Shameless Plug - #50Fathers : "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge

Normally, I don't do shameless plugs for people or products other than for myself and the musicians, singers, and song writers I select for this blog in my posts. But..... this time I have to support my family, my peeps, and my cousin!

Independent motion picture studio Triangle Park Entertainment LLC and its Chicago-based production partner, Madwerkz Studios LLC will be conducting select screening of the motion picture, “#50Fathers” in six major markets starting in May. #50Fathers is a dramatic comedy written and directed by Joddy Eric Matthews (Seeing Tomorrow, The Deadly Return Project, The Bubble) and filmed in Northeast Ohio. Triangle Park will premiere the film in Cleveland and follow with releases in Atlanta, Detroit, Washington DC, Memphis and Columbus. Soon #50Fathers will also be made available to viewers around the world through video-on-demand (VOD) on Reelhouse (www.reelhouse.org) and other prominent streaming platforms. {Keep an eye out for news on the official VOD release via the #50Fathers Facebook page and the Reelhouse website.} The official US television trailer for the film debuted on Bounce TV (www.BounceTV.com) in early May. The project is the first urban comedy filmed in 4K or Ultra HD.

The story follows Dominique ‘Nique’ Hathaway, a blue-chip high school athlete (Johnathon L. Jackson) as he prepares to sign a lucrative professional sports contract to play football or baseball. He seemingly has the world at his fingertips except for the one thing he desires most…a father. He and a group of friends launch a social media campaign to attract candidates to serve as a father to his younger brother, Tyree and himself. Fifty prospects will be screened and the one selected will be paid $10,000 per month once Nique signs his pro contract.

“This isn’t a sports film; it’s not about teams, touchdowns or baskets. It’s about what’s really important in life... family,” says Matthews.  “The focus is on the values of fatherhood and the importance of family,” he adds. “We believe the timing is perfect for a film of this nature.”#50Fathers stars Johnathon L. Jackson and Kyle Carthens with Joseph Primes, Mikel Mahoney, Tati Ana, Giovanni Castiglione, Latecia D. Wilson, Sonia Bishop and Denny Castiglione.

How am I connected to this project? Well, my cousin - Chris - is one of the producers! (I'm beaming with cousin pride!) Chris is also the Animation Lead for Madwerkz Studios. I love him and I want to see him and his projects thrive to the moon and back. Plus, with Father's Day fast approaching in the USA, #50Fathers is both timely and relevant. If you can't catch a screening, then check it out on video-on-demand (VOD) on Reelhouse (www.reelhouse.org) when it is available. Well done, Madwerkz Studios, well done!

Here's the official movie trailer:

"We Are Family" by Sister Sledge

One of my favorite songs in honor of one of my favorite people. I love these types of early videos. I especially love seeing how they are just having a good time lip synching and hanging out on the waterfront. Plus, I think I have that same outfit in my closet somewhere. LOL!

"WE ARE FAMILY, get up everybody and sing!"

Spreading the Love: "Where is the Love" by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

So...back in June, I had lunch with one of the smartest and sweetest couples I know - Tammie & Andrew - in downtown Portland. I met Tammie through my local writing club. At that time she was the webmaster for the club's website and an aspiring author. Now she is the book review tour-de-force behind Night Owl Reviews (NOR). It was during our yummy lunch, that Tammie asked me if I would like to cover the diversity desk for NOR's free monthly e-magazine.

I'll be honest and admit that prior to her asking, I really hadn't entertained the notion of becoming a book reviewer. However, once I picked myself up off the floor, thought about it, and asked a few questions, I felt the gears in my brain start to churn with ideas.

You see, the world is full of untold stories and firsthand accounts that remain unspoken. As I continue my journey towards publication, I've crossed paths with several like minded authors from all walks of life and cultures. Here was my opportunity to shine a spotlight, even if it's a small one, on some of their amazing stories. In addition, here was my opportunity to connect with readers interested in these stories, too.

Without further ado, here is the debut of my new column: The Melting Pot.

The subtitle is "Stories with Diversity and Multiculturalism." Just so we're clear, the word 'stories' is key to that phrase. The authors of these stories will not always be from a minority population, however the vast majority of books that feature minority leads are written by minority authors. In this column, I will also explore cultures, countries, and locations we don't often see in commercial fiction.

I'm an avid reader of several genres. I'm particularly fond of unusual mashups or fresh takes on standard totems. My first column features a Latin twist on ghost stories. My September post will feature a Russian aesthetic applied to young adult paranormal and the romance thriller genres.  And I will most certainly cover Chinese, Native American and African-American stories before the end of the year.

In the end it is my goal to showcase a wide variety of books that feature a broad spectrum of characters. It's just my way of trying to spread a little love and highlight all the flavors the world has to offer.

"Where is the Love" By Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

Boy, this song brings back many childhood memories. I was truly blessed to grow up in a house full of love, laughter, and music. If I made a mix tape of songs from my childhood, Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, The Hair Soundtrack, Dionne Warwick, Motown, and Roberta Flack would dominate the list of songs. (Throw in a few of Moms Mabley's jokes and my young year's soundtrack would be complete.)

Given the events of this week in Ferguson, MO, I felt this song was somehow very appropriate. My hope is that as more people and authors stand up to tell their stories, we see more empathy, sympathy, and action towards equality.

"Where is the love? Where is the love?..."

Check out my new column in NOR's free e-magazine each month!

Detoxing: "Carry On" by Martha Wash (Full Intention Club Mix)

In my "Balance" post (28 August, 2012), I stated that my plan was to do a detox and mental reset.  Well, I did just that this week and then some!

Normally when I detox, which I try to do annually, I do a juice fast under the care of my wonderful naturopathic doctor,  Dr. Stephen Bailey of the NW Naturopathic Clinic.  For only the third time in my life, I felt strongly moved to undertake a water only fast / detox.  (Now, I DO NOT recommend this course of action to anyone and by no means am I making any health care suggestions - please consult your own doctor.)

With tons of prayer and meditation, I drank six quarts of water daily for three and a half days.  I broke my fast with raw fruit, raw vegetables, and herbal tea.  After a day and a half, I reintroduced small portions of proteins back into my meals.

Just as I'd hoped, my detox cleared my system, gave my digestive track a rest, and profoundly increased my mental clarity and creativity.  I feel more in tune with my body, especially since I had to be extra sensitive to my energy levels and activity.  The time that I would've used to prepare meals, I used to work on creative projects and purge the clutter in my apartment.  I still have a ways to go on the apartment purge, though.  (Do I really need all of my MBA coursework from 2006?  LOL!)

AND - I started writing again!  I made some major headway on my novel.  Yup - this would be that piece I set aside and am now determined to finish.  In addition, I can say that I feel less overwhelmed and more rooted.

I spent time with my writing friends this weekend.  It was wonderful being with such a creative group of women!  My dear friend, Nancy Brophy, had us all over to her house to celebrate another writing friend's birthday.  Nancy's husband is a chef and culinary school teacher.  Her prepared a lovely meal composed of seasonal vegetables and baked salmon.  YUM!

Many thanks to Jessie Smith for inviting me to her writing focused birthday party.  There is really nothing like having a clear mind and beautiful, creative, and hilarious writing friends!

"Carry On" by Martha Wash (Full Intention Club Mix)

My best friend, Gerry Walker, gave me this remix track on a mix CD he made for my birthday.  He is a musician, singer, song writer, and author juggernaut with more talent in the tip of his pinkie finger than most people have in their entire body.  Needless to say, his music collection is quite vast and diverse.

I seemed to have this song on repeat mode the entire week.  I love the message and the beat.  Martha Wash has such a soulfully rich voice.  You really couldn't pick a more perfect vocalist for these song lyrics.  Plus, I had fun shaking my bootie to this beat, while I was shredding old documents and preparing boxes of stuff for donation.

"Carry on, When the valley's deep I'll be strong, With a mighty love to carry on, carry on..."

Happy Birthday, Jessie!