Writing Series ~ Power House

I look up from my journal and squint to see the clock on top of my T.V. Damn, it’s almost 1:00 am, but I’m in the zone and continue writing.

When the lobby door opens Amari is still holding on to my arm and is pulling me out of the elevator and across the lobby floor, then out to the sidewalk. She looks around to make sure no one is in ear shot. I finally break free of her grasp, “Your boss K.C. is one scandalous individual.” I’m looking at her perplexed because from what I’ve seen working with K.C. he has been nothing but kind and upstanding but be damn sure I’m listening to what Amari has to say. We cross the street and sit on a bench facing the Capital. She places her Fendi briefcase between us on the bench and rifles through it. I’m watching her but secretly thinking, “Damn that’s a nice ass briefcase.” She pulls a folder out and starts flipping through pieces of paper. “What are you looking for?” I ask. I don’t have all day to sit out here, I have work to do and I’m sure by now K.C. is looking for me. “K.C. introduced me to Councilman Bret Gray about four years ago at a function the law firm was hosting. I’ve known K.C. for years through a mutual friend. Anyway, Bret and I developed a relationship, well not a real relationship, but sort of.” Okay now I’m getting really irritated with the double talk. Just spit it out already. “I really considered him a special friend and introduced him to some of the things I was in to.” Now I’m thinking, so who is the shady one? What kinds of things is this girl in to. She continued, “I have this group of girls, you know, we hang out, go to all the A-list parties, and know all the right people...” She peers at me over the top of her huge sunglasses. “Well Bret was getting quite comfortable with me and my girls and we were comfortable with him.” The sound of a siren from a passing police cruiser breaks our focus. “You were saying?” I bring the attention back to the matter at hand. “Well I have a connect at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown…”

 

To Be Continued...

Writing Series ~ Just Saying

I've decided to increase my T.V. viewing IQ by watching the Republican Convention. No, I'm not a Republican, but we need to be versed on our competition's platform. No more Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, Mob Wives Chicago, Big Ang. No More! I'm only watching relevant programing that can enlighten me on cultural or politacal topics. Huh? What did you say? "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" comes on tonight. Sorry got to go and set my DVR.

Writing Series ~ Power House

Then it hit me. Amari, Amari Black from my Junior High and High School years. So I was even more curious then I was before. I sit up straight in bed and start to jot down my recollection of the events.

I see K.C stand up and place his hands dead center of his desk. She does the same, but I can’t hear a word. He walks around to the side where she is standing and it looks like he is trying to calm her down, but she’s not having any of it. I’m standing at my desk facing his door and moving pieces of paper from one pile to the next in an attempt to position myself right in her path when she exits his office. I can see from the corner of my eye that she is headed my way. “And you tell Gray I want my damn money or I’m gonna turn his life inside out then upside down,” and slams K.C.’s door behind her.

I strategically step in front of her. “Amari?” She looks at me quizzically and I can see her nostrils still flaring from the conversation she had with K.C. “It’s me, Dominik from school.” She refocuses and regains her faculties. “Hey girl, you work here?” “Yeah, I work for K.C., you alright?” She grabs my arm and ushers me to the elevator. “Girl, this crew is in to some shady stuff so watch your back. The elevator door dings and we step in and she pushes the button to the lobby. “Your boss is…….”

 

To Be Continued....

Writing Series ~ Power House

I had some dirt on a few people, some casual acquaintances, and some fairly close friends. I need to tread lightly though, but my desire to be in print takes over my otherwise good sense and my loyalty to those who shared their innermost secrets. My other challenge is to present a story about someone who people want to read about.

I stare helplessly at the list of possible headliners and reach for my glass. I think back to my days clerking in a high powered law firm in D.C. Damn lawyers, I sure don’t want to be sued for divulging privileged information. Just as I’m about to put the pen down and pick the T.V. remote up I remember a particular day when I’m in one of the partner’s offices when a wild eyed, wild weaved woman interrupts our meeting. Keep in mind that the names are changed to protect the guilty. The woman screams at the top of her lungs totally ignoring my presence, “K.C., Gray stuck me with a $15,000.00 bill at the Four Seasons. That bastard kept saying he was going to take care of the bill and left me holding the tab.” I sidled out of the office and shut the door behind me. I recognized this woman from somewhere, but where?  

To Be Continued...

Dating In DC 101

This morning I tweeted and posed a question on Facebook about what a lady does when she has to reliquish herself of her booty poppers. We ladies use things like: wigs, weaves, contacts, booty poopers, gel nails, demi-bras and what have you as accessories. I too have used a few things to accentuate my attributes or lack there of. So what?

But now you've met a nice gentleman, been seing him on a regular basis and he thinks your just dandy, with your big bootyl, your long tresses and green eyes. What a catch you are. He's telling his family and friends all about you. And of course, he's exagerated your ethnic background, "I think her grand-father is Puerto Rican," or "I believe her grand-mother is Dominican." Remember it used to be Indian descent that was the hot flavor of the month. Not anymore, Hispanic is what's happening now.

Anyway, at some point if the relationship develops to an intimate one you will have to peel back all that is not biologically attached.

What do you say, what do you do? Do you go in the bathroom, take the hair piece off, pop the contacts out, sling the demi-bra over the hamper, and leave the booty poppers on the floor?

Just asking.

Wrting Series ~ Writer's Digest Prompt

Writer's Digest has a contest where they give you a prompt and you follow with an opening paragraph of 100 words or less.  Here goes:

"A nosy man eavesdrops on his co-workers and immediately regrets it."

My response:

As Kirk puts his ear closer to the copier room door he hears Tyler and Kaitlin talking in a hushed tone. "I heard Ms. Thompson talking to the Director and they said they are going to let Kirk go." He leans in a little closer not believing what he's heard, and the door flies open.

Dating In DC 101

I had a great weekend. Friday night a few of my close girlfriends and I went to Bay Street Lounge in Lanham, Maryland. Happy hour is from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., so we got there around 7 p.m. Nothing much was happening so we were able to get prime seating right on the dance floor. The buffet was just being set out so we got our plates: fried chicken, potato salad, and collard greens, and our drinks. You have to buy a drink to get a red ticket for the buffet, so remember to do that first.

We looked around and wondered if anyone was going to show up. By 7:59 p.m. (8:00 p.m. is when you have to start paying), the place was buzzing.

We danced, drank and had great conversation. There's an equal amount of men and women, singles and couples, so a great venue to take your sweetie, or meet someone new.

If you're looking for a mature crowd that aren't afraid to mix and mingle, and want to dance, dance, dance, Bay Street Lounge at the Best Western Hotel in Lanham, MD will not disappoint.

Smooches!

Dating In DC 101

Today one of my friends asked if I would want my son to date a woman like me, "Hell No," excuse my language. But it got me thinking. I like who I am as a person, I enjoy being with me, I really don't have any drama or hang-ups to speak of, but I know that who I am is not who he needs. And that's okay.

As I thought about it a little more, it presented me with more questions than answers. Why do women date men that they wouldn't dare accept as their daughter's mate? Why do men treat women disrespectfully, but would kill if a another man treated their daughter that way? Why?

I guess the logical answer is that we want more for our children. Better careers, better education, better lives, and better relationships. What we need to remember is that we as parents or role models set the example, and at the end of the day we should want more for ourselves.

Follow me on Twitter at Dating In DC 101.

Smooches!

Pen2PaperToo: Urban Literature Under Review~"Schemin', Confessio...

Pen2PaperToo: Urban Literature Under Review~"Schemin', Confessio...: Schemin', Confessions of a Gold Digger by Andrea Blackstone 305 pages Published 2004 by Dream Weaver Press Urban Literature From the Ba...

Urban Literature Under Review~"Schemin', Confessions of a Gold Digger"

Schemin', Confessions of a Gold Digger by Andrea Blackstone
305 pages
Published 2004 by Dream Weaver Press
Urban Literature

From the Back Cover:

"Jalita Harrison is a nineteen-year-old biracial woman who was born into a dysfunctional environment, but aspired to overcome it. After raising herself on the streets of Baltimore, she decides she wants no part of a destructive lifestyle and is accepted into a college in Virginia. During Christmas break, she is left temporarily homeless and nearly penniless. As a result, Jalita returns to Baltimore, where people from her past double-cross her.

Frustrated and desperate, Jalita decides to start running game in the nearby suburbs, using her good looks, wit, and streeet smarts to survive. Shemin' becomes an addictive habit that leads her to abandon her college plans and self-imposed morality. When she and a handsome but engaged NBA basketball star agree to hook up on the down low, Jalita becomes part of a dangerous love triangle. Before it's all said and done, the script is flipped on each party involved and each person is left with the consequences of behaving badly."

My Review:

Jalita, Jalita, what a busy young lady. Initially I found this book to be a slow read, but found myself quickly wanting to turn one more page to see what antics this young vixen was up to. I was more than curious to find out what guy would be the next victim to fall prey to her beauty, curvaceous body and manipulative ways.

As she spun her web of deceit to get what she wanted, what she needed, and what she felt she deserved Jalita periodically reflected on her destructive behavior but rationalized that she would dish out what she had received in life, pain and disappointment. It isn't until one of her seedy relationships goes awry does she begin the process of true introspection, albeit too late for some involved.

What I Enjoy:

Ms. Blackstone paints vivid pictures of her characters and venues that allow me connect with the story in a way that brings it to life. She describes places that I can relate to as a native Washingtonian, while simultaneously giving visual dimensions to those who are not from this area.

Her characters have a definitive voice so they are easy to follow and allow the reader to understand their specific points of view. Because of those specific points of view I could easily move with them from scene to scene as she plays a virtual hide and seek with them.

What I Dislike:

Urban Literatures' story line is of drug dealers, golddiggers, pimps, prostitutes and the negative side of the African-American culture. Yes, I do understand the old saying "sex sells", but we as authors and as people need to go beyond that. Yes, we can incorporate it, but not have it the forefront of what we write about, what we watch on television, and what we read. This novel was stereotypical of the genre.

