NEW WEBSITE

www.leaa4u.com is up and poppin'! Come and check it out!!!

Lea

MY ASS IS OUT OF SHAPE

So I went camping with J3(my youngest daughter) and her GS troop. Anyway, we hiked four miles to eat. Brilliant me took my diabetes medication 2 hours before we were to eat. Did I mention that I need to eat when I take this medication? Anyway, by the time I hiked up to the cafeteria, I was shaking, sweating, and ready to pass out. Thank God the nurse on duty was eating at that time. They administered a diabetic emergency kit(GS rules, they are really prepared for anything). After an hour or so, I was ready for my hike back to the closing ceremony. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to calm fluctuating sugar levels, and nursing a headache.

Lea

BLACK VS AFRICAN AMERICAN

Do you claim to be "black" or "African American"? I was reading a blog where the blogger says that we(black/African Americans) should stop calling ourselves African Americans and call ourselves blacks... The bloggers comment stirred something in me because I don't feel as if I should choose. I use the words interchangeably.

There are problems with both titles. For instance, what other group of people identify themselves by their color? To me, it shows a lack of origin, culture and history. But I am comfortable with identifying myself as a Black American. So because it's convenient to say, it's a keeper?

Now the title of African American holds promise; however, when I think of an African American, I think of Barack Obama, my great-grand daddy, Charlize Theron. Not Beyonce', my cousin Essie, or Sean "P-Diddy" Combs. The latter three were born and raised here in the U.S. However, they all have African Ancestors.

I guess the answer lies in how one sees him/her self. I'll continue to call myself American, and if asked, "what race are you?", I'll say either African American, or black. I simply refused to be referred to as colored.

Hopefully in my life time we can agree on a universal name. I for one choose American.

I'm out.

Lea

I'M PISSED

I'm pissed. I'm not sure if the story of the prominent attorney from Gulf Breeze and his "alleged" proposition to an undercover officer to have sex with her 5 year old daughter in Michigan has made national news.(Did I mention that he was willing to travel from Florida to Michigan to have sex with a 5 year old). Sigh. Anyway, he was busted.(On him they found a Dora Explorer doll,hoop earrings and petroleum jelly.
Here's the link.
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070918/NEWS01/709180321/1006

While in jail, he committed suicide.(He was on suicide watch previously because he'd tried to kill himself when he'd first got into custody.)
I feel for this man's family, friends and associates. I really do. HOWEVER, I have issues with the community treating this man's death as a tragic accident, and focusing not on his crimes, but on what he's done for the community.
In my opinion, he was a disturbed monster who wanted to do unspeakable things to a 5 year old. Who, by his own admission, have done this before, and the community wants to remember his good works? Give me a F***ing break(I'm rolling my eyes).
I believe that the community should remember what kind of pervert he was so that we can be open to the fact that even respected pillars of the communities can be monsters. And start making examples rather than martyrs out of these individuals.
I'm angry because this is reflective of how our society view child predators. I'm not talking about the 18 year old having sex with his 16 year old girlfriend. I'm talking about these nasty ass pedophiles who prey on our children for sexual gratification.

I want to put a stop to them receiving suspended sentences, 4 months in jail, and other slaps on the hands when the children will always, and I mean always have to bare the scares for what these individuals have done to them. I say let the punishment fit the crime. The victim will have to suffer for life, why not the perp?
Okay. I've ranted enough.
What's your opinion?

SCREWING PEOPLE IS OUR BUSINESS

So the President can find money to keep our troop in Iraq; however, it's too expensive to extend coverage for children's health care. What planet does he live on? I mean this is not just his country, he's supposed to do what is in the best interest for the American people yet 72% of the people wanted the SCHIP bill to pass both Republicans and Democrats were for this bill and Mr. This is My Country, And I Can Do What I Want To Do, Fuck Checks And Balances, Bush, decides to veto the bill. He says that it's too much government control. Hell someone needs to help the American people when health care is way too expensive and Insurance companies have gone rogue. What happens when you have a child with special needs that requires thousands and thousands of dollars worth of care each month? As Americans, don't we pay enough money to the government? Oh well. I pray that with a new president comes changes for a better. This country can't have another "I" President.

Lea

THE EX FACTOR

I'm listening to Ne-Yo's song Do You. It got me wondering about ex boyfriends past. I went through the gamet of thinking of ex's, and past relationships, and realized that I had no interest in contacting any of them.(In the song, NeYo is wondering how his ex girlfriend is fairing out since she'd moved on from him.)Not I. I shrudder when thinking about my ex boyfriends, and wonder "What the hell was I thinking." Some of them were nice young men, but I wasn't exactly the nicest girlfriend.(sigh) And some of the guys that I've dated were pure a**holes. But no, I really don't wonder what happened to my ex's.

Britney Spears

So I'm looking at the A.P. pic of Britney Spears with her children and I'm wondering if she's pissed at her mom for not protecting from the the industry vultures when she was younger?
I mean, I'm a mother of 3, and I can't imagine pimping my children out for any reason, much less for the sake of show business. Parents are supposed to protect, not be part of the problem. And although I feel there is enough blame to go around where Britney is concerned, I also believe that the root of her problems stems from the greed of her love ones. I may be wrong(won't be the first time), but this is how I feel.

Holla back,
Lea

FEMA: SCREWING AMERICA AGAIN

During the hurricane seasons, many people asked FEMA for help. They had to disclose a lot of personal information about their lives which FEMA vowed to keep private. Well, people are getting apology letters in the mail stating that FEMA is sorry but due to a court order, they have to release individual names and addresses to the public. They acknowledge that they'd gone against the original agreement,but court order says that they must comply and make public the information requested.
Good luck to all of the people whose information is now made public.

Many people who maybe reading this post, may not understand the ramification of it all. You see, sometimes hurricanes are devastating. You are without anything for days, weeks, months, and in New Orleans case, years. No food, water, electricity. FEMA, is a life line to helping you get back on track. And it's not free money, because it's something that must be paid back. It's an agreement of sorts. You fill out the application and they help you where you need it most. The paper work includes the statement that all of your information will be kept private. That is no longer the case. Now FEMA will fork over your information. And we are supposed to trust our govt.? I really don't. Oh and I am sure that this breech of privacy isn't limited to hurricane victims. I'm sure it'll affect all natural disaster victims.

WHAT IS GOING ON???

So I'm looking at the news and they are reporting that a woman may have died because a 10 month old camel tried to rape her. I was shocked! So shocked that I had to tell someone.
So I call up Layne Blacque to tell her what had happened, and of course, she topped me one.(She's a TV buff) She had a story about a 2 year old baby who was sexually assulted by a dog. I had to google the story and sure enough, there were several articles about it. Damn.

Here are the links to the stories:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/19/world/main3181944.shtml
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=51481

THANK GOD FOR OTHERS

I've been in pain and sick for a while and if it hadn't been for the concern of others, who knows how bad things would have gotten. Right now I am taking several different medications(the kind that makes me sleep all day and feel good when I'm not sleeping) for everthing from muscle spasms to diabetes and it seems like everything in between. I had been complaining about feeling bad since the end of July(I swore it was my Mother in Law's cooking, you know she uses pork in everything and I don't eat pork etc...) Anyway, it was more serious than that. My hubby and friends insisted that I go to see the doctor and it was more serious than I had thought. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to seek out treatment. Oh and you too Elle for reminding me that Aleve mask the pain, not cure it.

Lea

IT DOESN'T PAY TO BE FAMOUS

The other day the family and I went to TGIF and saw Justin Gatlin on a date. While in the middle of the date, the two was interrupted by a man who preceded to sit himself at the table with the pair. Boy did JG look pissed, and his date seemed politely, but a bit disconcerted by the intruder(the unwelcome guest obviously knew JG)
This went on for at least 15 minutes and then JG and his date, along with the man, got up to leave(mind you, their food was only half eaten). JG looked over at my hubby, closed his eye and shook his head. My hubby gave him a sympathetic smile and nodded. JG and the woman then left the restaurant.
Is it right to bombard celebrities whenever it's convenient for us? I don't think so. I mean, come on, this was Justin Gatlin, I can't imagine how Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie does it. And why do people feel as if they have an inalienable right to intrude on a star outside of RedCarpet events?

This has to get tiring quick.
Ohh, btw, if I were to see Tyrese anywhere, it's my right to mob him because he is just that fine. He's the exception to the rule.
hehehehe

Also, the death of Eddie Griffin on Friday may have been a suicide.
It's hard to ram your vehicle into a moving train and it be an accident. So sad. People around him says that he may have suffered from depression.
So, who's around when the famous flips out? I mean who was surprised at Anna Nicole taking her own life? Lindsey and Britney are a train wreck waiting to happen, as is Rod Stewarts' son; oh and DMX. Lord help him. I guess it doesn't pay to have an entourage. I mean, with all these people around them, no one's the voice of reason?
Hell, if I'm feeling pissy and out of place, I have plenty of people to call me out on it. If I'm sick or feeling isolated, I have people who will surround me and let me know that it's going to be okay. I have people who genuinely love me.
I guess it doesn't pay to be famous if you can't get even one person to have your back.

DOESN'T SABRA LOOK FAMILIAR???

I was watching "So You Think You Can Dance", and I almost did a double take. I thought Jennifer Love Hewitt had on an afro dancing across the stage(with a great tan). But no, it's Sabra. A real celeb look alike.


Lea

ARE BLACK MEN THE ENEMY IN E-BOOK LAND????

So I've released my book For The Love of Kira, previously released at OMP, as a free read on my loop. It's African American, both hero and heroine. The story doesn't feature the hero as a shape shifter, or an asshole, or a slave, or a gay best friend. He's just a good man. I've noticed that a few in ebook land, black men are hardly seen, or if so, they are type cast. So I wonder... Why are black men demonized, emasculated, and villainized in ebook land? (I happen to love black men myself.)
Just a question.
Anyone can respond to me on blog, or off. And you don't have to be PC about it. Just be respectful, please.

leaa4u@hotmail.com.

Lea

LAYNE BLACQUE QUOTEABLES

I love talking with Layne Blacque. She's my bff and I love... I mean Love... quoting her, especially in books. (too bad I spend a long time explaining to the power's that be, the dialogue in my books)

So I'll compose a few words and quotes that are simply Layne.
"Lord how mercy"
"Rolled up out of bed and decided to..."
"Sh*t out a..."
"Squat out a..."
"Dilapidated and broke down."
"She ain't whipping my ass, sh*t."
"I'm having a melt down"
"And I dare her to bless my mutha f*cking heart."
"You can't argue with crazy. Crazy always wins."
"Anyone willing to take a bone is willing to carry a bone, or some sh*t like that."
"Must Layne Blacque smack a bitch?"
"She opened her mouth and the whole projects fell out."

Yes, she and I have some colorful conversations. Some of my heroines are based on her, so blame her.

Lea

PUT UP YOUR DUKES

With my current book soon to be released, I've had time to look at the news. Fighting of some sorts is running ramped. This past week I've witnessed everyone from Britney Spears to Paula Abdul in some sort of altercation.(physical or verbal) BTW Rosie, don't sleep on Paula, she had to fight all through school. She's little and high. She'll whip your ass in person, I think.
However, fighting isn't limited to television. I've noticed some heated arguments going on right here on the web.
My favorites are the bloggers, especially the ones fighting over a man.
Hey, I have to get my entertainment where ever I can.

Lea

LOOKIE WHO'S RELEASED!!!

Okay, I have to give a shot out to my bff for this story. Love it!!!
It's called Breaking Becky, coming to Liquid Silver Book Aug.13. A must buy.



Becky Dommer is a stunning young woman willing to sleep her way into one of the world's oldest professions: trophy wife. But the rich doctor she charms into her bed is too devoted to his reputation—and wife of twenty-seven years—to ever consider helping her live out her dream.

Frustration leads her back into the arms of Jake Sawyer, the man she dumped to woo Dr. Unavailable. But when Jake, a normally easygoing and cool type, decides to take matters—and a very stubborn Becky—into his own hands, the once money-hungry vixen learns to submit to love. She learns to submit to everything...




This next author always deliver the steam!!!
Onyx Moon Rising by Taige Crenshaw. Available at Liquid Silver Books



Legends are born to face a task that will define the world. How they come out of it will resound for all time...

Tashana Rennix is used to being in charge of her own destiny. As a Nefer Investigation Force Agent, more importantly a Nefer Guardian, she makes decisions on a daily basis that affect the balance between life and death. Now faced with a challenge that will test all her abilities, she must fight to save the world, her soul and her life.

Sanjay Callens, a shadow dragon is part of the elite Marltes- dragon warriors. No one will stand in his way as he retrieves the stolen artifacts that were taken from the dragon home world. Being paired with a Nefer Agent who is reckless and a loner is not in his plan. Yet the Onyx Moon has chosen her and he must work with her to save all that he holds dear. All that he believes. For a man accustomed to control and order it will be a challenge. A challenge that is complicated by his desire to claim the warrior woman as his own.

There is an Onyx Moon Rising and the wind whispers that death is coming...

JINGER WITH A 'J'

Jinger With A "J" will becoming out on Aug.14th. My Loose Id editor has worked her magic, and a special shot out to the line editor and proofers, for making the story better.
Also, don't forget Jinger's diary. See how it all began:http: jingers-diary.blogspot.com/

Blurb:
I’ve desired another man’s wife everyday for two years. I am no better than David when he coveted Bathsheba. Being in such lust, I understand how his desire grew to commit the ultimate act of sin. I too have felt that need to set aside reason for carnal urges…for love, and I won’t let anything, including her stubborn pride, a desperate ex husband, or even a great job opportunity, get in the way of me having her.

Martin Constantine wants me. Wow! I want him too. I want him in my bed. I want him as my friend. I want him as my co-worker. I just don’t want to love him. I’ve made it through a marriage that left me devastated, and I didn’t care nearly for my ex-husband the way that I care for Martin. To lose my heart to Martin would be dangerous. If he were to leave me, the results would be catastrophic.
~Playing for keeps have never been this erotic~

WHATCH TALKIN' BOUT WILLIS???

So a fellow author and I are talking about the industry in general. You know the 'pros and cons' of the epub business. I brought up the fact that sometimes the industry bring out their 'clan' hat when dealing with black authors. She reminded me that its not just black authors that are getting discriminated against, but also authors of other races,especially when dealing with a niche company.i.e. We know of a company who treated the white authors horribly.
The author friend with whom I was speaking with says that at certain companies, she was treated less than the redheaded step child, she was treated like an "orphan who was only adopted to collect well fare and food stamps. 'No, not like Angelina Jolie and Madonna adopting helpless children, I felt like Gary Coleman with my parents pushing me on the stage making me say "Whatcha Talkin' Bout Willis'."Kind of orphan.
But despite the really bad experiences, she and I have landed in some great companies. Thank God for that.


Lea

THE DIARY OF A MAD BLACK COVER ART RECIPIENT

I've just received the cover art for my latest book. I rejected it! Besides having a naked guy on the cover,(I hate naked man titty on my covers) I also received that girl who is on every AA/IR ebook cover.(sigh)
Is it hard to find a black woman in stock photos?
Yes, I'm sure some will argue that maybe there are only a few black women; but come on, we as black people come in many different shades and colors.

I was speaking with Layne Blacque about this, and she was telling me about her bad cover art experience. We've come to conclusion that we won't stop being picky. We put a lot of work into our books, and pride ourselves on being unique. We want the cover of our books to reflect these expectations.

Lea

NERVOUS

I'm having a near melt down at the thought of my daughter going to high school next year. For most parents, that concept alone is frightening. Add to that, my daughter is autistic; and I have to say, I am a wreck! Yes, I have faith, but to be honest, when I think about all of the things that can go wrong, my faith is tested, and hope seems to flee. I am a bag of nerves trying to train my children on 'what if' scenario's. I'll admit, the thought of a gunman walking around shooting students have my insides turned. I am not sleeping well at night.
On top of that, I've been avoiding the Dr. since my sugar is sky high.(I'm diabetic)

So, I was taught to pray. And I will. Having faith in God: I must have. And trying to hold on to sanity while dealing with transition: My goal.
I really need to be more like my husband. He worries only about the things he can change and leaves the rest up to the Man Upstairs. I guess praying the Serenity prayer all these years really works(he needed some sort of guidance being married to me). I'll start tomorrow. Actually, it's 2:00am, so I'll start tonight.

I'm out,
Lea