Music & Books~ A journey into the soul of Darlene B. the Author

     


                                                            

      Music has always been a gateway for me to open up and take in every note. It's as if I was at the engineering board, orchestrating every note along with the artist or producer. Every syllable that vibrates over a beat or a melody, seems captures my attention and propels me into another orbit. Not just another world. Another galaxy.

From a young age, I've been exposed to all types music genres. From Country to R&B. Classical to Punk Rock. From Jazz to Contemporary. If it had a label and a hole in the middle ( for you youngins' I grew up with albums!) it was in my collection. I long for a record player. I think I will treat myself this Christmas!

Once everything started to go digital, it seemed like music was becoming less authentic. Not as rich and inviting as it once was. And yet, there on the horizon an abundance of new artists emerged and suddenly I got the pleasure of my favorite artist dropping a new collection of music for all of us to enjoy. Music can break racial barriers, teach the unteachable and bring people together that wouldn't normally even look at each other on the street. 

As I became a Mother, I shared my love for music with my children. Even now, their taste differs from their peers. Of course, they like some of the current "music". However, they know the history of certain genres and appreciate the previous generation's contributions to the music industry. Every now and again, my middle son will hear a song and text me. "Hey Ma, have you heard this?" My oldest will share a past moment in music he knows I will enjoy. The youngest of the siblings, my daughter just enjoys my collection and wants to mimic it somehow. I've told her this collection took years. My collection was put on my iPod which was stolen recently. It broke my heart to the point it's still difficult to talk about. They didn't just take a small device to sell in a pawn shop or on Instagram, they took my history and joy of adding to my library of memories that filled my ears with peace of mind and serenity. 

I will recover. I don't have a choice. Writing has the same effect on me. Reading and writing give me genuine satisfaction. I can deflect and become engrossed in my current project or the latest Stephen King novel.  I've never needed an escape from the real world full of despair, heartbreak, wonder, mystery, fear and a whole crop of emotions and events. Book and writing contain the same elements, just in a controlled environment. You can stop (if you can) whenever you want. Start when you want. There isn't a set timetable and yet the eagerness to write or read always gnaws at me. 

After a major setback, I can confidently say I'm on the mend. Thankfully and gratefully. 

As part of my comeback, I will introduce new projects from my close friends and start to carve out the pathway to re-energizing my projects and bring my characters back to life.

This week's feature is by my good friend Diane Morasco. Please take a moment to check out her website and explore her past and current projects. You won't be disappointed. 


Here is an example of her work...

Please click on the link below:

The lovely & talented Ms. Diane Morasco

October

My current obsession...Syd

Interview with Van Johnson on the Breakfast club

Levels and Rules to being a Friend

Hello, Dawnettes!

Today I'm going to talk a little bit about friendships and what it means to me.

Remember this is my blog and life according to my experience. Catch this.

So, I recently ( in the few months) reconnected with my childhood friend. Whom I love dearly. We share a mutual childhood friend. Of whom I feel like I've chased her friendship my whole life.

Here is my definition of friends and how to act accordingly...while listening to Friends by Whodini ( if you don't know who that is, go to Youtube or click the video below (insert video when posting*)

Ride or die- Whether its 2 pm or 2 am they have your back

Club Friend- Brunch hang out, social friends

Network- Professional won't embarrass you in public

Co-workers- could lead to friend outside of work but not really

And Friends who you thought were but they clearly are not-

I say all of that to say this. You get what you give. Sometimes it's not how much time and effort you put into the relationship but how that is received. People have boundaries and sometimes your load is too much for them to carry. It doesn't make you a bad person. Some people need drama to fulfill their lives. Others just really need an ear and shoulder. Handle your friends according to how they perceive you. If you feel like you need to have a one on one and have an honest conversation to clear the air? Then do that. If you feel your words will be wasted and fall on deafs ears, then move the fuck on.
Believe me, if you have a ride or die friend who does deeply care about you they will only want what's best for you. Invest in those relationships. Nurture and appreciate them. Life is too short to play dumb and chase after people who don't want you in their lives.

Love ya.

Be well...
D

It's My Story and I'm sticking to it!

My Interpretation of the world around me and a slight update on me personally.


Hello, Fam! I trust all is well. I have decided that when I post any blogs in the future, it will begin with a positive greeting.

With that being said, this blog post will be going in a little bit of a different direction.

