again." He continued.
“I'd like that.”
"I want you to know I'm thirty nine."
"Sound like you think that's old."
I started doing the math, fourteen years older than I was. The same difference as Daddy and
Mama, Daddy and Tina.
"Does that bother you?"
“No, of course not."
"You're a special woman."
"Thank you."
"You've caused me to spend a lot of time thinking about you, Dani.
Perhaps I was afraid of you. Where were you when I was nineteen and
looking for a wife?"
I thought for a minute and answered,
"In kindergarten."
He let out aloud, chest heaving laugh. His laughter had not
subsided when we stood up to go, hugging me, I lay my head on his
chest. I loved the sound of him, his mouth still open with laughter,
his heart pounding furiously. I kissed him gently on the cheek and the
laughter validated to an end. He enclosed me into a big bear hug.
To Whom It May Concern:
When we drove into the parking lot of the restaurant my
mouth dropped open, my eyes were big as saucers. I exhaled softly and a
gentle "Ooooooo" escaping my lips. It was the most elegant place I’d
ever seen. There were gorgeous stained glass windows, picturesque
gardens, and water fountains. I stared in disbelief. Chance was watching
my face, smiling.
"You want to sit here in the car until your eyes pop out, or go in?”
I slapped his arm and he grabbed it pretending I had hurt him.
He walked around the car and opened my door. I stepped out of his
vehicle feeling like Cinderella exiting her carriage.
"Am I dressed properly for this place?"
I asked smoothing the skirt of my shimmering navy blue full-length maxi dress, with a halter neck.
"You are breathtaking!" He answered, putting his arm around my shoulders pulling me to him.
He was wearing a dark gray three-piece business suit. He was so handsome.
Once we had our seats at our table, I felt like royalty. I
hadn’t ever experienced anything like it in my entire life. I hadn't
ever seen so much silverware and so many dishes and glasses in a single
table setting. We were having a five-course meal. I hadn't ever heard
of a five-course meal. I hadn't experienced any of the foods served,
either.
The first serving was soup - Butternut squash with scallops - hot and delicious.
The second serving was the appetizer - Tiny crab cakes - delicious and spicy.
The third serving was salad - Goat cheese and beets sprinkled on it - with the best house dressing in the world.
The fourth serving was the main course - Grilled filet of beef with mushrooms, potatoes and asparagus.
The fifth serving was desert – Vanilla ice cream with berries and chocolate syrup.
I thought I would explode. I was living a dream. Chance had ordered
champagne, which, of course, I hadn't ever tasted. I loved it. The
sensual explosion in my mouth was heaven. I loved the taste, the fizz
and tingling bubbles that seemed to fill my mouth and glide all the way
down my throat. I had a heavenly experience.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
I always write on my second novel, “Ugly People Can't Dance,” as
much as I possibly can. I am not “fixed” on that Title, though, because
I am using “Ugly People,” and “Dance,” again. Why? The "To Dance with
Ugly People," story carries on and you met my main character, “Niecy,”
in, “To Dance with Ugly People,” plus I have a slight fear of those who
don't get the concept Of Ugly People nor the Dance.
Reading Jenny's Blog, I related completely to her use of “knitting,” As
she states, “We all have techniques that we feel comfortable with and
come to trust.” In a prior conversation with John Lock, Publisher, (who
was curious as to how far I'd gotten in writing my second book) I
stated my writing is like putting puzzle pieces together. I just create
the pieces and as time goes on begin to slide them into the different
areas of the big story puzzle as they fit. I can't even explain how
that actually works, as eloquently as Jenny describes her “knitting,”
but it does work for me. As Jenny referred to, I also wake up in the
middle of the night and struggle with fitting the pieces of the story
in, or to create a new piece or to struggle with what direction my
storyline is going. But, I carried around the title, “To Dance with
Ugly People,” for years before I ever wrote a single word. Not so with,
"Ugly People Can't Dance," I struggle with that.
I've also found that occasionally the public does not understand the
concept of, “Ugly People,” or the “Dance.” A few want to laugh. One
example was when I submitted my manuscript for a book evaluation by
Green Leaf Book Group. They wrote:
Your current title, To Dance with Ugly People, is eye-catching
and spirited. While the title does not clearly establish the overall
content of the book (this is not actually a book about dancing with
people who could be called “ugly”), this supporting content could be
communicated with a strong subtitle.
Seriously, who is going the write about Ugly People dancing, unless it
is a comedy! I was shocked at first and realized I hadn't included my
Preface.
I had a glimmer of suspect that may happen, in the public, so that is
why I wrote the Preface. I had a glimmer of suspect that there would be
those who did not get the concept of the African Dance Chapter Titles,
so I wrote the preface. I will post it at the end of this blog.
But, I finally decided that if that is all they found wrong – I'll take it. They wrote:
Content: To Dance with Ugly People balances the three major
types of conflict (man vs. man, man vs. self, and man vs. society) very
well.
Structure : Strategic use of letters, emails, or directed text
(as is the case here, when each To Whom It May Concern is not
necessarily a letter sent to a character) are a good way to show the
passage of time within a text
Platform and Market: Obvious audiences include readers of New
Adult fiction and African-American readers, primarily females, w omen’s
fiction, and coming of age markets.
The following is the Preface to, “To Dance with Ugly People.”
“This novel is the book in which I was able to express a new divine
awareness. I realized I had experienced a lot in life that had left me
strewn and unsettled, the book brought about the resurgence of a strong
feeling of cohesion. In this book I have tried to present some of the
elementary principles of human nature that can be outside of perceiving
but not outside of holding dear, I call it “Ugly People.” For example,
the violence of feelings, the slave of passion; and the dark tyranny of
despair. My life might not have been full of ease and luxury; but I
preferred to glorify my existence, as I lived it, enticed by the wealth
of experiences placed in my path. Watching the world around me I became
interested in Fate. Stories, of the sudden deaths of the rich and
famous awakened even more trains of thought on Destiny. We strive to
travel, what we think, are the right paths in life but does destiny have
to have the final say? Or, is fate everywhere we are, involved in
everything we do and not only just an end result? What do you think?