We can have our main character pull themselves up from all the adverstities that they are confronted with in life and make a miraclous turn around in the last chapter of the book. But, what I hope to see in the future is the successes carrying the storyline and the stench of urban life finding its place where it belongs, on the final pages of a novel.

You can learn more about Andrea Blackston and her other novels at www.dreamweaverpress.net.

Pen2PaperToo: Writing Series ~ "Power House"

Pen2PaperToo: Writing Series ~ "Power House": Wow, what a coup to land an internship at the Nation's Capital premier magazine, Power House. Yeah me, Dominik Spencer from South East, ...

Writing Series ~ "Power House"

Wow, what a coup to land an internship at the Nation's Capital premier magazine, Power House. Yeah me, Dominik Spencer from South East, D.C is going to work for Power House, the newest, most talked about magazine in the District of Columbia. Who would have every thought that my journaling, writing, and talking about writing would land me this dream internship? Okay, it's not paying big money, but to be working with Ian Marcel is a dream come true. And to be doing investigative journalism is just icing on my cake.

I ran home and pulled out all the past issues I could find of the magazine, Congressman Found In Sex Club, Agency Whistleblower Takes Down Federal Agency, ExCon Killer Redeems Himself By Saving Lives. Oh the scandal, I was salivating! I laid in bed with the old magazines surrounding me and stared at the ceiling. What would be my first story? Could I deliver? What little salacious tidbits could I turn in to front page news? Hum, I took a sip of wine, pulled out my journal from my nightstand and began to jot down every little secret I had been told and could remember.

To Be Continued....

Pen2PaperToo: Dating In DC 101

Pen2PaperToo: Dating In DC 101: One of my exboyfriends contacted me by email and wanted to reconnect. Okay, I'll bite. We didn't have an ugly break-up, in fact I couldn't r...

Dating In DC 101

One of my exboyfriends contacted me by email and wanted to reconnect. Okay, I'll bite. We didn't have an ugly break-up, in fact I couldn't remember why we broke up at all. And, I had often wondered where he was and how he was doing. So I wrote back.

I invited him over to join me at the track early one Saturday morning and then cancelled in the wee hours of the morning before he was supposed to stop by. Not for any particular reason, just didn't feel like hanging out. Of course, he took it gingerly but expressed what I believed as sincere disappointment so we rescheduled.

Again, the track. I figured we would walk, talk, have a light breakfast and he could be on his way by noon so that I could get on with my day. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him. It was like being with an old friend, not an old lover. He made a few romantic gestures, but I told him, that I'm just not in that place with him yet.

After our walk, while I fixed some fruit and toast he set-up my iPhone that had been sitting in the box on my coffee table, researched brackets so that he could mount my flat screen, thus securing him a next visit and was just a delight to be around.

Well he was back again Saturday, we went to Lowes to get a new shower head for my bathroom shower, had coffee and pastries at Starbucks, then when we go to my house he installed the shower head and downloaded some old school CDs on to my iPhone. All-in-all I kninda like having him around.

I'm not sure what the future holds for us, but he sure is working his way back in to the more than handyman zone.

I'll keep you posted.  Smooches!

Welcome

Thanks for stopping by Pen2PpaperToo. So far the summer has been sizzling hot. It's not my favorite season, but others seem to love it so I persevere.

Now that you're here give me a few minutes of your time so that you can get to know me, know what I'm doing and what led me here.

Me, I'm an intrevert at heart and a voyeur by nature, although no one believes it, but it's true. I've been writing and journaling since I was in elementary school. In fact I recently found my diary where I'd written about walking home from school after the Martin Luther King, Jr. assasination and the mayhem I experienced on my neighborhood streets in South East, Washington, DC. Anyone from DC remembers the "Big Chair" from back in the day. That was my neighborhood, Anacostia.

I've always had three passions, writing, teaching, and fantasizing about a world of endless posibilities. Well I found that writing really encompasses them all. So there is where I begin.

As I went through life, journaling and writing I found that I mostly jotted down poignant moments that were relationship driven. I love him, he loves me, I can't live without him, oh the heart break when it ends, and on and on. You get the picture and my guy friends and girl friends had some of the same experiences. It wasn't until recently with the onslaught of reality t.v. that brought relationships of friends and lovers dead center in to your living room that my girlfriends suggested I write about our relationship dilemas and successes specific to the Washington, DC area. And "Dating In DC 101" was born.

Now to the nuts and bolts of me, writing, writing, writing. As a writer, you would think that I love to read. Wrong. In the beginning I was only interested in what I had to write about. It was like therapy. But as time went on I learned that I had to read other authors' works to see what was good, bad, and the ugly of the literary world. So I started with some urban literature and some classics and took note of why some could find mainstream publishers and make the New York Times Bestsellers list and why others could not get pass self-publishing. "Urban Litereature Under Review" is a platform where we can discuss books that haven't got on the highway to mainstream publishing.

Under my Writing Series I will share excerpts form the novel I am currently working on, "Power House". It is about a magazine based out of Washington, DC that does reports on the good and the bad of the movers and shakers in our Nation's Capital. I will share excerpts from my novel with you  and welcome your feedback.

Mostly, I'm here to share, to learn, and to experience. Please join me on my ventures.

Smooches!