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Category Archives: Writing
Welcome Scott Donnelly to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
Scott Donnelly is an indie author based in Grove City, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and three children. Scott writes in a variety of genres to keep his ideas fresh and different, but mostly operates within the realm of horror and science fiction. Scott is best known for his horror titles “Mothman: Return to Point Pleasant”, “The Whool”, “Killer Scarecrow” and “Cheater, Cheater” (which is being turned into a 2023 horror film from director Del Kary). Scott is also the head writer of Micro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids, a podcast and collection of original and free short horror stories geared toward a younger crowd who craves the spooky stuff. In addition to writing fiction, Scott also freelances for Weird Darkness Publishing as an editor and cover designer.
Click the following link to Scott on Social Media, get free books, sign-up for his newsletter, and become a Patreon supporter: https://linktr.ee/scottdonnellyauthor
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Day 19- National Poetry Month
Day 18- National Poetry Month
This poem by Sam Walter Foss brings back so many memories of my college days. Oh college days! 😊
House by the Side of the Road
There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat
Nor hurl the cynic’s ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish – so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat,
Or hurl the cynic’s ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
https://allpoetry.com/The-House-By-The-Side-Of-The-Road
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Memories About Mount Vernon Avenue
If you are like most of us, traveling down memory lane has become more of an occurrence than anything else. We travel down memory lane when we think about our childhood, food prices before COVID, and the housing market. When I first started driving at 16 years of age, gas prices were $1.06. Matter of fact, I remember paying $0.99 per gallon one summer. Those were great days, whether or not we knew it was another thing.
Today, we are traveling down memory lane to discuss a well known area in Columbus, Ohio; Mount Vernon Avenue. I would like you to post your memories below about Mount Vernon Avenue and what you remember.
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Meet Me at Half of Pi
Day 13
Although I missed Pi Day last month, here is my Pi Day poem for National Poetry Month. The Poem starts off, “Meet me at half of pi…”
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Updated Book Pricing List
Hi Beautiful people!
I’ve updated my book pricing list to reflect characters from my books and a couple of books I will have for sell at my upcoming events.
I have four upcoming events. I am hoping to see you at the next event. Let’s say that every book I sell at the event in July, I will donate $2 per book to the March of Dimes. It’s a two day event so you have time to make an impactful purchase.
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Omen
It’s day 12 of celebrating poetry and I have another reason why poetry is so amazing. Years ago I was going through a break up which had the ability to deter me from my purpose and lead me down a rabbit hole of anger and depression. After months of feeling vulnerable and slighted, I decided to poetically express a dream I had. The dream and the poem allowed me to release my hurt and give it to GOD because GOD knows we cannot do it alone. To this day I appreciate what I went through to get to where I am today because I am where I need to be and for me and my daughter.
Enjoy this poem called Omen
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Day 11- National Poetry Month
This is one of my favorite playful poems that I wrote. It’s about different tv shows I watched in the past and I used poetry to describe life.
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Day 10- National Poetry Month
Lauryn Hill has always been my favorite singer, rapper, and poet. Like Mos Def stated, she needs no introduction. Check out her poem on motives and thoughts.
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Day 9- National Poetry Month
Today marks day 9 of National Poetry Month. Do you dream in pictures, color, or love?
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Day 8- National Poetry Month
Poetry still pumps profusely through my veins. This right here is why. Erykah Badu is one of the best to ever do it. Her poetry and songs are amazing. This poem was the inspiration to one of my poems I will post soon.
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Day 7- National Poetry Month
Hey peeps!
It’s Friday! I am definitely a living for the weekend individual. This is when I can do what I love the most (Write) and have fun with my daughter.
It’s Day 7-
of National Poetry Month. This poem comes from my second book of poetry, My Poetic Soul Unleashed. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. A poem called Inspired. #NationalPoetryMonth #poetry #poem
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Day 6: National Poetry Month
Day 6
I love poetry and often found this as the easiest way to express myself in my early to late 20s. So here’s to National Poetry Month. A poem called I Am.
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Day 5- National Poetry Month
Book Pricing List
Good afternoon sunshines,
I’ve had a few people reach out to me about prices for my books, so I created this book pricing list for paperback books if bought directly from me. Please note these prices do not include shipping.
Message me if you have questions.
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National Poetry Month Day 4
Hey y’all
It’s day four of National Poetry Month and I am behind on my daily poetry postings of my favorite poems. That is absolutely ok in my eyes. I hope you love the poem below by Langston Hughes.
Harlem
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
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Promote Your Business
Looking for new and innovative ways to promote yourself? Ask me how I can help you promote your product, service, and website!
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PJ’s World Now Available…
PJ’s World is now available at the following locations: Karl Road, Whetstone, Gahanna, Northside, and Main Library.
In PJ’s World, anything and everything is explored. He takes the world on a journey, into his own imagination that includes magic, dinosaurs, and train rides. PJ loves talking about Hip-hop with his cousin from All in Together Girls. They talk about old school, new school, and everything in-between. He also joins a dance class of a world-renowned choreographer, who helps him understand the wonderful world of ballet. Driving a train is a must for this adventurous little boy who just wants to have fun and live life to the fullest.
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What Imprints Are You Making on Life?
Have you thought lately about the imprints you are making on life, at work, and even at home? Are they things you would be proud of? Many of us go through life only reflecting on things to get us by day-to-day. We live for the here and now because the future isn’t always guaranteed. However what if the future was guaranteed? What if the imprints you make now could help your family in the future?
When I think about imprints and planning for the future and your family, I think about a conversation I had with an acquaintance many years ago. The acquaintance did not believe in obtaining life insurance because he thought it only set the stage for your significant other and family to fight over the money when you died. He didn’t realize that life insurance was put into place to help pay for your burial and other expenses, so your family would not have to pay as much. The surprise on his face when I stated this gave a clear indication he had never thought about this before. The same surprise can be seen on others face when I mention what imprints are you making on life.
Imprints should be positive impacts you are making on your life that will help you, your family, and friends in the future. So again I ask, what imprints are you making on life?
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Kudos to Target
Kudos to Target for recently expanding the number of my titles sold at their store. This number has went from 1, 2, 3, 5, and now 7. These titles were published with Hampton Publishing House, LLC.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity to have my works sold at a store I absolutely love. Target is the place you shop only planning to spend $30 and come out spending $130 due to everything they have to offer.
If you don’t believe me, check them out here
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Welcome Back Brieanna Wilkolf to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
Brieanna Wilkoff (she/her) believes wholeheartedly in the power of kindness, the importance of theatre, and the awesomeness of ’80s rock. She married her husband onstage at the oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio, and their first dance was to Bon Jovi’s “Thank You for Loving Me.” Her favorite musical is a three-way tie between Les Mis, Wicked, and Hamilton.
I’ll Be There for You is Brieanna’s debut young adult novel. It was inspired by her family’s commitment to kindness, including performing 100 kind acts in a single day. Brieanna lives in Westerville, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and dog. You can visit her online and sign up for her newsletter at brieannawilkoff.com or follow her on Twitter (@BrieannaWilkoff), Facebook (Brieanna Wilkoff Author), or Instagram (@brieanna_wilkoff).
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I’ll Be There for You
Rae Ballester loves movie musicals and—thanks to her dad—’80s rock. Since he died a year ago, his favorite music helps keep his memory alive. Struggling to move on, Rae keeps her head down and earbuds in, but shunning the world has cost her even her closest friendships, leaving her the “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”
When Rae meets Mac, a boy with a charming smile who thinks any problem can be solved with a show tune, she cautiously welcomes their easy banter. With his humor, enthusiasm, and well-curated Broadway playlists, Mac slowly edges his way into her heart, but when he proves “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Rae thinks about withdrawing to the comfort of hair metal and the silver screen.
Should Rae retreat from the world to protect her already broken heart, or will her involvement in the school’s theatre program and the random acts of kindness she and others have started performing give her “Something to Believe In”? I’ll Be There for You delves into the personal journey of healing old wounds, making new friends, and learning how to build a future with pieces of the past and present.
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Welcome Back Colette Harrell to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
A Detroit, Michigan native, Colette is an author, story editor, book coach, screenwriter, playwright, and entrepreneur. Holding a master’s degree, she is a retired director of social services and believes God has a plan for every life, but you hold the key to manifesting its fullness. Colette is the owner of Intentional Entertainment LLC and Co-founder of COJACK Productions LLC, both entertainment companies that minister through literary, film, stage, and audio platforms. She sits on the board of the Ohio Writers Association.
She is the author of “The Devil Made Me Do It,” a finalist in the Phyliss Wheatley, Harlem First Books awards, and one of the top ten books for 2014 for the Read You Later Radio show. Her other book, “Tell The Truth, The Devil Won’t’ is listed as a five-star review on Amazon and Good Reads. Her book, Later, debuted as number one in African American Historical Fiction on Amazon and was named as one of the top 40 Fiction Books of 2022 by Conversations Magazine, Inc. Her latest book, The Book of Disasters, is a Romantic Thriller sure to titillate avis readers.
She is aka ‘Mother Sweat’ blogger/vlogger of Mother Sweat, Collards N Cornbread, the seasonings of life. It’s down-home wisdom for everyday living on Youtube.com.
As a motivational speaker, teaching workshops on state and national levels, she has spoken at various book fairs, festivals, conferences, and churches. She facilitates retreats that free women to live their best lives through the act of Forgiveness.
She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, writing with humor and compassion to engage and minister to the human heart.
The Book Of Disasters Blurb
What if everything we believed was a lie? All of us?
Nia Lewis is a lone librarian who has fumbled through life content until she meets the one. The only problem is he’s ‘different’ as in neurodivergent, living on the spectrum different. An army brat, Nia has always been somewhat of a coward. It’s her sister that takes on the world.
Deacon is a modern-day “Rain Man’. He’s not a fan of people, but now that he’s met Nia Lewis, he determines he can change . . . for love. If only she will give love a chance. But his brother doesn’t want Deacon to change, especially to please a woman who doesn’t think Deacon’s good enough.
In the background of their lives, looming over everyone’s existence, are five powerful families with five copies of an ancient book that has controlled and manipulated the fate of all humanity for almost two hundred years. The Book is the blueprint for yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is their manifesto. When one of these books goes missing, unspeakable forces are unleashed to have it returned.
Nia, the loner librarian, and Deacon, a man determined to change, fight for the good of all. At the end of their journey, will they save the world and claim a love that surpasses their dreams, or will they discover their differences too impossible to climb?
The story twists and turns, leaving the reader with a growing sense of uncertainty. Alliances are formed and broken as forces clash and the stakes grow higher. But as the battle rages on, a faint hope remains, offering a chance that true love could still override the consequences of an all-or-nothing war for humanity.
Website: https://www.coletteharrell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colette.R.Harrell
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2nd Annual Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival
It’s that time of the year! Registration for the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival has begun.
Read to Lead/Write to Enlight is a concept. It’s a motto. It’s about the natural process of allowing reading and writing to become a part of your daily activities and supporting authors, whether they are local, out-of-state, or from another country. We love literacy, whether it’s from Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, or France. We hope you get engaged with us on this literacy journey toward reading, leading, writing. and enlightening.
I am excited to announce that this year, some of the proceeds for the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival we will go to Thurber House. Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.
Authors can register here and sponsors can register here.
We hope to see you there or see your sponsorship if you are unable to attend
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Thankful and Grateful
I am thankful and grateful for family. I am thankful and grateful for friends. I am thankful and grateful for new and old relationships. Most of all, I am thankful and grateful for new opportunities.
Below I list a few of these opportunities that have supported my books. What are you thankful and grateful for?
Available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library
Available at Target
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Pleasant Surprise
The New Face of Disabilities is now sold at Target.
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In Honor of National Poetry Month
This April is National Poetry Month. In honor of this month, I am re-releasing my first poetry book in hardback and a new book cover.
Grab the paperback edition here
Check out Facebook reel about the upcoming release below:
https://fb.watch/iMJCt3CwfP/?mibextid=cr9u03
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Are Your Goals Goaling?
Hey sunshines,
I hope you are living your best lives and making dreams come true. Were you a bit confused at my question above? Well, if you were, it’s the same as saying « That math is mathing.»
