The Countdown...

The countdown officially begins now. Only 29 more days before the release of 'Questionable Intentions,' the third self-published book in 'The Crew' series. For those wonderful readers who have read 'Love Drug' & 'Mo Better' the wait is almost over. The cover is ready and I promised a sneak peak. So for the loyal readers and fans I have accumulated, this one is for you. 

Created by K. K. Harris

Synopsis…

The OVC also known as the Orange Valley Crew has a motto of money, drugs, power, and respect. To them those are the most important things in the world and in that order some of the time. This special group has their sights set on a certain opponent who has caused their once untouchable empire to crumble under the leadership of their MIA leader Sean Livingston. Revenge is a powerful weapon against even the strongest competitor but adding greed to the mix and it’s a recipe for straight up disaster, but for whom?

Broderick Walker better known as Brock hung up his dirty gloves from the past to live the simple yet comfortable life of husband, dad, son, brother, friend, and business owner. With his family and TRUE friends by his side the past is exactly what it is, the past. Although he has tamed the ugly, mean beast that lies underneath his cool calm exterior, old habits still tend to die hard and senses never dull but lie dormant like a disease itching to resurface. When old enemies show their ugly heads, how will he react?

When this group makes Brock public enemy number one and all that is close to him what will the outcome be? Who will walk away victorious?

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Until next time loves,

Much Love ~Nika~ 



Questionable Motives...

Oftentimes us as human beings are quick to judge, forgetting that we have no authority to do so. As the saying goes, "Stuff happens!" Of course not in those words but the meaning remains the same. It's basically what I call, "selective memory loss." LOL... :)

This weekend, something that I happened to see bothered my spirit a little or I witnessed some things that didn't sit too well with me. After I used some choice words about the matter, I had a discussion with my DH because I needed some clarity in the matter and it went a little something like this.  Summed up in so many words, there was disrespect or some questionable things that went on for far too long to be a misunderstanding. Disrespect in any form or fashion is just completely unacceptable in any form, shape, or fashion especially in an intimate relationship. (JUST MY OPINION) It may stem from being disrespected in past relationships that probably triggered some extra resentment from me. Either way after I voiced my issues on the matter to my better half and voice of reason for a couple of days, I started to think maybe I was being too harsh  and maybe I was judging before I knew the whole story. (literally shrugs shoulders)

Was that considered as judging or was my actions in any way judgmental?

My temporary sympathy voice was topped by my DH's voice of reason. What I was doing was not per say judging but observing what I saw and voicing my opinion, concerns, and expressing my disdain about the matter in it's entirety. 

Let's face it, who am I to judge anyone about their discretion's, if those affected don't give a flying flip then why should I? Right? But if the actions of other's make me feel uncomfortable or feel some type of way then shouldn't it be okay that I voice those concerns? 

What's the difference in being judgmental and just voicing what you have observed?

Oh well it was just something that was on my mind. Maybe I should put it into a story. That may be interesting. Just so the readers know that thought just came to me like a light bulb. I wonder would anybody read it, buy it, or accept it. Only time will tell but my mind is telling me that this would be an interesting tale. I apologize that I can't go into detail about what I witnessed that bothered the heck out of me but my discretion is really to protect the innocent. Use your imagination a little, it could be more interesting than me telling the story. After all the best stories are those based off of true life events with a little imagination thrown in, or at least that's my opinion. Until next time!!!  

Much Love ~NappyRedd~

"If change is free, how much is 'NOTHING' worth?

Change - To become different or undergo alteration: He changed as he matured. 
                 To undergo transformation or transition

Nothing - One that has no substance or importance; a nonentity: "A nothing is a dreadful thing to hold onto" (Edna O'Brien).
                  Insignificant or worthless: "the utterly nothing role of a wealthy suitor" (Bosley Crowther).
                  One of no consequence, significance, or interest: The new nonsmoking policy is nothing to me.

So many definitions can be used to define these two simple words. But the most simplistic thing can be the most detailed or difficult. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking it's simple to follow a recipe when in actuality following the directions to the tee can be a recipe for disaster. It seems simple to do a lot of things until it's time to start working towards the finish line. The obstacles thrown in the path to slow down or completely stop the process are the speed bumps of life. 

But the question should really be: Is change really free?

Change can turn a persons life completely around, upside down, and turn it inside out. The ugly people that need to be cleansed would call that bad but actually it's called growth. The point in one's life where the same old, day to day BS is just not enough or not appealing anymore. Struggling living from pay check to pay check, endless drama, grudges, emptiness, loneliness, loveless, or struggling to cope with life's many hurdles. Really the list could go on forever. It's like the many medication commercials that they advertise that could help with this illness or that problem but then the side effects may cause so many dang problems that one has to ask; "What's the point of taking this mess if I am just going to add more ISH to the already messed up ISH I have going on?" Just my opinion... :) Then you counter that example with a gambler that says "Go big or go home!" Now that statement could go a lot of different ways. Basically my interpretation is, you have to take the risk in order to reach a goal. 

The Versus Factor: How much is 'NOTHING' worth?

This question could confuse folks who are not used to thinking outside of the box. With a question like this in order to find the answer, one must think with the left and right side of the brain with a little street sense sprinkled in the middle to understand. Let's be real, if nothing is changed then nothing is gained. DING DING DING, BY GEORGE I THINK I GOT IT!!! Doing 'NOTHING' can cost too dang much, once again in my opinion. Without gaining anything in life, what's the point? A person can't grow finances, change body image, eat for that matter if they do 'NOTHING'! Just saying... 

Summarization of it all; Changing ones lifestyle will only cost what wasn't a necessity in a persons life to begin with. On the other hand 'NOTHING' causes stress that effects your health, adds wrinkles, anger management issues, and a boatload of other problems. 

Which one is honestly more beneficial?

Until next time... Holla at your girl and let me know how you feel?

Much Love ~Nika~

Answered Prayers...

Do you have faith and trust that your prayers will be answered instead of impatiently waiting, wishing for a quicker response?

Prayers can be as grand as the person praying envisions them to be or as grave as the person praying make them out to be. But what's the point in praying if you have no faith behind that prayer or trust that it will be answered in the best interest of all parties involved. Yesterday in Sunday school, we were basically reminded that all prayers are answered but it just may not be the answer that we want to hear. Our teacher basically said there is 1 of 3 answers that you will receive; an immediate YES, an immediate NO, and a WAIT. That made so much sense and often time we as humans forget that just because we thought it was a good WANT doesn't mean it was an immediate NEED or if it is needed at all. God provides what we need and knows before hand what we need because our lives have been predestined.

I am far from a preacher so let me move on. 

I know it's been a minute since I have blogged so excuse me if my thoughts are all over the place because that's exactly how I feel right now, a straight up scatter brain. So much is going on, I eliminated a title from my resume yet and still my plate is still full. And again I won't complain because at least I AM ABLE to perform. 
Exciting news, 'Love Drug' has been approved for purchasing through iBook (apple) and Nook (Barnes and Noble). After going through the entire process of self publishing I realized just how every little detail counts. It was a long tedious process for the book to be approved to be distributed to those two outlets but alas I made it. On to other exciting news, the sequel to 'Love Drug' is finally available. Proofreading, proofreading, proofreading... "Lord have mercy on my fingers and my eye balls." Lol... 'Mo Better' has become available on Amazon.com and Lulu.com for ebook, and Createspace.com for a hard copy. Keep in mind that purchasing from Createspace.com the purchaser has to pay for shipping and handling. If you live in the Little Rock area, the copies that were purchased by me will be here on April 29th. Please leave a comment or hit me up on facebook, twitter, instagram, wattpad, and the list just keeps on ticking. Either me or my manager, A. Harris will gladly point you in the direction you wish to go. A blog with pictures and links will be coming soon. Thanks in advance for the support!!!

Much Love ~Nika~

Epiphany or Revelation...

Epiphany - (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
Revelation - (1) a : an act of revealing or communicating divine truth
b : something that is revealed by God to humans
(2) a : an act of revealing to view or making known
b : something that is revealed; especially : an enlightening or astonishing disclosure 

Everyone has had those moments where it feels like a light bulb has went off in your head like the cartoons and it's always when either they are trying to think of a way to get out of something or to get something they want. 

Well all to often I have these epiphany moments where I get a little clarity on issues of the heart. I have a habit of letting things bother me until I dang near crack. Is it healthy or wise to do that? Probably not but the truth of the matter is that I do too much and don't think I don't hear about it from my better half. My DH is the voice of reason when I try to argue with the inevitable. He can be that light switch that preps the actual light bulb to light up. Ok, that may sound crazy to some and I will try my best to explain my analogy. The light switch is flipped, electrical currents flow to deliver a signal, and 'BING' the light bulb shines bright. Sometimes I tend to read too much into certain situations when the answer is quite simple. I wish I didn't do that but the fact remains, it is what it is because I do tend to over-analyze things. Often times we want to find a solution that will benefit everyone but as I have stated before that's not always possible. The only thing I am positive about is that the person that always tries to find the silver lining in a never ending drama situation with issues pulling from every angle is that they will be the ones burned in the end. Left with a bitter taste, a worn out spirit, and physically burnt are the only outcomes that is predestined. 

I was determined never to go back to the complainer that I once was. Recent stressful situations have really tried to test that theory unfortunately. Needless to say my voice of reason was not going to let me fall for that trap and after having a tête-à-tête with the voice, I had to pray for guidance cause I was beyond conflicted. Me personally I'm the type that will wait for a response before I do or at least I try my best to wait it out. To say I didn't have to wait long would be an understatement, the light bulb went off in my head so quick it made me stumble a bit. 

