At Home Biz®

A Short Story Collective

2012-01-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Unraveled is a collection of short stories by KR Bankston. A collection that will keep you attention from beginning to end.

The collection makes up stories such as: Truth or Dare, Bait-n-Switch, and A Deadly Encounter. One can say that this collection can make up a dinner menu...The Appetizer, The Main Course, and the Dessert.

The first story would have you feeling sorry for the main female character until you get to the end. There you will be rooting for her. A woman scorned is nothing to reckon with. They'll get you where it hurts and that can be a real deadly.

In the second story, you will see, what it does in the dark will most definitely come to the light. And tangle webs are not a good thing to weave. You make get caught up in your own trap and not be able to get out. Jealousy will most definitely come back to haunt you.

Story three is nothing to mess with when you're dealing with criminal activities. You cross one of them and you may just get crossed...not good. This story left the reading hanging reading the female characters. But, in all it was a good story.

To purchase this collection, go to Amazon.com, you won't be disappointed.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Honey Dip

2011-12-31T19:45:00.000-08:00

Portia and her crew of girls was something else. But, in all Portia herself was nothing to be reckoned with. She has a trigger finger itching to shot anyone who crosses her.

I take it, being a Female Pimp isn't easy in a male dominate profession. Portia tried her best to keep her girls on a tight leash. It's difficult trying to control someone that doesn't want to be controlled. April flies the coop with a man she thinks she's in love with, but we're not sure of what happens with that relationship. Honey-Dip decides it's time for her to leave the nest after having bedding down Portia's little brother, but there's no sign of where's she's going. She misses her daughter who is living with her father and his wife.

Mookie did the unthinkable and crossed Portia and met with her untimely destiny. Babygirl is the only one that has Portia's back: she's quick with a knife.

I was left hanging at the ending. I would like to know what is going to happen the Dr. patches up Portia's little brother from a gunshot wound. I guess I will have to see when the sequel comes out. All in all, the book was a good read; I read it in one day...meaning, I didn't put it down.

Look for it on Amazon.com.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

The Wiggins Sisters

2011-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

"Love knows no bounds... neither does the Wiggins Sisters. Find out just how boundary-less they are in Between Sisters. "

The Wiggins Sisters have no shame whatsoever in their game. These are nothing to reckon with. Talk about the ties that bind. I don't think there are any blood sisters out there as wild as these sisters.

Out of the six sisters, there seemed to be only two that were sensible. Those two were not out to do every man that came there way.

Mandingo was at the helm of it all. He had three of the sisters looking to do bodily harm to each all behind his fourteen inch body part. Was it that serious? To them, it was.

Two other sisters lost respect for each other behind the husband of one of them. Reading about him, it was not that serious. He was a dog in heat, woofing behind any female behind a skirt.

I know I mentioned five of the six sisters, and stated that two of them were sensible, however of the five one of them is included in the Mandingo trio. So, that puts her in two places of drama. Yes, this was a mess. A very tangled web that was weaved.

And to top if off, one of them has a husband that a fetish that is out of this world. Talk about freaky...man, oh man.

I don't want to give the story away: You would have to read the book for yourself. Trust me, it will capture your attention and you won't want to put it down. Get to Amazon or Barnes and Noble to purchase the book. It is a good read.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Tapioca Pudding

2011-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

When I opened this book to read it in my iPad, I really didn't know what to expect. The title alone would have a reading saying, 'Hmmm.' I thought the book was about the dessert Tapioca Pudding. I was so wrong.

The main character, Tapioca is a hot little mess. Every man wants her and every woman hates her. She has an unsatisifible sexual appetite. Getting involved with an undersexed starved married man is not what she bargained for. All she wanted to do was play, have fun and not get involved...no strings attached.

Charles, the sex starved married man that gets no respect as well as no sex from his always gone wife, gives in to the attention given to him by Tapioca. The attention because so intense that he finds himself falling in love. Little does he know a secret that threats to ruin his love for Tapioca. That secret is put to the test, as well as his love for sex. Can Charles get a handle of his sex drive that has been awaken by Tapioca? Or will it run wild with two other women? You will have to read the story to find out.

The book an be purchased at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Happy reading!

Until Next Time!

Jeane' Elliott Bennett

http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Beautiful Disasters

2011-11-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Dawn Jasper, the Author of Beautiful Disasters gives her readers an interesting read with this novel. In the beginning of the novel, the reader couldn't decide if she was coming or going. Once, the reader was able to get past the typos and editorial mistakes, the reader was able to enjoy the story of Anika Connors.

Anika Connors is not your typical 'angry black woman'. She's a rich, angry black woman. Aside from Anika looking to get even with everyone that has done her wrong, sho does have a heart and a soft side. One would not recognize that while reading the novel but when you look deep into the story and see that she aids and helps young girls, you would recognize her heart.

Her nemesis Teyanna, who was also her lover along with Teyanna's husband David is out to get even with Anika for kicking her to the curb. Teyana soon finds out that 'What's done in the dark, comes to the light'. Teyanna's evil thoughts and deeds does her in. She destroys her ownself.

Anika's mean ways turns warm when a special man comes into her life. He's a challenge for her, a good challenge. He aids her in seeing her own self-worth.

It takes a while to get to the root of the story but once you push through it, the book is a pretty good read.

The story is about love, lust, betrayal and revenge. Check it out and see for yourself, not your average Urban Novel.

Until Next Time

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

K.R. Bankston and the King of the Game

2011-09-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

When I began reading King of the Game by K.R. Bankston, it was a little difficult to get going. I had the book for a while in my Nook; I would read so many pages and put it down. It was hard to keep my attention in the beginning of the book, but once I finally picked it up to finish reading it, I couldn't put it down.

One would think from the beginning pages of the book that the book is about the Music Industry game and the character, Kenton is the King of the Game. However, you have to dive into reading to find out what the book is really about. How far a person would go to keep the one he loves. He would not let anyone nor anything get in his way. Talk about love in it's rawest form.

Have you ever thought about how people feel when you cross them or get in there way from having what they want? Have you ever thought about what lengths people would go through to protect the one's they love? Well, Khalon and Armani are true in form to getting what they want. They will stop at nothing. They will take out any and everyone, no matter if it's male or female. Ruthless in it's truest form.

In reading King of the Game, you will find out who the true King is. There are so many twist and turns with the confines of the reading that will keep you wondering. Once you get into the middle of the book, you won't want to put it down; you would want to find out more and how it all unfolds. How all the characters come together. Your questions would be answered.

K.R. Bankston did an outstanding job with this romance murder mystery. If you have read it, get it. The book can be found at Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as th authors website.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett

http://wwwJeaneEBennett.com

http://jeanesashi.yolasite.com

Lookin' for A Lover...

2011-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Zaria Jones was Lookin' for A Lover. She was tired of the men she was meeting and struggling with her fantasies of women. These fantasies left her confused but also open a door to see insider herself and to see inside her best friend Jey.

After exploring her options, Zaria found the love of her life, so she thought. All that glitters is not always gold. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Zaria learned that lesson first hand when she walked in on who she thought was the love of her life in the company of someone else.

Author Marlene gave us a twist and turn within Lookin' for A Lover. This book will leave you wondering who hurt Zaria's best friend Jey. That was a cliffhanger, yet to be answered.

In the end, family will always be by your side no matter what. They may not agree with your choice in a mate, but when the chips are down and someone hurts you, you can turn to family. This book is a good read. Be prepared to the twist and turns within the book. I'm looking forward to reading Lookin' for A Lover...Again, the sequel.

You can find the book at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Budget Cuts

2011-08-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

In regards to where the cuts should lie within the Debt, here is some food for thought...
Salary of House/Senate .......................$174,000 FOR LIFE
Salary of Speaker of the House ............$223,500 FOR LIFE
Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders ...... $193,400 FOR LIFE
Average Salary of a teacher ................ $40,065 ANNUALLY
Average Salary of Soldier ...................DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN $38,000 ANNUALLY

For the men and women of the Armed Forces that are risking their lives for OUR safety, that is all they get and that's not including their Combat Pay. And look at the Teachers, they risk they're lives dealing with some of the youths of today that are unruly. There is a BIG, MAJOR problem with those two figures.

I think we found where the cuts should be made!

(This was a post on Facebook)

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Authors Spotlight

2011-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Some people have asked, "Who is this new Author/Writer that just came on the scene? She just came out of nowhere." Well, to be perfectly honest, she just didn't "come on the scene", she's been here all along. Help, Promoting, Networking, Coaching,...a little of this, and a little of that. You want to find out more about her? Check out these Spotlights...
http://thedaringshow.webs.com/authorsspotlight.htm
http://delectablegoodies.com/blog/?cat=24
http://mellojune.blogspot.com/p/author-archive.html
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/carter-elite-travel/2011/06/25/author-interview-jeane-sashi

That's just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to know more, check out her website:
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Until Next Time!

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Morning Question for Writers...

2011-08-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone,

Here's a question to start off the morning conversation. As an Author/Writer, do you sometimes find that you resemble one, if not all of the character(s) in your book? If so, which character(s) do you identify with?

When I wrote Intimate Moments, I found myself identifying with the character named Gisselle. I called her Ghetto but, Gisselle, is a tell it like it is, speak your mind type of Lady. Some people when they read the book, thought I was the main character, Tonju (seeking her soulmate). But in all essence, I really identified with all three female characters, Tonju, Gisselle, and Patience (who is grounded and laid back).

And with writing The J Spot, I'm getting into my main character Kevin, yes, that's right, it's a male. This is interesting as men can be a little complex, but I'm developing his character and showing his soft side, not a wimp, his caring side. Men do have that as well. LOL. Well, that was my question for the day. Have a great one all!

Developing Your Skills as a Manager

2011-08-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that just about everyone who works in a company needs to know, it's how to be a good manager. Now, before you start to protest and explain that you're in an individual contributor role and there's no way that you need to know how to be a good manager, I can promise you that you'd be one hundred percent wrong.

The same skills that you acquire as a good manager as skills that you can use in every aspect of your life. Whether it's interacting with your partner or your friends or even with someone in customer service who's giving you a hard time, you can use management skills to handle just about any situation.

Developing skills is important, but if you're not passionate about the job you're using them in, maybe it's time to look for a new one. One way to jump start your job search is by getting your resume posted on all the job sites. A service like ResumeDirector can do this for you. Using their service, your resume will be posted on over 90 job sites at once - including Monster, Job.com, CareerBuilder, etc. To find out more, visit this web page:
http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/rd.htm

ResumeArrow is another powerful tool to increase your flow of job leads. Sign up with their site to have your resume sent by email to thousands of recruiters and employers in your industry and desired work locations. To find out more, visit this web address:
http://www.jobsearchinfo.com/dist.htm

There's more to management than simply getting the job done. At the end of the day, you also need the respect and the cooperation of those around you. The manager who simply thinks that all it takes to stay on top is to make sure that deadlines are met is the manager who will quickly find himself plummeting to the bottom.

First and foremost, if you are already a manager, stop thinking of yourself as "the Boss." That's not the way it works. Instead, think of yourself as a part of a team. The minute that you set yourself up to play the role of a tin god, that's the time that you're going to find yourself suddenly alone -- and with a whole lot of problems on your hands.

A good leader is also a good listener. Learn to hear what the others in your team are saying. When you have a conversation with them, focus on what it is that they're telling you -- rather than what you want to say in response. The more effective you become at listening, the more successful you'll become at managing. (And, needless to say, a good listener will find themselves doing well in all other aspects of their lives -- because the more that they listen, the more that people will want to be around them.)

Learn to lead by example. When a project comes along, make sure that your team knows that you're
there for them and that you want to be involved. The more interest and consideration that you put into understanding the project, the more successful your team will be at getting things done.

On the other hand, you want to make sure that you don't micromanage. There are going to be times when you're going to panic and decide that you need to be involved with every aspect of a project. I'm here to tell you those are the times that you need to back off a little bit. When I was in my micromanagement stage, I would probably spend more time hovering over a project than in getting anything else done. One time, there was a project on a tremendous deadline that I knew we weren't going to make. A family emergency came up and I had to leave for a few days -- and when I returned, the project was completed. As my assistant told me, "Once you got out of our way, we were able to move forward."

That's a lesson that I haven't forgotten.

Something else that a good manager does is ask for input as to how you're doing with the team. Of course, you want to make sure that they understand that you want true feedback and not something that they think you're going to want to hear. When you get that input, make sure that you take it under consideration. One thing that I've learned is that if the same input comes from two or three individuals, there's a very good chance that it's something that I need to work on.

Learn to give out positive feedback -- both on an individual and on a group basis. This is something that works in all aspects of a person's career. Whenever someone does something that is above and beyond their job description, let them know that you noticed. It's the little things like that which can mean the difference between a happy and a disgruntled employee.

In times of personal need, you have to be there for your team. If you're able to have your team understand that they are more important to you than whatever project you're working on, you will be well on your way to building a team that is loyal to you and that will go the extra mile in delivering when crunch time comes.

So there you have it -- some simple steps that you can use in being a good manager.

More than that, though, these are good rules that you can use in being a good person.
Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

The Marital Postion by Kenya Nushen

2011-06-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Marital Position" by Kenya Nushen, and I must say this book is sexy. This book in my opinion is like a self-help book and a novel rolled into one. If you're struggling with trying to put the sex and spice back into your relationship and want to have some fun while doing it, this may be the book for you.

There are some role playing scenes with this novel that will make your toes curl and the hairs on your arms stand on end. The scenes deplicted in this book will make a shy person smile from ear to ear. Yes, it's sexy.

Right along with the sexy scenes, the author added poetry between each chapter, setting the stage for the next story. So, if you're not afraid of sexuality and sex, take a look at this book and see for your self. It's hot!

The book can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.JeaneEBennett.com

Excerpt from Intimate Moments

2011-06-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

Tonju Lowe an attractive lady in her 30’s. She’s a successful Managing Senior Paralegal at a high-status Century City Law Firm, doing well for herself, and self sufficient. She’s now looking for a true, reciprocated relationship…whatever that means. Feeling she was doing well without a man in her life; then realized one day she doesn’t need a man in her life, (there’s a difference between need and want), she wants a man in her life. She wants the companionship and intimacy. She’s decided to put an ad in a online personals column describing who she is and what she’s looking for in a MAN! Her online bio speaks volumes and not to be mistaken in any sense of the word. She puts it into perspective for you.

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

“I am a variety type of lady as well as an easy going lady who likes to do many things and who’s in search of a relationship with a man not a woman. I like traveling, movies, dining out, amusement parks, walking in the park, and on the beach, reading, football, spending quality time with a special man in my life and a lot of other things. I enjoy life and I’m romantic, caring, fun-loving, compassionate, honest and straight-forward. Sometimes I can be complex but not complicated. I am confident but not arrogant. My attitude is that of a sexy lady. I am a lady at all times. I am not out to hurt anyone’s feelings and I expect the same. If you are not going to come to me straight, then don’t waste my time because I promise, I won’t waste your time. I am looking to be happy and hopefully make that special man in my life happy also. I don’t play games and prefer a Long Term Relationship. Playa’s need not respond to this personal. I am not to be mistaken as some business man’s layover while passing through town. I am not to be mistaken for someone’s part-time rendezvous. You are hopefully between the ages of 35 to 40, in good health, disease and drug free, just as I am. Multicultural sensitive with an international perspective. Health conscious, somewhat educated (a college degree is not necessary), open-minded, and into designing your life versus following social norms and trends. You may have been married before and even have children. You are independent, yet dependent at some point. Assertive yet passive and sensuously outspoken. Yet desire/miss coming home to hugs, kisses and…

In addition to quality, I am attracted to men who know what they want today and have the intellect, personality, and masculinity to go for it. I enjoy a man who can stimulate my intellect as well as my loins. Make love to my mind and the rest will follow, not quickly though, in due time. Someone who is not afraid to communicate to get to the heart of a problem. I am not self-centered, egotistical, nor self-righteous. I am open minded, adjustable to changes, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain the same love and care that we start out with through to the end without regard or reflection on any past activity. Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is not promised, today is what we have and live with. Let’s become friends and see from there what lies ahead. In other words let’s explore the possibilities. Kisses. God gave me beauty and I carry it well. I’m 5’7”, coffee brown eyes, a smile like sunshine, 125 lbs., dark brown collar length hair, milk chocolate complexion and very smooth skin. I am a LADY.

I’m looking for a sensual, erotic, and romantic male, of sound mind and body. Be a healthy male. Your wealth will be measured by your level of intelligence. Arrogance is unattractive to me. As is conceit and machismo. I am not impressed with lines or clichés. Again, A LADY is what you get with me.”

She was determined to find the man of her dreams. She had enough of bars, clubs, and blind dates. Being fixed up by her friends was becoming a bore for her. It was now time for her to go out on her own and find her man.

She couldn’t figure out why she was always attracting men that just didn’t correspond to her standards. Were her standards too high? She didn’t think so. The older she became, her standards grow higher. She refused to settle for sloppy seconds. She refused to just take anyone just to have someone in her bed. She refused to settle…period. She wanted quality. Someone who stimulated every angle of her. With that thought, she begins to smile. She could feel herself tingle. Someone that was sexually uninhibited wouldn’t hurt either. “Tonju does have a sexual appetite”, smiling to herself.

While on her lunch break on a hot sunny Tuesday afternoon, Tonju’s at a side walk café on Century Park East, she decides to check a messages on her blackberry. Browsing sites on her phone, checking the personal ad she put online seeing if there had been any messages left for her. Nothing. “It’s only been a day, give it time” thinking to herself. Much to her surprise she receives a message from…a blast from the past, someone she hasn’t seen or heard from in a very long time, years to be exact. He leaves a message on a group website she belongs to. He belongs to that same site. How amusing the internet works, you can find just about anyone in the world and have them find you, with just a name. Remarkable.

Seeing the message a smile comes across her face and she’s stunned at the same time. “Can’t believe it, Marcus Anderson of all people. Where has he been and what’s he doing these days?”

Just that moment she starts to think back to High School. Oh, how she was stupid over him. She believes it was more than puppy love. She really loved Marcus. They would spend hours talking on the phone, he would walk her to her classes; wait by her classes for her; and when they were face to face there wasn’t much talking to be done. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The hugging, the kissing, the feeling, the groping. The moment was intense. Not once did they have sex the entire time they were dating in school. Neither one of them knew they had intimacy instead of over worked teenaged hormones.

Marcus met Tonju when he was a senior in high school. He was very much in a lot of activities at the school. He was on the basketball team. Hell, he was the basketball team. With his height of 6’3” and muscular frame and slam dunks, he was the team captain. The girls loved him; he was popular. Tonju had no idea who Marcus was, she wasn’t into basketball; nor did she care.

While walking in the halls of the school on her way to class, one of the girls on Marcus’ arm bumps into her causing her books to fall from her hands. She kneels to pick them, and he tries to assist her all the while she’s giving him a dirty look; he has a girl on each arm. Looking at him the words, “Arrogant” comes from her mouth.

Marcus didn’t know what she meant by that, all he knew was she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen with her milk chocolate skin. He wanted to get to know her better. Her opinion piqued his curiosity.

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

Sitting alone on the grass in the quad area of the school, on a sunny and clear day which was in the middle of the school, Tonju was reading a book when Marcus came and sat beside her.

“What’re you reading?” She ignores him. He asks her again, and she cuts him another dirty look. At which point, he says, “You know, you’re rude; cute but rude.” That’s when the repartee begins.

“You have some nerve. You sat beside me without being invited and you didn’t even say hello.” “Now, whose rude?”

Marcus was caught off guard with that one. “Oops! excuse me Miss, do you mind if I sit beside you? I didn’t mean to be rude, see I lost my manners.”

Tonju smiles.

“At least that got a smile out of you. Now, may I ask what’re you reading?”

“I’m reading ‘Lord of the Flies.’ Have you read it?”

“No, isn’t that required reading in college or Advanced English?”

“True, it can be required in college, but I’m in advanced English.”

“A brainyack, hmmm. I have a brainyack on my hands.”

“What do you mean on your hands? What are you implying?”

“My girlfriend is a bookworm with good grades.”

“Your girlfriend? You are arrogant. I called it right when I saw you in the hall.”

The bell rings, she gets up to leave. While walking away, Marcus yells, “you are my girlfriend, you just don’t know it yet.” laughing. She keeps walking shaking her head and laughing. “He’s nuts and arrogant” saying to herself. “He’s also cute, but I guess he knows that, too.”

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

Tonju and Gerald Davis who are friends are standing in the lunch line the next afternoon when Marcus walks up. Gerald and Marcus are friends and have been friends for a long time. Marcus doesn’t know that Tonju and Gerald are also friends.

“Hey man, what’s up?” Gerald addressing Marcus.

“Nothing much, man.” Marcus is surprised to see pretty Tonju standing next to Gerald. He smiles at Tonju.

Gerald proceeds to introduce Marcus and Tonju but Marcus with his arrogant ass stops him by informing him that they’ve already met.

“I met her, I meant this pretty girl yesterday when she was in the quad reading a book.” “But, I didn’t catch her name.”

“That’s because I didn’t throw it.”

“Marcus, what did you do? What did you say to her?”

“Nothing. I told her she’s pretty.”

Tonju rolls her eyes saying “Uh-huh.”

Nevertheless, Gerald proceeds to introduce them. The smile on Marcus’ face looks like he swallowed something or a coat hanger got jammed in his jaws.

Saying in her mind “I wish he’d stop ginning at me. He already has not one but two girlfriends.”

As time goes on Marcus and Tonju become friends. She stops giving him dirty looks and gives in to his charm only to find out that he doesn’t have a girlfriend at all. Those girls that were on his arm were just basketball groupies…go figure, a star basketball player has groupies.

The two begin dating, and Gerald finds out. Coming to where Marcus and Tonju are sitting on campus, “What’s going on you two? You guys have become quite friendly these days.”

“Tonju has just agreed to be my girl, man.”

“What? You hurt her and I’ll kill you, man. I love you like a brother, but I’ll kill you.” “Tonju’s a nice girl.”

“Man, I’m not going to hurt her. She’s a sweetie.”

The whole time that Marcus and Tonju were dating, they never had sex. Marcus had a lot of high opinion for Tonju and who she was. He didn’t want her corrupted in anyway, not even by him.

Tonju thought to herself, there was a time when we had the opportunity to have sex but Marcus came to his senses and realized that I wasn’t ready. He was the gentleman back then. It would be good to see him again.

Marcus Anderson a handsome man in his 30’s, very successful, Self Employed Real Estate Developer. He’s married and not completely happy. Something’s missing from his marriage; he knows what it is but doesn’t know which direction to take to try to correct the situation or to leave well enough alone or just end it before he and his wife become more miserable than what they already are. He doesn’t want to hurt his wife.

Coming back to the present, the message reads...

“Girl, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to see your face again. Wow. My baby! I’m sorry if that offends you, but we had some moments that I’ll never forget, and I’m talking about the clean stuff! Like going to see a movie on the bus. Or that picnic with your Mom when your brother out ran me playing football. I still remember what you said, ‘you’re getting slow’ well I’ll tell you, your brother was fast. Hope you and your loved ones are well. You didn’t think so but I was crazy about you. Oh this really is great. I live in the area, a lot of us are out this way, and I see you are too. I hope I’m not going overboard, buy I have waited for this…I’m glad I found you. And you look fantastic!”

“My Heart, the sweetest little girlfriend I ever had!”

“I see you are still the charmer. I see you’re doing well. Yes, I’m in the area and have been for some time now. It’s good to hear from you.”

“Me too, I moved to the area a few years ago. I’m happy, this is a special day for me! Man, I’m excited.”

Two days later, Tonju receives an e-mail from Marcus. She’s been on his mind since the first day of their re-connection.

“Hi, are you busy?”

“Hi, no. What’s up?” raising an eyebrow wondering what’s on Marcus’ mind.

“I want to see you , is that cool?” No sooner than those words left Marcus’ mouth he felt his fervor rise.

“Yes, I want to see you too.” She could feel the humidity between her legs at that moment. She immediately changes the subject. She knows wanting to see Marcus is not right…he’s married.

Chapter 2

At last Marcus and Tonju decide to meet after not seeing each other for relatively sometime…years. He looks the same; a little weight but the same. His manner and persona are quite passive. That’s changed. She remembers him to be a gregarious person, age surely has slowed him down.

Marcus seeing her, can’t take his eyes off her. To him she looks exactly the same as the last time he saw her years ago. He melts when he’s looking at her.

Is a hug or a handshake appropriate for not seeing each other in years? Both agree on a hug; a hug in which Marcus doesn’t wanna let her go. He presses her tightly to his body taking in every inch of her. It’s day light and they’re in a parking lot but that doesn’t seem to matter to either of them. They’re wrapped in each others arms like that’s where they belong or wanna be.

Breaking from the embrace with embarrassed looks on their faces, each reading the others mind; it’s funny how you can say a lot without even saying a word. Choosing to have lunch at a nearby eating place…McDonald’s to be exact; playing eye contact across the table and refusing to let their hands touch each other. The enticement is still there after all these years, or is it the memory of high school moments?

Idle chit chat fills the air while Marcus watches Tonju eat her salad. “Why are you staring at me?”

“I like looking at you and always have, you don’t realize how eye-catching you are.”

Back at Tonju’s house, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, it was non stop touchy, feely. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The kissing, the feeling, the sweating, the heavy breathing. All without taking off a stitch of clothing. They could feel each other through their clothes. They wanted so much to let their bodies touch each others naked but, this was their first meeting, it wouldn’t have been appropriate, plus Marcus is married.

Sitting next to one another on the sofa and lusting for each other…

“Come sit on my lap, face me.”

“Are you sure?” making the move to his lap.

“Yes, I want you very close to me.”

Sitting on his lap in the straddle position, Marcus begins kissing her and feeling her breast at the same time. The heat is so intense in the room that both of them are sweating. Marcus starts to move her hips for her…getting her started. That’s all it took, she did the rest herself. It was as if she was actually riding a horse.

She reached under his shirt and felt his hard chest. Nice and muscular. Lifting his shirt, kissing his chest. The kisses made him moan and with the moans he starts to move his hips.

She can feel his erection through his pants through her pants. It’s rock-hard and stiff.

Marcus lifts her blouse and lowers his head to kiss her breasts. Sucking on her nipples causing her to moan and gyrate her hips harder and faster. Tonju wants him and knows this is not right.

They both break from the hotness with her removing herself from his lap and standing up to adjust her clothes.

“Marcus, we’ve gotta stop. We haven’t seen each other in years and this is what we do…man.”

“I know, but I want you so bad. I’m bursting and sweating. Let me get out of here before we do something that we both might regret later.”

“ True, I’ll walk you to your car.”

They proceed to the front door and out to his car. Idle chit chat once again. Reaching his car, they talk about seeing each other again and are hopeful they will. Marcus leaves with Tonju completely on his mind. He wanted so much to taste and feel her.

They wanted to take it as far as they could go. Pristine dreams of steamy ecstasy.

Marcus is on cloud nine that he’s finally gotten the chance to see the girl that he has been carrying a torch for all these years. He’s still reeling at being able to be in her company and let alone be that close to her; to be able to hold her in his arms…kiss her, and feel her. He wants Tonju so bad, he doesn’t know what to do.

“Where do I go from here with Tonju? I want to see her every day. Why did I let her out of my life? How can I get her back? Will she even be willing to come back into my life? Am I just dreaming? I know…I’m married but, I have to see where this leads me…leads us.”

The next day…

“Good Morning,

Before I get into this e-mail, I want to say, it was really a true pleasure seeing you yesterday after all these years. You really looked good and to know you’re doing well and are content and happy warms my heart. I was prepared for the meeting and very much looking forward to seeing you. Although, I was not prepared for the moment; that took me by surprise. A good surprise I might add. Thank you.

I’ve listened to the CD you brought me, Wine Glasses several times, in fact, as I’m typing this e-mail to you. I’m listening to the CD, again. I downloaded it to my laptop and added it to my iPod. I went to sleep with the iPod in my ears with the words and sound of the singers voice whispering in my ears.

“Love” took me to the moment of our afternoon. I felt as though it was speaking directly to me. That you knew exactly how our meeting yesterday would end. Although, we didn’t go as far as we wanted to go, “Love” in my ears was dedicated to me.

“Chance Meeting” is moving. It made me think that had we took “Love” further, we would’ve had a “Chance Meeting.” One that I didn’t want you to regret. There would’ve been no regrets with me, because it would’ve been something that I had wanted from you since I was 15.

Yes, our moment took me to the place of shoulda, coulda, woulda, and the what if. You don’t know how many times I had dreamt of you through the years. As teenagers, we would sit in class and doodle on paper the name or our girlfriend or boyfriend. I use to do that, and imagine your last name being behind mine. I was taken back there yesterday.

I was trying to figure out after you left if the attraction was an attraction from the past that was drawing me to you, was it my present situation and the desire for closeness, or was it the present in general or your physical being. After sleeping on it and awakening this morning. I have my answer…it was and is the present. You see, I have never stopped loving you. I was in love with you back in the day, but didn’t know what love was…sometimes now, I still don’t know what it is.

I noticed when you were speaking you couldn’t look at …why was that? I started to feel there was something wrong with me but then realized there is nothing wrong with me; you just have a sensitivity to me and my eyes. What is it that I do to you?

If you chose not to hear from me again, I’d most definitely understand. I’d be disappointed but I’d understand. You do have a large piece of me. It’s strange how our bodies did mesh well with one another after all these years. But, physical oneness is not the basis of my loving you. I love you for you and all the things about you…I always have. The person you are…beautiful. Please, make no excuses for you and who you are.

My dear friend, please don’t look at this e-mail with such seriousness and confusion, look at it with a memorable smile on your handsome face. No regrets, no confusion, and no guilt. There are no regrets, confusion, or guilt for happiness and wanting to be happy. If our moment gave you that then, please don’t feel any of those things. Take pleasure in the moment…I have.

Your touch sent me to a place that I hadn’t been in a very long time and I get chills just thinking of you…good chills. I can close my eyes and still see everything so vivid. Your face is still embedded in my eyes. I look up and I see you. A smile comes across my face. Your kiss and touch are stuck with me. The smell of your cologne and sweat are still with me. Lovely.

Just to think and remember these things are making me wet and horny. What did you do to me? You did what you did when I first saw the message from you…stirred up feelings and made me want to see you. Hearing your voice over the phone made me want you and not just in a sexual way because we’ve never experience sex with one another. We always had the intimacy and that means so much more than sex. Yesterday was intimacy…again. Seducing our minds and our bodies. I’d love to experience the sex with you. Lay with you, even for a moment. That’ll last a life time with me.

I was in a place of ecstasy without the sex, and that was sheer ecstasy. I thank you. You do feel good…all of you.

You’ve given me another great memory to add to the memory I already had. My hat’s off to you. I do love you and I do know the meaning of loving someone and being in love with someone. You tell me, what did you feel for me?

On that note, time to end here. I could go on about the way I feel but I will savor those feelings.

Warm Regards,

Tonju”

Chapter 3

Tonju is savoring in the memory of the day before. Marcus calls her the next morning after reading her email to see if she’s okay. They talk about that day and all that happened. There were moments of silence, a big pregnant pause for the remembrance. They’re both feeling the same and don’t know what to do.

Marcus recites snippets of poetry to her from a CD. She’s telling Marcus that two of the snippets on the CD explained the events of the afternoon before.

She can feel her passion rise as she hears his voice echoes the words of the poems. She starts to wiggle while sitting in her bed. Marcus doesn’t know he’s talking to her while she’s still in her pajamas and under a blanket in bed. “Good, he doesn’t need to know this. The conversation needn’t go to that level…as of yet.” They still have intimacy, no sex.

She can’t get Marcus out of her head. The moment from their meeting is still embedded in her mind. The kiss, the hug, the caressing, the fondling, everything. All she wants to do right now is to kiss Marcus. She wants to see how their bodies really feel hard-pressed against each other naked.

If only Marcus could turn back the hands of time, he wouldn’t be in his quandary. Tonju would be his. That’s where his “what if’s” are coming from. He really wants to be with her but his present state of affairs is preventing him from actually feeling what he wants to feel.

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

Since that Saturday meeting almost three weeks ago, Marcus and Tonju haven’t seen each other. They’ve spoken over the phone briefly a few times. It’s uncertain they will ever see each other again. They never had sex, they just created a moment. A moment that left Marcus feeling very guilt-ridden.

“I know there’s no future with Marcus. He’s is a good man and has a family. He’s quite happy in some ways. Time to move on. It was good to see him again and create another moment.” Staring out of her front living room window…

Tonju has to figure out this Marcus thing. Come to some conclusion as to what to do.

“How about I take a drive south? Visit my girls in San Diego. Have lunch at Seaport Docks and spend the evening listening to some jazz at a nice club. Yeah, that‘s the ticket, get this confusion out my head.”

Jumping up from her sofa, Tonju packs a back and get’s herself together for her road trip. On the drive to San Diego, Kem is blaring in the CD Player. Her favorite song “Brother Man” comes on. “Have to shake Marcus from my mind. This song reminds me of him. I introduced him to this song.” Saying this out loud to herself. “Nothing can happen between me and him. I’m single and he’s married.”

Enjoying the drive to San Diego with the top down on her Pearl White Convertible Mercedes C320, the tunes blaring in the CD player, the sun hitting her face while her hair is blowing in the wind. She’s in the mood for something different and fun. Smiling as she thinks about the possibilities of the overnight trip in Diego.

Looking up in her rear view mirror. “Who’s this idiot that’s sitting right on my ass? I can’t read the license plate. If he gets any closer, he can kiss me.”

“Are you serious?” Looking up again in the mirror. “Is he in a hurry or something? He can go around me.”

“Why does that car look familiar. It looks like Reggie’s Pearl Blacked Out Mercedes with rims glistening in the sun? He stated he would never hurt me, that was a very big understatement.”

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

Reggie Lowe, Tonju’s ex-husband, an ex-Marine, President and CEO of his own company. He’s in the Investments Business and doing very well these days, well enough to pay off Tonju‘s Mercedes and a big portion of her house payment. No, that was not the terms of their divorce, Reggie chose to do this on his own, out of the goodness, (Ha), of his heart. 6’5”, 255 lbs., hershey chocolate skin with eyes to match. He has a cute smile, and a shiny bald head with a clean moustache and goatee to match. Not to mention his muscular body, a body of sensual perfection with such hedonistic tendencies. Milk does do a body good.

Tonju and Reggie met when she was 16, after her and Marcus had broke up. He treated her like a princess. Wouldn’t let her out of his sight. Was so in love with her.

“That was back then. He wasn’t that in love with me, he broke my heart.”

At that moment with those thoughts in her head, her cell phone rings and without looking at the caller i.d. she answers her bluetooth and low and behold, it’s Reggie.

“How you doing, Tonju?”

“Reggie!, so that is YOU behind me?”

“Yes, it is, and I love being behind you. Pull over to the right side of the freeway.”

“You got jokes. Are you crazy? We’re in heavy traffic on this freeway, or haven‘t you noticed?”

“I know this, pull over so I can say hello to you appropriately.”

“Appropriately? What’s that suppose to mean?”

“Just pull over, T.”

T, I haven’t heard that in a long time. she recalls.

Pulling over to the right side of the freeway with Reggie right behind her. He said he likes being behind her. Both getting out of their cars right on the Southbound 15 freeway in Poway. Meeting in the middle of both cars. Reggie looking handsome as always. The sun glistening off his chocolate bald head and smiling like he just swallowed a whole tube of teeth whitener with those pearlies flashing white when he smiled. “Tell me again, why I divorced him?” Talking in her head.

“My gorgeous T.”

“Oh Shit, now, I remember, he had a love for the ladies. He called all the ladies gorgeous and it ended up to be something behind that word.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing. How you doing Reggie?”

“I’m good and you’re looking fine as always, Mrs. Lowe. I see you haven’t changed your license plate.”

Looking down, Tonju sees that Reggie hasn’t changed his either…T. Lowe 1 is what hers read and R. Lowe 1 is his.

“Yeah…I never got around to the name change thing.”

“Don’t…I love it. It becomes you. What brings you down to Diego or should I already know?” moving closer to her.

“Do I need a reason? It’s a public city.”

“Well give me a hug Lady. We’re not strangers, don’t go getting new on me.”

Moving closer to give Tonju a hug. He wraps his well-developed arms around her giving her a carnal, sexually charged, hungry look…she’s seen that look before.

“Yeah, he’s been in the gym.” speaking in her mind.

His arms around her waist pulling her closer to him makes her inhale a breath. She smells the scent of his Polo green cologne, her favorite scent. She loved it when he wore that scent. “I don’t believe it, he’s has a bulge.” making mental note.

“Reggie, I see you’re excited to see me or are you in the habit of walking around like this all the time?” grabbing the crotch of his tailored slacks.

“This is what you do to me. You always have and still do. Just the thought of you.”

Moving closer, “Really?” Her breast now pressed into his chest. His breath on her neck. She still has hold of his crotch tenderly squeezing as she breathes. One would think they were going to lay each other down on the pavement of the freeway. Tonju looks up at Reggie, those immersed brown eyes of his fixated on hers. He kisses her, “I remember that tongue” as she soaks in the kiss. Their kiss is broken by a passing car blowing its horn and the driver yelling “Get a room!”

“Shall we get a room?” stretching a sexually charged smile.

“Don’t even try it Reggie.”

“Okay then, come home with me.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Tonju every time I see you I want you. Every time I hear your voice I want you. Every time I think of you, which is often, I want you. Hell, I want you! Can I say anymore?”

Tonju knew she wanted Reggie too but she wouldn’t allow herself to go that route again, but a quick roll between the sheets wouldn’t hurt anything. “Hell, I’d even go for the back seat of his car right now, as horny as I am.” thinking to herself. She remembered the first time she and Reggie made love. “It was mind blowing, for a 17 year old. The things he did and the places he sent me.” She could just feel his hands over her entire body. Their first time was so unforgettable. They were at his family’s cabin in Big Bear - it was her birthday.

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

“Tonju, I have a surprise for you for your seventeenth birthday. I’m taking you skiing, we’re going to stay at my parents cabin.”

“Really? Oh, I’ll love that?”

“I like being around your parents?

“No, just you and me, my parents won‘t be there.”

“You’re gonna have to ask my Mom. I don’t know if I’ll be able to go.”

“I’ll ask her.”

She couldn’t believe her mother said yes. That was amazing. Her mother liked Reggie. Tonju and Reggie arrived at the cabin, it was nice and cozy. There were flowers every where, a blanket on the floor with a picnic basket on the blanket. Reggie had it planned out - a carpet picnic.

“Seeing as it’s too cold to have a picnic in the snow, I thought we would have it indoors.”

“That’s sweet of you. A carpet picnic.”

“Here, let me take your parka.”

Reggie had bought Tonju a cute and warm pink parka lined in white fur and trimmed at the sleeves and around the hood with the same fur. She was wearing matching pink snow pants with a white turtleneck and white snow boots and gloves. Yeah, she looked like a real snow bunny. Reggie was in all black from head to toe. He looked good for an eighteen year old.

“I’ll start a fire in the fireplace. Have a seat on the blanket and get comfortable.”

“Reggie when did you have the time to do this?”

“I didn’t, the caretaker took care of everything for me. I wanted to have everything perfect for your birthday.”

“Wow!, thank you. It’s perfect.”

He finished lighting the fireplace and sat down beside her on the blanket.

“You are so pretty.” Reggie looks her in her eyes and kisses her. They break from the kiss. She giggles a thank you.

Hmm, I think I’m hungry.”

“Let me take the food from the basket and arrange it on the blanket.”

“I can help you.”

“No, this is your day, you relax. I have everything under control.

That night was a unforgettable night for Tonju. Too bad she couldn’t go back to that time and place. Here they were standing on the right shoulder of the freeway lusting after each other. Damn!

“I have to go Reggie. Gisselle and Patience are expecting me.”

“Gisselle and Patience, huh? The three stooges back again. They can wait, I want to spend some time with you.”

“Oh really, did that thought just come up? Or did something else come up? Don’t answer that.”

At that moment her cell phone rings.

“Hey Gisselle, what’s up girl? I’m on my way, I got sidetracked for a moment.” she says looking up at Reggie.

“No, I’m okay and no, I didn’t get a ticket. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

“We’re meeting Patience at Lobster House at the Seaport Docks for lunch.”

“Okay, see you then I’m on my way.”

“Well, Reggie as you can hear…gotta go.”

“Tonju, I wanna see you while you’re here in San Diego. I will be calling you.”

“I’m sure you will. Bye Reggie.” waving over her shoulder while she walks away. Reggie staring at her backside, grinning and shaking his head. Tonju could always get to him. He also can’t believe she left him with an enormous hard on.

Still sitting in his car on the side of the freeway, he remembers her twenty fifth birthday when he asker her to get off work early because he had a surprise for her. He had a dress delivered to her office from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills with matching shoes and purse, and asked her to wear it and meet him at the Hotel Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. That night was one outstanding evening.

What About Your Friends by Teresa D. Patterson

2011-05-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

The question of the day is "What About Your Friends?" Are your friends worthy of you calling them your friend. There is a difference between a friend, an acquaintance, and an associate.

In the book "What About Your Friends" by Teresa D. Patterson, three friends come together and find they more in common than they thought. They do come to rely on one another in a time of crisis. But, while you are reading the book, you will wonder about the friends you have in your life and try to figure out if they are true friends or if you should put them in another category.

The book will also have you looking closely at the men in your life. If you have to wonder about why a man is in your house, then he shouldn't be there.

What About Your Friends is a test of friendship and doing the right thing as a parent or person for that matter. Check out the book and see for yourself. You can purchase the book at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for the Kindle and the Nook.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett

Even Numbers by Barbara Grovner

2011-05-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of reading the dbut novel by Barbara Grovner "Even Numbers" and I must say the book is a real eye-opener.

Years ago, many years ago, some things in the household were not spoken about, to be honest, I blinds eye was turned. It's a shame that something like this still goes on today.

The book tackles selfishness, greed, somewhat golddigging, neediness, controlling, ego, and the list goes on and on. The main character in this book which is a male would make you want to come through the pages and strangle him. His cockiness and his ego is enough to make you want to throw up, along with the dirty deeds that he does. His wife, who is so needy and trusting, along with unsuspecting makes you want to just slap her. In the interim he has made his step-daughter to be just as needy and trusting as her mother.

As I continue to read more and more of the book, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief and screaming at my Nook. I know that's funny but I was just that mad at the characters. This book comes to life and it may hit home for some people. I commend the author Barbara Grovner on this story. It took a lot of courage to write a story such as like this. I do see this book being turned into a movie, yes, it's just that powerful.

Thank you Barbara Grovner for having the courage to bring a subject such as this to the forefront. This book can be purchased on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com for the Kindle and the Nook. I suggest you obtain your copy today.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett

The Secret of Becoming a Conscious Entrepreneur

2010-10-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

If you’re a conscious entrepreneur or know someone who is a conscious entrepreneur I am thrilled to share a special book that anyone who is ready to increase their commitment to running a conscious business should read.

This is a book sure to transform how people around the globe conduct business. It’s no longer business as usual.

In Align, Expand and Succeed, Shifting the Paradigm of Entrepreneurial Success, you’ll meet 40 extraordinary men and women, from solopreneurs, healers, breath workers, CEOs of multimillion dollar corporations, doctors, speakers, radio hosts, coaches – men and women who answered the call to share their insights and inspiration of what it took to live their truth as conscious entrepreneurs. A truth that has brought them happiness, joy and abundance.

Their individual and collective experiences will touch you, amaze you and impact the way you view business – forever!

Enjoy a unique experience with 40 men and women who dared to step into their power and live their truth – a truth of integrity, inspiration and passion.

As Michael Port shared in the foreword of this transformational book:

“Ask yourself: “What am I really doing? Am I truly happy in my work? Am I serving in the best way possible? Am I contributing in the way I’m meant to? Is there more than this? And if there is, what is it and how do I find it?

It is exciting to see a book like Align, Expand and Succeed: Shifting the Paradigm of Entrepreneurial Success offer answers to these profound personal questions. If you want to connect deeply with your purpose so you can stand in the service of others as you stand in the service of your destiny, this book, if you let it, can be your muse.

Align, Expand and Succeed will affect you for years to come. If you want (real) entrepreneurial success - on your own terms - buy this book.”

~Michael Port

New York Times Bestselling Author of The Think Big Manifesto and Book Yourself Solid”

Order your copy TODAY and receive over 100 FREE GIFTS

http://www.aesbook.com/

The Perfect Holiday Gift for Conscious Entrepreneurs Everywhere!

In success,

Passion+Persistence+Belief=Success, Opportunity, and Abundance

2010-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Many think that being unemployed is a bad thing. It can be if you have no plan "B" or even a thought as to what it is that you want to do besides "find another job."

If you are unemployed, have you ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur? Do you even think like an entrepreneur within your work place?

This are some of the questions that will come up in your mind when reading the book "Climbing the Rock" by Lili Cruchelow. http://www.lilicruchelow.com/ In the book Lili tells how she went from being nearly unemployed to a nultimillion dollar entrepreneur in less than 90 days...hence, Passion+Persistence+Belief=Success, Opportunity, and Abundance.

Gone are the days of job security. You should have a plan "B" in the event you are let go from your current job. Taking a leap of faith to start your own business is scary but you'll never know the outcome if you never try. That's where Climbing the Rock may give you second thoughts if not that push.

Something to think about.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

Keep Your Sanity While Growing Your Business Through Social Media

2010-10-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

Anita Crawford Clark, has designed a system program that is aimed to help you not feel so overwhelmed when trying to keep up with all the Social Networking Sites that you have joined in order to grow your business. In other words Keep Your Sanity.

You may just be getting started in business and trying to figure out where to start. What social networks to join that your join all that you're invited to and then realize that you're overwhelemed and have a hard time keeping up with all the site.

There are 5 major Social Networking sites that you should be on to Grow Your Business Like Crazy. Those sites are:
1. Facebook
2. Twitter
3. YouTube
4. LinkedIn
5. Your Blog (If you have a blog)

The key to getting the most out of the sites you're on is Showing Up Often and being socialable. It doesn't take all day. It can take only 15 minutes out of your day to be socialable. And that's 15 minutes for all the sites...meaning 3 minutes on each site, depending on the number of social sites that you are a member of.

You can spend 15 minutes a day (365 days a year) for a total of 5475 activities for the year. That's a lot of activity going on. Something to think about, especially if you have other things to do within your business to help it grow. Or if you're serious about growing your business.

If you try this system, you will see your business grow within 3-18 months. Nothing is going to happen over night, you do have to be patient. You also have to put out quality information, not just selling your product or service (spamming).

If you want to know more about this system, contact Anita Crawford Clark http://www.anitacrawfordclark.com/ or you can email her at acrawfordclark@gmail.com.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

6 Steps to Debt Reduction

2010-09-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

You gotta love America´s education system: 12 years of primary and secondary schooling and most of us never learned to budget our money. It´s not rocket science, but it´s one of those things that just aren´t very fun, almost like starting a diet plan or attending traffic school.

What´s more, many banks and credit card companies pounded consumers with aggressive marketing campaigns to try to convince them to sign up for their cards, oftentimes using an assortment of gift incentives and bonus reward programs. So don´t feel bad if you got yourself into a credit card nightmare. You´re certainly not alone. But what´s important now is to figure out a plan to get out of debt.

Here are seven easy steps to jumpstart your debt reduction plan.

Step 1: Make a list, check it twice

Get a blank piece of paper. On the left hand side, write down how much money you earn each month. For spouses, this may include both of your “take home” payment amounts. On the right hand side, list of all your credit cards along with interest rates and balances. This includes both bank cards and department store credit cards.

Now, draw a circle around the credit card with the lowest balance. (You´ll see why in Step 4 below.)

Step 2: Do the math

Then, determine just how much extra money you have at the end of the month after you pay your minimum balances on your credit cards and cover any other living expenses, such as rent, groceries and utilities.

Step 3: Brainstorm

Next, come up with some clever ways you can save money each month, so you can increase the amount left over each month. For example, cut out your daily trip to Starbucks and replace it with some really nice gourmet coffee you can brew at home. Or perhaps, bring your lunch to work a couple of days a week. After all, it´s just lunch. Or consider renting a DVD instead of taking everyone out to the movies. You may be pleasantly surprised when you see how much money you can save simply by cutting out a few things.

Step 4: Take control

Take all the money you saved in Step 3 and use it to pay down the credit card you circled in Step 1. Do this every month until that credit card is paid off. Then, circle the “new” lowest balance card and repeat the process.

Step 5: Pick one

We should mention that some financial experts recommend you choose the card with the highest interest rate. However, there is an added motivational boost to paying off the card with the lowest balance. Yet, whatever works best for you, pick one. If the card with the highest interest rate also happens to be the one with the lowest balance, that´s even better.

Step 6: Scratch and Repeat

After you´ve paid off your first card, scratch that off the list and determine the next card to target. Repeat these six steps and stick to your plan. Each time you pay off one of your cards, you will feel better and better about your debt situation.

Of course, while you are whittling away at your debt and singing a happy tune, it´s important to note that you should refrain from building up your credit cards balances once they are paid off.

During this process, at certain intervals, maybe every three months or so, it´s a good idea to check your credit report to make sure the balance on the card you are targeting is dropping. Also, while you´re at it, check your report for any new cards that you have not authorized, as this is a potential sign of identity theft.

Finally, if you keep your inactive credit cards with zero balances open, assuming you don´t have to pay an annual fee, this will keep your credit score from dipping.

Using these steps, you can get out of debt and eventually start saving that extra money or investing it for other things. Stay with it! You will be glad you did.

Taken from FreeCreditReport.com

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://wwwjeaneebennett.com/

Credit Knowledge

2010-09-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Experian, Equifax, TransUnion are the three major credit bureaus in the United States. Each bureau collects information on your accounts and payment habits from individual creditors. Some creditors report information to all three credit bureaus, while others may only report to one bureau. So, your credit files at each bureau often contain different information. It's important to check your credit files at all three bureaus regularly to ensure that all the information contained in them is accurate.

Checking your own credit report can not hur your credit score. Personal inquiries are not included in your credit report and therefore are not part of your credit score. So when you check your own credit report, you will not be hurting your credit score.

An employer can not get a copy of your credit report without your permission. A prospective employer can only get a copy of your credit report if you give your permission. The Fair Credit Reporting Act restricts access to your credit file for your privacy.

A bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for 10 years. Declaring bankruptcy leaves a lasting impression on your credit report. When a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed, most, if not all, debts are canceled. This type of bankruptcy can stay on your report for up to 10 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, in which the debtor must repay part or all of the debt under a court-approved payment plan, remains on your credit report for seven years. show up on both credit reports. Since the credit bureaus only maintain files on individuals, your credit report is not impacted when you marry. As in any situation in which there is a joint account or you are an authorized user on someone else's account, the account history appears on both users credit reports.

The information used to calculate your credit score is the information that appears on your credit report the day your scoure is calculated. Your credit score is calculated based on the information that appears on your credit report the day your score is compiled. That's why your credit score can vary greatly, depending on when it is calculated. If you recently made a large payment to a credit card, then your score will likely be higher. Or, if you used a credit card for a shopping spree last month, then your score will likely be lower. Other factors that influence your credit score include the number of inquiries from credit grantors, how long you have been credit active and your payment history.

Credit repair companies can only legally dispute inaccurate information on a credit report, which you may do yourself for free. Credit repair companies can only legally dispute inaccurate information on a credit report, which you may do yourself for free. Companies that promise to "fix" your credit, remove negative information that is accurate, or help you start fresh with a "new" Social Security number are scams. Only inaccurate information can be removed from a credit report and you can request an investigation into items with which you disagree at no charge.

A consumer is entitled to receive a free statutory credit file disclosure from a credit reporting company after they have been denied credit and under the FACT Act, Americans will have the right to one free statutory credit file disclosure every twelve months from each of the three national credit reporting companies; residents of Georgia will be entitled two. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) allows consumers to get one free comprehensive disclosure of all of the information in their credit file from each of the three national credit reporting agencies once every twelve months through a Central Source. Consumers are also entitled to a free credit file disclosure if they: 1) have been denied credit, insurance or employment as a result of their credit report, 2) believe Identity Fraud has resulted in inaccuracies on their report, 3) will be applying for unemployment or 4) are receiving welfare assistance. The Fair Credit Reporting Act mandates that consumers who have been denied credit have the right to a free credit file disclosure.

When you marry, your credit report stays the same. The only information on both spouses' reports are joint accounts or those for which one spouse is an authorized user same show up on both credit reports. Since the credit bureaus only maintain files on individuals, your credit report is not impacted when you marry. As in any situation in which there is a joint account or you are an authorized user on someone else's account, the account history appears on both users credit reports.

Keep this information in mind for the coming year.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

Conscious Entrepreneurs Don’t Run in Circles

2010-09-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Being conscious is now center stage in business.

The challenges we face are huge and so are the opportunities.
Pain increases awareness and sharpens sight. People around the world are in frustration and pain from the negative value business has been delivering.

Marcia Avalon http://www.askrealconsciousbusinessexperts.com/ shared what a P3 Conscious Business is...People, Planet, and Profits.

Being a Conscious Entrepreneur is being conscious and aware of people, meaning your clients and customers; as well as thinking about the planet and it cleaniness, while raking in the profits from your savings.

Marcia conscious entrepreneurs who want to transform the world how to make a big impact with their small businesses. She shows them how to use “The Greater Good” model to provide value for people, planet and profit. Marcia teaches how to build a business that benefits all stakeholders by creating Value Loops within and across the organization.

Consumers are less skeptical about small businesses, but still wary. They like dealing with a business that is owned by a person-someone they feel they know and can trust. They apply the same criteria for value that they use for big companies.

To find out more about Marcia's Conscious Business Tips, look at her website.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

Brush Strokes

2010-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Alvin Lloyd Alexander Horn http://alvinhorn.com/ offers readers the sexiness of illusion with his novel Brush Strokes.

He brings to life the characters along with their life styles. This book is a very easy read as well as easy to follow. You will find yourself inside the book as one of the characters. Yes, it is a page turner that you wouldn't want to put down.

The reader will find that they can identify with the characters as they travel from the State of Washington to the Providences of Canada. From taking a Ferry, to driving a car, to riding a bike to driving a motorcycle.

There would be no surprise if this book came to life in movie form. The title of the book is what catches the readers eye along with the cover.

If you want to know more about the book, the author, or his spoken word writings, check him out on his website. You won't be disappointed.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

Artist are Entrepreneurs Too!

2010-09-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a music artist, a poet, a painter, or a writer, you're an Entrepreneur. Some Entrepreneurs in the creative sector are considered Creative Entrepreneurs. That term comes from the person stretching their creative talents.

One Entrepreneur in particular comes to mind when I think of a Creative Entrepreneur. Gilli (pronounced with a J) Moon http://www.gillimoon.com/ is a Creative Entrepreneur in her own right. Not only is Gilli an Australian born singer, and song-writer, she's also an author. Her book I Am A Professional Artist in its 3rd edition deplicts Gilli as a professional artist. The book also gives pointers for other artist who feel they are struggling with their craft.

The music of Gilli Moon is both uplifting and relaxing. Her CD "The Stillness" combines the sounds of Alternative, Ballad, and Electronica, Pop, Easy Listening and R&B. It is a must check out.

She has a restless creativity and rebellious nature that continually urges the artist to push the envelope when writing a song, recording in the studio, on stage, painting a canvas, or with whatever she touches.

Born in Milano, Italy and raised in Australia, Gilli has brought those sounds to the Los Angeles, California area and is rocking the pop charts with her Aussie sounds.

Her songs have been featured in independent films and network U.S television programs worldwide, including Nickelodeon's "South Of Nowhere", the WB’s “Charmed”, the Disney Film "Rip Girls,” CBS' "That's Life" as well as many independent films and recorded by other artists including Dutch artist, Erikah Karst (Mercury/Universal), produced by David Kershenbaum (Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car").

Check her out.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
http://www.jeaneebennett.com/

Self Promotion

2010-07-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

OK, time for the daily check-in. What have you done today to make the world know who you are?
-I'm taking a little break from self-promotion.
What?
-I'm an artist! Sometimes I need to be creative.
So you don't consider it creative to make eye-catching postcards that you mail put to thousands of people?
-Ten of which might actually look at them before tossing them in the trash?
You don't think its creative to send mass emails to people you don't know and tell them about how they should link to your website?
-And get reported for spam again on Facebook?
Certainly you find it creative to think up ways to get all your friends to come out one more time to your latest show?
-Actually, I'm beginning to wonder what the point of all my endless self-promotion has been.
We talked about this many times before. Life as an artist today is all about branding yourself. It's about enhancing your name recognition. It's about making a buzz around what you do.
-For years I thought the most important thing was to hone my craft and do good work. I believed recognition would inevitably ensue. But it didn't.
Which is why you created me, your self-publicizing alter-ego.
-A thick-skinned bragging spotlight hogger.
Just as you wanted me to be.
-You don't care if you come off as a complete self-absorbed immodest asshole. All you care about is getting attention for my work.
Look at me! Write about me! Buy me!
-You're good. You really are. But you also make me cringe. I think you're taking over more than is healthy for me as an artist. When die I'd like to leave my body of work, not a mass of self-publicity.
All right, I can take a hint. I'll back off...for today.
-Thank you. I'm really looking forward to getting in touch with my muse again. I haven't seen her in ages. I'm even going to stay off the Internet today. Well, after I check my email. Wait!--whats this?
You just got an email invitation to speak at a major gallery!
-But they don't want me to talk about my work. They want me to talk about "The Craft of Self Promotion.". They say I'm one of the current masters of the form.
All the publicity I've done on your behalf is finally paying off! Wait a minute, what are you doing? You're not really telling them "no," are you?
-I'm insulted they'd even suggest such a thing! I'm an artist, not a PR person.
Don't you understand? People will turn pit for this. And not just your friends. Complete strangers will show up wanting to are your self-promotion in action! They may even want to write articles, reviews and treaties about it!
-What about my real work?
Honey, listen to me.
-You always scare me when you use that tone of voice.
This is your real work.
By Polly Frost
http://pollyfrost.com/
Until Next Time,
Jeane' Elliott Bennett
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Success of Your Child

2010-07-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

Being a parent, I know you think of the success of your child. You wonder what your is going to be when he or she grows. Will they become successful? Will that tap into all that life has to offer? Will they become better than you their parent?

There is no right or wrong answers to those questions, nor will they be solely found in books, however there are books out there that can aid you in the success of your child as an adult. Bear in mind, You are NOT only Raising a Child, You are Raising a Future Adult. A future responsible Adult.

The book "What a Child Needs to Succeed" http://www.whatachildneedstosucceed.com written by Andrea Patten and co-authored by her father is a guide to raising your Future Adult. Andrea gives insightful information to the success of what a child needs as an adult. This information comes from her own experiences as a parent and may aid you. We already know that all children are the same and different strokes for different folks but, you may be able to take something away from reading the book. It is insightful.

Until Next Time,

Jeane' Elliott Bennett
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry