Urban Image Magazine Thanksgiving Issue 2013 by Urban Image Magazine

Table of contents

What’s Inside Meet our Staff**********************************************8 Letter from the Editor**********************************13 Ask Emiaj****************************************************16 Relationship Redesign*********************************20 CBeauty Art*************************************************26 Cuffing Season********************************************29 Table of contents Deszion’s Star Design**********************************33 Does This Make My Butt Look Big****************40 Double Trouble 2******************************************44 Loving You Doesn’t Mean I Read Minds*******48 Five Fall Fashion Must Haves***********************51 Sexual Expression***************************************56 State of Madness*****************************************59 Urban Alter**************************************************63 Let Keep Empowering Our Sistahs!***************68 Poetic Justice Joint****************************************73 An Interview with Puma*******************************74 Comedy Corner: Reality TV***************************91 Real Sex Talk with DQueen**************************96 Urban Image Family Gives Thanks**************109

contributors

Meet our staff

Hello, my name is Denetra “Queen GangstaLit” Key or better known as D Queen. I am the president here at Urban Image. I am a mother of three and also a 15 year nurse by profession. I also am our magazine layout designer… so I hope you enjoy my art. There are some topics that arise in life that strike a cord with me and I will comment on those issues. My articles and blogs are to shed light on issues that are dear to my heart! I apologize in advance if I offend. But my pieces are based on my opinion. Our opinions reflect that we are individual children of God. One promise I can make is that I will report on the topics of my choice in as accurate fashion as I can. I welcome you to leave your comments good or bad in regards to work. I actually appreciate it! Your views give me insight. Thank you for visiting our page. While your here please take the time to browse around and look at our mag. It's gorgeous. I did the layout myself and am quite proud of it! Thanks again and God Bless!

My name is Richarh Aswanu AKA Daddy Rich. I am the CEO and founder here at Urban Image Magazine and GangstatLit. Writing is not a phase in my life, it defines who I am. I’m a man on a mission. I want my freedom! This is why I write! I have been locked down for 8 years but have published 3 books thus far. I have my own style that separates me from other authors. I created Urban Image to serve as a publication you can be proud of. It is our aim to dissolve the negative stereotypes associated with the “Urban Community”. We will inform, educate, entertain and inspire our readers. In addition to providing you with thought provoking content, Urban Image Magazine will showcase talents who haven’t had the opportunity to reach mainstream media outlets. Urban Image Magazine was founded as a life changing movement for all that are involved in our mission. We are a stage for those without a platform to have a spotlight. Published to be accessible online, this magazine is designed to serve as a catalyst to success, a place where you can network with like-minded people who are in pursuit of their dreams.

EmiajAhdai is from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is our Fashion and Arts Blogger, our

Taylor Danes “Our Assistant Vice President” is from Orange, NJ, she is one of our bloggers as well as Managing assistant. She is currently working on a advice page on Facebook and managing her own blog as well .

Managing Editor and recently promoted to Vice President. She is currently work-

Talia Rice has a personal ing on her first novel, and is a contribu- blog, diamondpublicationz.wordpress.com where tor to LAID: Young People’s Experiences she talks about everything with sex in an easy access culture. She involving writing and sprinbrings us a unique look on love and relakles in her own work too. tionships through her Single and Ready She freelances for Fashion At to Mingle blog and her column Ask EmiLarge and is a contributing blogger for Urban Imaj. This little woman wears a lot of hats age Magazine. Without Consent is the psychological but she has a big heart. You would never thriller she has finished and editing. Currently she is believer that she started out just blogwriting a novel involving human trafficking called Dear Daddy. Future works include a sex anthology, ging with us in her spare time. She bea women's guide for getting back to the basics of lieves in hard work and dedication will their true self and a how-to on reigniting your paspay off in the end. Look for her name sion for writing with a twist. Connect with her on among the stars. Twitter, Facebook, or read her works on Scribd.com. 9

KIMBERLEY R. JASPER was raised in Jamaica Queens, New York and still describes herself as a true New Yorker through and through despite currently residing in Humble, Texas with her family.

After self-publishing her first novel,

she is now fulfilling her purpose and passion as a writer.

From horror fiction with a mysti-

cal twist to erotic thrillers, this author can do it all with well-seasoned finesse. 10

Angela Williams is just now beginning to explore the possibilities opened to her. She is an avid reader who sometimes lets her imagination run wild. A lover of animals she shares living space with two dogs and a cantankerous cat. No stranger to being told what canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be done she tries to empower those around her. She believes that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never late for your dream, you always arrive right on time. At the present time she is residing in Chesapeake, VA and working on a book of poetry.

Comedian Marc Howard has preformed stand up comedy for over 20 years. Originally started in his home town of Washington DC, and won a big competition in the area Coors Light Super Talent Showcase in his 1st 2 years. He later moved to New York City to test his talents and grow as a comic, he performed at the Apollo, and the variety show Uptown Comedy Club in Harlem as well. A year later Marc took his talents to the Pacific and moved to Los Angeles in 93. Since then he's been a veteran of BET's Comic View, HBO Def Comedy Jam, & Comedy Spot on TVOne. Been seen on Martin, in feature film Tears Of A Clown starring Don DC Curry. Marc has also done voice over work on a the It's Your World that was featured for years on Tom Joyner Morning Show. He has performed across the globe doing comedy clubs, colleges, and theaters. He has performed for our military local and abroad. Areas such as Kosovo, Iraq, and Afganistan. Now he's adding writing to his resume, along with stage plays, and commercial work.

Dear Readers, Welcome to Urban Image Magazine and Happy Thanksgiving! Take the time to thank God for what he has blessed YOU with. Some of us need to quit looking at the person next to us and becoming dissatisfied with our current position in life. We are all where we're at for one of two reasons; either God wants us where we're at, or we haven't used the talents he's blessed us with to get where we're supposed to be. So stop hatin'! I've done some quick research on envy which has been around since the days of Cain and Abel. I've learned that "hatin'" on somebody is a sin against the Most High. By wanting what someone else has, you're telling the Almighty Creator that you're not satisfied with what he has given or blessed you with, and you're questioning his wisdom in which he has divided his blessings. That's a no-no. I'm just saying that we need to take a look into ourselves and figure out our own purpose in life. God intended good for each and every one of us, but he also gave us the freedom to make choices. Alot of us are so caught up in countin' the next man's pockets that we never figure out how to fill our own. Understand what I'm sayin? Like Katt Williams said, "we have to tap into our star player." We gotta look into ourselves and find

out what it is that we are supposed to be doing. We're all blessed with gifts, we just have to discover our talents. I read the other day that when we were kids our destiny was clear to us. Think back to your childhood. Before the outside influences of our parents and "life", we were naturally inclined towards our true nature. We did things that gravitated towards what we're intended to be in life. Ask any young child and they will tell you exactly what they want to be in life. As I think about it, as a child all I did was sit in my room and write. I wrote little short stories and raps. I even experimented with a few poems and a few plays that never made it out the confines of my bedroom. I'd fantasize all day of ways to make money off of my own talents. I excelled as a sales person ever since I was 8 or so. I sold fake report cards and outsold all the other kids in school fundraisers. Entrepreneurship has always been in me. In school, I was involved in T.V. production and acting classes, then the next period I'd have a theatre and drama course followed by every band class you could imagine. Subconsciously, I was preparing myself for the entertainment industry my whole life. But I took a wrong turn. I got off into the streets at 16 and started selling drugs which has landed me in prison twice. They say God has a blessing in every punishment. And me being incarcerated has broken me back down to my childhood. I have nowhere to go. So, all I do is sit in my cell all day and write, fantasizing about my future. My destiny is so clear to me because it is all that is on my mind. I can't think of anything else. I feel in my

heart that I will be able to make it all come a reality one day. So this Thanksgiving, I just want to thank God for helping me to remember the talents that he has blessed me with. Thank You! Peace and Love,

Askemiaj@gmail.com

Dear Emiaj

“Scorned Sister”

I don’t even know how to even begin to tell you this, so I am just going to say it. My boyfriend slept with my sister last week. I will not pretend and say I am not hurt by it. I really do miss them both. It is killing me not talk to talk them. I know they are both equally in the wrong. I was wondering should I take him back. They both have been calling and trying to reach out to me through my mom. I am just not ready to deal with this. What should I do? 16

Dear Emiaj, I am preparing to get married to the love of my life. He is everything I have ever wanted and needed in a man. He is even my best friend. I am writing you because we are both business owners who make really good money. We started our businesses before meeting one another. We both have been toying with the idea of having the other sign a prenuptial agreement. It doesn’t mean we don’t love one another I think we are just protecting ourselves. My family thinks I am crazy for even entertaining the idea of it. I would really like to know your opinion on the topic. “Protecting Mine”

RELATIONSHIP RE-DESIGN: EIGHT SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL COUPLE By: Kimberly Jasper

aving too much to do is a common cause of stress. Relationships are driven by organization. The benefits of using these organizing principles are very real as more time with your significant other lets the relationship grow. Spending a little time developing a system that makes sense for both of you will save you all sorts of stress down the road and leave more time for the two of you to spend doing things you want to do. A couple with less waste and less stress is going to be a whole lot happier. 20

1.WEEKLY “TEAM” MEETING Having a meeting each week keeps the lines of communication open. If you regard your relationship as a “team”, then you will work as one. Sit down at a table and run this more or less like a business meeting. The fact is that every relationship has some “business” to it -- tasks that need to get done, upcoming projects you need to prepare for, financial concerns and so on. Spending a little time each week focusing on what needs to happen to keep your home running smoothly means that these conversations happen when they’re supposed to and don’t “sneak” up on you at the wrong time.

2.USE A JOINT CALENDAR Having a calendar is vital for staying organized with commitments. Sharing these appointments with your partner helps prevent conflicts of scheduling, and also keeps you both reminded of things you're doing together. Be sure to keep it in a place where you can both refer to it and update it as often as possible. Daily calendars are fine, but it may be beneficial to use a calendar that displays the full month so that upcoming events are visible in advance.

3.TRACK YOUR

FINANCES Establishing a budget and reconciling your checkbook are great ways to keep track of your finances. Today’s technology has made it even easier with automated solutions like Mint.com, QuickBooks and Quicken. Money fights are some of the most common in relationships, so devise a budget plan to make sure all financial responsibilities are covered. Having an open discussion about finances before you're over budget or underfunded for the month will make things better for both of you.

4.STREAMLINE YOUR JOINT FINANCIAL SYSTEM There are many ways to handle money in a relationship. However, if you agree to jointly handle money; make the system as streamlined as possible. Open a joint account that you both pay into, so you can pay bills and move money back and forth if one of you needs to pay the other for something. Each of you may keep your personal accounts, but this type of central “pool” makes bill sharing easy. You may set a deadline for the money transfer so that each is aware in enough time if the other is going to be short. Whatever your system, make moving money an easy thing -- the goal is to relieve the stress about your finances. 22

5.USE A JOINT SHOPPING LIST Nothing's worse than getting home from the store and realizing that you forgot something -- except, maybe having to run back to the store just to get that one thing. It is a waste of time and energy, and the odds of it happening doubles when you become a couple. Keep a shopping list somewhere you can both see and add to it, and make a final check for anything that's not on the list before you go shopping.

6.SAVE FOR GOALS AS A COUPLE Having savings is important and so is having goals. A savings goal is the best of both, and a great way to get organized as a couple. Planning a trip or a home improvement project? Figure out how much you need to save each month, and each contribute to a joint account. Even if you don't have combined finances, joint savings accounts can be set up easily or you can do it the old fashioned way and just put it in a shoebox. Either way, the goal money is tucked away in a separate place where it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be spent.

7.DIVIDE UP THE HOUSEHOLD CHORES Most people do not enjoy housework, but we all agree that it must be done. Splitting the load makes it more bearable rather than to leave it to “whoever” to get to it. Chances are it will never get done. Decide who is responsible for what and divide up the work in a way that gets you both involved in keeping the house clean and running smoothly. If you don't mind cooking but hate the cleanup, you should both agree that one of you cooking means the other cleans up afterwards. It’s a simple fix that eliminates “messy house” resentment. It not only shows teamwork, but promotes couple harmony.

8.HAVE A MAIL SYSTEM Have a system for who gets the mail each day – maybe something like “first one home gets the mail” since it works no matter how much your schedules change. Once the mail is in the house, have a designated place for it to go so both of you always know where to find it. Having a spot for mail to come into the house, and for mail that needs to go out, will keep you organized and avoid the stress of looking for a lost bill or important document.

***Bestselling erotica writer Mary Borsellino's story 'Blush', originally written for a collection of oral sex stories, was chosen for Best Women's Erotica 2013 by Cleis Press. Her site is http://maryborsellino.com

CBeauty Art Column By: Christopher Brown

Urban Image Magazine would like to welcome all our readers to another celebrated issue of UIM. My name is Christopher Brown, Art Columnist for UIM and I will be keeping all my readers updated on new artists of all genres. My Company CBeauty Art, debuts different Artists and Movie Directors.

Each month I will be highlighting a different artist in every hot issue of Urban Image Magazine and giving you the real 411 on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the Industry today. Urban Image Magazine is a sophisticated representation of who we are and we will live up to that expectation of excellence. 26

This month I will be updating you on a program called Students Helping Students Succeed in the Arts (SHSSA). This program is very important in keeping the arts alive! Students Helping Students Succeed in the Arts is a

foundation

that

was

formed to help keep the arts alive for all styles and genres. With the arts being cut in the school systems nationwide, SHSSA was designed to help provide art supplies to schools that are in need of additional tools

to make sure that the students are getting just what they need for continued success in the arts. The way our program works is very simple. 27

Artists nationwide make small donations will provide scholarship money to artists to help keep funds available for artists

to help insure their supply list is com-

from artists! When donations are given, plete. Our goal is to make sure every

the donor receives a certificate of dona- artist is the best artist they can be! Retion from CBeauty Art which entitles

member we as artist must join together

them to various art supplies of there

in â&#x20AC;&#x153;keeping the arts aliveâ&#x20AC;?. For more in-

choosing. This happens in January and

formation on SHSSA go to

September of each year. In time SHSSA

www.CBeautyArt.com.

Cuffing Season! Are You Ready? By: Talia Rice

It is getting cold outside guess what that mean? Yes it does mean winter is coming with a hellish vengeance so break out those heavy coats, ugly sweaters, hat, gloves and those thigh high boots but it also means it is cuffing season. No it is not a myth it is real. Cuffing season is the urge to want to boo up with someone as soon as it gets cold and then get rid of their asses quicker than you can rip off that thermal and slide into a thong bikini. Basically it is a sugar coated way of saying a booty call; a long extended booty call. There is nothing wrong with it everybody can get caught up in it, it doesn't mean the person is weak either - man or woman. Some people however get cuffing twisted with a real relationship. First and foremost one cannot take a cuffing relationship seriously. If taken seriously bad shit can happen es-

pecially if both participants are not on the same page. Why do we fall for a cuffing relationship? All of your friends are boo'd up, or so you think. The mind can play some serious tricks on you. When cuffing season come around everywhere you look you see couples. Cute ass couples too, the ones that make you almost nauseous but fluttery at the same time. Yeah those. All of your friends seem to be boo'd up so that makes you want a boo 29

You need that extra body to keep your bed warm. You got all cozy in your bed then in the middle of the night a limb touches the cold part of the bed waking you up cursing and saying if there was a body there this shit would not happen!

doesn't bother some but the other half gets shook at the thought of that scenario. You need help paying that high ass heat bill. Lets keep it 100, that heat bill is no joke during the winter. Gold diggers really show their heads during cuffing season, not only for that expensive bill but for the Christmas and valentines day gifts. Lock them pockets.

You don't want to spend the holiday season alone. If your mama or nana asks you one more time when are you going to get married you are going to choke them. Not really but you do feel Now how do you know you are in one? some type of way when you visit the family and you get those side eyes and All year you have not thought of getting a boo thang then all of a sudden you head shakes at the table. Maybe it

want to wear ol' boy/ girl like that coat you're rocking.

Mr/Ms Whomever is looking mighty delicious and all you can think about is wrapping your legs around their body and you are not even drunk. The more your grass gets greener the less you see your boo thang.

Your boo only wants to mess with you at home on the couch. Don't get discouraged. Cuffing season is not all that bad. It can actually be fun just don't take it seriously. Go into it being perfectly honest or otherwise there will be problems. Slashed tires, bathtubs going up in smoke, and cutting up expensive clothes is not a good look. I've seen it happen and no I never did any of that, my grandma raised this sistah better than that. Be careful, dodge the crazy simpletons and get to cuffin'. Peace and luv!

Aries 3/21 - 4/19 The wind is whistling! It's so chilly that you want to grab their hand and hold them close to you! What could be better? Maybe that subtle smell of firewood warming somebody's hearth nearby? Ah! Enjoy. By the awfully busy 6th, 7th and 8th, you could be so preoccupied with making huge strides at work that you hardly have any time to think about love. You know? If you've got a seriously visionary kind of vision, whether it relates to interior decorating or to where your next trip should take you, follow it on the 13th or 14th. Yes! It is just as awesome as you think it is. You are a natural -born pioneer, so if someone invites you

on a covered-wagon ride on the fabulous 17th or 18th, say yes! You never know what wonders await discovery. By the fairly emotional 24th, 25th and 26th, it could be reckoning time, with a close friend, partner or family member. Get it all out on the table! Stick to the routine on the 31st. Taurus 4/20 - 5/20 Well, sure, there are those days where everything at work and at home (not to mention, on your commute) goes without a hitch. Then, there are days like the 1st, when things are just so darned muddled. Every minor decision turns into a power struggle. It is so frustrating! Rather than let it frustrate you, though, why 33

not use this as an opportunity to practice being as cool as a cucumber. Practice breathing deeply. Practice staying calm. Practice being nice, just because. Do things suddenly seem a lot less complicated? By the oh-so-intense 6th, 7th and 8th, you might feel like you just don't know which way is up, emotionallyspeaking! Think of it as a super-fun amusement park ride (if you can). Go to yoga and get those toes good and grounded on the 11th and 12th. You are in a super happy, super lucky, super fantastic place on the 19th, 20th and 21st. Yay! Forge some alliances on the 27th and 28th. You'll appreciate them, especially as they begin to become friends in addition to allies on the 29th, 30th and 31st. Gemini 5/21 - 6/21 A little light debate will really get your creative juices flowing on the 1st. An out -and-out, drag-down, knockout fight could leave you feeling a little depleted, on the other hand. So get into all kinds of debates. But don't get involved in any battles. You're in a pretty observant kind of place on the 6th, 7th and 8th. So keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Who knows what you might find? The 11th and 12th are great days for seeing things for just exactly what they are. So see them. Then tell it like it is, if needed. You and they are going to be giving each other some pretty excellent advice on the 17th and 18th. Well, what are best friends for, if not for knowing one anoth-

er so well? By the pretty terrific 22nd and 23rd, get ready for things to be pretty terrific! Yes, sometimes it is all just that simple. By the 25th, you want to definitely double check all those pesky finances. Is it all adding up? Give yourself plenty of quiet time on the 29th, 30th and 31st. After all, communications could be a little tiring right now. Cancer 6/22 - 7/22 Ah, humility. It will take you so far in this world. This is particularly true on the 1st. Now, don't confuse humility with being a doormat. Don't think being humble means you let other people walk all over you. No: Humility means recognizing that no one knows everything, that everyone has something to bring to the table, and that you and your cohumans are all incredibly valuable, in your own, very personal, ways. Have you done something to ever-so-slightly irritate your live-in partner or your livein roommates? If so, they will let you know, in no uncertain terms, on the 4th or 5th. If you want general bliss, you'll pay attention to what they have to say. Give yourself a serious break from the rat race on the 9th and 10th. Even if that just means spending an hour staring at the ocean by yourself out in the dunes. Money is on your mind on the 13th and 14th, and if it's not, it should be. Your ideas deserve to be broadcast, so broadcast them using whatever means are at your disposal (Facebook? Twitter? Your brand-new blog? The closest street 34

means are at your disposal (Facebook? Twitter? Your brand-new blog? The closest street corner?) on the 19th, 20th or 21st. Some fabulous developments show you a whole new horizon on the 24th, 25th and 26th. Tell them on the 31st. Leo 7/23 - 8/22 Your month is starting off with a great big bang! Yep, on the 1st, it's kind of like someone decided to throw you a great big surprise party. Bang! There are presents, there are friends, there are big surprises that are oh-so-positive. There are bells, whistles and fireworks! Bang! Have a blast right now. You definitely want to do a thorough job researching whatever it is you're researching on the 6th, 7th and 8th -- from dog toys to reasons it's been hard to let go of certain romantic attachments. After all, a superficial understanding of the situation is going to be anything but enlightening. If you are totally, totally, totally set on getting something, the highenergy 9th and 10th are likely to be days when you can be almost sure you're going to get it! Woo-hoo! Don't get tricked by something super-shiny that isn't, in the end, the real thing on the 15th and 16th. After all, what you want is real gold. Don't quit 'til you find it. Your friends are a fantastic resource, and never more so than on the 22nd and 23rd. Ask someone you trust what they think of a situation, and you'll be pleased with what they have to say on

the fabulous 27th and 28th. Save on the 31st. Virgo 8/23 - 9/22 Be the opposite of rigid on the 1st. Be the reverse of brittle and unbending. That's right: Be loose, be cool, be flexible. Seriously! Going to yoga or to the pool or to the gym will really help with this project. And getting bendy will make everything happening on the super wonderful, super exciting, but everso-slightly-exhausting (in an exhilarating way) 2nd and 3rd that much easier to unreservedly enjoy the heck out of. Yay! Talk to your buddies on the 7th and 8th -- they have your best interests at heart. Talk to some experts on the 11th and 12th -- they know more about it than you do, in all likelihood. Get a teensy tiny bit selfish on the 17th and 18th! After all, if you give away all your resources, and totally deplete yourself in the process, as you sometimes have a tendency to do, how will you get the job done? Make the 22nd and 23rd good days. Seriously, it is all up to you! Get to yoga on the 28th. The 29th, 30th and 31st are all about you! Make the most of it -- and have a great time while you're at it! Libra 9/23 - 10/22 Creativity is the task of the day for you on the 1st. You sometimes pretend like you aren't a creative type, like you don't really know what to do with a colored pencil, like you don't care if your bed

sheets are beige or periwinkle blue. But deep down, you know better: You have great instincts and an impressive urge when it comes to making things beautiful. Heck, when it comes to making things, period! You just have a knack. And going for it really makes you feel good. By the super wonderful 4th and 5th, you feel good doing just about anything. Even boring things! How's that? Well, it could be that you're doing those boring things (like the dishes) in the company of a very romantic someone. By the bluesy 11th and 12th, you might need a break from it all. Take one! Focus on relationships on the 17th and 18th (seriously). Friends and family should climb to the top of your priority list on the 24th, 25th and 26th. After all, you need them! And they love being needed by you. Listen to that nagging voice in your head, but not uncritically, on the 29th, 30th and 31st.

about it, at least, not right now. So bide your time, and look for ways in which you can make smaller-scale changes for the better. A series of super fabulous days afford you exactly the kinds of chances you want and need to make some big splashes on the 6th, 7th and 8th. Wow! Strive to re-establish harmony in every aspect of your life on the 13th and 14th. These efforts will definitely pay off! By the powerful 19th, 20th and 21st, your bravery will take you far. And your strength will bring it home! Some deep conversations could lead to romance on the 24th, 25th and 26th. So don't hesitate to get really, really into this heart-to-heart. It could turn out to be a real turning point! You get some good news on the 29th. Use it. You see a good friend on the 30th. Be glad of it. You have a good day on the 31st. Enjoy it.

Scorpio

11/22 - 12/21

Sagittarius

10/23 - 11/21

As your month gets going, you will Do you have the feeling on the 1st that probably notice a lot of smiles directed you could figure out exactly how to turn your way. On the 1st, the skies are smilthis whole organization around, if only ing, the cute barista is smiling, heck, your boss would get out of the way? even fortune is smiling on you. Well, Well, you may very well be right. But what could be better? Smile back! And there's not a heck of a lot that you can do be glad for all these good vibes. A little 36

moodiness can be turned into some very interesting dream time, if you listen to your body (which is saying, 'I'm cranky because I'm tired!') and take a couple of naps on the 6th, 7th and 8th. You're in super good shape on the extremely excellent 9th and 10th. The world's your oyster! So slurp! By the slow-to-start 15th and 16th, you might need an extra shot of espresso (or, better yet, an extra hour in bed). Take good care of yourself! You and they are communicating like a super awesome communicative team on the 19th, 20th and 21st. Wow! Stay busy on the 25th. By the somewhat challenging 29th, 30th and 31st, it's important that you give yourself plenty of time to do what you need to do. Don't worry: In the end, you'll get it all done, and well done, at that. Capricorn 12/22 - 1/19 It wouldn't hurt to be ever so slightly on your guard on the 1st. Don't be overly on guard, of course, but just add a healthy dose of skepticism to your daily regime. It never hurts to ask a few more probing questions, particularly if someone is trying to sell you something that sounds, to be perfectly honest, way too good to be true. You know? By the initiative-oriented 4th and 5th, your projects are looking very, very ready-for-takeoff. Yay! You are moving along at top speed

on the 10th. Prepare for some amazing days on the super romantic, super successful, super creative, super exciting 11th and 12th. Wow! What with all this business success on the 17th and 18th, you could feel a little bit like you don't have any extra time for friends and family. And your friends and family might really be feeling that way, in a big way. Some new ideas are a breath of fresh air on the super intriguing 24th, 25th and 26th. Tread carefully at work on the 27th and 28th. Someone might not be quite what they seem. Make some plans on the 29th, 30th and 31st. Now's the time! Aquarius 1/20 - 2/18 So on the 1st, if you find yourself repeatedly stuck in various power struggles and disagreements and you are using all your energy fighting fights that you don't really care about, don't you think it's time to re-prioritize? Just a little? Maybe you should focus less on getting your coworkers to agree with you and more on getting to the gym every single day. Maybe you should spend less time complaining about your partner and more time spending time with them. And so on. It's something to think about, anyway. By the 5th, you're itching to experience something new. Go for it! What about a Swedish massage? You and they are in a pretty fabulous kind of place on 37

the 9th and 10th. Wow! Can you feel your lungs and your emotional horizons expanding? Enjoy the awesome days coming your way on the 13th and 14th. Don't overspend on the 15th. By the slightly boring 20th, try to embrace being slightly bored. How do you really feel on the 25th? Compromise on the 29th, 30th and 31st; as in really and truly compromise, for real. Pisces 2/19 - 3/20 Your top concerns on the 1st should be your diet and your health. Are you getting to the gym? Are you eating potato chips more than once in a blue moon? Are you taking care of your emotional health? Are you happy? Sure, you can ignore the nagging little signs that all might not be quite right. But it isn't a good idea, not by any stretch of the imagination. Get proactive! If your partnership has a problem, address it constructively on the 5th. If you have a problem, speak up on the 10th. You'll be in super great shape to enjoy all the wonderfulness that is coming your way on the supremely lucky 15th and 16th. Life isn't always this good, and when it is, well, wow! Savor every single minute. By the lovely, super loving 19th, 20th and 21st, you are in a pretty spectacular kind of place, emotionally. What could be better? Some love letters? You'll probably

get those on the 24th, 25th or 26th. How nice! Get seriously analytical on your relationships on the time-for-emotionalhouse-cleaning 29th, 30th and 31st. You could discover you have some very interesting insights!

Does This Make My Butt Look Big By: Angela Williams

Sometimes my mind wanders and wonders. I admit that most of the time I keep some of my not-so-nice comments to myself. However, every now and then the words travel from my brain to my tongue and out my mouth. Usually, all I can say is "Oops! That wasn't supposed to come out.â&#x20AC;? So with that being said welcome to my first wanderings and wonderings. Does this make my butt look big? You already know the answer. If you didn't think that the outfit made your butt look big, then you wouldn't have asked. Why do we ask this question to unsuspecting husbands, boyfriends, partners and friends? No matter what they say it's the wrong answer. If they answer yes, then they are met with "So you think I got a big butt?!" If they answer no, then they are met with "Stop lying!" I never ask this question. Why... because I got a BIG olâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; butt. I don't confirmation or validation because I see it every day. Regardless of what I wear I'm always going to have a big butt. Spanx are wonderful, but they can only reduce so much. So please stop asking this question and getting mad when the answer is yes, no or indifferent. Embrace your butt. Ap-

preciate the bigness, smallness, roundness or flatness. So I challenge you to take a look in the mirror. Take in the front view. Look at the back view. Strike a pose and simply say "Damn! I look good!"

