 A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Kennedy Holloway. Her life has been turned upside down finding love where she did not expect to, and the person who holds her interest is here today. Please give a warm welcome to the Atlanta Cobra's forward, Elias Da Silva.  People talk. Everybody's got something to say about me and who they think I am. But on the real...nobody really knows me. Not anyone except my father and my sister. Even those close to me don't really know me like they think they do. They know what I allow them to know, when I allow them to know it. Who I really am? I'm a son, brother and uncle. I'm a friend. I am a man who misses the love of his mother, because she died of lupus when I was only six and my sister was eight. I am a man who respects and understands the love and challenges of a single father and how often they are misrepresented, because my dad has been and continues to be a strong, helluva black male instrumental in the lives of his children and grandchildren. I am a business man who's passionate about promoting the causes of those who just need a shot; not looking to fatten my own pockets. And this man just happens to be the number one forward in the NBA, playing for the Atlanta Cobras. But everyone doesn't need to know all of that. It's what helps me protect my family from scrutiny. They don't need something else to talk about. They need to focus on what I want them to focus on. So, I don't sweat the fact that the media portrays me as this ladies' man. That's what I allow them to see and the image I have allowed them to carve of me. Why? Because it keeps everybody out of my real business and so far, I've been as successful at that game as I have been in the game of NBA. But there's one game I haven't been too successful at, the game of love. Like many men my age, I haven't been looking for love. It's not because I want to play games with a woman's heart, that's not who I am. I just lay the cards on the table, explain the rules and they either accept it or they don't. You see, I've worked too hard to build the career that I love and my wealth has afforded me certain privileges I wouldn't otherwise have. Aside from my NBA career I have a couple of business that means a lot to me, too. And I promise you, I won't be that brother getting milked by some broad claiming to have my kid, or getting duped into a marriage so she can take what I've built. Family? Family has always meant everything to me. I'm possessive and protective over what's mine. That's what's gotten me into the mess I'm in now. This woman...Kennedy Holloway, yeah, that's her name. She was only supposed to be a photographer for this photo shoot I was doing for Courtside Magazine. But, man I don't know...somehow we connected on some other level behind the camera. She saw things in me, I could tell that no one has ever seen. And I knew it from the way we kicked it, but when I saw the pictures it was like she was showing the world this other part of Elias Da Silva. And I wasn't so sure I wanted them to see that. But I wanted to see her again. So, my pursuit begins. But something's not quite right. She's putting up these walls to keep me out and I'm not sure why. As a celebrity, the media can't let some things go. And when they get ahold of me and Kennedy, they're determined to hold on like a dog to a bone. But the secret they uncover that she's kept so carefully hidden in her life is about to make me lose my mind. And if you haven't met Kennedy. Check her out at Behind the Lens. Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love). About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. 
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 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Last week I struggled with headaches every day. Not just the regular headaches that I've dealt with for years on an ongoing basis, but these were a different type. It was not until the end of the week that I realized I was stressed out on so many levels about so many things. It was not good. Now, I must confess I believe part of the reason I was having the headaches was because I had changed my diet and amped up my exercise routine. I had been doing excellent on that for about three weeks, and last week on a Monday I crashed. I went the entire week eating the old foods I used to love (fried, sweet, and fast), and I did not work out once. So, I know part of the reason was because of that fact alone, a fact that my husband actually pointed out. When I settled down on Friday after the work week was over, I began to sort through all the random things that were rambling through my mind and that's when I realized I was stressed. We're coming up on that time of the year, where we're still trying to balance regular life's demanding schedule and trying to squeeze extra in because here come the holidays, here come the times of celebration, and here comes the extra spending. I love being invited to things and included in things, but here's a little secret that I'll share with you, and you only. I am an introvert. Honestly, I am such a homebody that I have to allow my family to talk me into participating in most things. Not because I don't like to or don't like people, I think it's that I love my comfort zone and I don't like being pushed beyond it. And beyond that? Writing is my guilty addiction...has been since the age of 12. Well, in the effort of trying to push beyond my comfort zone, sometimes I allow myself to take on too much and that's what I have done lately. I said 'yes,' to so many things that I became absolutely overwhelmed. That's the other thing about me, I don't like disappointing people by saying 'no.' So, I began to question my reluctance to complete some of the things I had been asked to complete, participate in some of the things I have been asked to participate in, and provide some of the things I have been asked to provide. And then I looked at my hectic and demanding work schedule (I have a stressful job that I really love), and compare it to everything else. I cannot do it all, and I had been trying to fool myself into believing that I can. So, there were things that I needed to say 'no,' to and some things that I needed to delegate to others, which I absolutely hate doing. I really do believe I can do it all, and it'll be done the way that I want to. Other confession? I'm a control freak over things related to me...not things related to others, just me. Then it hit me. Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7. It came to me on Friday night I believe it was. And so, I started asking the Lord to lead me as to what to do in different areas. Show me what was His will, and what wasn't. Show me the things it was okay to do and those that I need to let go of. And above all give me peace with it and peace with the people that may be involved in it. And you know what? He did. Everything has not been revealed all at once. He is giving me glimpses and answers day by day, but I have to be patient and trust Him. And then I have to truly let go once He gives me the answer and follow what He's telling me to do, not second-guessing Him or questioning Him in any way. And with each revelation, He's giving me peace and comfort through it all. Sunday morning, my mind amped up again starting to think about the vast things that are on my plate, and things I'm being asked to do or to give. The headache started back up, and He led me right back to this Scripture. And after this Scripture, came this blog piece. I think He's telling me that I'll have to hold tight to this particular Scripture as He guides me through this particular season of life. Whatever it is that you may be facing this season, or any season of your life, trust it into His hands before you stress about it. Nothing is worth risking our health for. And after all, He wants us to live an abundant life and enjoy it to the full. That's what He promised in His word. Then who are we to do anything less than what He has established for us? "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 What do you do when life becomes stressful? Do you have a favorite Scripture? How do you escape the madness life offers at times? I would love for you to share with me. Drop it in the comments below...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   It's another #writerwednesday, and Elias Da Silva is taking a moment to check out something that's caught his eye. But the fire of desire that rises in him, quickly turns into a different type of heat...  Breasts thrust in the air, arms askew, back arched, her hips supported by a cushion, Kennedy’s t-shirt slipped free of her tight, knee-ripped jeans. Her exposed mid-section quivered slightly at the air blowing in. Licking her lips, she angled her head, and lost her breath, as she attempted to consume the fullness of it. A soft moan escaped her lips. Jazz played softly in the background, and the scent of jasmine saturated the air. She was intoxicated with the ambiance and tried to get more. Elias struggled with his physical reaction towards her. Kennedy was beautiful on a regular day, breathtakingly gorgeous on the night they’d had dinner, desirable the night she’d come to his party and had one too many drinks, but here on his café floor like this she was sexy, and he wanted her. He gripped the counter of the nearby coffee bar, trying to restrain himself. Closing his eyes, he tried to think of unicorns and butterflies, to stop the physical reaction his manhood was having towards her. It was no use. The only thing he saw behind his shuttered eyes was her underneath him, his arms wrapped around her back, as she arched trying to take in all of him. Elias yearned to know what that sliver of skin peeking from under her t-shirt felt like. He wanted to taste those lips she had just licked, and make love with his tongue to that little slip of tongue that had been exposed for just a moment. Running his hands down his face, he recalled there were other staff members around. Despite his greatest desire he would never do anything to disrespect Kennedy, nor would he embarrass her in front of anyone. Come on, man, get a grip, he warned himself. He decided he would bring attention to his presence, and hopefully cause her to change positions. The last thing he needed was someone else seeing her in that position and desiring her the way that he did. The thought of that brought anger to the forefront of his emotions, causing his erection to decrease. “There you are,” Elias stated, kneeling beside her on the floor of Friday Night Expressions. “I’ve been looking all over for you.” Kennedy remained silent, clicking off several shots in succession. He waited patiently, trying to see what she saw on the ceiling above her. Elias wondered how she viewed the ceiling and what she thought of it. If there were any way possible, he would have wanted to see it through her eyes. He had commissioned a couple of independent artists who frequented the café to paint a mural on the ceiling. African-American men and women sang, played instruments, read poetry, wrote novels, and painted all on his ceiling. Setting her camera down beside her, Kennedy sat up, and swiveled her legs around to face Elias. She rested her arms on her knees and smiled at him. “What’s up?” “Checking to see how you were coming along? We have a band that’s supposed to rehearse in about a couple of hours, but they needed to move it up an hour earlier. I didn’t know if you’d be finished.” “Ah, sure. I’ve got a couple more shots before I call it a wrap tonight.” “Cool. Well, if you don’t mind staying around this evening, you should be able to catch at least one of our acts. Help you get a vibe for the place and all, you know…” She smirked at him and shook her head. “I can stay around for a little while. Not too long, because I’ve got to get some rest for another shoot I’m scheduled for in the morning.” “More important than mine?” She laughed. “Nothing’s more important than yours, Mr. Da Silva.” “Mr. Da Silva is it?” She winked. “No.” “Who’s the shoot for? Anyone I know?” “Zachary McKnight.” “Zachary? My Zachary?” “I don’t know that he’s yours…buuut, yes, your teammate Zachary McKnight.” Zachary was a center for the Atlanta Cobras, and one of the most arrogant men he knew. The fact that Kennedy would be working with Zachary upset him. His reputation among the ladies wasn’t too good. There had been a few allegations that he had attempted to rape a couple of groupies, but nothing had ever come of it. The Cobras had hired their high-powered attorneys, paid out a settlement, coerced a signed contract from the ladies, and swept any remnants of the scandal under the rug. Initially most of the team had given Zachary the benefit of the doubt, but he never cooled his heels and instead bragged about his sexual prowess in the bedroom. Elias knew that the press liked to portray him as a ladies’ man, but he had always been portrayed as a combination of a player and a gentleman. Not once had he ever been accused of losing control with a woman. They were always treated with the utmost respect. “What time is your shoot?” “Starts around nine. Why?” “Just wondering. Shooting him in the same spot we shot in at Piedmont Park?” “Nah. He wants to do Krog Street Tunnel,” Kennedy stated, grabbing her camera and pulling herself to her feet. Elias exploded up like a rocket, all six foot six inches of him. His quick movements caused Kennedy to stumble backwards, widening her eyes. Flaring his nostrils and puckering his lips, he was angry that he had scared her. That was another emotion he never wanted to be responsible for her feeling. “Why does he want to meet there?” “To capture his artistic side. You know he paints, too, right?” Elias rolled his eyes, his fists coming to his waist, pushing his blazer coat behind him. “Come on, Kennedy. You’re a smart woman. Surely you’ve figured him out by now.” About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   How often do we as women talk about wanting to find love? How often are we comparing ourselves to someone else, trying to figure out how she grabbed love but we didn't? How often are we comparing ourselves to a man, stating that he needs to bring all these things to the table, but what are we bringing to the table? Love is not just about the financial benefits he or she can bring to the relationship. Nor, is it about how good one can make you feel in your daily dealings. Love is about building one another stronger even in the worst of times, seeing beyond his or her faults and to the core of who they are. Love is about understanding what someone needs, not just what they want to bring out he best in them. I used to be frustrated, not understanding why my husband constantly pushed me to do more, be more, when I was perfectly complacent in being who I was. What I did not understand at the time was that his love for me, an Almighty God inspired love, allowed him to see what I could not see within me. And he had an understanding of what it would take to pull it out of me. Now, when I look back to the girl I was at twenty-two and the woman I am at forty-five, I cannot help but say wow! Not just wow, as in the normal wow about how much I've grown. But honestly amazed at the person I am today, regarding my feelings and values, as well as, what I have been able to accomplish, when I did not even realize some of the capabilities existed within me. The challenges that I thought were insurmountable, the obstacles that I feared were unavoidable, and the mountains that were too high to begin to climb let alone conquer were nothing when I look back. Yet, all of them grew me in ways I believed impossible back then. This weekend, Bishop Dr. Richard Leaphart posed an interesting statement, "I can't receive His benefits if I don't believe He loves me, and the same is true in the natural." Are you allowing yourself to believe that the Lord Almighty loves you and wants the best for you? Are you allowing Him to bring out the best in you? And what about that relationship you're in? Are you believing that he loves you, even when times aren't the best? Let me pose this question: If you don't believe he loves you, then how can you quite possibly love him enough to give him what he needs? You can't because you're too focused on worrying about what you're not receiving to see what he needs. About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Today, I would like to introduce you to Kennedy Marie Holloway, independent photographer for Courtside Magazine. Kennedy will soon find herself in the spotlight because of the company she's keeping. On the surface, she may be living the dream of some groupies, but she is carrying a lot of baggage that keeps her from enjoying this new spotlight. Read on...  