On, that same note I would answer, “Yes, it does!” and so this book was
born. I could feel my heart glow with excitement and enthusiasm as I
wrote this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.” - Lorene
Stunson Hill -
“This novel does not deal directly with Africa; instead it uses the Art
of African Dance as a beautiful premise for this author’s fiction
novel. An African Dance is used as the Title of each chapter. I love
African Dance and chose to do so to honor my heritage and to place the
musing of life into deeper dimensions. In its usage and content – a
definition listed after each Title – every dance is both treated as a
theme and used as a dramatization to bring forth an enchantment of
visual images on a non literal basis, to highlight the drama (Dance) of
each stage of my protagonist life. The chapters may seem, to some, to
show a bleak interpretation of the dance, if taken too literal, but is
not the true intention of this author. The characterization of each
chapter is not a representation of the actual Artful meaning of each of
the African Dances depicted. - Lorene Stunson Hill -
In conclusion, Please enjoy, “To Dance with Ugly People,” and get to
know “Niecy.” What would you do if your drunken husband embarrassed you
in front of all of your co-workers at your own Tupperware Party? What
would you do if your new man beat you all the way home from the grocery
store you'd just walked to, with neighbors standing on the porch
watching? With her as the lead character, of, “Ugly People Can't
Dance,” would you change the Title? lorene@lorenestunsonhillauthor.com. Let's
talk!
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Gue-Pelou - Tall Mask. - Mediate between the world of the living and the spiritual world - Chapter Fifteen
We have reached the last Chapter of, “To Damce with Ugly People,” -
Chapter Fifteen. Dani Marie Dobson Ransom has had to wear a Tall Mask
of hope and despair all of her life and in Chapter Fifteen who will hold
her hand as she makes her decisions. Will you?
Throughout the book, there are things that happens to Dani and
influences her insecurities because of the negative experiences with the
color of her skin. On this day. January 19, 2015, Martin Luther King
Day, we celebrate. If he had lived he would probably have to reiterate
his statement “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the
color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” - to his
own people! Why?
The reason why: This "keeps coming up" because we do not properly
discuss it. People still can't talk about it without tears in their
eyes, so it's STILL worth analyzing. Colorism isn't the biggest problem
among African Americans and Society but it IS a problem.
On this MLK Day, January 19, 2015, Oprah's OWN NETWORK will air the
Documentary, 'Light Girls' which dives deep into the discussion of skin
color, preference, privilege, pain and prejudice. To be fair the
Documentary 'Dark Girls' aired Sunday, June 23, 2013 on Oprah's OWN
NETWORK.
I've read that colorism is in most countries, yet basically in America
it began with slavery. Throughout the numerous years the
lightest-skinned peoples had the highest social status, for instance
working inside the Master's house in lieu of picking cotton in the
fields.
I grew up not feeling black enough. I felt I had to constantly prove my
"blackness" to people, in order to get along. I wore dark pancake
makeup on my face, not knowing I also needed to spread it to my pale
neck. - I looked like a clown. I tried to die my hair darker – It fell
out. I grew tired of doing it. I experienced more "in your face"
prejudice from my own than from white people. "Oh you bougie red bone"
"Oh you think you better because you are light skinned" comments without
them even knowing me.
It's the acknowledgement of our diversity within the Black race that is
important to me. We are a rainbow. A beautiful variety of all kinds
of shades of color. I love it! But, I was raised to be aware of a
person liking me or picking me for anything because of my “skin tone.”
My Step Mother remained bitterly entrenched,” Don't think you're better
because you have light skin and long hair!”
Share a “Light Girls,” experiences in, “To Dance with Ugly People.”
Pick up a copy! What did you experience? Write me at:
lorenehill63@gmail.com I'd love to hear from you.
Lorene Stunson Hill -
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Kpanlongo - Invitation Dance. - Recreational life cycle. - Chapter Fourteen
The first line, of the first letter, in Chapter Fourteen of, “To Dance
with Ugly People,” is “My life had become a blur.” Has life ever sent
you an invitation to which you sway in it, sort of numb, yet looking
forward to meeting certain needs or dreams? In Chapter Fourteen Dani
runs screaming towards her needs and dreams, sometime just wanting to
give up.
I met Catherine recently, who lives among “the rolling hills and green,
green grass” of Kentucky and our conversation brought back memories of
my spending Summer's in the "Bluegrass State." I told her, she'd
inspired me to write this blog.
Four siblings and I, were sent to Aunt Lillian's, in Kentucky, every
Summer for many years. I am the oldest and was supposed to be the
bravest. I am sure my parents were glad to get rid of us. But, I
didn't relish the thought, at the time. Aunt Lillian had a farm. I was
a City Girl. All of that dirt, animals, bugs and smells weren't very
appealing to me.
Every night a big round tub was dragged into the kitchen and filled with
water and everybody washed the grime of the day off in the same bath
water. The outhouse was outside so, at night, there was a bucket beside
your bed and every morning, it was your duty to dispose of the waste
and clean your bucket. I don't remember any television watching, board
game playing or toys. We were sent outside to entertain ourselves all
day, after breakfast had been served.