When did pajamas become fashionable? So, you rolled out of bed, put on some shoes and decided to go out in public. You went to breakfast, paid some bills, did grocery shopping and some other stuff. All whilst wearing your pajamas. So this causes me to wonder... did you brush your teeth? Did you sleep in those last night? Did you wash your crusty behind? Do you have on underwear? Did you put clean underwear on a dirty body? Where's the sanitizing spray? I understand that an illness may cause you to dash out to get medicines and food in your pajamas, but to wear them in public all day makes the clean freak in me go berserk. Call me crazy, but I was raised to shower and put on clean clothes before I hit the streets. I also un-

derstand there may some extenuating circumstances because life does happen. However, when you're out chilling in your Sponge Bob pj's at Wal-Mart at 3 in the afternoon I'm a bit grossed out. I wonder when I missed the memo that pj's are the new jeans? Pajamas outside the home is not a good fashion statement on anyone over the age of a year old. So I challenge you to respect yourself and others to practice good hygiene and to leave the pajamas at home. I wish I could do that, but ... I dislike this phrase. When you see someone doing something you want to do and you utter these words you are throwing negativity their way and justifying your fear for not doing it. The simple truth is that the brain is powerful. Whatever you tell it is 41

what it will devise a way to make happen. The only limitations that are placed on us are the ones we place on ourselves. Stop wishing you could do something and start doing it. The brain believes whatever you tell it. If you feed your brain positive information, it believes it. If you feed it negativity, it believes it. So I challenge you to set a goal and take the steps to make it a reality.

Stop wishing your life away and start doing those things that make you happy and fulfilled. Wanderings and wonderings abound in my mind. And I have a few more, but I'll save those for later. Just be prepared because I feel some hair musings coming to the tongue. To be continued....

Double Trouble 2 By: Taylor Danes

So here we are 3 months in and I have officially LOST MY MIND!!! These little guys are a hot ass mess. Ian screams ALL THE TIME for no reason at all I feed him he cries. I change him he cries. I hold him he cries. He just cries all the time. Now Justin only cries when he’s hungry and that’s it. I mean he’s a pretty cool baby but even he gets mad with Ian they fight in the bed but then will hold each other’s hands.

sleep; as long as they are safe, I say let them sleep. One night around 5 am they woke up crying and I started crying right along with them. Yes I did. I was crying and making bottles too. Then I figured out if I give them a little baby cereal they sleep and are a whole lot less cranky. Now they get a cereal bottle 3 times a day and a regular milk bottle in between if necessary.

People always get confused about who is who. I’m not one of those parents We are down to waking up only that makes their twins wear the same once a night for feeding and changing thing. Justin always always has on some which is a whole lot better than that every 2 hours mess they were doing be- type of design and Ian always has on fore. Yes I said it DAY AND NIGHT EVERY solid colors. Ian is fatter than Justin and 2 HOURS. It doesn’t help that they only also a few shades lighter. I can tell peosleep on their stomachs. I know the ple and 2 mins later they still can’t tell doctors tell you to put them on their them apart. Hell Marc can’t tell them backs but listen, if that’s how they 44

through the postpartum depression too bad. But I do miss some of the benefits of being pregnant. Apparently after you deliver your friends are no longer obligated to cook your favorite food and the beautiful hair and nails you had are all gone. Also as for me... the sex drive went out the door. Marc feels some type of way about the sex thing but I can’t help it. I DON’T WANNA BE BOTHERED!!! I guess you could say I’m still traumatized by my delivery. I don’t care what he says I say no and I mean it. He’ll get over it. Marc’s way of adjusting to the babies is apart and he sees them every day. I just shake my head at him and let him figure it out. Medically they are doing good; even for pre-mature babies. They are right where they should be. Justin is 15lbs 4 ounces and Ian is 14lbs 6ounces and they are only 1 inch apart in length. No serious medical issues and they have caught up to babies their age. As for myself I’m feeling a lot better. I’ve been able to get more sleep. I have also dropped all of the baby weight plus a few extra pounds. I really didn’t go 45

very simple IF ALL ELSE FAILS TAKE THEM TO THE ER. Yes the ER. For every little thing. If they sleep too much he wants to take them to the ER. If they don’t sleep enough "take them to the ER". If they eat too much... if they don’t eat enough. I’ve been pretty good with talking him out of talking them but this past weekend proved differently. Early Sunday morning about 4:30 am I got up to use the bathroom and I heard Ian stirring in the bed. I went to the bathroom then made bottles for him and Justin. I feed them and put them back to sleep. I was knocked out after that. About 8:30 I jumped up cause that’s what time they get up in the morning. But I didn’t hear them. I go to their bed and there’s a note that said "the boys wouldn’t eat so I took them to the ER."

Yup that face your making is the same one I made. I called and called him. No answer. Finally my friend Cindy a nurse from Beth Israel hospital called me and told me Marc had the babies in the ER and they were about to be seen but that she wasn’t sure why being that both babies were sleep and not fussy. I told her what that fool did and she said she would tell him to go home. He gets home and he’s mad because he wasn’t seen. I explain to him that they weren’t hungry because they ate in the middle of the night. To this day he still feels like they should’ve seen a doctor. I keep telling him he needs to see a doctor.

Sweet Baby Jesus take the wheel! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Loving You Doesn’t Mean I Read Minds By: Angela Williams

I love my honey. He is a really great guy. He remembers the first song we heard as a couple. I don’t. He remembers the date, day and place of our first kiss. I just remember the place. He remembers a lot of our firsts as a couple because he loves to create timelines to the events in his life. I remember the major events like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. I really mostly remember the feelings the event evoked. We work well together as a couple because he’s logical and I’m tuned in to the emotions. I love the fact that he does celebrate me and our relationship. I even will admit that some his logic has rubbed off on me and every now and then he lets his emotions rule. However, the one thing he does that I absolutely hate is he thinks I can read his mind.

The one thing I distinctly remember telling him in the early stages of our relationship is that I believe in open and honest communication. I have no problem expressing my feelings. I told him if I wanted or needed him to do something I would open my mouth and let him know, even if it meant I wrote it in a note. He knew I didn't hint around at

anything and when others threw hints my way I never caught on because I had no idea what they were talking about. We both agreed on straight forward communication. I understand and accept that we all communicate differently and I try to learn a person’s communication style. However, I skipped the course on mind reading. So I get so aggravated when I unknowingly do or say something that upsets him and all I get is attitude. When I see and feel his attitude I simply ask if something is wrong or if I did something to upset him. My blood pressure rises abit when he says “You know what’s wrong.” UGH! Apparently I don’t because if I did I would never ask the question. I would either fix the problem or apologize. During these times I find myself telling him I know something is wrong, but he has to talk to me. It amazes me that he can tell anyone else that he’s angry with them and why, but with me I have to go through the cold 48

shoulder and guess. I push the importance of communication and he thinks that a connected couple should be able to read their partner’s mind. The same thing applies to gift giving. I believe in giving him suggestions of possible gifts so it takes a bit of the stress off of gift giving. He follows the philosophy of you’re my mate and you should know what I like and want. Granted, I know what his preferences are, but I want to know what he really wants in that moment in time. Again, I run into that wall of “we should be so connected that we know without having to ask”. The have been times he’s asked what a wanted as a gift and I just smile and say “You know what I want.”

The look of exasperation on his face lets me know he gets the point. I am an open book with him. I've

learned from past relationships that no one can read my mind. I take this lesson into each new relationship with romantic partner, friends and co-workers. I have explained to him that I share and communicate with those freely who have my heart. I let him know I love him and I understand him in ways that he may not understand himself. I have explained that he needs to let the idea go that the mark of a good relationship depends on what doesn't have to be said. He knows there are times I know what’s going on without having to ask, but he now is getting comfortable with the fact that I love him enough to ask because guessing wastes valuable time. He still has his moments thinking I read minds, but he is getting better at communicating with me. His willingness to change and make our relationship better is one of the many reasons why I love him.

Naturally Curvy Fashionista Presents: Fall is HERE 5 MUST HAVES By: E. Ahdai

Fall has officially falling upon us. We put away our maxi dress, open toe shoes only to trade them for big sweaters and riding boots. I will be the first to say I hate it when summer leaves and I have to transition into my fall clothing. Not only does it wreak havoc on my closet but my skin as well but this is not what this article. Here are the top 5 picks of the fall.

1)Sweaters, Sweaters, Sweatersâ&#x20AC;Ś. Living in the south it never really gets cold but we do still need sweaters. Oversized sweaters are really in for the season. You can add a little flare with it being off the shoulder. Cardigans are always good. Cardigans can be worn with distressed jeans for the soccer mom with a little sass. Old Navy has a great selection of sweaters for the season ranging from 11.99 to 29.99.

2)Boots Riding boots are always in. I have falling in love with booties. They stop at the ankle and easy to manage. Paired with a pair of skinny jeans and the oversized sweater you can’t help but keep it comfortable and sassy all at the same time. I like to shop at justFab.com 3)Scarves Bright and colorful scarves are essential. These scarves can add personality to that coat or sweater that it needs. Being that I am a color lover; you take that brown/black pea coat and spice to it. You can find these scarves anywhere. My favorite places are Old Navy, Target and yes Wal-Mart. The price ranges from 5.00-10.00.

4)Blazers

need that winter coat. Again I love living in the south because we really don’t have to wear winter coats like that so I have a few that set off my outfits.

I love everything about blazers. My new fascination with colored ones sends me over the top. Blazers are great for those not so cold days where you don’t 52

5)Jeans/Pants Jeans are everything. A great pair of jeans can really take you from comfortable to classy in one breath. I love colored jeans as well. I have pair of teal ones I like to pair with a vintage silk purple tie top. Those simple pair of jeans can be classed up. I also have a new affection for boyfriend jeans. They fit women with a menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cut. These also can be paired with a nice pair of pumps. I like them because they are comfortable.

I also have found myself shopping for more printed pants. They add a little flare to the basic everyday clothing. They can be paired with a nice blazer and be classy as well and not just funky.

A couple of my fall fashion picks!

I hope that I have made your fall something close to spectacular. Please check out my weekly blog for funky finds and my shoe addiction issues. Happy shopping! 54

with

totally over stimulating him. If the two of you are doing it correctly, he Ah, the elusive threesome. One, shouldn’t have time to be worrying congratulations to your man for having about if ya’ll are doing any fake kissan open-minded woman. Most women ing and all of that other business. If are not that open-minded. he’s dumb enough to complain, he’s Okay. Now that we have the nicenot deserving of what you’re doing. ties out of the way, let’s get down to Deal’s off. business. 3. You MUST be honest with yourself. There’re levels to this shit. If you’re going to have a problem with another woman doing things to This can go really good or really, your man (possibly better than you), really bad. First you need to ask yourself don’t do it. Once again, it ain’t the some questions: other chick’s fault. 1. Are you doing this because he wants to, or because YA’LL want to? Because if you don’t, stop now, don’t pass go. You’ll resent him and/or yourself later and take it out on him. And it’ll be YOUR fault. 2. Are you bi-curious? If so, fine. If not, that needs to be established early on. It needs to made clear that this experience is about HIM, not you, and you and the woman are to be focused on 56

Okay, still with me? Good. Now, if you haven’t thrown your reading device yet, let’s move on to the “Rules.” Yes, honey, there are RULES.

scale strip club or something, pick one. Whatever your method is, tell he what’s good. Get her tested, make her bring her papers. PAY HER. It sounds crazy, but it is what it is. 1. YOU pick the woman. Don’t be stupid and let him pick the chick. It’s 5. DO NOT take him with you when you scout her out. Remember, no acmost likely some chick he’s been cess. cheating with or lusting after. Don’t 6. Get into the role. Have fun with it. play yourself. The two of you are the goddesses and 2. Don’t pick a he is the slave. duck. That’s Have him at your showing that mercy. He’ll love it. you have low 7. Once it’s over, self esteem. giver a gift basket You’re topof something and notch, choose a get her gone. Ya’ll chick as such. ain’t friends. You know what he likes. 3. DON’T EVA NEVA EVA pick a female close to you or one that ya’ll know. Never give a chick that much access to your dude. 4. My suggestion is to go to an up-

DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THIS LIST. If you do, you’re on your own, chicka. Just make sure I get an inbox afterwards and let me know what happens. ;) <3 Deszion

STATE OF MADNESS By: Deszion Nasir

were suicidal. Now, while none of this is new, the frequency of these activities is. And it’s alarming. 12 year olds going to school and shooting everyone in sight before killing themselves. 9th graders shooting teachers without any known motive. Parents STILL leaving firearms unlocked, unattended and You know, as I’ve recovered recently not realizing their guns are missing until from a serious diagnosis of fibromyal- they get that call that their child has begia, I’ve had plenty of time to sit back come a mass murderer. Their CHILD. and watch the news. Most of my time WHAT’S HAPPENING? has been spent in the bed, coming in and Have we become so withdrawn out of pain comas with little contact with the outside world other than the televi- from society and so caught up in media’s sion and my handy dandy phone. And I version of reality that we’ve forgotten to was troubled. Very troubled. No matter be who we were destined to be? The what was going on the world, or where I economy has us scared to spend timetapped into it, I was forever seeing news quality time- with our families. We have to work. We have to save. We have to reports, blogs, posts, you name it, about spend. We have to hustle. We don’t children murdering, attacking, maiming, have time to hug, to sit together and eat, bullying others to the point that they 59

to cook, to really talk, or even listen to each other, let alone know enough about our children to know if their bullying another child to death (literally), on the verge of murder, or we’re so drained that we think that it’s not that serious. How many of us even know the full names of our neighbors three and four houses down from us? The names and numbers of three of our children(s’) friends’ parents? Another sore point is the flip flopping position of church and state. God has been removed from schools like asbestos, but as soon as Little Johnny shoots up the school, the school is requesting pastors and bishops and the like to come and pray.

There are prayer vigils held at the school, in the school, prayers of silence and peace…but when everything is fine and peaceful, open prayer is discouraged. Unless a football game is going on, of course. How misleading and potentially confusing to young people who are still trying to find their way in a world of adult quicksand. Who accepts the blame for this behavior? The school? The parents? Society? The correct answer should be everyone, but the answer given will be none. In the wake of such tragedies, once the tears dry and the coffins are lowered, those who don’t simply shy away and ignore what happened will point the fingers at everyone else and

refuse to understand that the old adage is true: It takes a village to raise a child and when the villagers are always contradicting each other and fighting, that negativity is what’s raising the children. The television that’s being ALLOWED to raise the children when they just want a hug or a kiss or a dinner with their parents is what’s raising the children. When your child gets in a fight at school and they get a beating instead of realizing that they beat a kid up because they were mad at seeing mama get her ass beat up by another “Uncle,” yeah, that’s the mentality that’s raising the children. When you’re telling your children by your actions you’re too busy to deal with them, they’re too busy to listen to you. So they find something else to do. Like play with guns. Just like the ones on the Playstation games they play all night while nobody is checking on them, tucking them in or doing a sweep of the house before bed.

Do I sound harsh? Probably. But nothing is sharper than the retort of a firearm whizzing past a 5th grader’s head. Hug your children. When you’re ready to drop, pass out, check that homework on the way down. Kiss them on the way to the shower. Poke them in the side and make them giggle on the way out the door. Do any little thing you need to do whenever you need to do to keep them at their desks and off of a cold slab or behind bars. No excuses. Just do it.

By: E.N.Joy

Have you ever had and issue, problem or concern that was taking up more time in your life than you wanted it to? Maybe it still bothers you to this day. Do you want to know the secret to how not to allow that thing to consume so much of your time and energy? Great, then in this issue of The Urban Altar, I’ve got the answer you’re looking for. Drum roll please… The answer is; GET OVER IT! Yeah, you heard me right and it’s just that simple. Get over it, my friend. I know-I know-it’s much easier said than done. And as simple as it may sound, it’s a hard thing to do for some of us. But in my attempt to be what everyone wants to be when they grow up, which is happy, I have discovered how to be just that. I have discovered how to live in the now and excel in the future. Anyone can do so by getting over the past; what was and what has been. Although

I’ve been seeking the answer to happiness for years, a few Sundays ago in church my Apostle said something that delivered me from every situation and every thing that has had me bound. He said, “Get over it!” And so I did. And guess what? I am happier in my life than I can ever remember being. For the first time I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul that not even more money could make me happier than I am right now. Nope, not that infamous surprise check in the mail with lots of zeros we all think would make us happy. As an author, I used to always say that a huge royalty statement where I’ve sold more books than I ever had in my life is what it would take to make me happy. That bonus, tax refund with the earned income credit (or ghetto paycheck as some like to call it) or financial windfall; 63

yeah, that would do it-that would bring about happiness. But it took a good wake up call to make me finally realize that true, everlasting happiness does not lie in money. Money comes and goes. So does that mean when the money is gone so is my happiness?

company’s customer service line probably gets all day. The main social media outlet I frequent is Facebook. Because I’m an author, publisher and editor, most of my Facebook friends are others within the profession, along with some book clubs and a few old high school buddies. There’s also some family memKnowing what I know now, I refuse to live based on that logic. So in order to bers I’m Facebook friends with, but I can’t deal with all the cursing and slang figure out why I wasn’t as happy as I thought I should be, I had to get to the the young cousins be putting out there. root of what was making me unhappy. So even if I decide to make them my FB The answer: people, places, things, situ- friends, I typically hide them. Out of ations, circumstances. All of those indi- sight out of mind. vidually and combined were making me But what is always in sight are unhappy. But the biggest factor, which those constant complaints. And again, it is in most cases, was people. It was with the majority of my social networkeither something somebody said or ing friends being in the book business, something somebody did that made me most complaints are industry related. unhappy. And instead of letting it go, I And my oh my is it crazy out there. You was holding on to it and allowing it to find out who is suing who, who stole rule my life…or at least keep me from who’s series brand, what publisher hasbeing happy. So finally, what I had to do n’t paid their authors royalties, whose was get over it; get over what that contract didn’t get renewed, who took somebody did or said, and move on. their fan base of thousands of readers And just that quickly, I mean literally in from their traditional publisher and is the blink of an eye, that’s what it took now publishing on their own..and why for me to be happy. Now forgiving was (and it’s typically because the publisher something completely different and will did something that the author didn’t take an entire other edition of Urban Al- like…like make more money than the autar to discuss. thor…Hello-that’s usually how the gamegoes). Anywho, some days after Thanks to social media outlets, I shutting down off of Facebook I feel get to see more unhappy people on a drained. Because sometimes you just daily basis than I care to. I see more want to comment on the person’s stacomplaints in an hour than the cable tus, “Get Over It…PLEASE!” 64

I’ve been with a publisher or two in my time and thank God there wasn’t a Facebook when I had issues. I’d hate to think I would have been one spewing all my negative complaints out there for not just a few people in an online group here or there to see, but almost the entire world. But we live and we learn. I know I have. Now if only just those handful of other authors out there would learn too. I know their royalty statement wasn’t what they thought it should look like. I know there were tons of reserves being held. I know their publisher didn’t print enough copies of their book to supply the demand. I know their publisher made thousands while they only made hundreds. I know their publisher didn’t promote their title the way they thought it should have been promoted, or that their publisher sent their royalty statement late or not at all or blah blah blah. And I know it’s got them all fired up that they just have to tell it to the world-literally-by posting it on their social network status. And then everyone else comments on it and just adds fuel to the flames, and then it gets reposted until now there is just this uncontrollable blaze that seems to burn like an eternal flame.

quickly. We are a passionate people about our work and what we do. This passion can very easily aid in allowing our flesh to rise up and overtake our spirit of common sense. But guess what? After reading the “Writers Beware Blog,” I’m thinking some authors will think twice about the way they act, rant and carry on from now on. The blog was titled “How Moral Are You?” In the article, Agent Richard Curtis reported that Harper Collins had added a morals clause to the termination provisions of its contract. In other words, they can cancel a contract if “Author’s conduct evidences a lack of due regard for public conventions and morals, or if Author commits a crime or any other act that will tend to bring Author into serious contempt, and such behavior would materially damage the Work’s reputation or sales.” Harper can terminate an author’s book deal. Not only that, but the author will have to repay their advance.

Just like everything else, and with the way people are so out of control, I’m sure this is going to have a domino affect and many authors are going to begin to see this type of clause in their contracts. And of course there are going to be those one or two authors who are What I find is that authors, and I’m made an example out of. So I’d be a little bit more careful about the mess guilty of having been one of those auI’m slinging regarding my publisher, or thors in the past, act on things too 65

heck, even those pics everyone on Facebook seem to love to upload of them posing in the bathroom bent over the toilet with their rear-end sticking out (go figure). It appears as though there is about to be a price for our reactions to the actions of others. It’s going to start costing in more ways than one. So what would I say to that author who is about to update their status, letting the world know how bad their publisher did them? GET OVER IT and just KEEP WRITING. Even if you’re not an author; GET OVER IT and keep doing what you do. If not, you’ll never be happy…not now and certainly not when you grow up. This is BLESSEDselling Author E.N. Joy sounding off and reminding you to: “Stay blessed…because you already are!” If you have any comments regarding this article or any of my past Urban Altar columns, please feel free to email me at enjoywrites@aol.com and visit me at www.enjoywrites.com.

Let’s Continue To Empower Our Sistahs! By: Patrice Rivers

Sisterly love is a type of bond that sound be spread throughout the community giving our sisters something to cherish forever. It expresses happiness that grows within the heart. Encouragement plays a very big role when dealing with hardships and tough times. There’s nothing like a card filled with encouraging words or someone encouraging us. It’s a process towards healing and the uplifting spirits that helps a sistah out when in need. Stop Talking Crazy! The verbal abuse has got to stop! This has got to stop! I’m so sick and tired of our black females (some of them) putting down other sistahs who could be really going through without people actually knowing it. Why must we continue calling our sistahs out of their name instead of uplifting them? The hate has got to stop if we going to encourage one another. There is too

much hate in this world to even think about putting each other down. Verbal abuse is already an issue within actual relationships, but to put our sistahs down is even worse. In the black community, we have got to learn how to talk to each other and learn to love one another just like Christ has loved us! We are beautiful Black Queen and should be treated like that every day. Now if you are having a bad day, don’t get an 68

attitude with the stistah sitting next to you because she isn’t the reason why you are having a bad day. Talking about your problems help a lot if o have that one girlfriend that you can trust. That’s another thing, get rid of that stank attitude! That’s one of the reasons why so many black females bicker back and forth to each other about a whole bunch of nonsense. Let’s just learn and focus on talking to each other with respect without the “eye-rolling” method that some of us know all too well! A lot of our men definitely have a problem with the eye-rolling and the attitude. Ladies, let’s just be nicer to one another. Learn to uplift and speak more positive towards each other for a change. For those that are doing it, I applaud you, but it drives me crazy to see grown beautiful black sistahs arguing and talking out of order over nothing. Talk with dignity and respect and learn to love. It’s a great feeling and even if you can’t be happy for another sistah, speak positive towards them still. It would mean a lot to them and you would feel better about yourself.

Encouragement goes a long way and with encouragement, positivity starts to spread around the fountain of happiness. Everyone needs something encouraging starting their day off right. Whether it is reading a scripture from the Bible, talking to yourself in the mirror telling yourself that you are a beautiful Black Queen or by having a prayer on

What Happened to Encouraging our Sistahs? 69

the phone with some of your close girlfriends, we all need some type of encouragement. Some of us are busy tearing down the emotional walls, the physical walls and the mental walls of our sistahs, but we don’t realize that we are bringing them down to a point where they may not feel good about themselves due to the lack of encouragement. Now I know some of us can be a little emotional, so that’s why I am saying that encouraging sistahs is very important. For example, if you are at the

store or on the streets and you strike up a conversation with someone, somewhere in the conversation; lift them up even if they may not be going through. It is very important that we encourage one another because if we don’t, attitudes and drama will start to creep up unknown. Black women, let’s be strong and stick together through the good times and the bad. And remember, it doesn’t take that much of your time to encourage someone. Try it! It will surely make someone feel better.

Do you need a Hug?

I see this lot happening at my church where women would gather and hug each other because you never know what that person is really going through. Sometimes all it takes is a big hug to make a person feel better. Sistahs who can get a long in unity and embrace one another is very important. It shows that we as black sistahs know how to make one another feel better. Embrace your sistah and let her know that you are there for her and that you love her. So many women keep their feelings balled up inside and no one knows what is going

on, so the only way they can let it out is through anger or arguing with their sistah. It is always good to find that one good girlfriend that you can really trust and open up to them. Every sistah needs that and it will help with a lot that is going on in their life. When was the last time you hugged your sistah? Make it a habit at least as often as possible just to let her know you are there for her and that she is in your prayers. Encourage your sistah. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that difficult to do, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s come together as one without the bickering and fighting, but to love in unison, to speak life and renew our spirits that needs healing.

Mental Stimulation.... By: Frances Robinson

Time for the R and R Rest and Relaxation Self Evaluation Thoughts That Need to Be Sorted Decisions Coming in to Play Do I Go... Or Do I Stay Caught Not Paying Attention Slipped And Fell Into Thoughts of Illusions Mind Play Sex Play Game Play Role Play Now Im Trying to Figure Was this Something I Wanted Was it Something I Asked for Tell Me Why Didn't I Try and Fight it Could Be Because I Didn't Want Too Did I Enjoy the Events

That Took Place That Consumed Me All I Can Say Is Yes YES Satisfied From Every Prospective Yet I Should Not Have Done this Lose Control But I Enjoyed it That Feeling Of Falling My Adrenaline Rushing Getting Caught up In the Moment My Blood Pumping My Heart Pounding I Loved Every Single Moment Gratification Pure and Satisfying Then Why Am I Having this Moment Feeling like I've Should Have Known Better Is it That Im Feeling a Bit Foolish For Enjoying the Beautiful Pleasures The Sensations of Hour after Hour Driving Me in Sane As Though I Could Feel it Hmmmm I Need to Rethink this 75

My Mind Was Slipping It Got the Better of Me And If I Had to Do it Again Without Hesitation Im All in Head First I Enjoyed it Loved it Needed it I Wanted More And More It Was Long over Due Pure Un Adulterated Satisfaction In the Depths of My Mind Looking Forward to it The next Trip Of Foreplay Mental Stimulation There’s Nothing Else in the World That Compares to It....

"A Taste of Poetic Flavor" © September 9, 2013

I Never Knew Love By: Bernell Spencer Hill

How can something that is, so easily be a way; Use to think I knew love; cause I been there a few times; but... It's a new dance, every time I get there; the record played is not a hit where; It used to be a jam; excuse me ma'am; Introduce who I am Might reduce the way she sees a man impact sometimes taint my skills by doing too much looking down at her, she wants me to look up; we could have hooked up; to my frustration, her observation has a predestined combination; and looks don't always word conversation; might lead to confrontation, if pursuit turns to obligation; best to leave her alone, walk off and the scent of cologne; Might bring back memories, of the one she longs; a woman of this kind ain't no different than that kind Never knew what goes on in that mind; no

I never knew love; what we had never was; Girls are sweet, they grow into women who are unique; and... Like a cat who always lands on his feet; she treats a man like a doll and play him for keeps; we; being men, are not that deep- we confuse the waters with two feet; and our hands tied; if... Whoodini couldn't do it...how can this man survive? I never tried to; I'd rather be selfish and lie to you; Just to say I tried. You smack my face but the tears come from your eyes; We used to relate when we were in love now it's...wait I let another one get away, but I really gave up.

Portrait of love By: Des Johnson

Until the stars fall from heaven ill always feel the same Using them to decorate the sky with a heart surrounding your name To claim this happiness that you've given me Extends beyond all time and space; more than the eye can see Within this life let's share the essence of destiny I thank God for creating you as he was thinking of me... "Des and me" would be your reply if they asked you how true love should be Your smile compliments the earth more than any diamond or pearl My expression and love serves as the paintbrush while the canvass for production is our world <3

It's Just a Ride (inspired by Bill Hicks)

By: Johnathan Vinazza

This ride is like no other Fast. Furious. Masked. Curious. Burying fear like death My breath is icy like my heart's contempt But I ride with serious glide. Let not my pride slow down my ride No friction. No distinction between my instinct And my conviction. I just ride. Knowing the centrifugal force keeps me locked in When the ride goes upside down. Sure I frown. Sure sometimes I feel inside out. But I recognize it's just a ride. And I'm in it to Scream. Laugh. Shout. Dream Half passed out. The line is long. The ride is short. Amidst the speed in which momentum moves me. You.

Us. The journey isn't smooth. nor free. True. But You can't get off now kid. The seat belts are on for your illusion of safety. 'cause baby, maybe you just need to trust. Trust it's all just a ride. And we're in it together to see who throws up first Saddened by the madness of it all. Worried of dark tunnels, pitfalls and motion sickness But just hang on tight. Enjoy the sight from high up here. Resist the fear. Breathe. Slow. Ok? Here. We. Go.

By: Richarh Aswanu

Richarh: The hair bruh, it's gone! What made you decide to chop it off? Puma: New beginnings. New person. New Marriage. I'm only getting older so I decided it was time to take on bigger and better responsibilities. But the hair will be back soon enough. Richarh: I'm truly a fan bruh, every Monday you're one of the reasons I'm glued to the T.V. at 9:30. You bring alot of good energy to the show. Reality T.V. has always been under the microscope. People wonder is it staged or scripted. How much of "Black Ink Crew" is really "real?" Puma: Everything that goes on in black ink is real. Our producers hate us because they tried to stage the show but they realized it was going to work. You can't fake gun charges, going to court. Child support issues, or even a child being born. Can't fake that. Richarh: Do the producers ever try to agitate or instigate situations just to get ratings? Puma: No

Richarh: I've tuned in every week, and I've watched things unravel. This is the question myself and alot of your fans want to know; what really drove you to open up Ink124, your own tattoo and boutique? Puma: My child. I had to make sure my family was financially secure. 85

Richarh: Is Oh Shit and Sassy in your shop? Puma: Sassy is actually the coowner of ink124 and Oh Shit thinks he’s Lebron James in the “decision” so he’s not sure yet. Richarh: Who else do you have in there slinging ink? Puma: Geek, LB, Eddie, Tabitha Richarh: I've been gettin tatted for years. I got my first one at 16, now I have a full shirt. Prices vary, how much does a half sleeve go for out there in New York? Puma: $150 hr

Richarh: So how has business been goin' for you? Puma: It’s a little slow since it’s a new business but it's definitely been working. Richarh: I notice that ink 124 is a tat shop and boutique, what all kinds of merchandise do you sell in there? Puma: Iufony and Ink124 clothing Richarh: I'm diggin' the T-shirts my dude, "Sorry We're Stoned." How did your clothing line come about? Puma: It all started off as a crew with some childhood friends 86

and we just ended up branding up as a business. Richarh: I noticed on the show there was a little tension between you and Cease when you decided to open your own shop. Has things gotten any better? Puma: We're coolin. Shoutouts to Ted Rucks. Richarh: Did you feel like you had to choose between friendship and striving for your own success? Puma: Yea, basically. At the end of the day, I had to do what I had to do for my family. Richarh: Have you ever questioned your decision to open 124? Puma: Never. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a progression.

Can't ever question progression. Richarh: Has your new shop jeopardized your spot on "Black Ink Crew", or do you have your own show in the works? Puma: Honestly I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. Having my own show would be pretty cool. Richarh: At the end of the day, do you feel like everything worked out for the best? Puma: Yea. Me and Sassy are chilling. My baby is getting chubby. Life is good. Richarh: How does it feel to be a businessman, taking your future in your own hands, depending on yourself to support your family? 87

raw cat that we haven't heard of yet? Puma: I have a few. Slim Dollars, Smoke Dza, and Perrion. Richarh: I see that you're a mover and a shaker in the club scene, plus you love to party. When is your next event? Puma: Sassy and I will be having a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flat Fittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holiday party very soon.

Do you feel alot of pressure? Puma: Stressful but its fun. Because you know, you get to walk to the beat of your own drum. Richarh: Man, I had no idea you made beats. You pounded out "Speaking in Tongues" for Cam'ron back in 2010. Do you have any other projects in the works?

Richarh:Hey man, it was a pleasure talkin to you. When I get the opportunity to shoot out your way, I'm most definitely lookin' you up. Peace and love homie.

Puma: Iufony Ent will be coming soon. Richarh: How long have you been on the music scene? Puma: Around the age of 18. Around the same time I got into the tattoo scene as well. Richarh: Who's your favorite underground artist out there in Harlem? That 88

Comedy Corner: Reality TV By: Marc Howard

Now I'm just going to go right into this. I hate these so called "Reality TV" Shows. I'm not hater but it's the than my BET appearances. That was most popular non artistic form of enter- very surprising to me. tainment ever created. Now I'm not go- I recall the funniest exchange with a ing to take it down, and to be honest I wouldn't turn the opportunity down. I know it's work with a check and for me it's a way to promote the artist that I really am. I've actually been a part of a small yet popular for a moment reality show on TLC. It was A Baby Story, and my son Marc Jr was born on it. Now it was real my boy is now 15 and doing well....but in reality we never made a dime off that shit. Now it did give us a tape documenting the last few months of leading up to his birth so it was worth that to us at the time and still today. The show was more popular than I realized though, be- women who recognized me and ask how cause I was getting recognized more the baby was, and I told her he was 5 91

now and doing fine. She was shocked that it wasn't that new, "Wow, he's 5 now, how long ago did you guys tape the show?" I replied, "oh about 5 years ago." We laughed, but it was cool, and the reality show craze was just catching on.

Now when MTV really started this for the younger genre-which was my demographic at the time, it was popular because it was ground breaking, and fresh. Not too scripted, but it was set up well. Get kids who are from different backgrounds, regions, races, and religions. Now just for the record I actually watch Put them in a house together. Shake up the only totally real reality shows there the combustible drink and watch the reaction. My good friend and fellow comeare. Sports, i.e. football, basketball, baseball, golf, boxing etc.. Today's so called reality shows are scripted. The outcomes are fixedmaybe I should take off boxing (hahahahaha!) I just know that it can only be reality when it's 100% authentic with no predetermined outcome. That's what makes it compelling. Movies are known to be fiction, but they are compelling for the most part because the audience knows it's scripted, and the performance is done so well, and the story is written so well that you can lose yourself in it which is why it still reigns supreme.

dian David Edward who was infamous from the 2nd season in LA got kicked off and actually was more popular than he realize he would be. He was humiliated and really thought he was going to look like an ass-which he was being a bit, but to the contrary. He was getting mad praise by people who felt he got screwed over. So at that time it was real. Now these shows just put insane people 92

on them who don't care what the look like and how stank they come across, who are willing to act like the biggest assholes known to man. Now they're stars? What a joke. These shows that are out now that are so popular and take away from real talent who deserve a chance to do something of substance on the tube, and big screen are a disgrace Hollywood. From The Jersey Shore, to the various versions of Real Housewives-mainly Atlanta....the nigga one, to Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, to of course the real mindless one of all Basketball Wives. It's of such low class and character that it shames women of color, and women in general. But nonetheless it's an entity that is here for the long haul if not forever. It's been said people like to slow down on the Highway to watch a car wreck, and this is just that....a fucking train wreck for real. The funny thing is that women are the biggest viewers of this, and I believe it proves what I've long believed, that women are haters of each other and love to see it when another woman is acting like the biggest ratchet on earth, and love to see them pay for their mistakes in ghetto choices. Why? I believe 93

it for a couple of reasons. The very insecure type women like to watch it and want their man to watch it too so they can compare themselves. I've heard a woman say, "see at least I'm not like that." The sad part is...they are just like that in most cases. LMFAO! Also they've been jilted by a woman who's slept with her man, and they represent that type of low life female and the thought of watching them defile themselves is irresistible. Just my theory, because for the life of me it's the only logically reason they could like it. I can't imagine a decent educated woman of any race would

want their own daughter to watch this poor representation of women. Especially when they speak so strongly about men needing to uphold their woman, and treat them like the queens they are. Well there's nothing regal about these losers on TV. Well this is my venting blog for the month. Whew....that felt good...I think......yeah it did. Talk atcha next time folks. -Peace and God Bless, Marc

We as an Urban Community are making life threatening decisions everyday of our lives. You always here of black on black violence, but there is a bigger epidemic that is facing all age groups in our nation from our youth to our elderly. Unsafe sexual behaviors can lead to lifetime of suffering and just can honestly take anyone of us up out of here all because of ignorance and bein neglectful in our choices. Urban Image friends and fam Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here to enlighten you. Here is a short quiz to see just how much you truly know about the life or death decisions you are making. Over the next couple months I will be giving you information that we ALL need to know about the choices we make. 1) What is the leading cause of death of African American women ages 25-34 in the USA? A) Accidental B) Domestic Abuse C) Cancer D) HIV (AIDS)

2) What would you guestimate the ration of people ages 14-49 who have Genital Herpes is? A) 1 out of 6 B) 1 out of 25 C) 1 out of 3 D) 1 out of 1000 3) What STD is so common that nearly every person that is sexual active people get it at some point in their lifetime? A) Gonorrhea B) Syphilis C) Chlamydia D) Genital Warts (HPV Virus) 4) What is the most commonly reported bacterial STD in the United States today? A) Trichomoniasis B) Bacterial Vaginitis C) Common Yeast Infection D) Chlamydia 5) What is the safest method of preventing the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections? A) Condoms B) Pull Out C) Diaphragm & Condoms D) Abstinence Answer Key:1)D 2)A 3)D 4)D 5)D

Here’s the Facts: African Americans have the most severe burden of HIV of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Compared with other races and ethnicities, African Americans account for a higher proportion of HIV infections at all stages of disease—from new infections to deaths. African Americans accounted for an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections among adults and adolescents (aged 13 years or older) in in 2010, despite representing only 12% to14% of the US population.

29,800 new HIV infections among all MSM.

Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Women of color are especially affected by HIV infection and AIDS. In 2004 (the most recent year for which data are available), HIV infection was the leading cause of death for black women (including African American women) aged 25–34 years, the 3rd leading cause of death for black women aged 35–44 years, the 4th leading cause In 2010, black men accounted for 70% of death for black women aged 45–54 (14,700) of the estimated 20,900 new years, and the 4th leading cause of HIV infections among all adult and ado- death for Hispanic women aged 35–44. lescent blacks. The estimated rate of More new HIV infections (4,800) ocnew HIV infection for black men curred among young black MSM (aged (103.6/100,000 population) was seven 13-24) than any other age or racial times as high as that of white men, group of MSM. In 2010, black women twice as high as that of Latino men, and accounted for 6,100 (29%) of the estinearly three times as high as among mated new HIV infections among all black women. In 2010, black gay, bisex- adult and adolescent blacks. This numual, and other men who have sex with ber represents a decrease of 21% since men (MSM) are presented an estimated 2008. Most HIV infections among black 72% (10,600) of new infections among women (87%; 5,300) are attributed to all black men and 36% of an estimated 98

heterosexual sex. The estimated rate of new HIV infections for black women (38.1/100,000 population) was 20 times as high as the rate for white women, and almost five times as high as that of Latinas.

more than 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Anyone who is having (or has ever had) sex can get HPV. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually-active men and women get it at CDC estimates that, annually, 776,000 people in the United States get new her- some point in their lives. This is true pes infections. Genital herpes infection even for people who only have sex with is common in the United States. Nation- one person in their lifetime. wide, 16%, or about one out of six, peo- Chlamydia is the most frequently reple aged 14 to 49 years have genital HSV ported bacterial sexually transmitted in-2 infection. Over the past decade, the fection in the United States. In 2011, percentage of persons with genital her- 1,412,791 cases of chlamydia were repes infection in the United States has reported to CDC from 50 states and the mained stable. Transmission from an in- District of Columbia, but an estimated fected male to his female partner is 2.86 million infections occur annually. A more likely than from an infected felarge number of cases are not reported male to her male partner. Because of because most people with chlamydia do this, genital HSV-2 infection is more not have symptoms and do not seek common in women (approximately one testing. Chlamydia is most common out of five women aged 14 to 49 years) among young people. It is estimated than in men (about one out of nine men that 1 in 15 sexually active females aged aged 14 to 49 years). 14-19 years has chlamydia. Genital human papillomavirus (also So until next time wrap it up and be called HPV) is the most common sexual- safe! Peace and Love D Queen ly transmitted infection (STI). There are All information and statistical data obtained from www.cdc.gov

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By: Richarh Awasnu

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Why I Give Thanks By: Dentra Key It is so much easier to look at life and think of all the things that are wrong instead of being grateful for all the things that are right. We often take for granted our blessings. It’s easy to do. It’s just human nature. It actually took me sitting in my Dr. office having a crying session,while I was in a great depression not to long ago, for her to say to me “I know your having it rough Kiddo, but I want you to list off to me 5 things that are positive in your life.” I immediately was able to rattle off five things. That conversation gave me a whole new perspective on life. I first of all give thanks for a God who gives 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances. Who love and provides all my needs in spite of me being who I was yesterday, am today or will be tomorrow. He’s the type of God that sees me packing up getting ready to run and still provides me grace and mercy while I’m out in this cruel world totally ignoring him and our relationship and just shakes his head because he already knows me and knows that’s what I do. Then excepts me back with open arms and comforts me once I come back with my head hung low because I’ve been defeated. I am very thankful that my immediate family are all alive and well to see another holiday season. We’ve had a trying year of health issues within our household. In my little town we lost 9 people out of the black community in the time frame of a week and a half . (One being an adopted Aunt of mine.) This was right after we found out my mom had had a stroke. After burying a five year old in my extended family last weekend, I now have to sit back and thankful that they are healthy and are still here, instead of complaining about my kids. What am I complaining about them for when I know that if I lost either of them it would break my spirit, not just my heart but my spirit would be broken. I can’t even imagine what her mother is going through right now. So I’m definitely counting everyday that I wake up and all my family and loved one are alive and well as a blessing. Without going on and on the last things I want to comment about being thank ful for is the great group of friends and associates that I have met during my time here working at Urban Image. Thanks to all of our readers. And I am exceptionally grateful for the opportunity and faith that Richarh has put in me to run his baby. I finally see light at the end of the tunnel in many situations in my life. I look forward to the bright road I see ahead. I hope every one has a great holiday season and that we all can look forward to a spectacular new year! God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

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What are you thankful for…. By: Emiaj Adhai

Someone once asked me “What are you thankful for”; you seem to always have such a smile on your face. So it thought about it, what am I thankful for? I am thankful for the breathe that enters into my body every morning. For the next day is not promised to us or even guaranteed.

I am thankful for someone taking a chance on me. I am glad they saw the potential and passion behind my eyes. I am thankful for the gifts that God has saw fit to give me. I am thankful for the power of love. Love is something that we all deserve to feel in this life more than anything. Love opened my eyes to see what was before me. If it wasn’t for God’s love I wouldn’t be able to share my gifts with you. I am thankful for motherhood. Being able to mold and shape such a special life is something more than amazing. I am thankful for the laughter that feels my heart. India Arie said “You don’t have to pay to laugh. You don’t have to pay to smile; you better thank God for that.” So that laughter that fills your soul should be plentiful. I laugh often and smile always. I am thankful for my family. Their support means the world to me. Without them I would be the person I am here today before you. So if someone asked me again “why are so thankful.”

I would have to say I am more grateful and thankful than anything.

***From my family to yours HAPPY THANSKGIVING****

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There is so much to be thankful for! By Christopher Brown, If we take a good look at our lives, we have to remember that we should be thankful for every little blessing that comes our way. God gave his only son Jesus Christ as a gift to us so that our sins can be forgiven. If our Father in heaven can give us his only son as a gift, then what can we give in celebration of the ultimate gift we received from our Father, Jesus Christ! Remember, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a blessing to give!

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I Am Thankful By: Patrice Rivers

I am thankful for God sparing me another chance of life. To be breathing and still fulfilling my dreams as an author, blogger and poet. Many times that I

want to give up because I find my struggles too big for me to handle, God wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow me to give up , and for that I am thankful. Of course I am thankful for having my parents and family by my side when I have been through mess that has been stressful. They never gave up on me and continued to motivate me to be the best successful and strong woman I can be. Family is supposed to be the backbone to things and give you advice and support. I am just thankful to be alive and able to achieve my dreams and to push myself harder in life. As I look back over my life, I am grateful to have completed and graduated college and to experience the art of writing. God blessed me with the gift to write at the early age of nine and I am blessed with that gift. This thanksgiving, I am thankful to live and see another holiday that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t promised.

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Just Thankful By: Angela Williams

It is sometimes very hard to find something to be thankful for in this day and age. However, no matter my struggle I am just thankful to be given the

chance to be here. When I was growing up I was fascinated by the stories my parents told me about their struggles and everything they had to overcome just to survive. Even now all I can do is give thanks. The past few years have been wrought with deaths of close friends and health issues that have kept me from being at my best, yet Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thankful. In what others see as obstacles and setbacks were actually God tapping me on the shoulder and directing me to my true path. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thankful that everyone along the way believed in who I really am and never gave up on me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thankful that even now that their belief in me has taught me how to believe in myself.

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Why Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Thankful By: Chantal Webber

To begin with at the age of 24 I feel that I have come very long way. Certain attributes that separate me from those better in my same exact age range. When I look

back over my life I am thankful for knowledge, wisdom, character and knowing the fact that God's love never fails. I am thankful to have creativity, personality and a huge amount of confidence that allows me to go for anything that I set my mind to do as a young adult. In this generation many of us do not take the time to step back and think about all the things that we are thankful for. As for me and where my life is headed, things right now are great and I am very satisfied with the outcome of the decisions that I have made as a young woman. I am thankful to have been accepted to a broadcasting and production technology program out of Winston Salem, North Carolina. I am also thankful for the experience I have gained by working as an intern with our Urban Image Magazine. I am also thankful that I am able to let my light shine on those that rest in dark places; to be a light, an inspiration is all that I sent forth to do on a daily basis and I cannot wait for the day that I can be a lamp for all of the young women who want and will succeed just as I have. 107

Thankful By: Nhea Duncan

This year, I'm thankful for family, friends (old and new), God's blessings and all the wonder He has in store for me. What's funny is 2013 has been one of my most trying years and one of my most rewarding. I'm thankful for the lessons learned, the harvests gained, doors opened and those that were closed. 2013 has definitely been a year of reflection. It's been a year

of preparation. I'm thankful for the little things ... friendly smiles, small gestures of appreciation. I'm thankful that I've come to understand the value of being honestly thankful!

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What I'm most thankful for... By: Joylynn M. Ross

What I am most thankful for is that I'm equipped with the most powerful tool known to mankind; forgiveness. With that, I am able to set others free as well as myself...and there is nothing like freedom!

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The Snitch Killer is on the loose! Every informant who agrees to help law enforcement bring Ryan “R-Dubb” Williams to justice ends up dead. Their throats are slit from ear to ear, and as a trademark, the killer “drops a dime” on his victims’ chest and scribbles the phrase “Speak No Evil” in blood at the murder scene. Bryan and Ryan are paternal twins on opposite sides of the law—or are they? From childhood they were groomed by their Uncle Nookie, who’s serving lifeat the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City for killing a cop in the 70’s. Bryan became a detective on the Metropolitan Joint Task Force while Ryan became a dope dealer on the deadly streets of Gary, Indiana. Fresh out of prison, Ryan teams up with Bryan in flooding the streets with narcotics. This leads law enforcement on a chase to catch Bryan stealing out of the evidence room and to ultimately unveils the mysterious “Snitch Killer”.

Available on GangstaLit.com P.O.Box 3294 Marion,In 46953

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