January Book Club Meeting @ Apres Diem

We had a wonderful time this past Saturday at our first book club meeting of the year!!  Our January book selection was "The Help" by Kathyrn Stockett.  Really great discussion in a great atmosphere!

Motivational Monday: "Forgiveness."

by: Tasha

Photo Credit: happyendingsdoc.wordpress.com

Have you ever found yourself holding a grudge against someone? If not, have you observed someone else who has?  Either way, it isn't a very pretty sight.  To allow oneself to be consumed with hatred and bitterness due to an offense that has been caused by a former friend, relative, co-worker etc., is the same as putting on chains.  Bitterness, hatred, and all other negative emotions come with a weight.  At first, it may seem easier to feel this way towards someone who has done something justifiably wrong to you.  However, in the end you are robbing yourself of love, peace, joy, and maybe good health.  Yes....depression and anxiety can be possible results of holding onto grudges, which could lead to loss of appetite, sleep, and other related health issues! So, my suggestion to us all is to let it go!!  And how do you do that?  By letting go of thoughts of revenge and bitterness.  Let's not hold onto that offense (easier said than done right?) and allow bitterness, revenge, or hate enter into our hearts.  Forgiveness does not mean that you do not hold the other person responsible for their actions.  Instead, you have chosen not to carry the negative experience any further in your life.  Embrace forgiveness for YOURSELF, if for no other reason and move forward.  I am not saying it will be easy. It is a process that will take time and commitment.  I suggest we begin by reflecting within and also understanding how much can be gained by forgiving.  When you reach the point where you are ready, forgive those who have caused you pain or hurt and release the control that the person and the situation has had over you.  Ahhhhhh, now doesn't that feel better??

Happy Blog Hop/Follow Friday!!

  

Well, it is our favorite time of the week again... Follow Friday!!  Time to get to know new people, discover new giveaways, book releases, reviews, and other great info! Ready?

Here we go!!

Follow Friday Feature: Mission to Read. Congrats!!

Follow Friday Question:

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school was SCIENCE!!  Yep, loved biology.  Anything from learing about the human body to the small ecosystems in our backyards gave me a rush!! History was a very very close second!!Now what was yours?? Leave your comments below. We love them!

Want to participate in Follow Friday?? Head on over to Parajunkee's View to see the rules!!

Its also our first Blog Hop!! Whew!

Blog Hop Question:
What book do you anticipate reading in 2011?? Wow, with soooo many titles coming out this year, I dont think I can pick one!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Tasha

Food for Thought Friday: Uh Oh, Ego!

By: Tasha

Our Food for Thought comes from Dr. Wayne Dwyer, world known author and speaker in personal development and motivation.  He is the author of over 30 books with my favorites being, Manifest Your Destiny and The Power of Intention and I plan to read several more.  I truly needed this Friday's food as it hits very close to home.  Enjoy!

Overcome Ego's Hold

Let go of your ego's need to be right. When you're in the middle of an argument, ask yourself: Do I want to be right or be happy? When you choose the joyous, loving, spiritual mode, your connection to intention is strengthened. ~Dr. Wayne Dwyer

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "How do you read two books at the same time??"

Photo Credit: brooklynmuseum.org

I would like to pose this question to all our followers,  fellow readers, writers, bloggers, etc.  What is your approach to reading more than one book at a time? Do you even try to do this? Is there a set strategy that you use or find that works?  Let us know in the comments below. Thanks!

Wellness Wednesday: "Self, be quiet!"

By:TASHA

Have you ever noticed how much dialog goes on in your head?  For example, while driving to work you discuss (to your SELF) your to-do list without ever saying a word.  Or, you debate (to your SELF) why you should go to the gym versus not going.  Some simply call this thinking.  But it is often called "self-talk" or the thoughts you have in your head in response to situations.

Don't get me wrong, "self-talk" is not a bad thing and is actually healthy.  However, have you ever found yourself mentally tired and wanting to be still and quiet?  If so, tell your SELF to be quiet with the use of meditation.  Ok, some of you just responded, "Isn't that more thinking?" Thinking, yes. Self-talk, no. 

Meditation is the cessation of the thought process and is more of a way of life versus a technique.  It involves focusing your awareness and reducing scattered thoughts.  Hard huh?  No, not really.  Here are a few steps to meditation and quieting the self-talk in your head:
*disclaimer* I am not a professional and these are just my opinions*

1.  Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be distracted or interrupted.  This can be a chair, bath tub, etc. Be sure that you set aside time to do this or you will find your SELF thinking about getting it over with instead of truly meditating.

1.5  Limit Distractions.  Unplug the phone, turn off the phone and tv, put the kids to bed, etc.  Enough said!

2.  Focus breathing. Listen to yourself breathe. In.....Out.  Nice and slow and feel each breath going in and out of your body  Focusing on your breathing or listening to your heartbeat will help limit the talk that is going on in your head.

At this point you may experience a sense of peace, tranquility, and relaxation. And if you still find your mind wondering and you haven't arrived at that place of peace, that's ok.   Practice makes perfect right?  Also, meditation is not about having a blank state of mind but more about having an heighten sense of just "being" or what is happening now.  Don't expect anything, just do it and see what happens.  That way, there is no added pressure to obtain some expected result.  Enjoy!

For more information about meditation, check out  Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World by Ed Shapio and collaborative authors.

Talk of the Town Tuesday: February African American New Releases

Here are a few upcoming releases that are making a buzz!! Check them out!

     Aftermath by Tracy Brown

Broken Appointments by Elaine Flowers

SpendMy Life With You

Morning Haiku by Sonia Sanchez

Motivational Monday: "Today is the Day!"

Today is the day (if you haven't already) to kick things into high gear and make the decision to do at least one thing that you have been putting off for weeks, months, or even years!!  It may be as simple as reading that book you been trying to read, or cleaning out that basement that has become your landfill, or registering for those classes you have been afraid to take.

Yes, I know this may sound like a New Year's resolution.....but I see it as more than that.  It's a Life Resolution!  A change or addition to you that affects not just your year but your life!  So, I encourage you to get out today and get the ball rolling.  No more time to waste putting it off.  You can do it!  I believe in you!

Tasha

Follow Friday-Jan 21 '11

Soooo, we decided to participate in our first Follow Friday event!!  I hope we have all the info right!

Here goes.....

Today's Follow Friday is being hosted by Parajunkee's View.  Visit her link to join in on the fun, and follow and be followed!!

Please leave any comments below! Thanks

Now Introducing.....Food for Thought Fridays!

by: Tasha

Initially, Fridays were reserved for financial discussions and suggestions. But because the economy is in a all time slump recovery and this is the beginning of a new year (resolutions), everyone seems to be discussing financials do's, don'ts, maybe's, shoulda, coulda, woulda's (I think you get the point).  Sooo, I have decided to talk about something a little more refreshing on Fridays.....Food!! 

Notice that there are several definitions of the word food (thanks dictionary.com):

• any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc
• more or less solid nourishment, as distinguished from liquids. 
• a particular kind of solid nourishment: 
• whatever supplies nourishment to organisms
• anything serving for consumption or use: food for thought

 Now, I know what you are thinking.... What does food have to do with a books, bookclubs, etc?? Well, there are many books and bookclubs that discuss food and now we are one of them!! (Plus, we all eat right?)

Food, as you see defined above, can also include substances that nourish our minds (mental intellect).  Not only via physiological (big word for the day) pathways, but by mental stimulation!!  So, my suggestion is that we enjoy the best of both worlds!!

Now, on to today's food for thought.... Since it is around lunch time here, I am going to refer to Patti Labelle for some good cuisine and eating!!  Check out here book, Patti Labelle's Lite Cuisine, where she provides healthy (but still very good) recipes that includes starters, entrees, sides and desserts.  Let me know what you think about her recipes!! Enjoy!

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "Everytime I start reading, I fall asleep!!"

By: Tasha Dillard

You wake up.  The book you were reading is now on the floor and your eyeglasses are resting crooked on your face.  Yep....you were out like a light!!  What began as a session of enjoyable book reading became a moment for peaceful slumber.  It seems that everytime you try to read this happens!! Why and what can you do about it??? 

Many of us have experienced dozing off while reading a book.  And there can be a range of reasons why– the book is a drag, you haven't been getting enough sleep, or the time of day that you are reading. Well, here are a few suggestion that may help you if you are having this problem.

Wellness Wednesday: "Energy Vampires"

By: Tasha Dillard

We have experienced them at some time or another.  Family, friends, co-workers, strangers in the checkout line…people who possess the ability of consuming all of your energy without your participation whatsoever.  How do they accomplish this magical feat you may ask?  Most times it takes no real physical effort and goes unnoticed by the person who is victimizing you. Your once up beat and positive mood is now sullen and depressed and you feel lifeless. 

What you have just experienced is an energy vampire.  The phrase “energy vampire” is a metaphor to describe people who feed off the energy of others, leaving them feeling tired, down, and often times depressed.  I have found that energy vampires typically are well-meaning and normal looking people (really???) who will suck the positive energy (life) right out of you by dumping all their problems, gossip, and general complaints about the world on you and then ask you, “How was your day?” You think, “Great until I talked to you.” But say, “Great!” 

Here is how you can tell if you have been bitten:

Talk of the Town Tuesdays: "Tick Tock" by James Patterson

James Patterson (one of the best murder-mystery writers ever!) is at it again in his upcoming release in the Michael Bennett Series, Tick Tock.  In this murder-mystery, New York's #1 Detecive, Michael Bennett, is faced with a serial killer that has taken on traits from 3 past serial killers—Son of Sam, the Werewolf of Wisteria and the Mad Bomber.  As the city experiences complete chaos while a string of murders rips through it., Bennett solicits help from a old female colleague and you know it.... falls for her!!  Will the city be saved from the killing and mahem as Bennett falls in love??  Guess you will have to read it and find out!  Enjoy!

P.S.  This is the 4th book release in this series sooo, you may have some catching  up to do!!

Motivational Monday: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BY:TASHA DILLARD

Today is more than a National Holiday or day off from work.  It is a day of remembrance for a man (and a time) whose contribution is felt not just in our country but across the world.

There are many ways to describe Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.— Civil Rights Leader/Activist, Pastor, Hero, Husband, Father, Son, and many more.  This man, who loved God and sought change, revolutionized a country by peacefully challenging injustices, laws, and thinking.  With courage, he lead a movement that would not accept a "separate but equal" mindset.  Instead, he challenged everyone to look into their hearts and understand that we are all "people" and should not be defined by the color of our skin.

What better way to draw motivation and inspiration than from the leader of the Civil Rights Movement.  Let us celebrate him today by keeping his dream alive and setting aside our differences, if only for this one day. Let us celebrate him on this day by continuing to remember and work towards those positive things which motivates and inspires us.  And after today is gone, celebrate and remember the next day, and the day after that, and everyday afterwards! 

Listen: " I Have A Dream"

Our Interview with Author Lutishia Lovely!!



Author: Lutishia Lovely
Photo Credit: http://lutishialovely.com



A few weeks ago, Pg. 59 had the great pleasure to sit down with author of the Hallelujah Love Series, Lutishia Lovely, and discuss the details of how our book club came together!!  Please check out the interview on her NEW website:  http://lutishialovely.com/

Also, be on the look out for her first release in her new Business Series titled, All Up In My Business to be released March 2011!!

Photo Credit: http://lutishialovely.com

Talk of the Town Tuesdays: "Unstoppable in Stilettos" by Lauren Ruotolo

BY:TASHA DILLARD

Photo Credit:
www.amazon.com

This week I came across an author whose life story is truly incredible and quite motivational.  Diagnosed with McCune-Albright syndrome, a very rare genetic disease, Lauren Ruotolo has done what was said to be the impossible-walking!  And in stilettos no less!!  Predicted to be confined to a wheelchair, Ruotolo stands a proud 4'2 (plus a few inches in her heels) overcoming the odds against her.

In her book, Unstoppable in Stilettos, Ruotolo shares with us several "lessons" that has helped her to obtain her success and wisdom as the the director of entertainment promotions at Hearst Magazines in New York City.  These "lessons" can be applied to everyday life situations and include:

• Navigating social pressures
• Avoiding the label game
• Overcoming insecurities
• Combating career confusion
• Turning rejection and obstacles into triumph
• Dealing with toxic people
• Discovering true self-expression
• and much more....

For more information about the book and/or the author, please visit: amazon.com or http://www.laurenruotolo.com/.  Enjoy!

And the first book of the year is?!?!?! *drum roll*



Photo Credit:
http://www.kathrynstockett.com/index.htm



Happy New Year!  We would like to welcome everyone into 2011! It's time for us to gear up and get going! We had a wonderful holiday season off and hope that you did as well!

With that, we are pleased and very excited to announce our first book selection of the year, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.  This book takes place during the Civil Rights movement and tells the story of three inspiring women who are determined to create change that is needed in their community. 

The reviews for this book are positive ranging from, "compulsively absorbing" to "...a story with heart and hope."  We cannot wait to enjoy the journey Stockett takes us on in this book and we are certain that the discussions that will follow at our upcoming meeting will be stimulating and very interesting!

We hope that you will join us in reading our first book selection.  AND, even if you have already read it, let us know what you thought of the book!  Leave your comments below and be on the look out for our discussion at the end of the month!  Thank you!

P.S. For more information about the book and the author, please visit: amazon.com or

http://www.kathrynstockett.com/index.htm