We would hear our names called for lunch, in which, we would come
running and were handed sandwiches and pushed right back outside to sit
on benches and eat. The next time we would be allowed in the house,
each day, to sit at the table, was our evening supper. I must tell you
it was the best food ever! The freshest vegetables, fruits, baked
goods and meats in the world – at least to me. Yet, one day, I
witnessed a chicken getting its neck wrung and nearly choked when I saw
fried chicken on the dinner table that night. I couldn't eat chicken
for years! Thank GOD Aunt Lillian always served three different types
of meats at breakfast and supper.
Now, I sought recreation, my best friend – in Kentucky that is – lived
across a bridge. A wooden and roped bridge. That bridge swayed from
side to side and rocked back and forth as you walked across it grasping
the roped sides with a white knuckled grip. Below it was a stream of
water and rocks. I was sure I'd fall to my death. That bridge
terrified me! I would stand on the edge of it and stare at my friends
house on the other side, dying to get across that bridge and have fun!
How did I solve it – if she didn't visit me first - I'd run across the
bridge screaming until I got to the other side.
Back at the farm, the outhouse was positioned to where you had to unlock
a fence and walk through flocks of chickens to get to it. I swear
those chickens chased me! We weren't allowed back into the house to use
our buckets, so I'd wait until going to restroom was an emergency and
run screaming through those chickens. Sitting on the fence was a mean
old Rooster.
Everyday at lunch that Rooster would chase me around the yard for my
sandwich. I would run screaming, while my sibling rolled with
laughter. I never ate my lunch – I always ended up throwing it to that
ugly old Rooster, who proudly gobbled it up and went on his way. I
spent those Summers running screaming towards my needs and dreams,
sometime just wanting to give up, but I loved Aunt Lillian dearly!
What is Dani running towards? What makes her scream? Get your copy of, “To Dance with Ugly People,” TODAY!
Lorene Stunson Hill -
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Sikyi - Express Oneself in Courtship. - Courtship and sexual encounters. - Chapter Thirteen
My father was very superstitious. Everything you can think of, that
falls under the heading of Superstition, frightened him. I grew up
ordered to sit on the couch and barely move every Friday the 13th
because he was so frightened something “Bad” would happen to one of us.
So, most of you know that the number 13 is not a favorite among the
superstitious. In my Chapter Thirteen (13) of, “To Dance with Ugly
People,” I take you through an experience Dani had with a
Psychic/Fortune Teller.
Yesterday, I was watching an episode of TMZ, in case you are not
familiar, it is a celebrity news website and television show. They were
reporting the fact that former cast members, Scott Wilson and Michael
Rooker, of “The Walking Dead,” were at an event in New Orleans and both
happened up on the famous Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo in the
French Quarter. I also read a blurb on the Internet, “According to our
sources, Wilson eyed some of the soft core voodoo dolls -- none of the
hardcore evil spell stuff – and Rooker checked out two dolls used for
protection and good luck. In the end, they both chickened out ... and
Wilson only bought a cigar.”
TMZ’s report was a little different – They reported that the Actor's
actually purchased the voodoo dolls. I laughed as the shows host and
producer, Harvey Levin, stood there wide eyed and looking really
frightened, “You don't think Voodoo is real, do you?” He said. “I hope
not! Let's move on, I don't want to give the public any ideas.” It got
me to thinking, again!
While married to my second husband, he had a sister, whom I was told, in
whispers, by his brother's wife, was a Witch. The family seemed to
resent the only two marriages that existed among the 6+ siblings. So,
the bearer of the alleged secret and I were on a proverbial hit list.
The whisperer warned me of the small bundles of herbs, concoctions and
smelly rags I would find lying outside of my residence and often my
husband and I would walk outside and spot one. He'd pick it up, peel at
it, take a sniff and throw it as far as he could pitch. I didn't
believe – I am protected by the blood of Jesus!
But, years later, the Witch drove my then ex-husband over to see me.
She excused herself to the bathroom and I had flashbacks of whispers,
“Do not allow her into your bathroom, because she will get hair from
your hair brush and use it!” I felt panicked, but the Witch exited the
bathroom and walked out the front door. She returned two hours later to
pick her brother up, laughing hysterically but refusing to tell me what
was so funny. I never saw my ex-husband again.
The next morning, as I drove my son to school, before work – My engine
blew. The car was totaled. Over the next few weeks, my eye lashes and
eyebrows fell out and my hair began to fall out, too. Everything I ate
tasted like salt and every shower I took felt like I was being pelted
with tiny pebbles. Depression rushed in on me like a dark shadow – I
had thoughts of suicide. I needed to get another car and finances
weren't good, so I decided to sell my house full of nice furniture that
I'd accumulated over our 13 year marriage. Did you hear me? – I was
married to him 13 years!
I ran ads in the local newspaper, and slowly but surely my furniture
began to sell. One night I answered the telephone and the most angelic
female voice said, “God has sent me to help you.” I said, “What?!” She
answered, “God led me to your ad in the newspaper and asked me to call
you.” The angel continued to describe everything I was experiencing, my
suicidal thoughts and my hair loss. “Can you come see me,” she asked.
I was driving down the street that night in my newly purchased used
car.
I arrived at a White house, was greeted by a lady dressed in all White
and escorted into a house decorated in White. The curtains, the
furniture, the color of the walls, the bed spreads and rugs – everything
was White. I spent several months visiting her. There was a lot of
praying, anointing, candle lighting and often I was sent home with
trinkets of protection. I was to take only baths and told what to put
into the bath water. The most shocking thing was the night she asked me
to bring a photo album. She sat and patiently looked through my photo
album – and pointed to – The Witch! I stopped breathing for a second as
she pointed right to my ex sister-in-law! “That's her,” she said, “and
we will stop her.”
It took time, but my life returned back to normal – My hair grew back, I
was able to eat and taste food and take showers. My mental state
improved. All I could think was, “I am blessed!”
Am I telling you a tall tale in an attempt to scare you? Am I telling
you the truth? Have you a tale of the Supernatural to tell? What do
you think of Dani's experiences in, “To Dance with Ugly People,” –
Chapter Thirteen (13)?” Read it, write me: lorenehill63@gmail.com.
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Bademalor - Dance after a hard day’s work. - Wanting to celebrate. - Chapter Twelve
In Chapter Twelve of, “To Dance with Ugly People,” Dani
experiences the J.O.B. = Joy Of Bonding. She finds employment in a city
new to her and develops real friendships. Friendships being very
important to a young lady whose felt she'd spent most of her life on the
outside looking in. Writing this, I was flooded with the memories of
the best place I ever worked – Kemper Insurance, Orlando, Florida.
What a cast of characters! I was employed there from September
1977 until April 1999 – I loved it! In my mind, I would never leave –
Probably die of old age, sitting at my desk. I met a group of the
most amazing women and men there, and am in touch with many of them
today. We bonded emotionally and socially through monthly outings such
as bowling, movies, dinner theaters, etc. But, unable to generate
premium income from the issuance of new policies, the company
collapsed. One of the most devastating days of my life was the day I
was laid off! I was numb.
My car broke down and I had no money to fix it, so after what
seemed like an endless bus ride I stumbled into the Unemployment
Office. A sheet of paper was shoved at me giving the dates and times
they handle new cases and I was sent on my way. I had called first, why
didn't they tell me that on the telephone? I cried all the way home!
Well the big day arrived. I was going to apply for Unemployment
for the first time in my life. I had to convince myself that I
deserved it – after all, I'd worked since 1966 as a File Clerk after my
High School Classes as part of an In-School Youth Work Program and at
National Bank of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, after Graduation.
To make myself clear, I found the Florida Unemployment Office to be one
of the most unpleasant places I'd ever visited (The worst place being
the Michigan Welfare Office).
I was placed from desk to desk to sit with eye rolling, surly,
teeth sucking, acting like they didn't want to be there women I'd ever
met! And, they definitely didn't want us – the Unemployment Recipient –
there. We were herded in groups from one room to the next and then to a
row of telephones to call in our claims. Lastly, we were shut in a room
and advised of the Hell Fire and Damnation that would come crashing
down on us if we should ever lie on a Claim! I cried all the way home!
Every time I had to visit the place, I cried all the way home! I
began to pray. “Lord, if you would get me out of this and Bless Me
with a Job, I promise you I will never treat people the way I am being
treated by that Unemployment Office. Amen!” It took me Eight (8) months
to find work and I had run out of Unemployment. I admit several months
was spent at my son's bedside after a major surgery. I finally got a
call for an interview to work at The One Stop Career Center, Deland,
Florida. I had no idea what a One Stop Career Center was nor what
position I was interviewing for – I ran to my interview!
I got a job running the Front Desk and answering the phones,
January, 2000. And guess what is done at a One Stop Career Center? It
had become the place for submitting Applications for Unemployment, Case
Management of those receiving “Cash Assistance” from the Welfare
Department and Job Search. GOD had to be testing ME!
The young lady who'd preceded me, trained me to be the meanest
individual I could imagine – Otherwise. She said, “These people will run
all over you.” I'd watch how she treated the clients and I would
cringe! I was advised to never smile! But, I had made a promise to
GOD! She and I had many disagreements, believe me. She said I'd never
make it at the Front Desk. I smiled. I used a kind, gentle and caring
tone of voice – because I did care. I gave out hugs, dried tears, came
around the desk to hold hands, helped those struggling to fill out
paperwork and even sat on the floor and held a woman's head in my lap
who'd passed out. Everyone called me – Miss Lorene!
My reputation as a kind woman was known far and wide. Every
December, I was awarded a Certificate for working “Above and Beyond,”
with a cash reward. To this day I can be driving down the street and
hear someone shout, “Miss Lorene.” Believe me, the public did test me!
Punctuality is key and those arriving late were not allowed into
certain meetings they were required to attend. Ignoring me and busting
up into the meeting anyway, they would find me right behind them
dragging them OUT! The stories I could tell would take two more blogs –
but I gained RESPECT!
All Dani wanted to do was celebrate a hard day's work. How? Why? Read, “To Dance with Ugly People.”
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Bohooho - The Joy of Achieving Independence. - The new life envisaged. - Chapter Eleven
In Chapter Eleven of, “To Dance with Ugly People,” Dani
dreams of a “new life envisaged.” As we all do, when envisioning a new
beginning, we reflect on the past. Dani reflects on several memories,
perhaps to bring you, the reader, closer to her. Does it?
Memories: I'd like to reflect on something I have spoken of in
the past, in hopes to bring you, the reader, closer to me. I guess as a
writer, I have my own “Peace.” I live life as peacefully as I can,
even when in the eyes of others, my existence is anything but peaceful.
If you've read an interview I've given it is very likely I
mentioned the Putnam Hotel in Deland, Florida. It is and old relic of a
hotel known to be haunted. It has been shut down for a couple of
years, but when driving by I find myself staring at it, sitting there
abandoned and alone.
At one time, residents moved in and out on a regular basis.
Rent was due daily, weekly or monthly which resulted in a large
revolving door of new people. The two bars on the ground floor kept the
Parking Lots full on the weekends. The regulars, people like me, who
resided there three years, got to casually know each other. I lived in
Apartment 313 (Labeled the most haunted room in the hotel).
The RIP HUNTERS: “Investigated the Putnam Hotel in July 2011 and we had
a huge amount of activity there. I took my team of 6 people to the
first session in room 313 and I set up the equipment on the floor and I
also sat on the floor and sat my team in chairs in a half circle towards
me.” http://www.meetup.com/riphunters/events/34270882/
I had a one bedroom with a sleeper sofa in the living room and a small
kitchenette. It was better than most kitchenettes as it had a full
sized stove and refrigerator.
Reality: Yes, the Putnam was ransacked with drug dealers, drug
addicts and various amounts of people with criminal records.
Apartments, were broke into, children where taken by Child Protective
Services and drunks staggered all over the place. The arguments were
loud. The rooms were worn out. The carpet old and smelly, the
curtains, dry rotting and the paint peeling off walls. The elevator was
frightening, breaking down at least once a day, and every time I got on
it I prayed to the Good Lord that I would arrive upstairs or downstairs
safely. To most, the place was so disgusting, they wouldn't even visit
me.
It was hard to sleep, at night, because the bars downstairs had bands or
music playing nightly, so loud, the floors thumped, the walls vibrated
and the sounds from below where unbelievable. I wasn’t the type to sit
around downstairs or drag a chair out into the hallways as so many
others did. I stayed locked up in my room. I stayed to myself and
ventured out only when it was necessary to get new provisions or allow
my grandson a little sunshine.
I stayed in touch with the outside world using Face book on a Cell Phone.
Peace: I awakened each day and posted on Face book. I posted
on Face book several times a day. I described the beautiful sounds of
the birds singing in the trees outside my window. I wanted others to
hear the melody of my Grandson's laugh, and he laughed often. I spread
the gently breeze of sitting in the park across the street, watching my
Grandson play out to my readers. I wrote, “To Dance with Ugly People.”
I hoped I'd reach my Facebook Family and Fans by trying to get to know
them. What is your favorite color? What would you do if? Where would
you live if you could?
I was under constant attack, by family members! I was labeled
fake. Told to get a life. I was told I do not face reality. I was
called phony. I mean it seemed everything I posted sent a certain group
of people into a rage. Multiple people lined up to attack, loudly
making it clear I lived at the Putnam with all those drug addicts, etc.,
etc. for their own ego and proof of my supposedly “ignorance,” and for
all others on Face book who did not know that - to read. After living
in my car, living in public housing – sleeping on the floor, and knowing
what it is like to live in one room flea bag motel – The Putnam was
Luxury! I cried a lot. It hurt, but I remained in my own “Peace.” I
remain in that peace, In hopes, to gain new readers and, in hopes, you
get to know me a little bit better!
My Protagonist, Dani, cried a lot, but continued on her own path
towards, “Peace.” I would be honored to have you, dear reader, enjoy,
“To Dance with Ugly People,” and contact me lorenehill63@gmail.com.
Let's discuss, your “Peace.”
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Amazon books
Fume Fume - Altered Consciousness. - Change in life cycle. - Chapter Ten
We all will, sooner or later, find ourselves having to make the
hardest decisions of our lives. Dani found it hard to make the
decisions she had to make, in Chapter Ten, “To Dance with Ugly People,”
but her altered consciousness pushed her into the direction of making a
change in her life. Dani wanted to forget the past and make a clean
start.
My Friend and Fellow Author with Lock Publishing, Jenny Dunbar posted a
Recipe and it gave me an idea. I want to offer you the chance to push
in the direction of making a change to your menu for, January 1 2016.
Join in the tradition of eating lucky foods on the first day of the New
Year 2016.
But instead of leaving everything up to fate, why not enjoy a meal to
increase your good fortune? There are a variety of foods that are
believed to be lucky and to improve the odds that next year will be a
great one. Traditions vary from culture to culture, but there are
striking similarities in what's on the table. I grew up eating:
Collard Greens
Their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.
Pork
The custom of eating pork on New Year's is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress.
Black-Eyed Peas
Peas are also symbolic of money. Their small, seed like appearance
resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with
financial rewards in mind.
Round Pan of Corn Bread
Round is the shape you want for the new year.
Recipes:
Southern-Style Collard Greens
12 hickory-smoked bacon slices, finely chopped
2 medium-size sweet onions, finely chopped
3/4 pound smoked ham, chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 (32-oz.) containers chicken broth
3 (1-lb.) packages fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
Preparation
1. Cook bacon in a 10-qt. stockpot over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes or
until almost crisp. Add onion, and sauté 8 minutes; add ham and garlic,
and sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients. Cook 2
hours or to desired degree of tenderness.
Fresh Black-Eyed Peas With Bacon
1 1/2 pounds fresh black-eyed peas, rinsed, drained
8 to 12 ounces bacon, diced
Leftover diced ham and/or a ham bone or ham hocks, if ya got it
2 bay leaves
Additional water or chicken broth or stock, if needed
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped red and green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
In a tall stockpot cook the bacon until done but not crisp; add the
onion, bell pepper, to the rendered bacon fat and cook just until
tender. Add the garlic and cook another minute or so. If you have some
leftover ham, add it here also and cook it until browned. Toss the peas
in the pot and sort of stir fry them with the veggies for a bit. Then
slowly begin adding the hot water, stirring in as you do, and bring it
up to a full boil.
If you're lucky enough to have a ham bone, stick it in there after you
add the water but before you add the peas, reduce heat to medium and
allow the ham bone to cook by itself for about an hour to deepen the
stock. Once that cooks (or if you don't happen to have a ham bone) go
ahead and just add the dried peas, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Then
bring it all to a boil.
Reduce to a medium simmer and partially cover, cooking for about 1 to
1-1/2 hours or until peas are tender and creamy. Add additional chicken
stock or water only if necessary to slightly thin out.
Moist Southern Cornbread
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cornmeal, sifted before measuring
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups whole milk, divided
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
Put the butter in a 9-inch round cast iron skillet and heat in the oven
or on the stovetop until the pan is hot and the butter is melted but not
browned.