Over the past three months since stepping away from blogging, writing, or generally wanting to see anything I've written that I wanted to share there has been an awakening. Today I was actually taking a nap and it came to me. All of this could be a waste of time.
Sure, I love to express my opinion where I see fit. I still feel in my heart that I have so much to share with my audience. And yes, I still love to write. However, does what I do matter? Does anyone really care what I think or feel? Could it be I'm a bit arrogant in thinking "hey someone will like what I have to say?" The resounding answer is maybe.
I do believe that someone does care on some level. That the content I put out may be enjoyable to a degree. I never want to offend or push a fan away because what I have to say isn't relevant content.
But I do think I matter.

That's the whole point. People want to be heard. In their personal relationships (Friendship, spouse,etc.) workplace or getting a cup of coffee. I've recently become a huge fan of Penn Jillette. He is a renowned Magician, Comedian, Inventor, Actor and an Author.( He is also an Atheist but we will visit that in another blog.)I have found his views of different subjects we face every day to be a breath of fresh air. He has successfully been added to people I will meet eventually in my lifetime. Yes, folks, there is a list. I get it. He has shown me that even if there is one person that shares my view it doesn't matter. It matters that I made a difference.

I write because it makes me feel better. It's not a form of therapy. I just like sharing my thoughts with complete strangers. Who will at the end of the day have their own opinions about what I have to say. It could be negative or positive. Either way, they will have had to read it to even feel some type of way. My projects are presented in the same way. I write because I feel better knowing that I have created characters that dance inside my head and want to be seen and heard. Characters that could be relatable. I've always wanted to feel as if I met these individuals, I could have a conversation and maybe learn something along the way.

I've also decided that I will commit to blogging every two weeks. They won't be as long as this one. But never too short where I won't be complete in my thoughts and feelings.

Thank you for being on this journey with me and I hope you stay tuned for upcoming content and other fun stuff.

And a special thank you to Diane...

Be well...

D.

Happy New Year Fam!

Welcome to 2017. I can honestly say 2016 was full of ups and downs. There are three points I'm going to hit on this post. So sit back, drink of cup of tea and read on...

First, let's address the celebrities that have left us. It started with Natalie Cole and ended with William Christopher. For those of you who don't know who Mr. Christopher is. He played as the Catholic Priest on the series M*A*S*H. He passed away on December 31st. 2016 took so many people who touched us musically, politically, and literary-wise. R.I.P. to all of these talented individuals. You will be missed.

Next up, unfinished goals. I can't begin to tell you how much of a disappoint I felt and experienced. I can tell you this much... It won't happen again this year.
See, as I get older I've learned two things. Patience and humility. I don't believe I will ever be too successful where I won't appreciate everything I have in my life and people I surround myself with. There are so many things I have yet to do, I don't take life for granted. As the saying goes, "Tomorrow is not promised to you." I plan on taking full advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. It has to beneficial for the person believing in me as well as it is helpful for my career.

Lastly, my second installment of the Vampyir Series. It was a labor of love. I have a fantastic editor. I will be posting her link on this blog. Her services are amazing and she is irreplaceable. My book would not have been completed if it wasn't for this wonderful woman. Currently, I'm trying to complete the cover. I promise you that the next installment, the cover will be completed before the novel. The simplest task has been the hardest to get done. With all the new goals I have set forth, I hope and surrender to the universe that my career will do well this year.

There are three things I don't discuss on a social platform. Politics, Religion or my personal relationship. Here on my blog, there may come a time where I might express my feelings on upcoming President or I may expose some news that is very personal to me. Whatever I have to say, I hope the takeaway is, I've learned something about this human being and I understand where she is coming from. You may not agree with my views, but I promise to always strive to stay positive and uplifting. We have enough challenges and negativity in this world. I will try my best to not contribute to the madness.

Cheers to each and every one of you. May you have a prosperous and fulfilling 2017!

Be well...

D.

                                                                 Just touching base...


Hello Dawnettes,

A few things have transpired since we last chatted. I went to Washington, DC for a panel discussion conducted by Sunfire Talent and to celebrate Pride weekend. The weekend was too short but I was anxious to get back to finish three current projects, find an editor, and plan out my Vampyir Ball.

Let me be the first to say that wearing too many hats can wear a mind and body down. I was speaking to a friend recently, and she said it's better to be busy than to not be busy at all. This may be true. However, because I'm a writer I have to be careful in everything I do. Including doing rushed work and letting other projects fall to the waste side because I don't have enough time to complete them. Being busy is one thing, overwhelming yourself is quite another.

As I reflect on when I started writing this blog, I am starting to get a handle on what I need to accomplish. What I can't finish,  I will try my best to tie up the next day. I need help on my time management. I have to start saying no to things that I know I can't complete.

In saying that, I need to be consistent. The ability to keep my word and complete a task. I have three notebooks for this. Not to mention other notebooks for my written work and the completion of my three novels yet to be published.

I will get it done. And sit back and breathe a sigh of relief.

I'm still gathering all of the necessary details for my ball. I want this event to bring all walks of life. It's a Vampire themed masquerade ball. My party with a purpose.

If you have a moment and know someone who would like to help sponsor my event, just click on the link below. There is also a link if you wish to just give a donation to one of the organizations.

Thank you in advance. Get ready to party in October. It's going to be epic.

Be well...

D.

Sponsor My Event

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

                                                                   Is this for real??

When I read this a year from now, I hope and pray that things will have improved. I hope that we will be one step closer to having security that detects maniacs from coming in anywhere that we could become victims. I hope that this world realizes we have differences, but we can co-exist without killing each. I hope people who have religious beliefs, start to promote more love and less hatred.

I hope.

*On June 12th, a man walked into The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida and killed 49 people and injured 53 other. He was subsequently shot to death when officers exchanged fire.

The reality will not be as rosy. I know this. I've been in mourning for people all day that I didn't know personally and somehow could feel empathy because it "could" have been someone I loved.
It could have been me.
As the details spill out into the media and we learn who the person was that killed 50 people and injured 52 others, I can't help but wonder did he really hate us that much?  I read on a Youtube video  in the comments that on "other" social media platforms he is being celebrated and will be welcomed into heaven for his "good deeds."

I don't know what religion says that killing human beings are justifiable. Yes, I understand there are extremists. These extremists are in any religion and in any ethnic group. That's not what I believe this was.

He was a fearful human being. His fear of not understanding, to not be tolerant, of not valuing life. Even his own. He was described as mentally disturbed, a wife-beater, and a person who claimed to be in "connection" with a Terrorist group. My final estimation, he was a sick individual.

As I write this, my heart is heavy. The tears come easy because it takes so much for some of us to live in our truth. Unashamed and uninhibited. And yet, we are targeted, scrutinized, belittled, and frankly downright disrespected for simply wanting to live our lives our way. We don't infringe our beliefs on anyone. We just want to eat, love, live, grow old, and work. Basically, live our lives without living in fear. This is a beautiful world. A world we are filling with toxic fumes and pesticides. A world that gives us life every day and we take it for granted. I've ranted enough.

As the day went on, there were videos of solidarity and comfort from around the world. From NYC to Europe and back. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

I will use my platform to spread positivity, encourage others to be happy in their skin, and to showcase other's talents. Networking is one of the keys to success. We have to support each. Build a bridge for one another. We can stand alone on the island, but who wants to?

I want everyone who reads this to call someone you've been mad at and just check on them. Repair the broken bridges you made with people ( if they still want to talk to you.) And say a prayer for those who have come and gone in your life.

Tomorrow isn't promised. Live, laugh, and be the best human being you can be.

Be well...

D.

It's Been A Long Time...

Portland, Oregon during Feb 2016.

Good morning Dawnettes and everyone else!

Today is Monday May 15th, 2016. 

I have to admit, there has been quite a few changes and shifts since we last spoke. I moved from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, Washington. The plans I had for this coming year have not come to fruition. Searching for a peace of mind in a chaotic world. 

The jest of it is boys and girls, is that I've been off track. Being brutally honest with you is my way of coming to some truths and a reality check. With that being said, the tears have stopped and I have brushed my shoulders off. As I write these words I have often wondered is anyone else going through the same setbacks this year? Are people not fulfilling their New Year's promises? Mind you, I always start out with great enthusiasm. My work ethic, my goals, and where I want my career to go are always the base of my encouragement speech every morning. And yet, here I am wondering why haven't I achieved what I wanted to accomplish by now? 

So, I took some advice from a few friends of mine. Took a minute away and now I'm trying to pick up the pieces. 

I will make a few appearances this year and be more vocal on my blog. I hope I can engage my audience with all that I have to offer. I have a new website AND a newsletter. All the links will be provided on each blog I put out. 

The big news is that I'm here. Still. Fighting to survive and let you into my world. I want to personally thank each and everyone who reads my words. Buys my book. Visits my website. Enjoys my newsletters. Anything or any place that you see me, I hope I leave you with positive energy and food for thought. 

Please take a moment to reflect on your own lives and if you need to make the necessary changes, do be afraid. Don't let time get away. You will look up and see that life has passed you by. Never measure your success by someone's else. Instead let it be a beacon of moving forward in your own life. At your own pace. Not everyone is going to understand or probably even care. But for the few you do reach... trust me friends it's worth all that you sacrifice to become who you are destined to be.

As always,

Be well...

D.