What I want to know is are you goals goaling? Are you setting and achieving your goals? Are you making new goals? Are you pushing yourself beyond your expectations?
Let’s make these goals count!
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PJ’s World Coming to The Columbus Metropolitan Library Near You.
I’m excited to say this is the third book I have written, which will be available at The Columbus Metropolitan Library soon.
In PJ’s World, anything and everything is explored. He takes the world on a journey, into his own imagination that includes magic, dinosaurs, and train rides. PJ loves talking about Hip-hop with his cousin from All in Together Girls. They talk about old school, new school, and everything in-between. He also joins a dance class of a world-renowned choreographer, who helps him understand the wonderful world of ballet. Driving a train is a must for this adventurous little boy who just wants to have fun and live life to the fullest.
Reserve your copy at the library here: https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3773577
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Coming Soon to The Columbus Metropolitan Library Near You
I am excited to announce The Wanderlusts can be placed on hold at Columbus Metropolitan Library today.
A few years ago, I too was a Wanderlust; traveling all across the U.S. and Canada. I hope you enjoy some of the pictures in the book that were taken from exploring so many amazing places.
https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3773588
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Books are everthing
Books are everything! They provide us strength, inspiration, and a way to escape our world for a brief moment.
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Are You Ready for the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival?
Last year, I implemented the first Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival at Otterbein University. The festival was created to encourage individuals to read more, write more, and support local authors by purchasing a copy of their book.
We had authors from all across Ohio participate in the event. The authors were given an opportunity to read a portion of their work to others. Attendees were presented with the opportunity to win prizes, such a gifts cards, kindle, and possibly a free book.
This event was absolutely amazing and we loved everything about it. We hope you join us for this event this year.
More information coming soon!
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Book Share Time!
What books have you been getting into lately (In my Tabitha Brown voice 😊)
I love visiting the library. You just don’t know how much I miss it. As a parent, it’s challenging having enough time to do simple things like this. Some would say make it a trip with your little one. However, those of us with very energetic children know that’s just not possible right now. So I have to enjoy it when I have some alone time. Don’t worry, I bring home things my little one can enjoy as well.
Well here’s some of our goodies for the month. What’s on your bookshelf or coffee/end table.
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My First Computer
Write about your first computer.
I remember the first time I ever encountered a computer. I was around 10 years old and it was at my aunt’s house. The interesting part is that there was some type of code she had to type in to get everything started. Once it was ready, it would go to a black screen. She would then have to type in something else to take it to another screen. The monitor was big and bulky. Very similar to an early TV set.
Fast forward about 12 years later, I was out of college and I purchased my first desktop. This is around the time they had just started making flat screen monitors. The hard drive was still big and bulky, but I loved that computer. It had all my early writings on it, music, and all the tools I used to become an author/publisher.
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The Story Behind the Books
Prior to Georgie and Gracie Eat Your Peas being developed, I decided the colors of the book would represent the UNIA flag, the Afro-American flag, and the Black Liberation flag.
“The Pan-African/Marcus Garvey flag was created in 1920 to represent people of the African Diaspora and to symbolize black liberation in the United States. As flags symbolize the union of governance, people, and territory, this flag was created to give Black people in America and the world over a symbol that unifies the Diaspora. This tri-color flag consists of three equal horizontal bands colored Red, Black, and Green, which represents
- Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation;
- Black: for the people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag;
- Green: the abundant and vibrant natural wealth of Africa, the Motherland.”
Feel free to read more about the by clicking the link above
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Gratitude and Attitude Equals Latitude
Healing by Letting Go
Sometimes you have to let go. Stop holding onto things for so long that they turn into bitterness and resentment. Whether this is in reference to corrective action, performance evaluations, friendships, or hurt feelings. This can be the hardest thing to do, but can also be the most rewarding.
Just know you will be ok.
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How Do I Continue to Push Myself
This is one way. I give myself goals to accomplish, which are achievable at first. As I continue to surpass my original goal, I amend it to another goal. My monthly book sale goal is to sell at least 20 books a month. I achieved that, so I increased it to 50 books. I achieved that also, so I changed it again to 100 books. What this means is I have 6 more days to achieve this goal. Think I can do it?
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What’s My Story
10 Benefits of Cinnamon
I’ve been on a cinnamon kick lately because I remembered that the benefits of digesting it was similar to Turmeric.
Who’s down for the benefits of using a natural product?
◦ 1. Contains powerful medicinal properties
◦ 2. Loaded with antioxidants
◦ 3. May have anti-inflammatory properties
◦ 4. Could protect against heart disease
◦ 5. Could improve sensitivity to insulin
◦ 6. Helps lower blood sugar levels
◦ 7. May have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases
◦ 8. Cinnamon may protect against cancer
◦ 9. May prevent bacterial and fungal infections
◦ 10. May have anti-viral properties
Information above found here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
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Otterbein University
Excited to announce I’ve been asked to come back to Otterbein University in March to present information on my career and books. It’s always a pleasure speaking to students.
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A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Here’s one of the reasons you should consider reading Mount Vernon Avenue. This street is a representation of unity, culture, and a stroll down memory lane. Grab a copy at The Metropolitan Library, Indie Bound, Books-a-Million, The Bookloft, Gramercy Books, or at your local bookstore
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What’s on your bookshelf?
Viola Davis’ story is a true heartfelt novel. I got the audiobook and it’s interesting listening to her tell her own story. It was her truth and she was speaking it. I cried, understood, and could relate to her story. She was speaking her truth. Only 39% of the book has been read, but I know I will continue this journey to finish her book because I owe it to me to see how she overcame her barriers and rose to the occasion. And let’s be honest, she has and is definitely still rising.
Feel free to share what’s on your bookshelf and what you have been reading
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Cheese Please!
Today for dinner, we made our own pizza. We started with store bought dough.
Then we rolled it! Yes with a cup.
Then we shaped it. We did a little pac man design.
Then we sauced it.
Then we cheesed it! Ok guys, now you know I’ve made up quite a few words. Ha! I was in my mode.
Hope you try this at home.
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Making Sacrifices
Today this posting is about the sacrifices you have made to get to where you are today. What sacrifices have you made for yourself? Maybe the sacrifice wasn’t for you, but a child, significant other, or a family member? Was it a big or little sacrifice? If you could do it all over again, would you still make the same sacrifice?
I’ve talked to various people about sacrifices they have made, which has ranged from moving out of state for a significant other and putting off starting a family for their career.
What sacrifices have you made or are still making
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Let’s Get Into It…
Let’s get into it with Tabitha Brown. I absolutely love Tabitha Brown and her family. They seem very down to earth and friendly. I love all the things Tabitha is doing and the fact she is not compromising herself or integrity while doing it.
I became aware of Tabitha just last year when a video surfaced on Instagram of her gifting her father a truck. This was such an amazing gesture and I loved his reaction and her love for her family. This made me visit her page, follow her, and experience all the great things she was doing.
Tabitha is a movement, from her beautiful natural hair, vegan lifestyle, books, kid show (Tab Time), hair products (Donna’s Recipe), clothing and household products, and weekly YouTube episodes with her husband (Tab and Chance).
It’s good seeing good people like Tabitha win. I wish her continued blessings, prosperity, and partnerships.
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Be the Best You!
Good morning sunshines,
Letting you know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and all your hard work will payoff. Sometimes you may not think your work is getting noticed or even that people see your vision. It may take time for people to see what you already see, but give them time to catch up. Give them time to see your true self, your heart, and how amazing you are.
Keep making moves and being the best YOU, you can be!
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We Walk It, Like We Talk It
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Excited to announce Mount Vernon Avenue can we found at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Feel free to place your copy on hold here.
Link in also here: https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Melica+niccole+
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Tasty and Healthy
This snack is delicious. Today, my daughter and I purchased fresh, sugar snap peas. My first thought was to cook it; however, the only option on the bag was to microwave it. I then posted my recent purchase on Facebook and a friend told me she eats them raw. So my daughter and I tried them raw. “Let me tell you” in my Fire Marshall Bill voice. They were amazing. Even my 3 years old was in love with this snack.
Feel free to try this cheap and quick with your friends and family.
Melica Niccole 