Cravencrest - Episode Five

Good morning Rose Heads!  I'm so glad that we made it through the weekend!  Today, I wanted to be a little bit generous and share TWO episodes of Cravencrest with you!  I'll include Episode Six in another post.  Now, remember, if you've missed an episode, just click on the "Cravencrest" tab at the top of the blog.  Things are getting very juicy!  Check out episode five!

Episode Five:

We begin this mini-episode in the Engineering Firm of Carlson, Cape and Crixus.

Receptionist: Hello, thank you for calling Carlson, Cape and Crixus. How may I help you?

Marlon: Yes, this is Marlon Jamison for Mr. Crixus.

Receptionist: I apologize Mr. Jamison however; Mr. Crixus is in a meeting. Would you care for voicemail?

Marlon: Please inform Mr. Crixus that we have a problem and I need to speak with him immediately!

Receptionist: Yes sir, please hold.

Mr. Crixus: (In a frustrated, hushed tone) Marlon! What is the big deal? I had to end my meeting early!

Mr. Crixus leans back in his chair and props his feet up on the glass table top desk.

Marlon: As I told your receptionist, we have a problem!

Mr. Crixus: What kind of problem Marlon? And what do we have to do with this?

Marlon starts pacing the floor in his office at KAMA. His employees can see him through the window so, he lowers the roman shades.

Marlon: You know I’m sick of you acting brand new. Do I have to spell it out for you? It’s obviously something to do with Ashlyn. Ashlyn knows that you and I used to be together and she’s furious! She wanted to talk but, I feigned a migraine and went home.

Mr. Crixus: What! How could you allow this to happen? How did that even come out?

Marlon: Well, I was trying to win her trust by telling her that I “used” to be with a man for six years. She asked to see a picture and I showed her yours. It’s been three months and I figured it was time to reel her in closer.

Mr. Crixus: Damn it Marlon! How stupid can you be? Why would you show her my picture? What were you thinking? You could have shown her Uncle Ben’s picture for all I care…why mine?

Marlon: Well excuse me Patrick! She asked to see a picture. She said that it would help her deal. I don’t know what you expect from me! I’m not doing this of my own free will. I don’t care how much money she has…I’m out. I can’t do this.

Patrick: You can and you will do this. Don’t back out on me baby. This is the key to our financial freedom. All we have to do is get her to give us the 500 large and we’ll be done. You can sell that damn restaurant and I’ll give up my partnership here…just like we discussed.

Marlon: Oh, now I’m baby? Was it not enough for me to endure six months of sleepless nights waiting for you to come home? All of this for money! I cringe at the thought. For all of this anguish we at least should get all the money. Why don’t we get the whole million?

Patrick: Gabby has to get her share…you know that.

Marlon: I just don’t know about her. She’s a bitch. Wait, I’m getting another call. It’s Ashlyn, I’ve got to go.

Patrick: Wait!

Marlon: What Patrick or should I say Dennis?

Patrick: I love you. I’m sorry I was snappy earlier...and it's always Patrick to you.  C'mon now.

Marlon: Uh huh... Well, love you too…now I’ve got to go.

Copyright © 2010-2012 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Do It Yourself Life Coaching

Hey Rose Heads.  Like many if not most of you, I have a lot going on.  I also have a lot of dreams and goals that I want to see come to fruition.  The issue is that I am having difficulty mapping these things out and still maintaining my day to day duties.

I immediately thought of using a life coach to help me organize and plan my strategy to improve my life and accomplish my dreams and goals.  The problem with that is life coaches aren't free!  I mentioned this on FB and in the resulting thread a friend of mine suggested a book called "Live Mapping" by Monika K. Moss.    There were some other ladies that commented on needing a life coach and somehow or another "Do it Yourself Life Coaching" came about!  I started a FB group (Do it Yourself Life Coaching) and you're more than welcome to join!  We talk about our daily, short and long term goals and share our ideas for achieving them.

Ayana, my friend and fellow DIYLC'er shared an exercise from the book.  She said to write down your ideal day, that way you can see it in black and white and work towards making that a reality.  It took FOREVER for me to sit down and do it but, I did.  I won't bore you with the details of my ideal day but, I will tell you that it gave me clarity, direction and purpose.  I invite you to start Life Coaching Yourself. Don't wait on anyone, any job or anything to give you the green light to start planning your life. 

We all need a plan.  Our plan is our road map.  Are you following yours?

Cravencrest - Episdoe Three

Good morning Rose Heads!  Time for a new episode of my on-line soap opera, Cravencrest.  If this is your first day visiting WRRS, you may want to head up to the Cravencrest tab and start reading from the beginning!  For now, here is Episode Three...enjoy!

We resume this episode in The Blue Bistro. Marlon has just revealed to Ashlyn that he was in a six year relationship with a man…

Marlon: (He takes a big gulp of water) Ash baby, I feel the same way. Our connection is powerful. I never thought I’d find this in a woman. You make me feel alive and free to share everything with you. That’s why I wanted to take you out tonight. I wanted to reveal all of me to you. Ashlyn baby…there is no way to say this so I’ll just say it…I’m bi-sexual. Prior to meeting you I was in a six year relationship with a man.

Ashlyn: (laughing hysterically) You’re what!?! C’mon boy, what did you really want to say?

Marlon looks at Ashlyn and doesn’t smile. She realizes he is serious and quickly stops laughing. She tilts her head slightly to the left and peers into his eyes.

Ashlyn: Normally, I’d tell you where you could go but, I’m starting to see life in a whole new way. Let me ask you this. Do you feel as though you could be with me exclusively? I mean, not seeing any other woman or man…just me?

Marlon: Yes, baby! That’s what I want. All I want is you. I, I love you.

Ashlyn: (She sighs) This is all so much at once. This is going to sound strange but, I know you have a photo of your ex. Maybe if I can see it, this will all become real to me. Right now I feel like I’m in dream.

Marlon: A photo? You want to see a photo? Listen Ash I’m not a freak here to entertain you. I opened myself up to you but, I see no reason why you’d need to see a photo. Ugh! (They both sit in silence) I apologize; I guess I’m angry at myself for still having his picture in my wallet.

He reaches into his jacket pocket and produces the photo, Ashlyn looks at the picture and becomes pale.

Ashlyn: I, I have to go…I can’t stay here. I can’t stay here.

Marlon: Baby, what’s wrong? What is it? YOU ASKED TO SEE IT!

Ashlyn: That’s Dennis, that’s my ex-husband!

Ashlyn bolts from the table, dashes through the restaurant and bursts through the double French doors.

Marlon: Wait! Ashlyn! Wait!

Marlon tosses a crisp fifty dollar bill onto the white linen table cloth grabs his coat and rushes out of the restaurant. Ashlyn is outside standing in the rain. She is pacing back and forth ignoring the fact that her hair and clothing are being soaked by the down pour.

Marlon: Ash, I don’t know what to say. Please, let’s sit in the car and talk about this.

Ashlyn: Please don’t say anything Marlon. This was a big mistake. I should never have trusted that I would find love again; certainly not from a damn match making website! What was I thinking?

Marlon: You don’t think I’m scared too? You don’t think I want happiness? You don’t know how hard it is to be in a serious relationship and have it end abruptly only to turn around and have your heart broken again?

Ashlyn: (Walking towards Marlon) I, I…I’m sorry. This is all so, bizarre. You realize we can’t go forward no matter how we feel about each other. Dennis was my husband and your lover. I don’t know about you but, I want to know how Dennis could be with you six years, marry me then leave us both high and dry. You’re right, let’s get out of this rain, we have some investigating to do.

Ashlyn and Marlon jump in his car and head back to her loft.

********************

We revisit Gabby, Wesley and Tasha at Tasha's apartment...

Gabby: Listen Tasha, I don’t want there to be any hard feelings between us. I mean, you couldn’t have known Wesley was in love with me.

Tasha: Humph. Yeah, I guess not. Listen before you go, I want you all to take this with you…

Tasha pulls a gun out of the front pocket of her robe and shoots Gabby in the arm.

Gabby: (Crying hysterically and holding her bleeding arm) Ahhhh! Ahhh! Ahhhh!

Tasha fires another shot at Wes, grazing his cheek.


Wesley: (Holding his face) Ah! Tasha! Please…don’t do this.

Tasha stands there silent and doesn’t speak. She walks over to them and stares at them with the gun pointed at Wesley’s face. Wesley is trembling holding Gabby trying to comfort her.

Tasha: Are you trying to comfort that bitch? This is unbelievable! I really loved you Wes. I opened my home to you. Supported you in all your endeavors too! Now on a whim you decide you want to make a fool out of me…humiliate me? No, no, where I’m from you pay for shit like this. And I’ll accept my payment in blood!

Corlis opens the door.

Corlis: Tasha girl, the door was open. Oh, My God! What did you do?

Tasha: (Turns her head quickly toward the door while keeping the gun trained on Gabby and Wesley) Get out of here! Get out!

Corlis: Tasha, put the gun down. Put the gun on the floor. Everything will be alright I promise.

Wesley: She’s crazy! You’re a crazy bitch Tasha! I never loved you! I swear I’ll kill you for this. (He’s cradling Gabby and applying pressure to her arm) Its okay baby…we’re going to get you some help. Corlis please…call an ambulance! Call now!

Corlis: (Maintaining eye contact with Tasha) Tasha, don’t listen to him. Look at me. Listen to me…you have to put the gun down.

Tasha: You want to kill me Wesley? You’ve already killed me you bastard! You’ve killed me!

Tasha points the gun towards herself and pulls the trigger…

Wesley: Tasha! Tasha baby wake up. How long have you been asleep out here? You know how your back hurts when you sleep on the couch. I told you not to wait up.

Tasha: Huh? Oh, Wesley baby…how did the show go? I’ve had the craziest dream! I was shooting up the place. It was wild.

Wesley: Word? Yeah, that was wild. The show was niiiice. Ya’ boy killed it! Guess who was there tonight? Gabby! She did her thang too! I wish you would have come. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. It’s late, let’s go to bed.

Copyright © 2010 - 2012 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

I'm Sooo Glad I Went!

Good morning Rose Heads!  If you're a blogger, you probably belong to any number of blogger groups on Facebook, Google Groups or some other social media network.  While I enjoy reading all the posts, visiting all the blogs and learning from everyone - I shudder at the thought of actually going out and MEETING other bloggers to network and make new friends.

Why?  Ummm...I don't know.  I think maybe my clothes won't be cute enough.  Maybe I won't say the right things.  Maybe my blog is too blah and they will all laugh at me.  Sigh... I know it's dramatic and I'm suffering from some serious blog-esteem issues.  I need to get my life.  I know this.

LUCKILY, I have a super supportive husband who ALWAYS pushes me in the direction of my goals no matter how large or small they are.  I called him in the middle of the day last Friday and said that I wasn't going to the Bloggers Like Me Meet-up for Breast Cancer Awareness at the Wrecking Bar Pub because I was too afraid of not fitting in.  He promptly told me that If I didn't go, that he would be very disappointed in me.  I mean at the very least, it was to support Sisters Network Inc., a foundation focused on advocacy and survivorship.  So, even though I didn't concede while we were on the phone, I ended up changing my mind and going!

I'm so glad I did you guys!

The hostess, Jamillah, was so sweet.  She and I were the only ones there for a while so, we got a chance to chat and learn about each other's blogs, interests, etc.  Come to find out, she's the lady behind ATL Happy Hour!  Who knew?  Not me! LOL!  This lady is a mover and shaker but, she is so humble and so friendly.  The next to arrive was NeShanta of Style is She.  Here's the thing...style IS she...for real.  This lady's fashion game is so hot that it made me want to take several naps, have a seat in EVERY seat in the Georgia Dome and click my heels together fifty-eleven times just so I can have a COUPLE of her pieces!  She and I have a lot of things in common too!  Next to arrive was Jarette of FMFashion Mixer!  She was so sweet and she has had such interesting jobs/internships! She's young (Okay I'm 20+10 and she's 6 years younger than that. LOL) but, she knows what she likes has has such a keen idea of what's fashionable and chic.  When I came home and visited her blog, I was so impressed!  She's got a knack for fashion blogging and it definitely shows.  My FAVE post on her blog is this one.  I just love her easy, laid back and chic style.  Finally, Bernetta of BernettaStyle.  She is very down to earth and personable!  After the brewery tour, she and I got to talk a little bit more and I really enjoyed the conversation.  She wants to be the female Clark Howard but...I feel like she already IS!  She offered so many suggestions and so many tips!  I was following her blog even before the meet-up and I must say that I always enjoy it!

I'm so glad that I WENT!  The Wrecking Bar had great food.  I had a grilled cheese sandwich with peppers on it and a BIG, BIG, BIG Girl drink called "School Girl Crush".  Jamillah does a much better review of the drink and the food here. 

We went on a tour of the actual Brewery and it was so amazing to learn how beer is made.  It's a very detailed process you'd be surprised!  I took photos but, honestly you guys, I can't remember what the steps were BUT...I want to show you the cool pics anyway! 

This is where they filter out all the hops and barley that has been "boiled" into the beer.

This is Ian.  He's like the second in command at the Wrecking Bar.  Very knowledgable and friendly!

These are the fermenting tanks.  This is where the beer actually is carbonated and is "ripening". They keep it virtually sterile because if bacteria gets into one of these bad boys, the whole batch goes bad costing thousands of dollars of losses! Which would be a big hell no!

The tanks on the right are where they "stylize" the water to make different tasting beers.  They mimick water from Germany by adding different minerals.  It's amazing.

Bloggers being bloggers!  Listening, tweeting and taking notes!

Everything they make is on tap upstairs in the Pub.

Just a neat sticker they had there.  Realness...on tap.

They had a vintage bottle collection that caught my eye.  This chick is pretty scary.  I feel a project coming on in 5..4..3..2..

They age some of the beer in wood barrels.  Can you believe that?  They introduce a new "wood beer" every month.

This is what hops look like!  Who knew?

I was drooling over this stair case.  This is some beautiful iron work.  Sigh...architecture...

Clearly I enjoyed myself! LOL!  Cheese 5,000!

I'm also going to show you photos of what I got out of the evening...connections with the ladies that were there!  Shout out to NeShanta because I nabbed these pics from her post.  All my pics were from the Brewery tour. Booo...

 Okay, that's me in the black blazer, Bernetta, Jarette, Jamillah and NeShanta.

That's me, Bernetta and Jarette.  Love this pic!

What IF Wednesday...

Hey there Rose Heads!  Ever sit around and think "What if"?  I do.  Constantly.  So much so that it I feel like it hampers my growth as a person.  So, here is my list of POSITIVE "What ifs"...



What if I just stop worrying about this dang scale!  What if I worry about exercising regularly, eating healthy and THINKING healthy... BTW - I haven't been 120 anything since 9th grade.

What if I stop being afraid to meet new people and be myself.  What if I actually networked and made new friends?

What if I STOP explaining to people that I'm finishing an Education Degree that I don't plan on using.  What if I start teaching crafting and use the skills that I've learned from my degree towards developing awesome crafty lesson plans?

What if I stop feeling frustrated because I can't buy all the super cute and fly clothes that I see a lot of ladies wearing.  What if I just take a moment to appreciate the things I actually have?

What are your POSITIVE "What Ifs"?

Episode TWO of Cravencrest!

Hey there Rose Heads!  So, I wanted to kick off today with the new (to some) episode of Cravencrest, the on-line soap opera that I write.  If you didn't catch episode one, click the "Cravencrest" tab at the top of the blog!  Okay...here we go...episode two:

This episode begins at "The Spot” a blues and jazz lounge located next to Bontemps U. The décor in the club is made up of funky couches and chairs in earth tone colors. There is abstract artwork on the exposed brick walls and the large oval stage is located directly in the middle of the club (which is why the club is named “The Spot”). The lights are always low and the vibe is laid back and mellow. It’s open mic night and the show is getting ready to start. Wesley is first on the list.


Tasha: You ready Wes? You’re over there looking mighty nervous! One would think you’d be used to performing by now.

Corlis: (Chuckles a little) Don’t worry Wes, you’ve got this. You do look scared though!

Wesley: (In a joking tone) Forget you Corlis! Who invited you anyway? Anyone ever tell you that three is a crowd? Hell yeah I’m ready and hell yeah I’m nervous. It’s a packed house tonight. That’s why I’ve got my courage in a glass over here! (Looking out over the crowd) Hold on, is that Gabby over there?

Corlis: (Leans over to Tasha and speaks in a hushed tone) Ooooh, girl! No she didn’t! She’s looking extra fly too. She did that on purpose you hear me? On purpose! What you gonna do?

Tasha: Gabby? (Standing on her tip toes looking around) What the hell is she doing here?

Wesley: Huh? I’m sorry babe, I didn’t hear you.

Tasha: Oh, I said it sure is good to see her!

Wesley: Yeah it is. Hey Gabby! Gabby! Come over here!

Gabby: (Making her way through the crowd) Wesley! It’s so good to see you. Give me a hug! (Staring at Tasha and Corlis over his shoulder). How have you been?

Wesley: I’ve been good. When did you come to town?

Gabby: I got here last week for Thanksgiving. I’m still here because I just got offered a job and I’m looking for a house. I’m moving back to good ole Cravencrest. Enough about me, how have you been? You’re looking fine as always.

Wesley: Aw girl, cut it out. Still a good liar I see. You singing tonight? I miss hearing those golden pipes of yours.

Tasha: (Clearing her throat loudly) Hello Gabrielle.

Gabby: Oh, I didn’t see you there. Hello Tasha. Hello Corlis.

Corlis: (Looking her up and down) Hey…(speaking under her breath and rolling her eyes) heffa.

Tasha: While you’re here we should have you over for dinner. Wes and I have live in the East Village.

Gabby: Oh, you’re co-habitating? How quaint. I may have to take you up on that (looking directly at Wes).

Wesley: Yeah, uh, that would be cool. I’d love to have you. I mean, have you over.

Corlis: (Leans over to Tasha and speaks in a hushed tone) Girl! What? Has he lost his mind? “I’d love to have you?”

Tasha: (Leaning over to Corlis) Shut up Corlis! I’m not going to let her see me sweat. He’s my man. I’m not worried.

Gabby: Well, I’ll catch up to you later Wes. Tasha, Corlis…good evening ladies.

Tasha and Corlis: Yeah, good evening.

James: (Hopping up on the stage and grabbing the mic) Ladies and fellas! Can I have your attention please? We’re getting ready to start the show. As always, welcome to The Spot. I’m your host for the evening, James Julius. You know what it is…we do this every Friday night. There is a sign-up sheet and we go in order. Be respectful no booing or trash talk during or after performances. You can clap, snap or vibe though. Tonight before we get started, I’d like to point out that we have a legend in the house. (James looks at Gabby and winks) Gabrielle Watts! (The crowd starts cheering) Gabby, surely you’re not going to come to The Spot and not sing. Would you bless us with a song?

Gabby: (Faking a look of surprise) No, no! You all go ahead with the show. (The crowd starts cheering louder) Well, alright. Just one song…a short one.

Gabby walks towards the stage purposely bumping into Tasha on her way.

Tasha gives Gabby an angry stare.

Wesley: This is going to be great!

Gabby: (She whispers in the guitarist’s ear, walks over to the mic and begins to speak. The house band starts to play softly.) Hey y’all. How you feeling tonight? Good, good. Well, I’m feeling like I need to get something off my chest. Never let the chance to say “I love you” pass by. I love this man and I never told him. But, tonight…I’m going to serenade him like I should have done so many times before. I ain’t talking about some fictional character just to set-up the song either. This man is here in the flesh tonight. Wesley, this song is dedicated to you… (She begins to sing) “I’ve been so many places in my life and time…”

Tasha: What the HELL!?! I can’t believe this chick! She is too bold! She thinks he has feelings for her! (Tasha looks at Corlis in astonishment)

Corlis: Girl she just dedicated a damn song to this man. Hell, I have feelings for her!

Wesley: Ssssh! Damn, I’m trying to listen.

Tasha: You’re trying to listen? Oh, my God! Okay, you know what, please come get your shit from my apartment. I’ll see you whenever. C’mon Corlis.

Corlis: Hell no! You think I’m going to miss the rest of the song! She might be a trifling heffa but, the heffa can sang! You hear me? Sang! (Does a go away motion with her hands) I’ll call you later and check you on you.

Tasha: (Grabbing her coat off the back of the chair and knocking the chair over) This is some bull…Whatever!

Later on that evening there is a knock at the door. Tasha peeks through the hole and sees Wesley standing on the stoop.

Tasha: What, your key doesn’t work?

Wesley: Please Tasha, let’s not make a scene. I don’t want any drama. I just want to grab my stuff and go. I’ll pay you half the rent until the lease is up but, I have to leave. I can’t loose Gabby again. Please understand.

Tasha: You don’t want to make a scene Wesley? Well I won’t. I’m not the type to beg nor will I ever be. Let me just advise you that once you leave out that door, you are dead to me. I have never been so humiliated and disrespected in my entire existence! You have ten minutes. I will even be hospitable to Gabrielle. Tell her she can come in out of the cold. Yeah Gabby, I see you behind the bush.

Gabby and Wesley look at each other with confused looks on their faces. They enter the house and Gabby stands in the foyer. Wes jogs up the stairs and Tasha leaves the foyer and goes into the kitchen.

Wesley: (Speaking loudly so Tasha can hear) Uh, alright, I think I’ve got what I need. I really appreciate you being so cool about all this.

Tasha walks into the foyer with her hands in her pocket and a blank expression on her face. She stares at Gabby and Wes standing together and gives a heavy sigh.

Gabby: Listen Tasha, I don’t want there to be any hard feelings between us. I mean, you couldn’t have known Wesley was in love with me.

Tasha: Humph. Yeah, I guess not. Listen before you go, I want you all to take this with you…

Tasha pulls a gun out of the front pocket of her robe and shoots Gabby in the arm.

Gabby: (Crying hysterically and holding her bleeding arm) Ahhhh! Ahhh! Ahhhh!

Tasha fires another shot at Wes, grazing his cheek.

Wesley: (Holding his face) Ah! Tasha! Please…don’t do this.

Tasha stands there silent and doesn’t speak. She walks over to them and stares at them with the gun pointed at Wesley’s face. Wesley is trembling holding Gabby trying to comfort her.

Tasha: Are you trying to comfort that bitch? This is unbelievable! I really loved you Wes. I opened my home to you. Supported you in all your endeavors too! Now on a whim you decide you want to make a fool out of me…humiliate me? No, no, where I’m from you pay for shit like this. And I’ll accept my payment in blood!

Corlis opens the door.

Corlis: Tasha girl, the door was open. Oh, My God! What did you do?

Copyright © 2010-2012 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

No this HEFFA Didn't!

Hey Rose Heads!  Today, my husband was supposed to take Picard to the park but, he ended up falling asleep. Sooo..mommy had to step up and do park duty.  It was late and I needed to run some errands so, I took him to a park that we normally don't go to.  As SOON as we got there, he said "mommy I don't want to go, everybody is going to laugh at me".  Now, I don't know about you all but, stuff like that tugs at the core of my heart.  So, I coaxed him towards the playground by telling him that we would just walk around and that he didn't have to play if he didn't want to.

I must say that this playground was lack luster.  There were A LOT of kids of diverse ages.  My son is a little guy and I'm always really cautious of playground shenanigans.  

There was this tunnel that he just couldn't get up.  He kept sliding down and the other kids were trying to go through so, I asked them to back-up. One of the other moms TOUCHES ME and says "don't worry mom, he's got it".  Bitch!  First of all...don't touch me!  Second of all, you don't know me or my child!  And no...he didn't have it and he was scared!

THEN...

Picard wanted to go back through the tunnel and I was telling him no because I knew it was going to be a repeat of the tunnel pile up/super scared and frustrated Picard.  Sooo, I was trying to get him to go down the slide and here comes the HEFFA again.  "Mommy you're messing up his flow".  BI-BI-EI-ITCH!  I'm trying to stop my son from getting #1 HURT, #2 UPSET, #3 PREVENTING YOUR CHILD FROM GOING UP THIS DAMN TUNNEL.

I digress...

I guess I just didn't appreciate her trying to offer me her unsolicited advice.  Needless to say we got out of there!  Do you offer unsolicited advice to other moms?