Rapture

Tonight

I need you to place my body on a cloud

Adrift between your fantasies and my candy coated dreams

To an ecstasy others haven’t explored yet



Christopher Columbus my mayflower

Set sail

ride the waves

the ebb and flow of your manhood releases from my temple

Plant your flag and remind anyone else who travels here

That this

This is your discovery



Seal our destiny with a kiss

And remind me why the twinkle in my exist

Tonight I just wanna be the reason behind your bliss



Knees weakening from your devouring of my pearl

I’m sure I speak English

but you

You have me speaking another dialect

With each thrust

your name sounds different

floating off of my tongue





Kneel Armstrong my treasure

And go down in history as the first

The first

to cause multiple orgasms

there’s something about the joining of love and passion

both magnetic and electric

I wanna become familiar with your rapture



Ready to put each of your pleasure principles into practice

Twist my body

While leaving my heart in tact

Erect an awakening of my womanhood

That satisfies my aching

But never quenches my desire



And when our bodies are spent

Remind me that the first muscle you caressed

was my mind

And my heart followed next.

Welcome Guest Blogger

Thanks so much, Kimberly, for the opportunity to guest blog at your place. I’m currently in the midst of a 10-day blog tour to promote my new novel TELL THEM I DIED. Amazon has paperback copies listed for $8.99 and an Amazon Kindle version for $3.99. You can find it also on BarnesandNoble.com in NOOK version for $3.99. I need reviews to help generate word-of-mouth buzz and interest in the book.

Amazon link Barnes & Noble link

TELL THEM I DIED is a romantic adventure that doesn't conform to the usual romance novel genre in that the protagonists are all over fifty years of age, retired, and with discretionary time and funds to enjoy life, and online friends to share every minute. And unlike other romances, much of the action takes place on the internet on social networking sites. The story was inspired by the many people I came to know and love over many years on social networking sites. People who are not online a lot don't realize how real those long-distance relationships can be. Over all those years, my online friends have married, had children, divorced, and some have died. And then there is the travel element. My husband and I travel a lot, and we share our travel photos with our friends online. Several friends have suggested that I write a book about my travels. I think travelogs can be rather boring, but I decided to weave some of our adventures into the story.

The main characters of TELL THEM I DIED are Laura (Screen name: A1QTEE), owner/operator of Blaq-Kawfee.com, and the men in her life who come in an out of the social networking scene. There is Laura's number one confidante and forum moderator, Angela (Screen name: Angelplaits), and her husband "Bodine." The men in Laura's life, ex-fiance', Jackson (JackDaniels), Lester (TheGuy), Laura's son, Carlton, and her some-time boyfriend Harman all present challenges for Angela as she tries to find out what happened to her dear friend when she gets the news that Laura has died.

I hope you’ll take the time to check out TELL THEM I DIED and write a review at Amazon.com or on your blog. It's a light-hearted page-turner of a story, that my early reviewers have said they hated to end.

My tag line: When it comes to long-distance internet romances, sixty is the new seventeen.

Here is an excerpt:

Jackson hardly knew what day it was. He had been awake over twenty-four hours, and although he was tired, he knew he still would not sleep soundly. He showered and dressed so he would be ready for his morning trip to find Carlton. He set the clock for six a.m. and lay down on the bed fully clothed. At least he’d had a good meal at Bonita’s house. Now he could laugh at how ridiculous that scene had been.

Internet hoochie-mamas. Those girls were so tame online. I never would have guessed. And Stacey was married. Laura probably had them all figured out, but Angela was so naïve. What a set-up.

He slept for a few hours before the alarm rang. This time he drove his rental car and picked up a cup of black coffee on his way. The built-in GPS took him to Carlton’s place in a short time. Carlton lived in a small bungalow on a quiet street. Jackson parked down the block where he could see Carlton whenever he left. After Angela told him how he lied, he didn’t want to take a chance on being dodged.

The front door opened after Jackson had been waiting close to an hour. A young woman with a toddler emerged. Jackson recognized them as Carlton’s wife and baby. He had never met them, but had seen photos Laura had posted on the web. Jackson headed them off before they reached their car.

“Good Morning, Keisha. I’m so glad I caught you before you got away for the day.”

Keisha didn’t know this man, but she smiled and stopped since he called her name. “Good Morning.”

“We’ve never met, but I’m Jackson Gooding. I was Laura’s friend. I met Carlton, but I never met you. I would like to talk to Carlton, if you don’t mind. Is he in?”

“He goes to work around ten, so he’s not up yet. Why don’t you call him later?”

“I don’t have his number. Can you give it to me?” Jackson knew how to turn on the charm. He hoped Keisha would trust him enough to give him the number. She did. She gave him Carlton’s mobile number and work number.

“Thanks, Keisha. I know you working moms have to get going in the morning. I don’t want to make you late.” He helped her with getting the baby into his car seat, and held her car door while they said goodbye. He didn’t want her to know he wouldn’t leave until he saw Carlton.

