ME! ME! is a trademark of Hampton Publishing House, LLC. ME! is a newsletter that encourages YOU to be yourself. It is time that you show the world who you really are by being who you were intended to be. Who am I? I’m ME! That’s all I need to be. Hampton Publishing House, LLC’s focus is to assist authors with publishing material that engages the community and provides knowledge of many societal matters. The company creates material that coincides with real life experiences and gives creative inspiration to those who are motivated by literature; whether it is written, spoken, or visual interpretations of text. It is the hope of the company to increase awareness and maintain open lines of communication by receiving manuscripts that relate to the following areas: friendships, marriage, domestic violence, depression, how-toinformation, social ills, and other subjects that will allow readers to understand the moralities of the subject matter.
Words of a genius “Just Bee Yourself” -Genie from Aladdin
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This issue contains information about individuals who are fabulous, focused, and fortunate. Sometimes all it takes is effort to make things align and movement to occur. ~ Start making your mark. Our writers welcome you to experience ME! Newsletter. Write our staff, provide us with your stories, and tell us how you overcame adversity in being who you were intended to be by living in your purpose.
Melica Niccole, Editor-in-Chief Author of All in Together Girls, Poetic Outlets, My Poetic Soul Unleashed, and Dead Wrong
Follow Melica on: @MelicaNiccole (Twitter), Melica Niccole (Google+), Melica Niccole (Instagram)
I Got My Mojo Flow Back Right before the Holidays Hello ME! Readers I got my mojo flow back yall and I’m not talking about the beautifully harmonic group called “MojoFlo.” I am speaking of my love in writing and creating. My desire to wake up and write, eat lunch and write, and write before I go to bed has returned. Oh passion of writing you leaveth me. Wherefore art thou passion? Hiding in the crevacies of the unknown. Taking on different personalities and trying to cope with the recent changes. At last you have returned to me, more beautiful than ever. Allowing me to relinguish my fears of committing and becoming one with you. Love, I give you my all. ~The only thing you can do is be you; people will either love it or hate it.
Either way, you are being true to yourself. So love yourself, appreciate what you have, and transform opinions -Melica Niccole
In This Issue I Got My Mojo Flow Back…
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Traditions
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How to Start Your Own Holiday @Javonne88 @PoetLena @Domunikue @PadrickBentley @Sabatekle
Newark Celebrates Poetry Booked for the Event The Best Poet of ME! Newsletter 2014 Motivational Videos Upcoming Book Festivals
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Fall 2014 Edition
ME! Traditions By D. Monique Herald, Up-and-coming Author
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Traditions are designated moments in time, made up of people, places, and things, entreated with a spirit that makes each second feel divine. While sitting and marinating on the many faces of traditions in past times (holiday fixings, turkey leg dressings, and baked banana pudding; oh my) thoughts of families trimming the Christmas tree, kissing under the missile toe, and white falling snow enters my mind. I also think about popcorn reefs and all the laughter we share as we decorate the tree. Imagine, now hearing the Christmas carol “Grandma got ran over by a reindeer.” This year it’s Junior’s job to add the center tree lights glowing, all because another year has passed and he’s grown a bit. Egg nog fills our glasses, more laughter commences as the tree starts bowing from the little ones placing all the bulbs on one side. Uh-oh, it’s going to topple over. Daddy starts running to catch the tree before it hits the ground. Mother stands still in her shock filled grip. Oh, how we averted that annual catastrophe tradition. As usual, Dad was the hero on this Christmas mission. Everyone anticipating Christmas morning and the presents that it’ll bring and celebrating the birth of the new born King. Her final prayer before she go to sleep “Now I lay me down to sleep, I promise if I get something I’ll take care of it and always keep it.” Wow, what an allegory of family traditions. Some place in the world this really happened, it’s just not my story. It’s from a child’s imagination whose world has always been filled with worry. All year long, wronged by the misfortunes this world would bring, still found the ability to dream this traditional dream. Maybe her life didn’t come filled with mistletoe or flurries of snow. Maybe family filled festive moments didn’t help her grow. However for a time, the thoughts were just mere possibilities; an idea of tradition that comes in the midst of her missed opportunities. It comes in the form of hope. She imagined those moments, sight unseen. Today, that’s her family. It’s no longer a dream. I asked more reputable traditionalists about their fore knowledge of tradition. They closed their eyes and here’s what they mentioned: “Jingle Bells,” and “Twas the Night before Christmas.” They shared some of their favorite moments in Christmas days gone. One even started smiling while humming her favorite Christmas song. The season’s memory brought tunes like “Jingle Bells,” “Dashing through the Snow,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” and holiday favorites, such as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” (Now I’m bursting into song). They remember being laid to bed by the story “Twas the Night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” While observing them it is obvious these memories brought joy to the surface. It was more than apparent their traditions were sincerely worth it. If all anyone can get from this article is one point, let it be this. Tradition is a filament in time that builds fibers of reality for a child, for an adult, and more importantly the generations to come. Traditions can be the moments that brings families together despite their differences. Traditions can be manifested moments where love, joy, and fellowship shine their brightest. Or traditions can, if shared, mend a broken little girl’s hope for the future. Tradition bares its beautiful face creating connections in people that far exceeds time and space. Despite the seasons the year can bring it “Tis” the season to let compassion ring.
Tips on Healthy Holiday Eating By Melica Niccole Food is definitely good for the soul during the holidays. It is a fact that most of us tend to gain the most weight during the winter time and holidays. This year and the new year coming, let’s see if we can eat in moderation and not only eat the good and fattening things, but also healthy things. Eating sweet and fattening foods are ok, it just has to be done in moderation. We have to know how much is too much and refrain from overdoing, especially if it’s your auntie’s delicious sweet potato pie. Wishing you all a merry Christmas, happy holidays, Feliz Navidad and all that good stuff. Hampton Publishing House, LLC © 2014 Visit us at HamptonPublishingHouse.com
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Fall 2014 Edition
ME! How to Start Your Own Holiday By T. Ayan Nelson
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Holidays are celebratory affairs, observed generation after generation, which commemorate a person or event. However, people sometimes forget the original meaning of the day and its meaning can become amended or expanded over time. As a holiday becomes more widely acknowledged, the event or person being honored receives the benefit of the energy from the collective reverencing him. It is taught by many schools of thought that when two or three agree on something then it is manifested. This is great if you believe in the same principles that the day represents, but if they conflict with your values you may want to consider forgoing your participation and start your own holiday or tradition. Here are some steps to consider if you would like to start your own holiday. 1) Choose an event, person or people that you would like to recognize and that you want to give energy toward. The person can be alive or deceased; the person can even be you. If you choose an event, it can have historical significance, be rooted in the present or look toward something that has not occurred yet. Anything is allowed here. This is the most important step because you are dedicating a portion of your energy to something outside of yourself (unless you choose yourself). The energy you give will allow that thing to grow, whether it is positive or negative, it will grow. 2.) Identify a specific day in an appropriate interval; be it monthly, yearly or other. This not only helps you remember to celebrate, but at certain times energy is higher and more available for you to direct toward your holiday. For example, the day the sun comes back to the point it was during your birth is celebrated as your birthday. The energy of the sun feeds your self-awareness. I have noticed that people either feel extremely good on their birthdays or they feel very bad and it is usually an amplified reflection of their overall demeanor. Like stated above, your energy will feed positivity or negativity so chose what and whom you celebrate with thought. Tip: you can also choose predetermined length of time that you will celebrate. Such as, celebrating a day each month that you are working on a project. At the end of the project you can have a grand celebration. 3.) Decide how you would like to memorialize the occasion. Many people celebrate with a feast. That is fine; however, I suggest not having food as your main focus unless food is significant to what or whom you are celebrating. The reason is multilayered and I would not be able to explain fully in this article. A few examples of activities you can do to celebrate include: Lighting a ceremonial candle (fire), planting a tree (earth), jogging outside (air) or swimming in the ocean (water). Using one of these natural elements is significant as each represents something different. Fire is the initiator, earth the nurturer, air is the teacher, and water is the cleanser. 4.) Gather at least one other person, but the more the better, to join your have another person, but the benefit of having at least one other person people that participate should be able to identify with their connection to the Holidays and traditions are important to build our loved ones up and also to make time for family and friends because our connection to others believe our purpose is to live our highest quality of life.
celebration. You do not need to helps your efforts go further. The holiday. Their agreement on the serve to build us up. It is important increases the quality of our existence. I
T. Ayan Nelson on Twitter Ms. T. Ayan Nelson is on Twitter. Get more insight from her by following her, asking her questions, and participating in her different contests or activities. You will definitely be glad you followed her.
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Fall 2014 Edition
ME! Author/Actor You Want Know Davon Clark is an author/actor you want to know. He is a native of Camden, New Jersey and on his way to the top. Watch Mr. Clark in action when he engages a classroom in discussion about his book right here.
Newark Celebrates Poetry By Melica Niccole On October 22, 2014, Newark celebrated poetry by allowing poets to display their talents right on stage through a method called open mic. There were numerous people who took the stage to recite their original work or to read famous poems by Maya Angelou and other great poets. Some amazing poets that I had the opportunity of seeing perform were: See Sean Battle and Asah Amor. I also had the opportunity to get up on stage and perform. It was amazing. Check out my performance right here.
Booked for the Evening By Melica Niccole I had the pleasure of attending Booked for the Evening, which was an event to benefit the Newark Library. The event was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at The Newark Public Library and featured Editor-in-Chief of Huffington Post Media Group, Arianna Huffington and Editor-at-Large for Essence Magazine, Mikki Taylor. The event was well organized from the silent auctions, presentation of speakers, and complimentary book at the end of the night. Mikki made my heart smile as she reminisced about her first library card and what Newark Public Library meant to her. She smiled from cheek-to-cheek as she talked about marrying her real life Ken doll and her support system who so happened to be in the audience to hear her deliver her speech. Arianna amazed the crowd with her Greek accent, “Sleep your way to the top” comedic mentality, and pillars of success; wellness, wisdom, wonder, and giving. She had the crowd indulging in her “Go Givers,” attitude and help people come to the realization that success is not worth sleep deprivation or sickness. It was also great and interesting to hear her say that being smart and going to college does not always equal wisdom and that wisdom comes with age and practice.
Relationships: Make a Conscious Effort to Be Nice Visit SistahGirlPostivieAttitudeGratutide.blogspot.com for more information.
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Fall 2014 Edition
ME! Best Poet of ME! Newsletter In the middle of July, we held a contest for the Best Poet of ME! Newsletter. This was an opportunity for poets to send in their best poem with hopes of being chosen as the winner. There were a few individuals who entered the contest. In choosing the best poem, the following was considered: Content, relatability of the material, and poem coincided with material that was featured in ME! Newsletter. With that being said, it was a hard decision to make from all the individuals who submitted their work to be reviewed. There were great poems that “Birthed nations and brought light” and carried a “Canoe full of emotions to and fro.” These poets were definitely on to something, but there could only be one winner in being a competition. The poet who will retain Best Poet of ME! Newsletter for one year is Mr. Riza 716. Feel free to tweet Mr. Riza 716, add him as a friend, and ask him which poem won him the title.
Motivational Videos Eric Thomas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWIRyUAur8 Focus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHeqfZO69o Rise and Grind- Greatest Motivational Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFGWnqNf6t0 Never Give Up Secret to Success (Click video to play)
Adam Ali (Adam WontLose) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bIdwfChGJ8 IWontLose Channel Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQSbs5rSz2Y#t=24 How to Find Direction in Your Life Steps: Know what you want, Take action, Stay ready, Ask, and Values. Dear Hard Work (Click video to play)
Ashton Kutcher “Opportunities look a lot like work” “Sexiest thing in the entire world is being really smart, Thoughtful, and generous.” “Building a life, don’t live one.” Opportunity, Sexy, and Living Life (Click video to play)
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Fall 2014 Edition
ME! Upcoming Book Festival
This section features some book festivals that will be occurring around the U.S.
Virginia Festival of the Book
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – Sunday, March 22, 2015
Saturday, April 18, 2015 – Sunday, April 19, 2015
Southern Kentucky Book Fest
Book Expo America
Saturday, April 18, 2014
Thursday, May 28, 2014 – Saturday, May 30, 2015
Positivity’s Corner Positivity is not just a thing to do, but it is a whole lifestyle. In being positive and aligning yourself to bring positive things into your life, sometimes you have to take out those negative factors. Those negative factors can be in the form of people, things, and emotions. See, some people don’t realize that their life is in shambles because they are failing to remove certain things out of their lives that they know they need to remove. Most people are relatively smart people and know exactly the thing or things that are holding them back from reaching their fullest potential. Life is interesting in a way that once you start removing a little bit of things at a time, things start to change bit-by-bit. It may not be the end result change that is sought, but it is the immediate change that is needed. The hardest part to all of this is change your whole perspective, the way you react to certain things, and most of all, who you allow in your immediate circle. The truth of the matter is that you cannot allow any and all individuals in your immediate circle, especially if they are spewing life’s contentment of negativity. These are individuals who you continue to say hi to and have a cordial relationship, but refrain from allowing their negativity impact you. Now there are those negative souls who change to positive by being around you and others like you. It is definitely your choice whether or not you allow them in your circle, but you have to continue to keep the circle positive. The moral of this topic is remembering to keep it positive at all times, no matter what.
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Author Spotlight Davon Clark is an author/actor who is inspired by life. He wrote his first Children’s book titled The Adventures of Prada Enchilada. The book is about a talking dog and his best friend, a cat named Mimi Tortellini. The two embark on various escapades throughout the series while being enlightened and educated by their surroundings. As a Substitute Teacher in the New Jersey, California, and New York School systems, Mr. Clark felt the need for “a story to the kids through an educational perspective.” Join Mr. Clark as he makes history and make your own history with him. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Information on page 3.
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Fall 2014 Edition