My epiphany moment was when I realized that I am not Superwoman and I can't change or improve everything. Just because I was asked to do something does not mean that I'm obligated to do it. It's okay to say 'no thank you' or 'not this time', it's okay to disappoint some people. They will get over it and if they don't than two peas in a bucket, that's between them and their conscience. Boo-hoo everybody is not always going to be happy with you point-blank-period. 

The revelation came with a solution that should appease my hungry soul, compromise with my creative spirit, and settle my overactive nerves. Will outsiders agree? Probably not but who's problem is that really? That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

MUCH LOVE ~Nika~

Adjusting...

Adjust - 

1. To change so as to match or fit; cause to correspond.

2. To bring into proper relationship.

3. To adapt or conform, as to new conditions: "unable to adjust themselves to their environment" (Karl A. Menninger). See Synonyms at adapt.

Adjusting or adapting to a new feeling, surrounding, situation, etc. can be quite taxing if you are not prepared properly. It's almost like a badly cooked meal if it's not properly prepped. The results can be devastating if you are not an adaptable type of person. By that I mean if you don't adjust well to changes whether they were sudden or purposely. Oftentimes unavoidable surprises and dilemma's present themselves at the most inappropriate time. Those times when an unexpected expense comes up when you already have limited funds, some choose to freak out while others choose to take it as life's unexpected hurdles and just cross it. After all what does stressing about a situation really get a person. Oh yeah I know, a shorter life span, wrinkles, high blood pressure, acne, headaches, and the list could go on forever. What's the point in that?! 

How can one really prepare for LIFE? Is it possible to be prepared for every mishap or hiccup that can occur to throw a person off their path?

My answer is simple, I don't have a freaking clue because I honestly feel I am never properly prepared. I am prepared in certain aspects but mainly I prefer short term goals. Of course I have long term goals too but long term seems so far away. LOL... OK seriously though, life is too short to stress over what is to come. That attitude seems to work out better for me personally. My answer to the second question is, in my opinion no one can ever be prepared for everything. One can try but surprises always pop up when you least expect it. It's like a reality check that things change every day. Just when you think things are going good and you are moving on up like the Jefferson's, some unexpected burden shows it's ugly head to knock you down a few notches. The most important thing is that once you're knocked down is that you get back up. The worst thing that one can do is let whatever the problem is keep them down and do nothing to remedy the problem. 

Life is an upward battle, you gotta put in the proper effort in order to continue to fight through the obstacles thrown in the way. 

Be Blessed folks... I'm a work in progress, what about you? 

Deuces ~Nika~ 

Conflict Vs. Compromise

Conflict -
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one: "the eternal conflict between the sexes".

Compromise -
An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

Often times things or situations become played out like eight tracks. I know that's a very cliche saying but it's true more times than not. So what are we to do about the played out or outdated things? Well the smart thing to do would be to change the order, the outcome, or who is involved. Basically the keyword would be change. Everyday people young and old complain about this or complain about that. I must admit I was once a guilty participant in the pity city committee. The pity city committee is pretty much self explanatory. Something goes wrong and instead of taking the blame for my part in the messed up situation, I find what else was wrong and throw the focus there. All while relishing in the pity given from outsiders telling me it's gonna be alright or better yet the pity I consumed myself in. You know the saying, "Wallowing in self-pity." It took years to come to the conclusion that nothing was ever going to be alright unless I first figured out what the problem was, prayed for guidance to solve the problem, and then proceed to come up with solutions to fix the problem even if that required removing myself from the equation entirely. So the question of today is, DUN DUN DUNNNNNN.....

Why produce or deal with conflict when the obvious answer is to propose a compromise?

Now if that doesn't work then it's obvious that everybody doesn't have good intentions towards problem solving. What is so wrong with things changing especially for the good? Good changes promote healthy growth. Everybody is not out to kill, steal, and destroy. Only one entity has the ability to do something so heartless because that's his entire goal. It's known that some people are set in their ways and absolutely despise change but my main question is WHY? These people don't want to try anything new whether its food, songs, dances, adventures, and that list could go on forever. That just sounds plain dang BORING. Who wants to live like that? Certainly not me...

As I've stated in previous blogs my complaint-o-meter is out of service and I've officially moved out of pity city. If its something that's bothering me I'm in the business of figuring out what can be done about it to make it better and should I remove myself completely to avoid further strain. Compromising to appease those who dislike change is where most parties of conflict end up because nine times out of ten somebody if not everybody involved may not have any intentions on budging. It sucks huge ones but the fact remains is that it happens.

As the slogan for my church goes, "Change is free" but to add on to that statement that already speaks volumes, "How much does conflict and never ending drama cost?" If you dig a little deeper or better yet dig way below the surface area, you could possibly see that those negatives can cost you the important things in life. Friends, family, job, money, and most importantly respect. 

That is all for today folks. Of course I will be back soon with some other thoughts but I feel it's inappropriate to connect the thoughts of the two subject matters that's on my mind today. To all who stay up on current events of Literary Essence will be thoroughly entertained, well everybody that's open-minded will enjoy. On that note, I'LL HOLLA!!!

Much Love ~Nika~