Trying... {Original Post date - October 22, 2015}

Hello Dawnettes,

I don't think I have enough time in the day for the next 364 days, to tell you what has transpired this year has been totally unplanned and quite frankly caught me off guard. I was gently instructed to give you a glimpse of what my thoughts are or rather what my days are like as I try to take my writing level to the next career. The only line I can give you at this point and time is "it's a work in process." Everything is about research and development. It takes time to build an audience. It takes time for your audience to look forward to your work. They want to get to know you know in any way possible. Some are just satisfied with your written work. Others want more intimate details of your personal life. What it took to get you to this point. Anything from, "what is your writing process", "to how much money to do really make". People are inquisitive. They have a right to be. Your putting out a product and they want to know about the contents and its owner. I can't complain. This was voluntary. This is what comes when you display your life to the public. Your life is up for scrutiny. It's the way of the world. The old saying of "be careful what you wish for" has never been so clearer. My circle has definitely gotten smaller, but my fan base has grown.

I don't regret my decision. I believe I was put on this planet to create and hopefully one day see my characters in some form of visual media. To also be a voice ( an advocate if you will) and speak across the country. I am an LGBTQ Author and I have many issues I am passionate about that isn't related to my writing that I want speak openly about.

The road is long and I hope that these blogs I post help someone who is at a crossroads trying to determine if this is the right decision for them. It took me 22 years to get here. I'm sorry it took that long. But here I am.

Be well...

D.

New Blog, New Ideas, New Attitude {Original Post date - Sept. 21, 2015}

Hello, My Dawnettes and welcome to another addition of "This is my life". I will be brutely honest, I've been through a few hurdles since we last talked but, I'm still standing. Don't rush out to grab the tissues just yet darlings. Stick around kiddies for the main event. 

There comes in time (I think) in everyone's life where they have to be their own cheerleader. The voice inside their head that screams wake up and get moving. I move to a different beat its true. I'm no different than anyone else. I need to be able to take care of my family and live my life. To carry myself with dignity and grace. At the same time be a little quirky and have some fun. Life is full of possibilities and life is short. Life is precious and fleeting. I have a lot to say in a short amount of time.

One of the things I have discovered even as recent as yesterday is that you have to create opportunity. No one is going to do that for you. I know for certain that it's one of the driving forces of why I created the characters the way I did.

I didn't see women of color in the genre I'm writing in as main characters, so I created them. I didn't see LGBT characters that were paranormal as main characters. So I created them. 

Toni Morrison said it best. "If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it."

And I did. And I will continue to write what I want to read if it hasn't been written. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Be well...

D.

Living Authentically with my family

Long Beach Pride 2015 with my son & daughter (Keith and Aleisha)

Hey Dawn loves and Everyone else!!! {Original Post date - June 23, 2015}🌈

Today is Monday June 22nd, 2015. In a few days, my son will be twenty-one. I am very proud of him and my two other children. As I reflect on his years of growing up, I have always encouraged him to be the best at whatever he set his mind to do. From sports to school assignments, there wasn't any occasion where I didn't provide counseling and if needed the tools for him to succeed. Hit and misses happened along the way, but it was a journey that in my book is priceless.
I have tried to be an example for him, but it hasn't always been easy. Interaction with people from all walks of life have entered my life and have brought me experiences that helped shape my decisions and also what I wanted to accomplish at the time.
I'm not perfect. I don't pretend to be. However, I never let it change who I am on the inside. Although, it has left me broken for a period of time.  I have been able to bounce back and moved forward with a positive attitude.
I appreciate all the people who have come and gone in my life. I will always stay humble and true to who I am. I know I have a lot to learn still. That doesn't diminish the fact that I still have to teach what learn along the way. My kids see my progression, I can only pray I am leading them down the right path.
I look forward to what the future holds and hope. I will strive with every fiber of my being to make my mark and leave a legacy behind my children can be proud of.
Be well,
D.

 

 

                           Song that I was listening to while creating this blog:

                                                       

                               I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG*

                                            SWV- Interlude~ Use Your Heart                                                                         

Hey Dawn Loves {Original Post date - April 18th, 2016}

There is so much going on that I can't describe my joy. I will be featuring my first author interview here AND a very special guest. A friend asked me just yesterday, "how do you seem to find time to all the tasks I have and seem to hold down a day job?" Thankfully, I have a job that allows me some free time. To create, write, blog, post pics on Instagram, or just to live my life. 

I can honestly say I have to find a balance. After all, I am a Libra! That's what we do. Time management is the key and I may need some assistance if things get any crazier. In the next five days, I will announce an event that is coming up in June along with the other features just mentioned above. It will provide a different dimension to my brand and a little inside of what makes me tick. 

Thank you for taking the time to come here to get some news and interacting with me.

Until next time...

Be well,

D.