Talk of the Town Tuesday: "Peace from Broken Pieces" by Iyanla Vanzant



Title: Peace from Broken Pieces

Author: Iyanla Vanzant

Pages:336

Publisher: Smiley Books

ISBN: 1401928226

Ages: 18+



Many thanks to those who came out and joined us last Saturday (yea, this post is a little late) for our monthly book club meeting!!  We discussed Peace from Broken Pieces by Iyanla Vanzant.  There were several thought provoking questions/comments that were discussed in the meeting.  Here are a few:

In her book, Iyanla states that we have patterns of thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that we inherit from our family of orgin. What are some of the things that you feel that you may have inherited from your family?

In Saturday's discussion, the "Personal Lie", was a topic that was referred to several times.... The Personal Lie is defined by the author as a function of all the broken pieces of your history, all of your experiences, all that you have been taught about yourself merging with all that you have made up about yourself... The question: Are you living a Personal Lie??

This book offered much to the person who is ready for self discovery and revelation.  I must say, I personally discovered a few things about myself that I hadn't given much thought along with a few of the ladies at the meeting.  It provided a good platform to discuss and share how life experiences shape and influence our actions as adults and how we potentially can pass this to our children. 

One challenge that I had reading this book is that the author left us with a few gaps when discussing her shared experiences.  While it did not take away from the fundamental theme of the book (only so much could be written), it left questions about what happened from that point of her life to the next. I thorougly enjoyed this book and recommend this book to those who are in search for answers from within and are seeking change. 

My recommendation... 4 Books

Follow Friday #7

Happy Follow Friday!!

It's that time of the week again!  The time where we find new blogs to follow and great info to share.  So, visit Parajunkee's View for all the details about this Friday's Follow!!

 Congrats to this week's feature-Confessions of a Page Turner!! Check her out! Now on to the follow question: Inspired by the inane twitter trend of #100factsaboutme, give us 5 BOOK RELATED silly facts about you. 1.  I have a stack of books that I need to read and review!2.  I am a book buying junky! I can't say no to a good book sale!3.  I sleep with books in the bed :(4.  I carry books in my purse..lol5.  I don't like sharing/lending any of them out!! Whew!! Now that I have aired all my dirty book laundry, leave me your comments below!!  Happy Following!! :-)
 

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "My Child Read to Me..."

Dear Pg.59,

I just wanted to share with you a recent experience I had with my child.  While I was folding up clothes one afternoon, my little girl walks in the room and says, "Mom, can I read you a book"?  Now, my first response was to say wait a little while mommy is busy right now.  However, I could not say no to the sweetest look in  her eyes, so I stopped what I was doing and said "of course you can".

Photo Credit: chandlerlibrary.org

She had selected to read "The Little Engine That Could".  So, I sat next to her as she read and helped her with a few words.  And when she was done she said, "Mom, can I be like the little engine"?  And I said, "Yes, and even better".  She smiled with soooo much happiness and gave me the biggest hug!  I must say that it made my day.  I just wanted to share this with you because there are many ways reading can be enjoyed and I hope that those with children, take out time to read and share with them!  Thank you for your time.

Humbled Mom

Dear Humbled Mom,

 I must agree with you!  There is something very pure and sweet when my child reads to me.  I feel special, loved and excited that she chose to share her world with me.  It's a great bonding experience and I encourage all parents, if they haven't done so already, to read with their children.  Or... if they ask to read to you, take out a few minutes (if the house isn't burning down) and listen.  This means the world to them!  How do I know? Because I have made the mistake of saying no when my child asked and the look on her face was hurt me to my heart! Lesson learned!!  Now, I understand that the time isn't always permitting, but let us do our best! Rearrange your our busy schedules or suggest a better time  for sharing and keep that promise!!  Thank  you for sharing with us. We really enjoyed your experience!

Have you had a similar experience?  Leave your comments below.  We love them!!

Thanks.

T-N-T

A Review: "All Up In My Business" by Lutishia Lovely

A Review

Title: All Up In My Business

Author: Lutishia Lovely

Pages: 336

Publisher: Dafina; 1 edition (March 1, 2011)

ISBN-10: 075823869X

Rated: Ages 18+

Background

Lutishia Lovely, author of the Hallelujah Series and our feature this month, is at it again!  Encapsulating us once again with her steamy tales of romance, lies, deception, love, passion and ambition all in one book.   Here is the background provided to us by Goodreads:

Lutishia Lovely serves up a sizzling behind-the-scenes tale of rivalry and scandal in a family's booming soul food dynasty. . .

With brothers Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston at the helm, business at Taste of Soul is thriving and the family seems to have it all. But jealousy and competition threaten to tarnish their picture-perfect image.
Toussaint is a risk-taker, determined to expand the restaurant chain at a record pace, but levelheaded Malcolm insists on challenging Toussaint's goals. And at home, there's more heating up than grits and collard greens. Malcolm is growing weary of his marriage and his ever-expanding brood of children. His brother's Casanova lifestyle looks more and more appealing. But Toussaint's playboy days aren't as carefree as Malcolm thinks. Toussaint's met his match in interior designer Alexis St. Clair, a woman who refuses to become just another dish on this player's mating menu. But if Toussaint has his way, the happenings in both the boardroom and the bedroom are all about to change. . .

Front Cover
From the body language of the man and woman on the front cover, you can grasp that there will be some type of tension between the sexes within this book.  From that realization, your imagination takes over, thinking about why the woman on the cover appears to be unhappy while the man seems very confident with a smug look on his face..... I wonder what he did??? (LOL)

My thoughts....

From the opening pages, Lovely draws you in by playing on your emotions and piquing your curiosity.  She quickly introduces us to the distinguished Livingston family and strategically places each supporting player character into the story.  Each character is well developed and adds spice to the already flavorful saga.  She leaves just enough mystery behind each character that leaves you wanting more when the book is over.  Thank goodness there is another to come!

This book is an easy read and will keep you turning pages as fast as you can!  While the plot is simple, she keeps you guessing at which conflict will reign supreme.  If you have read any of Lutishia Lovely's books, you know this is what she does so well.  Add to that, her bold themes and colorful descriptions, and steamy romance scenes.  It's easy to lose track of the time and become completely lost in the drama. 

I would recommend this book to ADULTS who enjoy a climatic, jaw dropping, can't believe it, OMG, moments! This book has plenty of them along with displays of strength, ambition, passion, and the importance of family. I anticipate more of the same in the succeeding book! 

My Rating: 4 Books

Motivational Monday "It's Only March Madness....."

Photo Credit: sickhop.com

For all of my College basketball fans out there who diligently selected their bracket choices, just to have them scratched out in red ink when your team lost, this Monday's Motivation is for you! Enjoy the spirit of the game!!  So what if your team has been eliminated (perhaps not) and your brackets are all out of wack (like mine)!  Just laugh at the guy's brackets next to you.  I'm sure his brackets are just as messed up as mine yours are!  Or perhaps you are the one person who has selected pretty accurately so far..... *boooooooo* (LOL)

I encourage us to take that camaderie throughout the rest of the tournament games and make it fun! No need to be mad during March Madness!  Let's have fun!  Have a wonderful Monday and a beautiful week!

Leave your comments below....Thanks!

Tasha

Wellness Wednesday: "The Sinus/Allergy...(achooooo!!!) Blues"

Welcome Spring (I think)!!

We have all been waiting for you! Anticipating your warm breeze and mild temperatures since the start of Winter's assault on us (I actually like winter).  How happy we are to see you (some of us)!  With your arrival, you bring refreshing breezes, warm temperatures, longer days, and those wonderful, fresh, colorful nightmares called flowers!! (This includes you blooming trees!) Yes, they are beautiful; with all their splendor and POLLEN.  Oh how they make me us sneeze violently and inflame our sinuses vigorously!! 

If this is how the arrival of Spring has you feeling, here are a few ways to combat your allergy blues:

1.Keep Your Distance.  Avoid outdoors (for now) like the plague!!  Ok, that is a little unrealistic.  However, consider reducing the amount of time you stay outdoors until the initial pollen storm is over (late Spring). 

2.Shoes Stop Here! When you walk indoors, you often bring the pollen from outside with you.  So, to prevent tracking pollen all through your house, leave your shoes at the door.  Have your guest to do the same when they arrive.  Quick tip: Pollen is on your clothes! Keep your clothes hamper shut tightly. 