Meanwhile, sift the flour, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and
salt into a mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and and 1
cup of the whole milk. Stir into the dry ingredients until well blended.
Pour the batter into the hot pan. Carefully pour the remaining 1 cup
whole milk evenly over the top of the batter; do not stir. Place the
skillet in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until
cornbread is set and baked through.
Instead of leaving everything up to fate, Dani made a move, was it the right one? Get your
copy and find out today! Enjoy my recipes anytime of the year.
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
abasiko - Proposal of Intimacy. - Flirtatious theatrical and elegant. - Chapter Nine
Well, certainly in Chapter Nine of, “To Dance with Ugly People,” you
will experience delightful, theatrical, elegant and flirtatious
Proposals of Intimacy! But, how does one get there?
Is the secret in the question the following cliches proposes: “If the
way to a man's heart is through his stomach, what is the best way to a
woman's heart?"
Care to answer that question? Got any ideas? OK, I'll give you my
answer in a short story about my life. “If the way to a man's heart is
through his stomach, what IS the best way to a woman's heart?" Answer:
Is through her children.
After my first divorce, my son was only nine months old. Any Proposals
of Intimacy fell under that old cliche. I found it hard to date unless
the man adored my child. My choices were entirely based on their
interaction with my son. If they asked me to seek out a baby sitter too
often - They were out. If they ignored him entirely - They were out.
If my son reacted negatively towards them - They were out. Needless to
say, I spent many years alone!
It took me 10 years to remarry. He bent to his knees to shoot rubber
arrows at paper targets, he pushed cars along the floor and taught my
son wrestling moves. Every date, we had, involved the three of us. We
never left my son with a babysitter. As far as the other side of the
cliche - I am a great cook! He beat us all to the kitchen table!
Of course, I married him quickly, within 2 month of meeting him. In my
eyes he was the perfect father. Declaring himself unable to have kids,
my second son was born. Swearing he'd never been married, I was his
third wife. Pretending to be a Social Drinker, a pint of Vodka was
always stuck in his sock, another inside the toilet tank, a few hidden
in pockets of his suit jackets hanging in the closet and often a couple
hidden under the couch cushions. Tired of his Alcoholism, I walked
away.
Read Chapter Nine, “To Dance with Ugly People,” and see if Dani Ransom
ran into any roadblocks during her Babasiko - Proposal of Intimacy. -
Flirtatious theatrical and elegant. You may fall in Love.
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Agbaei - Courtship. - Youthful problems with dating. - Chapter Eight
Have you ever done something dangerous in the name of Courtship and
Romance? I think we all have had that youthful problem with Dating -
Being Young and Stupid. Many years ago I sat at a table in the Cafe -
Barnes & Noble reading a Self Help Book Titled, “How to Be Your Own
Best Friend,” deciding if I would buy it - I did. A gentleman slid into
the seat across from me, at my table, and spoke. “I've been watching
you from across the room. What is it about that book that intrigues
you so?”
As I stared straight into his dark brown eyes, I thought, “None of your
business!” But, he was the most gorgeous black man! I was hypnotized.
“I feel I am lacking when it comes to self assurance and self love.” I
said. I couldn't believe I'd answered in such a personal way. He was
staring back, tenderly, he said, “I find that hard to believe.” I
blushed. He smiled with sparkling white teeth, and what he said next
knocked me off my feet.
“Let's buy the book and we will talk about it later. I want to get to
know you. I am in this country for one year only. I am leaving this
country in one year - Alone. I am born and raised in France. My mother
is an African American and father White French. I am here to travel
all over and get to know America. I have lived in 16 states over the
last two years but will be here, in this city, one year to earn more
money. I have a large home in France. I have horses in which my
grown children are taking care of. I am a Hair Dresser and going to
ride around town and pick up supplies. Would you ride with me?
I did. Who jumps in the car with a total stranger! I did. He could
have been a rapist, a serial killer or a strangler! But, I went for
that ride and we were together for one year! Ladies, don't try this at
home.
I had a wonderful year. He walked on his toes, meditated every Sunday
for 8 hours in a dark closet, practiced Ta Chi at 5 a.m., in the
morning, on his balcony in bright white pajamas. Exotic pictures of
African princesses hung on every wall including the bathroom and he
could tell you of all his foreign travels, their customs and his stay at
a Monastery, so eloquently, you'd fail to realize 8 hours had gone by.
On a trip back home, when he returned, he brought me boxes of exotic
chocolates.
When he did return, he called my job just before noon and whispered in
the telephone, “Go to your boss, tell her you have to leave. Come to me
right now." Within 15 minutes, I was driving to his Apartment. On the
outside of his Apartment door was the Ying and Yang Symbol. And, on the
other side of that door was Magic!
Intrigued by Intense Romance? You better grab, “To Dance with Ugly
People.” The thrill of Dani's new courtship begins in Chapter Eight!
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X4KH15
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
Gadzo - War Dance. - Fighting back. - Chapter Seven - To Dance with Ugly People.
I raised two sons. My oldest, born of my first marriage, was part
of a broken home at 9 months. The youngest, born of my second marriage,
was part of a broken home at 10 years old. Neither father cared to pay
Child Support nor become a positive presence in their son's life.
I was both Mother and Father. War Dance - Yes! It is painfully hard to
raise children alone especially when you care so much and want to do it
right. You have to go to war with society, with your fears and with
the children themselves. Not always their fault, lacking that male role
model, but I always had that, “Boy, I will climb up in a chair, if I
have to, to reach you and slap you DOWN!” - Mentality.
Fighting back - You better believe it! Everything is against you, being
a mere woman in this alleged man's world. You fight in the workplace,
fight with repair men, fight the letches off, fight with your kids,
fight to further your education and fight to get those bills paid.
Everyone forgets you are human, too. Everyone seems to forget your
fight, except you. I still wear the scars of battle.
And them, God sent me Kalen. The Lord is trusting me with another
little male soul - My Grandson. I brought him home from the hospital
and have raised him ever since. I thought of him while writing Chapter
Seven of “To Dance with Ugly People.” Have you a child in your life
you'd literally “Kill” for to keep him or her safe? Sure, this is the
same emotion I felt raising both of my sons. I was hell on wheels if
you crossed one of them in the wrong way!
But, what makes raising Kalen different? I am here with him. I am
retired. I have watched every moment of his life. I have been a part
of every “first.” He is by my side, my constant companion and
comfort. He is Eight now and he calls me, “Mama.” It never gets old.
Kalen love Lego's, Stuffed Animals and Trucks. His imagination is
wild: His vocabulary excellent, yet Dyslexic - He struggles to read.
He and his stock of action figures and stuffed animals have parades,
parties, go to War, fly to the moon, have shoot outs and travel back in
time. It gets noisy! There are no video games in the house and the
television he watches is monitored,
I missed the “firsts” with my children. I missed any real play time
they had. I worked so hard getting as much overtime as possible, often
two jobs. Coming home meant homework, laundry, cooking dinner,
discipline, solving problems and sheer exhaustion. Weekends where
cleaning the house, catching up on laundry, grocery shopping, shopping
and car maintenance or repairs and more. Yes, there were baseball with
the youngest, Chess Club with the oldest, etc. and squeezing in the
movies every chance I got. But, mostly, I took ½ vacation day once a
month and had “A Date,” with each of my son's alternately, so they had
time alone with ME.
God Bless you, Single Mom's, buy my book and share in the world of Dani Ransom - To Dance with Ugly People!
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1519175485
What ghosts
will Dani Marie Dobson Ranson carry for the rest of her life in Chapter
Six of, “To Dance with Ugly People?” Wali - Tough Dance. - Work Dance -
Strength
Some experiences in life are so harrowing we carry them for the rest of
our lives. Have you had such an experience? Compare yours to Dani's as
you “white knuckle” grip your seat through Chapter Six.
Ponder the eloquent words of Author Jenny Dunbar who penned “Sweet
Earth.” “And what of the ghosts in the room? They vanish with their
season, set free by their carriers who become as silent as ghosts
themselves. Lifted up with the chatter into the air, becoming semi
decipherable echoes of experience and function. Flights of perfumed
innuendo and shadow.”
Powerful thoughts, Jenny! I felt goosebumps as I read. The “ghosts in
the room” are Dani's memories and they do seem to vanish until she sees a
familiar face, standing there silently, catches a whiff of a familiar
scent, or jolts awake from the chatter of a nightmare. All bringing
back the “echoes of experience.” Thank you Jenny for the inspiration I
needed to write this blog.
My harrowing experience? I experienced the Dani Marie Ransom's life you
read in Chapter Six! Where are my ghosts? As Jenny states, “becoming
semi decipherable echoes of function.” They became the thought waves of
baffling tragedy, and to some probably indecipherable (Are they
Ugly?). They created an image to which I functionally portrayed on the
pages of Chapter Six of, “To Dance with Ugly People!”
Get your copy and keep what you read in the “shadows” of your mind!
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
You are
going to find an element of “Criminal Minds” in, “To Dance with Ugly
People,” Chapter Five - Bewa - Communicate Social Control. - Beginning
and end of rainy season.
Have you ever been knocked off your feet by human behavior? Read
how the “Rug was pulled out from under” Dani Marie Ransom's feet in
Chapter Five.
I am not a fan of police procedural television, but I accidentally ran
across an episode of, “Criminal Minds,” and have been knocked off my
feet every time I watch. The show's portrayal of the criminal element
in society pulls the rug out from under you. It makes you double check
your locked doors at night.
It is an American police-procedural television program, so if you are
reading this from another country, you may not be familiar. The series
follows a team of pro filers from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit
(BAU) based in Quantico, Virginia. The BAU is part of the FBI National
Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime.
The show differs from many procedural dramas by focusing on profiling
the criminal, called the unsub or "unknown subject", rather than the
crime itself. I love it because I have always wondered what makes
people, “tick.” What makes people do the things they do? And, so does
Dani in, “To Dance with Ugly People.”
After I cringe at the horrific serial killers and crimes, I can relax
watching my two favorite characters: Special Agent, Derek Morgan is the
shows eye candy. He’s pleasing to look at. And, Penelope Garcia who is
the fun, outrageously, shocking computer genius in the BAU. She
submitted her resume to the (BAU) on pink stationery. Garcia (as they
call her) is perfect for balancing out the dark topics and relieving the
emotional strain of the crimes depicted. And, Derek's emotionally
intimate but so far platonic relationship with Garcia is delightful.
It is a kind relationship providing nearly as much tension and suspense
as the serial killers they track week after week. You know her
neon-polished fingers are going to be the ones doing the pushing,
keeping Derek going, because, well, what woman doesn’t want to hear such
a gorgeous man utter the immortal words, “Woman, you are my God-given
solace. Don’t you ever stop talking to me.”
Well, my dear fans, keep pushing, “You are my God-given solace. Don’t you ever stop talking to me.”
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
Writing
Chapter Four of, “To Dance with Ugly People - Nmane - Honor the new
bride - Becoming a woman. I reflected on Relationships.
I married twice. My first HUSBAND had been my only boyfriend in High
School and we married at the age of 18. That lasted five years. My
next relationship was amazing, although filled with the road blocks of
both of our loss of trust and our fear of repeating the horrors of our
first marriages, unfortunately he passed away after 6 years together. I
was left filled with regrets. My second HUSBAND was a rebound from the
loss of the wonderful man before him, whom I saw as my “Soul Mate.”
Second husband was able to pity me into marriage, asking me to marry him
almost as soon as he met me and we married two months after meeting and
that lasted 12 years.
Seeking help, hoping to make my second marriage work, I fell under the
psychoanalytic concept of being a “Codependent,” in both my marriages.
Codependent is described as a type of dysfunctional helping relationship
where one person supports or enables another person’s addiction, poor
mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or under-achievement. I
was labeled the "person who supports or enables." Blew my mind! It
still doesn't make sense to me. But, the following are examples they
gave me:
When your husband indulges in his affliction, spending up all of the
money needed to pay the household bills, or the portion of money he was
to contribute towards the household bills, you work overtime, or get a
second job or a loan to patch things up. That is wrong! “Let the
lights get turned off, they said. “Let the water get shut off,” they
insisted. “Let the house go into Foreclosure!” They sternly announced.
I sat and stared at them. But, my mind was racing.
I was thinking - My lights go out and my two children and I will sit in
the dark, unable to watch television, wash our clothes or cook - with
him! My two children and I will sit in a Foreclosed House unable to
take a bath or get a drink of water waiting for the Mortgage Company to
come throw us out on our ears - with him! I packed up my two kids and
left.
What have I learned? I am best at being single! Curious about the
relationship in Chapter Four of, “To Dance with Ugly People?” Get your
copy and enjoy!
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
In
the Third Chapter of, “To Dance with Ugly People” - Sanga - The Chase. -
Gay and flirtatious first romance. I reflected on some on my
experiences during the 1967 Detroit Riots. Detroit, a city in which I
grew up.
I used “The Riots” and my experiences to give my protagonist,
Dani Ransom, a reason to make an emotional decision. Important, because
an emotional decision may use a tiny bit of logic but the main driving
force is the emotion, which often overrides logic completely or uses a
pseudo-logic to support the emotional choice. Of course Dani was too
young and too naive to know that.
In lieu of the Ferguson, Missouri Riots - St. Louis, just
outside of Ferguson being a city in which I was born and lived my early
years - I see history repeating itself. It puzzles me as to why the
human race can't learn from past mistakes. No one wins! “Riots” leave a
profound implication of a crime ridden community for the affected
cities in the decades to follow. Unrest takes decades from which to
recover. Looting and arson in the 1960s wiped out entire business
districts in black neighborhoods. One district right behind the house
where I lived. When History repeats itself, Who are the “Ugly People?”
Everybody? I am personally a fanatic, over analyzing everything I do,
in an effort to never make the same mistake twice.
I agree with what Activist Jerry G. Watts said after the 1992 Los
Angeles riot:s “rioting is not a democratic act. … Had the rioters
polled their neighbors they may have discovered that the majority of the
local residents, who were not participants in the rioting, did not want
their neighborhood burned down.”
Read “To Dance with Ugly People,” for a tiny glimpse into the mind of a young girl caught up in chaos.
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
I wrote Chapter Two of, “To Dance with Ugly People,” - Klama - Puberty
Rites - Youthful entry into adolescence, remembering my search for a
place to belong.
I was thrown out of my home at the age of thirteen. I spent a
few years bouncing between my divorced Mother's and Father's houses. As
an adult I have rented apartments, owned a home I lost to foreclosure,
lived in my car - homeless and stayed at an old, Haunted Hotel. Now I
live in a “Little House on the Prairie.”
I live in a small town build in 1888. It's called a “Village.”
The current population is 2700 and the whole town only 24 square
miles. Wild Turkeys roam around the town, often strutting through the
open field that is my front and back yard. Cats sit at the back door
hoping I will throw a scrap of food out and sometimes a Deer springs out
of the woods in back, startling me, but so beautiful. Often, at the
tiny local Post Office, a “Bear Sighting” will be posted as a note of
caution.
Neighbors ride to the General Store on Horseback and drive by my
house and with a single “toot” of their horn to signal, Hello!” There
are no street lights. There is only one small library, recreation hall ,
fire station, police department, pizza parlor and ice cream shop. If
you want to do any “Real” shopping you have to drive to the nearest
“Town.” If you want to have any "Fun," you are forced to drive miles to
Orlando, Fl. or Daytona Beach, Fl.
But in my Small Town, Fl. everyone knows everyone. The
residents are proud of the well preserved Victorian architecture and
small-town atmosphere. You'll always get a friendly wave and a smile. A
nearby church distributes food to the “Needy” of our village the first
Monday of the month. Another distributes toiletries the last Saturday
of the month.
My house, you ask? I rent it. It's an old, ugly wooden house
that needs painting. I see character! The windows are sealed tight, so
tight, you cannot open them. Yet, they are so aged, when the wind
blows they rattled and the curtains rise.
The floors snap, cackle and pop as you walk through, but some
how, that is comforting to me. No one can sneak up on me. Perhaps, my
lifetime of dealing with “Ugly People,” has left me a little jumpy.
I've added wind chimes to the front porch and love the melodies
of the breezes. A melodic message to the “Heavens” above as a “Thank
you,” for a place where I belong.
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
I wrote the
first Chapter of, “To Dance with Ugly People, - VULANI RINGI RING -
Children Circle Dance - Celebration of youth. - because I remember
Grandma's hands. As the singer Bill Withers once sang:
Grandma's hands used to issue out a warning.
She'd say, "Don't you run so fast.
Might fall on a piece of glass.
Might be snakes there in that grass.
Grandma's hands used to ache sometimes and swell.
Grandma's hands used to hand me pieces of candy.
Grandma's hands picked me up each time I fell.
But I don't have Grandma anymore.
If I get to Heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands.
http://www.lockpublishing.com/lorene.html