The basics...about me. I'm a thirty-three year old, former finance consultant for Thompson-Meyer, one of the country's top bank and brokerage firms. I am married to Rick Holloway and we recently celebrated three years of marriage. The only child of Marilyn Everett-Briggs, defense attorney and Scott Briggs, a police detective for DeKalb County. Of mixed race descent I have always been proud of who I am and where I come from. There were several things that split my parents' marriage up, one of which was my father's African-American heritage that was not high on the list of my maternal grandparents' reasons to love about him. They wanted her to marry within her WASP background, and she failed to do so. The other thorn in their marriage was their conflicting career choices. Her career as a defense attorney and his as a detective eventually pitted them against each other. I did not want my own marriage to follow their fate, but eventually it did. My reasons for preparing to divorce were dissimilar to my parents. They still loved one another very much. My husband's actions did not depict true love. When my eyes were opened to the truth about him, I realized my entire life was a characterization of what others thought my life should resemble. Now, I'm on the way to a new life. Picking up the camera has been my life's passion, something I did on the side that no one took seriously except myself. That love and desire led me to make some serious changes, the first of which has been my career. Giving up my career as a financial consultant, I am now an independent photographer on the brink of success and notoriety. Is it because of some well-placed ads, perfectly timed appearances, and the right connections...that landed me gigs as a contractor for Courtside Magazine? That helps, but it's not that. Courtside Magazine is the premier sports magazine, following the lives of professional NBA players both on and off the court. I have landed several small gigs with them, but when asked to do a feature spread on Elias Da Silva, the NBA's number one forward, playing for the Atlanta Cobras, I was overjoyed. This would surely lead to more higher paying jobs. I should have known from the first moment I met Elias things would never be the same. Try as I might to shut down his interest, he did not take no for an answer. There was a reason I was able to see something in him that others failed to see. And against my better judgment, I ignored my initial instincts and went out on a date with him. That wasn't altogether the worst thing that could happen. No, the worst thing was when my husband found out. And the thing he's asking of me now? This thing that is crazy in the scheme of things? It isn't so easy to turn away from. I have choices to make, and someone is going to get hurt no matter what I decide. My connection to Elias Da Silva has thrust me into the spotlight that I once shunned, and has Elias' personal life at the heart of the media's focus. The one thing he hates the most. Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love). About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Relationships are all about sacrifice. Oftentimes, we go into them thinking about the excitement that a new relationship brings. Getting to know someone new and all that they have to offer, along with all we have to give. We look forward to those first, second, and subsequent dates; the times when we will see one another again; or when he will call, because we can't wait to hear his voice. As time grows on, it can become easy to forget about those beautiful moments in the beginning. Or what I would like to call those "firsts." The first date. The first kiss. The first dance. The first time he said, "I love you." Those moments are not to be forgotten, but to be treasured because you cannot capture them again, only build on them. As challenges arise in the relationship, it's easy to get lost in the disagreements and the ups and downs and forget to cherish what you have. I say have rather than had, because that special thing isn't lost, it just needs to be cultivated and rekindled. In the darkest moments and the most challenging times, recall that love is about sacrifice. It's not always about those exciting, thrilling, unexpected moments, but also about sacrificing for the greater good of another. Giving him everything you have when he needs it most, and when he gives to you everything, letting him know you appreciate it. Sacrificial love is not always easy, it can be quite painful and make you afraid. I think about what Jesus Christ must have endured and felt when He had to go to the cross at Calvary to sacrifice for our sins. There have been times when tears have come to my eyes, at just the thought of what He had to face, and how often we (I) take it for granted. Even in every day living our sacrificial love can be painful and not easy to give. In an upcoming novel, I have written, Bel Amour, the characters must endure a sacrificial love. Kennedy has experienced a great hurt in her marriage, but she knows she must push on to live her best life. And just when she is ready to move on with her life and put the pain of the past behind, she is faced with a new challenge that she has to consider. Kennedy will have to release a chance at happiness, for the greater good of someone else. The love she is called on to show is not just romantic in nature. It is a love that is selfless, unconditional, and non-threatening. But in making that choice, she will have to hurt someone else in the process. But as with all things, when the Lord is in the mix and we're doing His will it will work out for good. And I'm not simply referring to the book at the moment, but in you life, in my life, and the lives of those around us. This weekend, I wrote a newsletter about how to rekindle the flames of love in you new or existing relationship. I share ideas and images of Kennedy and Elias in the novel, Bel Amour. If you have not received the newsletter you can check out the link below. And if you are not a subscriber, you