3.Air Please.  Use the air condition. In your house and car. Yes, I am aware gas prices are at an all time high.  But, there are few good reason to go ahead and burn a few extra dollars.... sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, irrated sinuses to name a few.  Remember to re-circulate the air inside the car and not pull it from the outside (Unless you left your windows down and pollen is now inside your car.)

4.Wash Me.  Not just because its dirty and your car hasn't seen a car wash the entire winter,but because keeping a clean car, although the pollen returns quick, may help reduce your exposure and symptoms.  Take a few mins and spray the pollen off your car. 

5.Close it up!  Keep all windows and doors closed during peek pollen weeks.  Keeping the pollen out is essential, since you don't want it circulating where you are trying to escape to.  If, pollen does get inside your home, its time to get cleaning!!

6.Stock It!  Whichever sinus/allergy medicine you may be using, be sure that you have it readily available and you are taking it as recommened.

7. Share.  You aren't the only person feeling the affects of Spring, so share your remedies and experiences with each other and see if you can help someone else while potentially benefitting from things they are trying.

I hope these few simple suggestions will help you.  These are only my suggestions and not medical advice (had to state that lol).  May your Spring be warm, bright, and sinus/allergy/hayfever free!  Have a wonderful season!!

           Reading suggestion:

Motivational Monday "Spring Foward Into Your New Beginning"

Well, as we begin another work week (affected by daylight savings time) I would like to encourage us to give 100% and "Spring Forward" today as we fulfill our job responsibilies, entrepreneuial pursuits, and/or dreams.  You may not feel like getting out of bed and putting your feet to the ground, BUT remember, someone else has been up hours ago investing time into their ideas in order to gain the advantage and be a success!

If you are just getting into motion, no problem...ME TOO!  But it is never too late so let's get going!!  Have a great Monday and a wonderful week!

Affirmation: Today is the day my life will change forever (for the good)!!

Tasha

Sending Light and Prayers....

According CNN, earlier this morning a powerful earthquake hit Japan sending walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed towns, dragged houses onto highways and tossed cars and boats like toys, apparently killing hundreds and forcing the evacuations of tens of thousands.  The affects are anticipated to be felt as far as the U.S. west coast.  Let us please come together and send up prayers to those who have been impacted by this devastation.  For more information and news coverage click here.

T-n-T

Interview with Lutishia Lovely....Pt. 2

  

Pg.59 Book Club Members

w/Lutishia Lovely (center)



As you know, Lutishia Lovely is our featured author for this month and she took out the time to tell us a little about her new book, All Up In My Business, and herself too!  Check out Pt. 2 of the interview as she shares a little information about herself.....

(Click here if you missed Pt. 1 of the interview.)

Tasha:  What inspired you to become an author?

Lutishia:  I feel like writing is what happened while I was busy making other plans! But looking back, words and creativity were always huge parts of my life. This love of words first revealed itself in my joy and natural knack for memorizing long Christmas and Easter speeches for my small-town church programs. In junior high school, I begin writing my own poems, and also created some of the more entertaining, original cheers for the cheerleading squads that I graced throughout my first year of college. I enjoyed more than a decade as an actor and radio personality. But writing as a career? Totally by accident. I was tapped by a toy manufacturing company to write a children’s novel and after that wrote, produced and starred in a theatrical production called, “Knowledge…or What.” About this same time I realized that to see the characters and stories I envisioned, I’d have to write them. So I began doing just that. And here I am…

Tosha:  Where do you draw your inspiration to write?  (Certain place, environment, people??)

Lutishia:  I think that as a creative artist, I am always being inspired – by my life, your life, and everything around me. Many storylines come to be out of the blue, and characters are constantly talking in my head. I always say that if I wasn’t a writer, I’d be in a mental institution wearing a strait jacket!

Tasha:  Have you ever experienced writers block? If so, how do you handle it?

Lutishia:  OMG, Tasha. At times, this has really been challenging. I’ve been writing constantly for more than seven years (a total of 19 books) and periodically my mind simply refuses to follow the publisher’s due lines. In these moments, I give in to Spirit’s subtle whisper telling me to step away, renew and replenish. “But I have a due line to meet,” I argue. And then Spirit’s soft, soothing voice: it’s okay. Even though this isn’t always easy, because I feel that I should be working and pushing and making it happen, it inevitably ends up being for the best.  I take a break, focus on another aspect of my life: read a good book, watch a few good movies, enjoy friends and family, support someone else’s dream…in other words, replenish my spirit. Once I’m renewed, I can write again.

Tosha:  What advice do you have for upcoming writers, authors, editors?  (Something you wish someone would have told you)

Motivational Monday: "Your thoughts become things."

Have you ever heard of the Law of Attraction?  If not, let me give you a brief basic definition:  Law of Attraction-the thoughts (energy) that you send out into the universe will always attract back to you in one form or another.  Meaning, if you are thinking positive thoughts and projecting loving energy, you will receive this in return.  Same with negative energy and hateful thoughts.  So, on this wonderful Monday morning, I encourage each of us to concentrate how great, productive, and positive we want this day and every day after to be.  I'm sure there will be moments in which it will be difficult to keep a positive attitude because of the challenges that you may face.  Nevertheless, strive to be positive in those difficult situations anyway.  I am!  Leave your comments below.  Have a great day!

For more information about the Law of Attraction, check out Jack Canfield's, Key to Living the Law of Attraction.

Follow Friday #6/Book Blog Hop #5

Happy Follow/Blog Hop Friday All!!

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.  Head on over to check out the details!



 No feature this week but here is the question:What is the most emabarrsing thing you ever did on cold medicine? Hmmm, I really can't remember anything right now....But if I remember, I will let ya know!!Ok, go out and get your follow on and leave comments (if you have them ) below.  Thanks! Now on to the Blog Hop!!   Visit Crazy-For-Books for additional details about the hop! This week's Blog Hop Question:Who is your all-time favorite book villain?? Hmmm, I think I am going to say Gideon in the Gideon Trilogy by Eric Jerome Dickey.  Gideon is like the bad gone good villain that still creates chaos and destruction!!  Loved it! 

 Tell us your favorite villain below. Thanks! 

Pg.59 Interviews Author Lutishia Lovely Pt. 1

Last year, one of our book club members chose, Sex in the Sanctuary, by Lutishia Lovely as our book club selection.  That book had us hooked from day one!  Our club decided to continue in the Hallelujah Love Series and man we were not disappointed!!  Later that year we had the pleasure of meeting author Lutishia Lovely at her Heaven Forbid book release party in Atlanta, GA.  Since then, we have kept in touch and was very happy when she agreed to take out the time to answer a few questions about her new book, her new Business Series and of course about herself!  Here is Part 1 of our interview with author Lutishia Lovely...

Tasha/Tosha:  Once again, thank you Lutishia for taking the time to answer a few questions for us and for featuring us on your website as well!  We are sooo excited so we are going to jump right in!
As you know, Pg.59 read your last series, Hallelujah Love Series, and thought it was great!  How did you come up with the idea of a "Business Series" and what has inspired you to write it thus far?

Lutishia:  The Business Series developed organically, from several different angles. First, I’ve had a love affair with food from the time I was a child. While growing up, food played a significant role in my family and the kitchen was a social meeting place. So when my editor and I were tossing around ideas for a new series, based on a topic everyone could relate to, food was a natural choice. Eating is an integral part of our existence and so much is based around it: dates, family time, social gatherings, etc.  And at the end of the day, who doesn’t like to eat?

Tosha:  Who is your favorite character so far in this series and why?  Do you see yourself in any of the characters?

Lutishia:  Off the top of my head I’d say Toussaint Livingston is my favorite character. He is a lover, a playboy, a man’s man and a woman’s dream. Yet as successful as he is, there is still vulnerability and room to grow. And he has such a strong love for his woman, Alexis. I love heroes! With that being said, I guess it not too surprising that I see myself in Alexis! ::smile:: Alexis is a strong, successful woman, yet she is missing a major component in her storybook life…love. I often have to remind myself to balance the work with the rest of life’s necessary and valuable components. It’s a juggling act!

Tasha:  The setting of the first book takes place here in Atlanta.  We were wondering, are any of the situations in the book based upon actual events?? (We had to ask!!)