“A Prelude to Love.”

The beautiful woman swiftly whipped in between a car and a truck parked in front of the corner store. She could hear the loud laughter and conversation of the guys gathered outside over Ciara’s Body Party playing on her Bose system.  Yvonne freshened her lipstick and checked her hair in the rearview mirror. All in one motion she opened the door to her jeep swung her legs around and hopped out. Her blue leather 4-inch heels hit the ground with a click. She adjusted the white cotton mid thigh skirt that revealed the secret of her full hips and bum. She flipped up the collar on the jean jacket she wore over the v- neck white fitted shirt showing her flat tummy and breast that begged to be let free.

Her presence changed the mood of the once boisterous group. Calm and hungry glares came over the small crowd as she stepped onto the sidewalk. Yvonne smirked and winked at the crowd as she passed and made her way into the store. As she crossed the threshold, she could hear the men attempt to determine who had dibs. Yvonne stood in the snack aisle trying to decide what appealed to her taste buds the most. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she watched his calculated approach. Leisurely, he walked towards Yvonne; his hands tucked in the front pocket of his white hoodie, his baggy Levi jeans fell just right over his Timberland boots. He continued his approached as he snatched a bag of chips off the rack not missing a step. Casually stalking his prey.

“Excuse me?” He said at a whisper standing close enough to brush arms with Yvonne.

“Yes,” Yvonne responded brushing the blonde and brown hair from her eyes. Yvonne stared intensely into his slightly slanted brown eyes. His fitted blue beanie met his thick red eyebrows and complimented his pale skin. The ivory perfection caused butterflies to metamorphize deep inside her belly and commence a game of tag.

“You have beautiful eyes lady!” Scott said extending his hand. He was mesmerized by her big brown doe eyes, her chocolate complexion and full lips. Scott stared at Yvonne as if an angel of perfection descended from heaven for him alone.

“My name is Scott. What’s your name?” He asked still holding her hand in his.

“Yvonne,” she responded blushingly. She looked down at her hand in his.

“I’m sorry” he blushed, allowing her fingers to slide from his grip.

“How can I get to know you?” Scott barely managed to get out.

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Interrupted by the sound of R.E.M playing in her purse, she searched frantically before pulling out her cell phone.

“Can you excuse me for a second?” She asked putting the phone to her ear.

“I’ll be back,” he mimed in Yvonne’s direction after frantically checking his pockets.

Yvonne watched Scotts’ suave sway as he walked away throwing his medium sized bag of Lays potato chips on the counter and head out the door.

Uninterested in her current conversation. “Lemme call you back,” she said to the caller on the other end.

Quickly, Yvonne chose the almond joy she had been pondering over. She quickly made her way to the counter and paid for her items instructing the old man to add the Lays to her tab. She could hear the guys teasing Scott about her being “out of his league” and “too much woman for him.”

Yvonne grabbed her lipstick from her purse and scribbled her number across the front of the potato chip bag. Proud of her creativity she sashayed out to her jeep. Yvonne unlocked the door to her vehicle threw her items on the driver’s seat and made her way to Scott climbing down out of his own truck.

With a sly smile, she handed him the bag of Lays.

“You shouldn’t have done that! I seem to have misplaced my wallet.”

“It’s ok, you might want to pay close attention to that bag,” she said as she started to back away.

Scott glanced down at the bag then flipped it over. He noticed on the opposite side ten red numbers in the form of a phone number. Immediately he entered the number into his phone then held up the red trophy with the yellow background for his friends to admire. Yvonne sped away with a beep and a wave.

bwwm

 

 

Hello, my blogging friends!

Oh, how I did miss thee…🥀🥀🥀

Hello, my lovely friends. It is so funny how I build up quite a significant blogging momentum and then out of nowhere “BOOM.” Back down the dark empty hole of nothingness!!! The “hole of nothingness” is an inability to write. Work, Work, and more work is the culprit. Lately, I have been working so much that I feel like a zombie. I don’t like that feeling, and I try my best not to be bitten. I have had few close calls! This is my way of shooting it in the head then burning it! LOL!!! To a certain degree, I need money to live, so I have to work.  I have done just a little writing other than articles and content for websites. I have written another short story and posts for Two Drops of Ink. Work- life balance is the key, but it is easier written and talked about than actually living.

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Well,  I can’t say that I have been all work and no play. Life has been treating me quite well. I have been full of smiles, and laughter. Living in my happy field of lavender lilies and butterflies. I have had beautiful days with no real complaints. Happiness and positivity fill my heart. I’m in love with people, life and all it has to offer.

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So, this post is not to say that I’m back full time 3- 4 days per week. I don’t really foresee that happening right now. I’m just too busy for that!!!  I will post as often as I can to build back up my momentum and attempt to keep it at a steady pace.

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How has life been treating all of you? Any big news or life changing occurrences?

All images courtesy of pixabay.com.

 

 

 

 

Mood of The Day😊

Today’s prompt for the 30 day blog challenge is “Mood of The Day”. I have been trying to keep up daily but with being so busy it has been quite difficult. Today, I have a little time to spare so I decided to participate.

My “Mood of The Day” is many moods wrapped up in one beautiful package called Lydia with a big beautiful bow.

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I am happy because I have been blessed to live another beautiful day. Life is precious and to be treasured and grateful for. I’m happy to have gained two clients, one client employs me to do freelance writing (SEO articles), the second is a social media management client.

Excitement is a mood I am feeling because all of my hard work is paying off. Rebuilding and re-branding my virtual assistant business and making time to write my book. Everything is falling in place and it is cause for excitement. It’s great when you can watch all your plans and efforts come together.

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Motivation is what will keep me on the road to successful business owner and published author. It’s the same motivation that burns in me at this very moment that will allow me to reach my goals and encourage others to do the same.

So all of these emotions are my mood of the day!!! Share!!! What are you feeling today?

Woman with laptop courtesy of ijmaki via pixabay.com

Happy emoticon created by 95C on pixabay.com

Brain, emotion, emoji by johnhain on pixabay.com

Re- Evaluate Thy Self!

Recently, I wrote a post “Where in The World is Lydia.” It was in response to a few Facebook chat and email inquiries as to my whereabouts. I had been so busy that blogging, commenting or writing took a seat way in the back of the bus of life. What grabbed my attention was a comment by Christy Birmingham of Poetic Parfait and When Women Inspire, a great poet, and blogger. However, I digress, Christy stated: “I enjoyed getting learning more about you personally and your daily life.” That statement played over and over again in my head. It is time to reveal more of who I am.

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Boring, boring. OMG!!! BORING!!!

I perused my blog to take inventory of my posts. What I found was a woman who was passionate about certain topics but most of all a workaholic. I am either promoting the work of others or writing about what I do for a living. Also an occasional rant about what is going on in America. I pride myself on being transparent and friends who know me compliment me on that quality. Although, my blog does not reveal that the way I want or planned. Hell, the title is Live, Love, Share! I am representing my anthem of life on such an average level. Through my eyes, that is an epic fail!

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Re- Evaluate Thy Self!

Maybe I am acting a little melodramatic.  Not so much an evaluation of myself but more so of my blog content. I want my blog to be me! The woman who friends call or come to when they need an ear, want just to hang out and sip wine and watch a chick flick, watch sports, go to an art gallery,  or play the PlayStation and be loud and obnoxious. There are many facets to who I am and I love it. So do others and you would too. So why not write about it?

Live, Love, Share

I live and love, so I want to share more. No, I do not plan to hang out dirty laundry. I live in Atlanta but not like those on “Housewives of Atlanta.” My nerves would not withstand all the drama. LOL!!! I would say I am more like Lorelai on the “Gilmore Girls”  minus the child and profession. I love her! I live and think outside the box. My mind is open enough to transcend boundaries we as people place on ourselves. Life to me is an adventure, so why not enjoy it. So, stay tuned for more content with a healthy helping of a spice called Lydia.

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Images Courtesy of Pixabay

 

 

 

 

“Keep It Simple!” A short book that just might change your life! —

WOW! In the spirit of this book, that could be the whole review! But, I feel compelled to add some thoughts––without losing my focus! My dear friend and mentor Joe Calloway punches clean with “Keep It Simple.” This very short, very powerful book teaches you how to engage and improve your focus. This is not […]

via “Keep It Simple!” A short book that just might change your life! —

Memoir, Fairy Tales, and Cathartic Experiences

If you are thinking about writing your memoir, read this article by Marilyn Davis on “Two Drops of Ink”.

Improving Your Finances in 2016

“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what- is of life” Suze Orman

 

If you’re reading this article you’re apparently in search of financial freedom. Like many Americans you want to improve your current financial situation. In this article we will address the best methods of achieving this goal.

Most people look at money on an emotional level. People view their bank statements and bills, then immediately experience anxiety. When seeking financial freedom there must be an improvement strategy in place. It’s important that logic is used when improving finances instead of anxiety or concern. Changing the way, you view money before creating budgets will make for an easier change of lifestyle.

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Create a realistic budget. A budget is the most effective way to determine where you stand financially. Prepare a list of what you spend on a weekly or monthly basis. Your list may contain the following:

  • Rent/ Mortgage
  • Food
  • Utilities
  • Car
  • Health Insurance
  • Debt Payments
  • Personal Savings
  • Recreational Expenses

Compare the list above to your weekly or monthly net worth including but not limited to…

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Tips
  • Benefits
  • Investments

What expenses can you eliminate? Improving your finances means excluding activities or expenses that are not significant. In this case you must be honest and thorough when writing out your budget. The power to pick out areas of improvement will in fact contribute to success in the form of money laid aside. Following a budget may be difficult in the beginning, but it is much more rewarding in the end. Taking time to revisit your financial goals will keep you on the road to improving your finances.

Your budget will help you…

  • Save for the future.
  • Have an emergency fund set up.
  • Invest to improve net worth.
  • Become healthier, happy and stress free.

Start planning for the future. Where do you see yourself and your family in the years to come? Write down your short- term and long- term financial goals. Once you have taken the time to think realistically about what you want or need to accomplish it then becomes reality. Whether your plan is to buy or pay off your home, save for your child’s education or invest your money. Calculate the amount of money you plan to commit to these individual goals and for how long. Each goal should be listed by priority and make adjustments to your budget and financial goals over time.

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Save, save, save! What can you absolutely do without or reduce in your spending? Remember, keep your emotions out of this process. List all expenses like… movies, music, clothes, dinner out, electronics, etc. How much money and how often are you spending money on these non- essentials? Of course, it’s exciting to view a movie on opening night, download your favorite artists’ new album as soon as it comes out. These non- essentials may make you feel good for a day or two, but it also puts a strain on you financially.

A great way to watch your finances is to search for sales. Utilize couponing for groceries as well as other products and services. Most grocers and retailers have rewards cards that offer discounts on their products. Small life- style changes are a perfect way to improve your finances by ultimately reducing the amount of money you spend. Substitute going to the movies for a day at a museum. Cook the meal from your favorite restaurant at home. Change around your wardrobe to create new outfit ideas. Applying these helpful techniques will increase the amount of money you are able to save.

Live off of the money you have left after you put away your savings. Taking 10 to 20 percent the income you bring home and distributing it throughout the prioritized goals you have in place is a good start. The remainder should then be utilized to pay your monthly bills. This is a way of taking baby steps in your savings process. Any extra income or money received should immediately be put away and not used to splurge upon.

Learn the difference between a “need” and a “want”. “Needs” are things you have to have in order to survive:

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Clothing
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation

“Wants” are things we do not need for survival, but would like to have:

  • Game
  • New model cell phone
  • Season tickets to a sporting event
  • Weekly hair appointments

For example, you need your vehicle for transportation. You currently have a working vehicle that may be outdated and has minor issues. You are able to fix the issues at a nominal fee, but due to fair or good credit you want to get a newer year vehicle. Look at the fact that your current payments are lower or you don’t currently have a car payment. The issue can be resolved with a one- time fee, never to be revisited again. The best option in this case would be to repair the issue thus keeping you from adding an expense and slowing down the ability to maximize your saving potential.

Eliminating debt improves your finances over time. First, discontinue the use of any credit cards, they should be kept only for emergency purposes. Excessive spending on a high interest rate credit card and paying only the minimum balance is hurting you financially. It will take you forever to climb out of the hole. Pay more than the minimum balance on credit cards and student loans and you will notice the interest rate slowly decline. Stop borrowing money you cannot pay back. Loans, financing furniture, pay advances are all ways to stay or fall deeper in debt. Pay off or close these accounts to keep money in your pocket. Revise your budget to reflect the money saved without these expenses.

When thinking of a long term financial strategy to improve your financial investing is the way to go. Investing is a way to generate extra income and eradicate debt. Start off conservatively investing in stocks, bonds, CDs or company retirement program that matches funds put towards retirement. Slow and steady pace is the best method in which to approach investing. Bi- weekly or monthly paycheck deductions can be very rewarding.

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Consider working with a professional. Creating and maintaining a financial plan can be a time consuming and daunting task. Working with a financial advisor in most cases is less stressful and more lucrative when it comes to planning your financial future. A fee only advisor will ensure no conflicts of interest and assure you are well on your way to financial freedom. Through research you will be able to find the best advisor for you. Some companies offer the services of a financial advisor. Whatever method you choose, to go at it alone or with the assistance of a professional. The only way to become financially free is to get started. Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today.

KEN WHEATON

Novelist. Editor. Journalist. Business Writer.

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