can subscribe in the newsletter link below and receive a free short story. Book Café Newsletter - FALLing In Love Subscribe to Book Café About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Should "Til Death Do Us Part," really be adhered to anymore? That's the problem that Kennedy Holloway is facing and must determine how important her marital vows are to her. Ready to move on with her life and beyond the heartbreak her husband has created for her, she has made her peace with what was and is ready to move into what could be. However, life altering events will have her changing her mind and putting her life on hold for...forever? Today's #writerwednesday snippet is from an upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love). Blurb... BEL AMOUR A beautiful story of love between a man and a woman. Photographer Kennedy Holloway has changed her life, and is now pursuing her first love in a career of creating beautiful art from behind the lens of a camera. A freelance photographer for Courtside Magazine, she’s begun rubbing elbows with some of the NBA’s elite players. Running from heartache and disappointment, she’s come to the end of the road when she meets Atlanta Cobras’, Elias Da Silva. Touted as the NBA’s #1 shooting guard and designated all-around ladies’ man, Elias’ private life is off limits to the paparazzi. No one really knows the man off the court, and he’s blocking every attempt from anyone getting too close, until he meets Kennedy on assignment. Her attempts to hide behind the camera only peeks his interest further. He won’t rest until he wins at the game of love. Follow Kennedy and Elias through three years of ups and downs, as they learn about one another and themselves. Deemed to be the “perfect couple,” Kennedy’s past rises as a barrier between them. Will a lesson in sacrificial love keep the two of them apart, or will it be the bond that they need to bring them together again? Excerpt... Kennedy looked around her townhome one final time before releasing a sigh. Everything had been packed away. All her recently purchased furniture sent to storage, along with other valuables. “You ready, babe?” Rick asked, draping an arm over her shoulder with a large grin creasing his face. Not really, she thought, but kept her feelings to herself. Kennedy looked up at her husband and smiled. “Sure.” She looked down at the baby in her arms, her heart pounding, and uncertainty dancing around in her mind. The infant’s fists were bundled underneath her chin while she slept peacefully away. She had no clue of the turmoil the adults in her life were experiencing. Jessica had left the hospital shortly before the nurses came to release her, never once looking back or saying goodbye to the baby. Rick had her on his own for two weeks, before Kennedy finally caved in to his demands, against her mother’s wishes. Marilyn had not taken her calls since she announced to her mother that she had stopped the divorce and was moving back into their home. Halfway through the drive to their home, Rick reached over and grabbed her hand into his pulling her from her thoughts. She looked up at him and smiled slightly, her head still resting in her other hand. “What’s on your mind, baby?” he asked. “Mm, nothing.” “Come on, you can talk to me. You’re worried about being a mother?” he grinned like a Cheshire cat. “No. Not really,” she muttered, turning to stare out the window. Her thoughts had been on Elias, wondering what he was doing. She had tried several times to no avail to reach out to him after the pictures appeared in the media. “Then what?” “Just wondering what Jessica could be thinking about to leave such an innocent life behind,” she lied, twisting in her seat to glance at the baby’s car seat. She couldn’t see her face very well from her position, but she could tell the newborn was still asleep. “Mm. She’s selfish I can tell you that much. Let’s not talk about her. I don’t want to think about Jessica anymore. I want to talk about the family me, you, and Trinity will be. Not to mention the little one that I plan to put inside you once I get you home in bed,” Rick stated, laughing. “Oh no, you don’t!” Kennedy replied, jerking her hand from his. He frowned. “What do you mean? That was always our dream, remember? Especially yours, babe.” “Seems like you got a head start on that one.” Rick reached a hand out and stroked Kennedy’s hair. “Come on, babe. You told me you’d forgiven me.” “Doesn’t mean I’ll forget.” “So, you’re saying we can’t start a family together?” “We have a lot of healing to do, Rick. And you have a lot of growing and maturing to do. We’re hardly in the position to have another baby right now. Trinity’s barely three weeks old, and we have to learn how to take care of a child. The last thing we need to do is overwhelm ourselves with thoughts of another. Besides, we have too much baggage to deal with before jumping on that road.” Rick sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. He pulled into the driveway of their home. She had not been here in such a long time. This had once been a dream home for her, now all it held were painful memories. Just looking at it, made her want to run. As if sensing her hesitation, the baby chose that moment to begin whimpering in her sleep. Rick tossed a look her way, and instantly unbuckled his seat belt. Kennedy unbuckled hers and made her way to the rear passenger seat. Unstrapping Trinity’s car seat, she carefully lifted the infant out and held her close to her, while rocking her. She grabbed the baby bag with her other hand and lifted it onto the same shoulder she had already strapped her purse. Rick grabbed Kennedy’s bags from the other side and smiled at her. “Look at you…just beautiful. Motherhood looks great on you.” Mr. Stanley came from around his backyard and stopped. Lifting a hand up to his forehead, he smiled and ambled over towards the couple. “Well, I’ll be. Look who’s here! Land alive, I ain’t seen you in quite some time. I’m sho’ glad to see you two back together,” he remarked, as he made his way closer. “Hi, Mr. Stanley,” Kennedy greeted warmly, a rush of affection taking over her. “Hey, Mr. Stanley,” Rick greeted, reaching out and heartily shaking the elder man’s hand. Mrs. Irene came out of the house and began making her way towards the small group. “Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Mrs. Irene gushed, walking up to them. “Well, it explains why we ain’t seen Kenni around, Reenie,” Mr. Stanley stated. “She’s been busy, and pregnant! I’m so glad you two starting a family.” “May I see her?” Mrs. Irene asked, with a look of concern. “Sure, Mrs. Irene,” Kennedy replied, handing over her carefully wrapped bundle. She looked to Rick who stood beaming from ear to ear. “Why that’s a proud papa if I ever seen one. I know I was like that with all three of ours,” Mr. Stanley stated, grinning back at Rick. “Whose baby, is she?” Mrs. Irene asked. “Woman! That’s their baby. What in Sam’s hill are you talking ‘bout?” “Well, I know I seen Kennedy recently on them talk shows ‘bout them celebrities, and her figure was just as gorgeous as it is now. Ain’t no way a baby don’ come outta that,” she stated, pointing at Kennedy. Kennedy glanced over at Rick, who was working his jaw back and forth. “Foolish talk, woman!” Mr. Stanley reprimanded, talking about the couple as if they weren’t standing there. “Mm-mm. Chile got blue eyes. Ain’t no way this heah’ Kennedy’s baby,” Mrs. Irene stated, looking between them. Mr. Stanley looked down at the baby for the first time and then back up at Rick. “Son, you don’ went out and got yourself a baby outside the marriage?” Rick started scratching the back of his neck and looking uncomfortable. “Well, see…” “Yes, sir. Yes, he did. I’m here to help him raise her and make sure that she has a good home,” Kennedy intervened, accepting the baby back from Mrs. Irene. Pressing her lips together she looked at the infant and back at her husband. “Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Irene, I think I need to get her in the house now, so I can change her.” “You do that, sugah,” Mrs. Irene stated, patting Kennedy on the back. She turned to head to the house, but not before hearing the advice given her husband. “You take good care of that woman. She’s a mighty good girl, son. Don’t keep messing up too much. It’s only so much a woman can take. You hear me?” Mr. Stanley advised. “Yes, sir.” “Stanley had one time to pull some stuff like that on me…you wouldn’t be standing here talking to him now,” Mrs. Irene huffed, and walked off. Kennedy squeezed her eyes shut tight. She waited for a few beats before hearing her husband’s footsteps on the stairwell, before he made his way up to the porch. She moved aside to allow him to unlock the front door. About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle+- Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.   Over the last few months, I have been struggling with having balance in my life. I am either extremely dedicated to what's going on at work, going over and above to accomplish goals, OR I am spending an unbalanced amount of time escaping into my writing world to the exclusion of all else. I looked at my blog this past week and realized it has been just over a month since I last posted. That's so different than my norm. When I started this blog I would blog daily Monday through Friday. Then after life dealt our family a few blows, I scaled it back to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I kept that pace up from 2015 through earlier this year. It's not that my blog and my writing isn't important to me, perhaps, some might say it's the most important thing to me. This happened because there was no balance or organization in my life. As in my writing style of being a pantser, I also have a carefree, flow with the wind attitude in life. That's not always a good thing, because at some point things are going to spiral out of control or create some chaos in your life. Lately, I have been extremely focused on work because my temporary job turned into a full-time job. On top of that, I took on another ghostwriting project which has eaten up any spare time that I have. While I am thankful for these blessings, I know that the Lord that I serve is not a God of chaos and confusion, rather balance. So, in an effort to reel things back in and create balance (notice I said "create," not "restore," because there never was any before) in my life, I have done a few things that require a bit of self-discipline.
The most important routine is to maintain my prayer life with reading the Word of Almighty God. I have never not prayed, because this is part of my daily life in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. However, I am focusing on how, when and how long I pray, because that, too, has suffered throughout the chaos that my life had become. Without His presence and guidance in my life, nothing can or will go right. So, I make Him a priority to ensure I am filled with His spirit and giving my best to my family and myself daily. He helps me to live my best life.
About Chelle Ramsey...  Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.  |
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Inspirational women's fiction author, writing the script to my beautifully inspired life! Be Inspired, Follow Me!Archives
June 2019
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