Jackson settled into his car again. This time he allowed himself to nap until about nine. He thought by then Carlton would be up and getting dressed. When he rang the doorbell, he listened for movement inside the bungalow. He could hear a television and someone approaching the door. Jackson stepped back, expecting the door to open. He knew Carlton had to be on the other side of the door watching him through the peephole. When the door didn’t open, Jackson knocked, and said, “Carlton, it’s me. I know you’re in there.”

Carlton opened the door, looking down at his feet.

Jackson extended his hand to shake it. “Hey, man. I’m so sorry about your mom. When Angela told me, I took the first flight I could get.”

Carlton still stood in the doorway, not motioning for Jackson to come in.

“Can I come in? I know you have to go to work, so I won’t take too much of your time.” Carlton let him in, and led him into the kitchen, where Carlton had been eating a bowl of cereal.

“Tell me what happened. How did she die?” Jackson asked.

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY - January 2013

I am giving away four (4) autographed copies ofTELL THEM I DIED through a giveaway administered by Goodreads.com. If you're not already a member of Goodreads, it's easy to join.Go here for the giveaway:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/40065-tell-them-i-died

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Gordon Weathersby is the youngest of seven siblings, and the first to migrate back to the South after living in DC, New Jersey and New York. She is a retired Information Technology professional who lives in Raleigh with her husband, and their imaginary dog, Dusty. Sarah is the author of a memoir, Motherless Child - stories from a life, and publisher of a family saga, The Gordons of Tallahassee, written by her sister LaVerne Gordon Goodridge. Tell Them I Died is her first work of fiction.

You can contact her online atwww.sarahweathersby.com
http://blogspot.sarahweathersby.com
http://www.facebook.com/saraphen
And Twitter @saraphen

I appreciate your time and consideration, and I hope you’ll enjoy my novel. Thanks so much, Kimberly and friends.

 

Forgive

I can forgive

But…

you’re gonna need that contraption from MIB to make me forget

So…

let’s accept defeat

Prepare our concession speech



Let’s not compare war wounds

Fix ballots

Tamper with votes

In hopes of a recount

You lost



My scars are deeper than yours

They take longer to heal

I still wince from the wounds

And I’m still waiting to feel

Something

Even a trace of emotion

Other than heartache



Who taught you how to inflict such pain?

BIte

So venomous that the extent of the damage is still unknown

Immeasurable

But your love I counted in ounces

While I was feeding you gallons of me

Unreplenished

You swam in an ocean of my affection

While I was hoping your ditch

Would pour over into an lake

That somehow irrigated

into an ocean of sentiment

beyond what you felt for your adorned appendage



Stupid me

for thinking I could change you

Rearrange your chemical make up

Surgically put a heart in that empty space

Without the proper tools



Leaving me empty

Low on fuel

From the tug and pull of loving you

So I forgive you

but I won’t forget

So let’s just kiss and say goodbye

Without regret

New Blog Site

If you are subscribed to this blog I need your support on a new one.  I recently started a group blog comprised of 2 guys and 2 girls.  This is a mars vs venus type blog.  I will be shutting down this blog so please sneak over to http://www.ifiruled2011.wordpress.com/ to keep up with what I have to say. 

Promise you won't be disappointed.  There will also be opportunities for guest bloggers so if you are interested, inbox me at mahoganyexp@yahoo.com. 

I know it's not Poetic Fridays but since I haven't shared with you all in a while......

Crossroads

Feeling like my angel forgot how to fly

Yet the devil still sits on my shoulder

Whispering about the pot of gold at the ends of the rainbow

Never revealing the cost of that fortune is my soul



Behind me ; a past I’m trying hard to forget

To the left ; misery and hurt

On my right; missed opportunities and regret

Moving forward; path obstructed with uncertainty



Internal compass malfunctioned

Pointing south rather than due north

GPS claims I’ve reached my destination

But my journey wasn’t supposed to end in barren land



Two roads intersect

Dr.Jekyll meet Mr.Hyde

Regardless of the path I choose

I still end up on the losing side





Rose colored glasses blinding me

Indecision binding me

Loneliness sets in on expeditions forged alone



Crying out to God…..

What am I to do?

Where am I to go?

He said, Child, the only thing impeding your journey is………

you!



Revelations beget my Genesis

Adding the book of me

Knowing it was he who carried me

Forging a trail to become the storyteller of my own destiny

"If I Ruled the World" Blogger Opportunity

Greetings All,

I know it's been a minute.  I have been focusing on my writing group and completing our collection.  Oh yeah, by the way, it's all done.  You can purchase a copy of Soulful Expression by The Mahogany Experience Writing group at http://www.lulu.com/.

On to the purpose of this post today..........
I'm looking for 2 men to participate in a Venus v/s Mars type blog.  Got your attention?  See details below:


Blogsite title: If I Ruled the World
( Yes, we will be playing that Nas and Lauryn Hill joint in as the intro! lol)

Contributors: 2 Men and 2 Women

Mission: What we hope to accomplish is an open dialogue between men and women about relationships, sex, family, money, book reviews and the everyday issues that affect the African American communities with a lot of truth and a good amount of humor from both sides of the gender pool.

Expectations:
To start, each person is expected to contribute  2 blogs per week. One blog can be around anything you like, the other has to be in conjunction with a group member of the opposite sex to keep with the Venus v/s Mars theme. There is no censorship. Freedom of speech is exercised completely on this blog. Let’s just remain respectful and tactful. Feel free to post what you want, when you want.

Each person is expected to promote the blog using any available social media outlets or other connections. I will create a facebook and twitter account for the blogsite for further promotion. Each person will have access to the social media sites to post as you please.


What do you get out of this endeavor:
Opportunity for self expression and exposure to start. No compensation at this time but if you know me, you know I think big and with the right number of loyal followers and advertisement in the future, you never know what could happen.

If you  are interested in being a part of this opportunity or if you know of a man that may be interested, please have them email me at mahoganyexp@yahoo.com and copy johnniqueharris@yahoo.com.


Until next time,

Brighter Future

Cocked and Loaded for 2011

Over the last few days as I browsed several social networking sites as well as in general conversation, all I kept hearing was how people were so ready for 2010 to end because it was filled with heartache and pain. People were so looking forward to the start of a new year and all the hope it would bring.

Now being who I am, I started to wonder if these people realized that in 2011 there were still: 12 months, 365 days, 7 days a week and 24 hours in a day! I say that to say, what the hell is the difference between what you did or didn’t do last year and what you think will happen this year.
While I can sympathize with some of the things that might of happened to people throughout 2010, I hope they understand that 2011 won’t make them exempt from the same SHIT.

A new year doesn’t automatically mean a new attitude.
A new year doesn’t mean that whatever problems you faced today will not exist tomorrow.
A new year doesn’t mean that all the people you felt did you wrong in 2010 will apologize and kiss your behind for 2011.
A new year doesn’t mean that the 30 pounds you’ve been trying to lose for the past year will miraculously melt away at the stroke of midnight.

So much of life and the obstacles it tends to bring is about how we react to it.  I've learned that no matter how bad things may be, there are always lessons and blessings in each trail. I also know that although things may seem to come at us from all different directions, if we would just choose to be hopeful and optimistic about tomorrow, the battle doesn't last as long.

2010 was a good year for me, I’m just praying that 2011 and the years to come will be filled with more happy days than sad, more money saved than spent, and more love gained than lost.

So here’s my challenge: Stop looking forward to the end of a year to make changes for the new one. Every day that you are blessed to open your eyes is a new opportunity to make a change. Take the necessary steps each day to fulfill your dreams, live abundantly, and make a difference!

Not one to make New Year’s resolutions but I am one to set goals. I’ve already listed the things that I plan to accomplish in the coming year! Have you?

As for me, I'm cocked and loaded; determination and a will to secure a future for my son and myself are my ammunition.

Let’s Go~

Poetic Fridays: I'm Back

Ok, so time to resume the regularly scheduled program and get back to business.  This Friday I would like to share with you one of my favorite poems. 

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes


Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor

Bare.

But all the time

I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps.

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now—

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Question:
What does the poem say/mean to you? 

The Ultimate Ultimatum

The Ultimate Ultimatum




After having a conversation with a recently married friend, a not so happily married relative, and a recently single acquaintance, I decided to address that pesky ultimatum. Yeah, that one! The “marry me or else” ultimatum!!!!!

Now, I’m a big girl so I can admit that I may have hinted, subtly, and not so subtly stated my desire to be married in previous relationships but I don’t think I’ve ever taken it as far as to give “The Ultimate Ultimatum”. Yet, I know a few people that have and maybe it’s just me but it seems this one never ends well.

Fellas, you know what I’m talking about all too well don’t you? It’s that dreaded conversation that is had after your girl has thrown hint after hint at you about her want/need to get married. She’s attending the weddings of several friends and been the consummate bridesmaid which leaves her daydreaming about her walk down that aisle with you……the brother who isn’t ready for that commitment.

So you do the normal shuck and jive by telling her you love her ….she’s the one…. But you just aren’t ready for marriage yet. That’s followed by the litany of questions and accusations like:



Why?

You don’t wanna spend the rest of your life with me?

Is there somebody else?

What are you afraid of?

How much longer do you expect me to wait?



Oh, there are a host of other questions that could go along with this ultimatum but we’ll just stick to the short list.

Now, considering she has invested so much time and emotion into this relationship, chances are even if she tells you the consequences of not marring her, she will continue to wait in hopes that you will soon come around. Meanwhile, you know you are on borrowed time and you either want to be with this girl or you don’t.

Now, if you could care less about making her your wife then the outcome won’t matter much to you but if you are really feeling this woman and can’t imagine your life without her, you’ve got decisions to make. I suggest quickly because here’s what begins to happen when a woman senses no movement on your part.

Option 1:

She will settle into the lifetime girlfriend role but become bitter that you didn’t wife her.



Option 2:

She will nag you until one of the two of you can no longer take it and the relationship fails.



Option 3:

She will not say anything else to you about marriage. She will silently wait, build up her bank account, and leave you a Dear John letter that explains why she’s taken her stuff which leaves the home you once shared completely empty and moved on with her life.

Now, I won’t sit here and say that giving in and getting married when you aren’t ready just to keep the one you love will end in marital bliss because chances are, if he really isn’t ready, your marriage will likely end in disaster.

But, if you really love this woman and have every intention of spending the rest of your life with her, the waiting until you are emotionally and financially ready game could backfire on you. You may look up one day to find that she has literally or figuratively checked out of the relationship.

Choose wisely!

Question:

Ladies: Why is marriage so important to us when a relationship is fine just the way it is?



Fellas: What are the fears that keep you from making the ultimate commitment when you have already made up your mind that she’s the one?

Poetic Fridays

Seeing Red




Rage festers in my soul as flames dance in my eyes

My pulse quickens as my heart tries to escape my chest

My skin feels like molten lava and I swear my brain is about to erupt.



Fire and desire change to hate and disdain

I am blinded by the thought of what could have been

I need a bucket of ice to cool my temperament



Unable to function, I hide behind a mirrored reality

Clothed in self-consciousness it is hard for me to breathe

Forgetting the value of what used to be

Now just a hollowed shell

See what you do to me



All the blame on you I cannot place

I allowed myself and my wants to become commonplace

Playing the nurturer was second nature to me

Giving of myself unconditionally



Forgetting the rewards of reciprocity

Thinking that giving to you would somehow compensate me.

Yet I’m left empty, cold and alone.

Yearning for a place to call home.



Snap out of it my momma says, “Never let ‘em have your heart if he has yet to learn how to be a man”

By Brighter Future

Attention: No Stepfathers Needed

I frequent several blogs, urban sites, and discussion forums and one discussion that I constantly run into is men talking about how they will not date a woman with children.  Even if he has kids of his own!  What?!? Seriously!

This always gets me a bit heated because the automatic assumption is that a single black woman with kids is looking for a dude with an "S" on his chest that reads Superman/Stepdaddy rolled all into one. 

Now, I wouldn't dare try to persuade anyone to change thier requirements when it comes to what they look for in a mate but I would like to offer a little food for thought.....

Not every single woman is holding a flashlight looking in the darkest corners for a father for her children.  Despite what the media may portray, there are some healthy parental relationships where the parents may no longer be together but are both very active in their children's lives.  Hence, you can skip the replacement dad part of the application.

Even if the father is absent, most black women have accepted the fact that they are raising their children on their own and are only looking for a little affection from the opposite sex.  Not every woman is scoping your bank account and grooming you for father of the year.  Women have needs outside of what is required for their children. 

Ofcourse, I recognize that there are some women out here who are on a mad dash to find the "ultimate saviour" who will pay her bills, rub her feet, and fill the void of a father to her children but understand that isn't always the case.  Our options are limited as is so if you start counting every sister out because she has children, it may be you who comes up with a bumb deal.

Poetic Fridays

Untitled

He was oh so charming.


So much class.

Surprised when he looked my way.

Stunned when he asked.



Delighted when he called.

Went out for dinner and a movie.

Seemed simple enough.



Had so much fun, I asked him back to my place for a night cap.

Mistake number one.

Charm so amazing.



Wrapped up in his words.

Blind to his actions.



Metaphors that I thought were taking me to heavens door.

Whispers of forever.

A way with words like no other.

Damn, I’m getting caught up.



Looked into his eyes and saw my future.

Breathed with ease when he spoke those words to me.



Violated when he turned on me.

Ripped off the shield that guarded my heart.

Threw me to the floor with his brut strength.



Climbed on top of me.

My vision is cloudy.

Did he put something in my drink?



Lost in translation.

Not a moment to think..

Tears feel from my eyes and stained the floor.



Is he really doing this to me?

In a flash he was gone. Words spoken no more.



Reached for my phone to dial 911…….

Hello, What’s your emergency?

Damn…..Damn….

I was raped……

by poetry.


By: Brighter Future  (Had you scared for a moment didn't I? lol)

Good New's Monday: Father's Forever

Happy Monday!!
As I announced previously, on Monday's my blog will be dedicated to a Good New's Story.  The purpose of Good New's Mondays is to highlight a non profit organization or individual that is making a positive contribution to the community. 
We tend to always see ourselves painted in a negative light on mainstream media, well this is my attempt to highlight the positive!
The first featured organization is Father's Forever! See below to learn more about this organization.  I hope that this blog will inspire you to get involved!

What is Fathers Forever?


Fathers Forever is a non-profit organization that serves as a map to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood. Our aim is to make a lasting impression and difference in the lives of fathers through classes and support groups.

Our Vision

Bridging the Gap between Fathers and Children...thus Saving Our Children, One Father At A Time.

Our Mission

Fathers Forever's purpose is to decrease the number of children being raised without the support of their fathers and decrease the number of non-child support cases in our court system.

When was the organization started and by whom?

Glen Warren, founder of Fathers Forever, has been involved in the empowerment of men for over 25 years as a facilitator of various conferences formed to encourage and empower men to discover the combination to unlocking their future. For the past 16 years, Glen has worked as a mental health crisis counselor for persons with depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse issues.

Glen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Adult Education. Glen is also pursuing certification as a substance abuse counselor. As a single parent, Glen raised two boys and a girl. He founded Fathers Forever because he knows first-hand the importance of the role of a father in the lives of their children.Glen’s desire and pledge for Fathers Forever is to give experience, commitment and resources to provide a positive alternative that will motivate, educate and equip fathers to become co-parents in their children's lives, resulting in a more productive, healthier society.

As president of Fathers Forever, he is committed to enabling men to be co-parents to their children. By making a donation to Fathers Forever, you will help us provide another solution to an ever increasing problem. Help us bridge the gap between fathers and their children… saving our children, one father at a time.

Some of the many accomplishments of Glen Warren and Father Forever are:

• February 2, 2010 featured in the News and Observer article written by Barry Saunders- “Giving Daddies that Push”

• February 15, 2010 received our 1st Fathers Forever Participant

• March 7, 2010 featured on a local television show titled First Choice Life on the CW22 network hosted by Tim Weir

• March 15, 2010 featured on St. Augustine talk radio WAUG 750 interview conducted by Joel Wiggins

• May 23, 2010 featured on Fox 50 television show Tarheel Talk hosted by Sonya Williams. Since February, we now have 150 participants….. and counting.

• June 17, 2010 featured in the News and Observer article written by Barry Saunders- “Donors Learn To Be Dads”

• June 19, 2010 successfully had Our Grand Opening/Fundraiser event that took place at ballroom donated by the Sheraton Hotel located in Raleigh North Carolina. We had over 125 people in attendance and raised $1,200!

• June 22, 2010 featured in the Triangle Tribune article written by Bonita Best “Bridging the Gap Between Fathers and their Children” http://www.triangletribune.com/index.php?src=permalinks/Bridging_the_gap_between_fathers_and_childre

Fathers Forever is a great name, what is the meaning behind it?

The name Fathers Forever actually came from the bible. We know God as our Everlasting Father, since we are made in His image. We too are fathers forever in the hearts and minds of our children. They will always remember us. The choice is up to each father as to how they are remembered.

What is the ultimate goal of this organization?

Our goal is to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood. Fathers Forever will also help them to understand the importance of having an on-going active role in the lives of their children, in addition to fulfilling their financial responsibilities. Upon completion of the Fathers Forever program, it is our belief that the fathers will have a new found appreciation of their role as a father. We will develop cohesiveness in families, helping to create stronger communities and healthier societies.

Who are prime candidates for the Fathers Forever program?

Fathers Forever's first priority is fathers who are delinquent in their child support payments. The Judicial System can refer participants to us as a jail diversion and Child Support agencies can refer clients to us as a preventative measure. We will also take referrals from other community support agencies.


Tell us about the services you offer:

R.E.S.E.T. -- Fathers Forever serves as a map to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood.
R estoring the hearts of fathers back to their children

E quipping fathers through classes and support groups

S ynergizing -- promoting community support

E mbracing the joys and responsibility of fatherhood

T ime -- fathers encouraged to spend quality time with their children.


The Fathers Forever program consists of two components. Each component will be facilitated by a F.O.C.U.S. (For On-going Counseling United Support) coach:

• 30-Hour Course Curriculum: The Joys and Responsibilities of Fatherhood, consisting of classes such as Job Readiness Training, Parenting, Anger Management (Domestic Violence), Substance Abuse and Destiny Development.

• Support Group: Fathers who participate in the course curriculum will receive individual coaching throughout the length of our program. The coach will provide assistance in job placement, GED if needed and other personal goals. Fathers who do not take the course curriculum may also participate in the support group.

What is the biggest success story of Father’s Forever thusfar?

Several of our fathers have found jobs, decreased or started paying on their child support debt and improved on the quality of time spent with their children.

One example of a success story is:

One of our Fathers Forever participants was standing outside the courtroom waiting for me to come to court. (As a practice, we go to court with our participants for support and also to give an account of their progress of being in our program to the judge since they were court ordered.) Normally the participants would wait inside the courtroom; however, he was waiting on me to tie his necktie before he had to appear before the judge. The judge for the day, Honorable Judge Kristin Ruth observed him before court started and as she was walking into court he said, “Hey Judge Ruth, I will be in court as soon as Mr. Warren comes…. I need him to tie my necktie.” This incident touched Judge Kristin Ruth so much that she made mention of it at our Open House event where she was our keynote speaker. Currently, the participant has three part time jobs and has only missed two classes since he was court ordered. He’s working hard to be reunited with his 4 year old daughter. He still has a ways to go, but we are so proud of him!!

When you look back 10 years from now, what do you hope to have accomplished with this organization?

• We have helped in the efforts of restoring the hearts of the fathers back to their children and saving our children one father at a time.

• Have Fathers Forever presence in every county in North Carolina.

• Own several car wash establishments so that we can employ our participants that are seeking work or unemployed.

We believe in fathers and we are committed to the process of tearing down the barriers that are preventing them from being the father they want to be.

What else do you want us to know about Father’s Forever?

We are in need of funding, grant writers, office space, office equipment and community involvement; such as company giving gifts, discounts and coupon that we can pass on to our fathers and their children.

Are there any upcoming events or fundraisers we should be aware of?

Upcoming Events-

• Thursday September 16, 2010 @ 6 AM Fathers Forever will be featured on the ION Network, “For the Record” hosted by Eric Brown.

• October 31, 2010 UNCTV
To contact us

Individuals can ALWAYS:

• Visit our website www.afatherforever.com to find out more information and to join our email mailing list.

• Become fans of Fathers Forever on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raleigh-NC/Fathers-Forever/235821653121
• Join us on Twitter http://twitter.com/FathersForever

• Join our Blogs on Blogger http://afathersforever.blogspot.com/

• Check us out and SHARE our Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_F7OrN1lK4

How can people donate or volunteer?

To Donate

When you donate to our work, together we are saving our children, one father at a time. When dad is not involved, his children are two to three times more likely to engage in drugs, alcohol, school drop out, violent crimes, teenage pregnancy, and struggle with depression, suicidal thoughts and even suicide.
Fathers Forever is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood.
It has been said that "When we know better, we do better." Help us help fathers chart a new course of fatherhood -- thus, Saving Our Children, One Father At A Time. Every child deserves a chance at reaching their fullest potential in life. Children are our future, our most precious commodity and they are worth the investment. GET INVOLVED! http://www.afatherforever.com/donateonline.html


To Volunteer

Fathers Forever volunteers are second to none we are truly grateful and appreciative to our super volunteers. GET INVOLVED!! http://www.afatherforever.com/volunteers.html

We are in need of:

• Event volunteer willing and able to fulfill the needs of Fathers Forever.

• Men to be FOCUS Coaches to mentor/work with our fathers on a individual basis to help them stay focused, encourage and assist them in breaking down the barriers that keep them being good fathers.


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First and foremost, thank you to Father's Forever for participating in my first Good New's blog. 
I hope that in reading this blog, you are inspired to give either monetarily or a bit of your time to helping strengthen our communities "One Father At a Time".

Having grown up without a father in the home I understand all to well the importance of an organization such as this. 

To learn more about this organization please visit: http://www.afatherforever.com/

If you know of an organization or an individual who deserves to be recognized please email me at mahoganyexp@yahoo.com.

Poetic Fridays

Love Used to Live Here

Love used to live here

But now it’s gone.

Oh, Don’t fret for me,

I’m fine without it.

Or so I thought.



Love chewed me up and spit me out.

Had me calling it by another name.

Had me searching for it in the highest plain.



Had me thinking I had found it.

Weak when I lost it.

Terrified when it reappeared

And flabbergasted when I heard it’s call.



Love used to live here.

Deep in my heart.

Between my thighs and in the crease of my back I could feel it’s touch.

I could see it in the eyes of others

I could hear it whispered in the wind.



Love used to live here

but now its gone.

It rode away on it’s red chariot and gave no apologies for it’s abrupt departure.

Yet, I still yearn for it.

I still look for it in the daytime with a flashlight.

I still hope that I can capture it’s essence in the purest form.



I’m still searching for it.

Rip my heart out again, it might, but if I can just get a quick taste of that

all encompassing

unconditional

undeniable,

unrelenting,

ever-evolving,

knee weaking

thing they call love again,

I will welcome it with open arms.

 
By: Brighter Future
 
Now it's your turn!  Share some of your poetic genius!

Today is International Literacy Day

“September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world [1].


Some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out.” (Reference source is wikipedia)

In celebration of International Literacy Day, I encourage everybody to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper, journal, or visit your favorite site and get to reading. 

I don’t think I understood the importance of reading to children until my child began to struggle with it early on in school. I thought I had given him all the tools he needed to be successful but how could I have done so when I failed to read to him every day?!?!? He no longer struggles with reading but there are millions of children and adults who do all across the world.

I wouldn’t be doing my duty as an aspiring author if I didn’t promote and encourage every single person to read. It truly is fundamental! Can you imagine having to sign your name to a document but you have no clue what is says? Can you imagine being the child in school who is scared to read aloud because of fear that other children will laugh at you?

It’s never too late to learn how to read. I encourage you to volunteer for organizations in your community that promote literacy. If you don’t have time to volunteer donate a couple of dollars towards the enrichment of people within your community. Not knowing how to read is like not knowing the joy of freedom. You are literally chained and bound by what other people are willing to tell you. It was not so long ago that we were fighting for equal education. Now we are afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. Let’s not take it for granted. When you can read, you open up a whole world of opportunity and understanding.

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”



Happy Reading!

Poetic Fridays

Outline of A Man

If I were an artist I would sketch the perfect man.


He would have eyes that could see through me to that bit of insecurity my heart still carries.

He would have the fortitude to seek it out and erase any traces of it’s presence

He would have arms strong enough to bear my weight when I am too weak to tarry.

Yet gentle enough to hold me in an embrace that could cast away my worry.

His legs would lead me to places I was too scared to travel alone.

Yet, they would have the dexterity to always bring him home.

His brain would possess the knowledge of a 1000 wise men.

Lessons taught so long ago.

And enough wisdom to know when to leave well enough alone.



Inside his heart would be the will of a leader

Who has enough discretion to know when he must follow.

The courage of a gladiator, who will not accept defeat in time of battle.

Compassion of a mother for a child without a home.

The humility of a begger in search of something to call his own.

The ability to make a commitment without knowing what the future holds.

A monogamous being with tunnel vision to my soul.



Love to him would be a buried treasure and he the pirate of the voyage.

Setting his course towards a destiny in spite of the inevitable storm.

The Jack Sparrow of my heart, key guarded with his life.

Eros must have been a conduit for you; giving you an implacable thirst for my nectar.



Doesn’t matter the hue, I would color you iridescently in me amour.

Filling in open spaces with humor, spirituality, and self-assurance

Until you are……

my hearts vision of love.





Brighter Future

Who is Responsible for Our Future?

Every day I shake my head at the songs played on the radio, the way our children dress, the way they speak, and the way they behave in public. It saddens me to see how little pride and dignity some of our children possess.


Most of us, myself included, see the problem, shake our heads, and keep right on walking as if scared to say something for fear they will retaliate or simply dismiss what we have to say.

Well, I’ve reached my breaking point!

It is our responsibility to show our children the way. Not just the ones who share your dna but the little boy up the street who is using more curse words in one sentence than you have used in your entire life, or the little girl at the mall who’s skirt is so short that nothing is left to the imagination, or the group of kids gathering around in a circle for a fight.

I can never remember where this quote came from but it says, “We have to be the change we want to see”. We see something different everyday that disturbs us whether it be the stories in the news, the television shows our children watch, the videos on Bet, the role models our children choose to follow, the slang we speak; etc. (Check out my brothers at www.staychiseled.com and get the males perspective on some of these issues.)

We can no longer bit our tongues and shake our heads at our children. It really does take a village to raise a child, so it’s time for us to start being the village rather than the spectators who simply watch it implode.

Our children need to realize that the way they carry themselves in public does not just represent who they are but it reflects on our race as a whole. Although the burden may not be fair, it’s real. Society will continue to judge us according to what they see and hear. It is up to us to make sure that what they hear is intelligence and what they see is our pride.

We constantly complain about how all they show of us on the news is the negative…….well we have to write our own stories and create our own images. We have to erase the negative and replace it with a positive so that the media will have no option but to report us as we truly are…..Proud, Responsible, Upstanding, Educated, Respectable, African American brothers and sisters.

I’m making a commitment to take time out from now on to speak life into our children. I am making the commitment to stop the next little girl I see using her body rather than her brain. I am making the commitment to stop the next little boy that’s lost his way. What will you commit to? Who do you think is responsible for our future?

Wake up Everybody!!!!

I Have a Dream

Today marks the 47th Anniversary of the speech that will be played for years and years to come.  The speech that still has as much value today is it did 47 years ago.  I recently visited the Dr.Martin Luther King Jr Memorial while in Atlanta and emotions still run high when hearing and seeing the images and sounds of Dr.King's legacy.  May you forever rest in peace!  Thank you for the inspiration and the guiding light!
It is because of Dr.King and the men and women like him who came before us that we are able to make our dreams a reality.  Follow up post later today!

We're still Missing you Aaliyah!!

Yes, I can admit it.  I was one of those girls who stood in the mirror with my blinders on thinking I could be the next Aaliyah.  I did the dance moves and wore the bang over my right eye.    I even tried the boxer thing!  My mom didn't like that too much.  I tried but I could never compare.  You will forever be missed! May you continue to rest in peace!

I want that old school commitment with that new school love!

So on this past Saturday afternoon, I found myself watching my old favorite, Their Eyes were Watching God. You know the movie with Hallie Berry and that sexy ass Michael Ealy. (Whew, ok get back on topic Brighter) :-) Something stood out about that movie today that I hadn't noticed before. You see Hallie's character, Janie, married a man three times her age. That was actually the norm back in those days. An older man wanted a younger girl to help around the house and bear his children. Well, as she was helping him out in the field she reflected on her life and stated, "I was a proper wife, I'm still waiting for the love to begin!". Whoa!

After hearing that line I started to think about the dynamic of marriages from back then and the marriages of today. Huge difference! Now granted, Janie ended up leaving mista for the cool dude with the nice clothes and the white hankie but marriages back them lasted the test of time. Not saying I would want a loveless marriage, just saying that marriages took on a completely different nature and meaning.
Today we get married all doe eyed and in love but it doesn't last. Why is that?
I mean isn't the whole point of marriage to make a lifetime commitment to your partner. How is it that today love can exist in the union and it be over in the blink of an eye but back in the day love played no part (not initially anyway) and it last until somebody was called home to glory?

Check out some statistics:

Black marriage rate: 35% in 2002 (vs. 63% in 1950)
Children born IN wedlock: 25% (vs. 80% in 1960)

Crazy right?

My grandparents have been married for over 50 years and while I know for sure they have suffered great disappointments, tragedy, and hardship, they remain a unit. I don't think either could imagine a life without the other.

So like the title of the blog, what I want is the kinda marriage that will last inspite of us falling in and out of love, through the I love you but I don't like you phase, regardless of the money we make and the kinda house we live in, despite the cute girl next door giving him the eye, and through the differing opinions having to learn the skill of compromise.

Simply put, I want that old school commitment with that new school love!


http://www.bookerrising.net/2007/09/statistics-about-black-americans.html

The New Susan Smith: Shaquan Duley (Death of the Innocent)

If you have heard about this nut’s Susan Smith attempt or of the thousands like it that plague our society then you are probably just as irritated as I am.

Shaquan Duley, the mother of three has been charged with murdering her two young boys. Apparently Shaquan suffocated the two boys, put their lifeless bodies into her car, drove to a nearby body of water, steered the car into water and jumped out claiming that she'd had an accident.

Heated yet?

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a 7 year old son and I would give my life to ensure that he had the opportunity to take just one more breathe.

When will men and women stop taking their anger, frustration, and overall stupidity out on the most innocent of beings; their own children?

I swear that if I could have one moment with some of these people I would come out with multiple charges and a smile on my face.

I could do an internet search and pull up hundreds of recent articles about both men and women who have murdered their own offspring. There is nothing that angers me more than to see that someone took the life of their own child because they “couldn’t handle the pressure”.

Just so you know: Raising a child is not easy! There are no manuals, guides, cliff notes, power point presentations, or books for dummy’s to guide you through parenthood. It’s a bit of trial and error. You will make mistakes. At some points you may even think that you have failed as a parent. It’s normal!

What isn’t normal is contemplating how to get rid of your child because you haven’t finished living, clubbing, and enjoying your own life. What is not normal is suffocating, beating, and abusing your child because you can’t take the constant whining and day to day irritations.

Here’s a thought: You have options!

Option one: If you can’t handle mother or fatherhood, don’t have children. Simple, I know! There are several different methods available to avoid getting pregnant that both males and females can use. Don’t leave it up to someone else to determine if you spend the next 9 months of your life regretting one night of poor decisions.

Option two: I know a lot of you will disagree but it is an option. Abortion! Yeah, I know, it’s not a pretty word but it beats having a child, allowing it to breathe outside of the womb only to snatch it’s life away months or years later. Not condoning or advocating abortion, just saying it IS an option.

Option three: Give the child up for adoption. If you can’t afford to take care of yourself it’s likely you can’t afford to take care of a child. Give the child an opportunity for a life better than what you can offer. Most states offer open and closed adoptions.

And lastly, for those who avoided options 1-3 and are contemplating taking the life of an innocent child, I would say whatever you plan on doing to them, do to yourself instead but that wouldn’t be politically correct………so instead, I’ll say get help! Drop your child off to a relative, get some perspective, come back with a clear head and heart, then figure out how both you and your child can continue to live a long and healthy life.

Oh yeah, adoption's still an option no matter what age the child…..Just saying!

Beat the guilt and the charge by finding a healthy alternative to dealing with your anger. Our youth, have enough obstacles to deal with. Fearing the wrath of a parent shouldn’t be one of them!

Resources: