C. Nzingha Smith

Quote of the Week- C. Nzingha Smith

2012-02-07T08:37:00.003-05:00

"Don't let the temporary feelings of today, get in the way of your successful tomorrow." C. Nzingha

"Success requires emotional maturity." -Unknown Author

Age and maturity are not equals. As a child I wished I could be like Peter Pan and never grow up. I really thought adults were stupid and that children had more common sense. Therefore it was more appealing in my mind to remain a child. Then, I finally realized there was no escaping it, with each year I grew older and knew one day I would become an adult. I quickly changed my prayer, I began praying for wisdom and common sense so I wouldn't grow up to be a stupid adult. With age is supposed to come wisdom, but not everyone finds it in life or in business. It is something you have to work at and consciously seek out.

So what does being mature have to do with success? A bunch. How you handle rejection, how you communicate, your temperament all translate over into your business. Emotional control over the small moments of every day determines how successful you will be in the long run. Now that I am an adult, I realized it wasn't stupidity I witnessed from older people as a child, it was a lack of maturity. They aged, but didn't grow in wisdom and so there actions, decision making skills, reactions to disappointments and the ways they communicated didn't match up with where they were in life.

Unfortunately, I still know extra-grown adults right now who throw temper tantrums, do not know how to communicate, show love or express themselves.
How you react to failures, to pressure, to negative feedback and criticism can probably be traced back to when you were a child. The patterns will remain the same as you age if you don't work at improving and growing in maturity. To be a success in life and in business there has to be maturity present, so you are able to operate in wisdom and know how to keep pushing past the bumps in the road, to not get easily distracted and ultimately not quit. The decisions you make everyday determine where you will be years from now. Will you be broke or will you reach wealth? Being ruled by your emotions is a recipe for disaster. You will not be able to blame anyone else but yourself.

This week I challenge you to stop blaming others for where you are today, stop making excuses for why you haven't made it to where you are supposed to be, stop justifying giving up prematurely and stop choosing mediocrity. Instead, face it. Look at it, have a stare off contest, talk to it, take responsibility for the part you played, get control back and finally forgive it, him, her or you. Now...move forward. Grow Up. It's time. You are more than enough, adequate, wonderful and bearing gifts and talents you need to share with the world (in case you needed the reminder). Go after it. People are waiting for you! However, it requires you to pursue, it won't just come to you and it is definitely not easy.

Don't let the temporary feelings of today, get in the way of your success tomorrow. Keep making progress. Are you ruled by your emotions? Let me know your thoughts!

~C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week -Duane Michals

2012-01-31T10:54:00.000-05:00

"I believe in the imagination.

What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see."

-Duane Michals

Practice Seeing. Not with your eyes, but with your mind. Take a moment this week and exercise your imagination. Focus in on the possibilities, not on your reality. Close your eyes and envision yourself living in your dream house, vacationing on a beautiful island, accepting the award for a praised accomplishment, driving in your dream car. How does it feel? What is going on around you? What are you wearing? When you add the details it makes it more real and you are able to get a clearer picture of how it will feel when you get there. Being able to see yourself as you want to be is as important as preparing to get there. If you are not able to see it in your mind first, the likelihood you will get there is slim.

As we get older and have more responsibilities, the simple pleasure of taking the time out of our hectic days and busy schedules to daydream and imagine ourselves outside of our current circumstances becomes almost impossible. However, if you think about it for a moment, where you are right now in life comes out of a previous thought, vision or dream. When you were younger, you saw yourself exactly as you wanted to be when you grew up. You knew what you would do, where you would live, what kind of car you would drive and so on because you imagined it as if it were real then.

I attended an event over the summer, where former NFL great Isaac Bruce spoke on the importance of practicing seeing. He told a story of how when he was younger he would catch a football, make a touch down, do a victory dance all as if he was already playing in the NFL. So when he made it to the NFL, it wasn't new, it was him living what he already saw and practiced so many times before, first in his mind. He practiced in the mirror for interviews and award speeches way before he was in a position to receive the opportunity.

His speech was beyond inspiring and now I have adopted some of those habits myself. I practice the way I envision my name being called on a talk show when they introduce me for an interview. I practice the acceptance speech for winning my first NAACP Image Award, I practice seeing myself as I envision me in the future. I might not be there yet, but when I get there, it will be natural because I have been there so many times before in my mind. It takes the anxiety and nervousness out of it and makes me feel as if I belong there. One step at a time and one well completed book at a time, but the time will come because I am able to see myself there already.

Resources: http://lifebydesign.hubpages.com/hub/Visualization---I-cant-visualize--How-can-I-learn_1

How often do you take the time to practice seeing yourself as you want to be, where you want to be? Have you lost your imagination or ability to dream? Let me know your thoughts!

~C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week- Joyce Meyer

2012-01-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

"We need a love revolution. Love must be more than a theory or a word; it has to be action. It must be seen and felt." Joyce Meyer

Love is a state of being. We have to go back to the original essence of why we were created, to love and to be loved. Our quote this week comes from Joyce Meyer's book, "The Love Revolution." I am only a few pages into the first chapter, but this quote hit home and spoke volumes of my personal beliefs. I thought to myself, this is exactly right and I have to join the revolution. I am old fashion. I still believe, love changes things, not just using the word, but showing love and being love. We have to act in love. We need to be walking, talking, breathing physical interpretations of love. When people feel loved it makes a positive difference in their lives, in their relationships in how they feel about themselves and how they function in our society. The current state of the world is the result of a lack of love. As the image above illustrates, we all have a hand in creating a better world for ourselves and our children and we each have control over ourselves and how we treat ourselves and others.

I admit, I am a hopeless romantic and my favorite topic to read and write about is love. I aspire to live a life of love. Majority of my poetry is about love, my first book, Lust Have Recipes: IN-Gredients for Stimulation is a cookbook for couples and lovers to reignite their love and passion for each other and to relearn how to show each other love through cooking. Love has to become a way of life for all of us. If we can achieve a life of living and acting in love, then there will be a dynamic impact on the world we live in. Yesterday, for us being so self consumed and selfish that we can't stop and show our love and support for our neighbor, friend and brother. People who feel loved, show love and consider themselves valuable. Love doesn't cost anything. It just takes us to pause a second and realize someone else's hurt and pain and instead of turning a blind eye to it, we stop and help. Think about it with your heart instead of your mind.

On my quest to join the Love Revolution and really committing to living a life in love, I'm introducing the Uber Lovelution on February 1st! For 29 days I will be rewarding those who join the Lovelution with prizes, giveaways and other goodies, recognizing 'lovelies' publicly for showing love openly and freely. There will also be tips, ideas and ways you can show love to others in your family, neighborhood and on your job, in the community and throughout the country and the world. Everyday between this blog, my Facebook and Twitter pages there will be something posted educating you on a subject you know so well, but may be a bit out of practice on. Love. It is more than a four letter word, it is a command and a verb. Love. Be love. Show love. Give love. Contribute to a better world by acting in love.

Please share ways you show others love everyday. Whether it is a smile, hug, song, meal, laugh, help me add to the list of ways to show love to others. Our list should be endless and infinite as we should never run out of ways to love.

~C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-18T02:52:00.000-05:00

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote sums up my life right now. I'm in uncharted territory, knowing I'm too far in to turn back and there is no other choice but to keep going forward and to trust God. A silhouette of the staircase is not even remotely visible. Even before I had a name for it, I have always attested my success in life thus far to my ability to step out on faith. Believing God for the impossible and being sure of what I hoped for and certain of what I did not see. Easier said than done.

Everyday almost I question my decision, I look at where I am and the journey ahead and work through sleepless nights because faith without works is dead. You have to put in the work to reap any kind of rewards. There is no such things as an overnight success or immediate gratification and you have no clue as to when your time will actually come. There is a time and season for everything and you have to prepare for it in advance before you can reach it.

Wherever you are in your faith walk, I encourage you to continue to trust in God and know He is in control and has you covered. Regardless of the circumstances and how it may look. I can say this because as I type I am encouraging myself as well. Keep pressing forward. You can make it only if you don't quit in the process. As the celebrations abounded this week and last in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all he did, it reminds me to keep pressing and how much more I need to work as it pales in comparison to the sacrifices others had to make in order for me to enjoy the luxury of living my life in freedom. There is still work to be done...and we all have a part to play.

Everyday you have to keep inching towards your goals, one step at a time, one task at a time. You don't have to know the outcome. You have to have the courage to walk in the direction of the outcome. Keep your faith and hope and dreams alive. Someone else might be looking at you to encourage them to dream. When I need to remind myself, I say this..."All is well with you, God has already fixed it, trust Him." Feel free to use that as often as you need to. Encourage yourself and others as we all need to stay the course and live our lives on purpose.

What do you do in your faith walk to keep yourself encouraged? Please share, I would love to add a few new techniques to my list!

~C. Nzingha

An Unanswered Prayer- Poem

2012-01-03T02:45:00.000-05:00

An Unanswered Prayer

You say I'm the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with...

Do you even know who I am?

I am an unanswered prayer.

I ask you one qualifying question... Have you prayed for me?

When you go to God to inquire about me, you have considered me in advance,

you're prepared for me and have detailed instructions on how I operate,

I will not be a stranger because God will reveal to you my heart.

When you pray for me, it shows you have your own intimate relationship with God, and when I break down, you will not go to friends and family,

but you will go back to my creator for a look at the owner's manual.

When you've prayed for me it means God has searched your heart,

taking you through a rigorous screening process that you must pass,

first asking His permission to court me as I am his daughter, precious in His sight.

When you have prayed for me, it will be God who gets my attention because I won't notice you as I am busy doing His work.

When you have prayed for me, I can trust and follow you where you lead, submissive and obedient because God has given you instructions for our union in advance.

So even though I look as if I am the woman to spend the rest of your life with,

when you pray for me God will give you wisdom & discernment to know if truly I am indeed your Eve.

Only God knows what's best for you and Adam didn't search for Eve, God provided Eve to Adam because He knew his needs.

So again, I ask you...have you prayed for me?

If the answer is no.

Please note: I am way out of your league.

I can not become someone's obligation,

a good for now, or a good enough,

I can not be your compulsive decision,

your lukewarm fantasy,

or a flashy object you take out for special occasions to show off to your friends and colleagues.

While I appreciate the flattery, please just let me be,

for someone has taken the time to get to know me in my spirit being,

he has been specific as it pertains to the qualities which make up me,

my love is what will complete him,

and he will be the physical interpretation of God's love for me,

he will know my value and I will be a precious gift from God in his sight.

So excuse me while I wait patiently, praying for him as he prays for me,

to be delivered in God's timing as a miracle specific to his unanswered prayer.

~C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week- C. Nzingha Smith

2012-01-02T14:17:00.002-05:00

"Let go of yesterday, you made it! Don't use yesterday's state of mind to make today's decisions." C. Nzingha Smith

Happy New Year! We have officially ushered in a new year! Happy 2012! 2011 is over and we have an opportunity at a brand new start, a brand new beginning and a host of possibilities for our futures.

2011 for many was a year of constraint, trials, unrest, confusion, chaos as well as a host of other negative adjectives I could name as I reflect on world issues, national, regional, local and even personal. 2011 was also a year of tests for many. Great news! I made it through! You made it! We made it! 2012 is a new year, we have so much to look forward to and so much to be excited about, if we are in the right mindset, with a renewed perspective, a clear vision and a strengthened will and determination for reaching our goals and living on purpose.

I do not believe in making new year resolutions because I find they are compulsive and empty and are more accurately identified as wishes. Instead of resolutions, I write down goals for the year, make them specific and put a time limit on when I plan to reach them. This strategy sets me up for a higher chance of success instead of failure and I have the flexibility to adjust a goal or the timeline because there are strategies and steps in place for me to actually achieve them. This year I am taking it up a notch, not only have I set goals for myself for the entire year, I am breaking the goals up by quarter. I am working with my business coach specifically on what I am looking to accomplish during the first quarter of 2012 as this will set the stage for the rest of the year and determine how successful I can be at more long term goals.

One thing I should point out that I realized as I identified my goals and the things I wanted to accomplish this year...habits, faulty thinking patterns, negative self talk were going to have to change or be destroyed if I really want to reach my 2012 goals and get to the next level in my career and life. I realized I would need more structure to maximize my work day and productivity, I would have to change my circle of associates and friends, I would have to leave my past behind and destroy the negative things that have been holding me back. Saying all this to say, you will have to take the time and clear out the clutter, get not only your physical self in order but your thoughts, habits and beliefs as well. You know what doesn't work for you. So now that you know, do something different. All life is is trial and error.

Yesterday is over and tomorrow will worry about itself, stop and use now to set yourself up for better results in 2012 by dealing with and ridding yourself of those things, people, habits that are not going to get you to where you want to be in life, in love, in health, etc. Yes, it is a new day, a new month and a new year. However, if you drag old things into a new place you are going to continue to get the results you have always had and if those results really worked for you, you would most likely be in a better place in life already. Change your mind this year and open yourself up to a world of possibilities in all areas of your life! I am looking forward to having a lot to celebrate with you throughout this year!

What are you doing to set yourself up for success in 2012? Let me know your thoughts!

~C. Nzingha

Writing to Aid Those Suffering in Silence-Fundraiser

2011-12-29T12:06:00.002-05:00

Click Here to View More Information & Make a Donation.

Online Ticketing for Writing to Aid Those Suffering in Silence - Fundraiser

Quote of the Week- Henry Ford

2011-12-27T04:14:00.000-05:00

"To see a thing clearly in the mind makes it begin to take form." -Henry Ford, Theosophist Magazine, 1930

Former NFL player Isaac Bruce spoke over the summer at a summit I attended in Chicago. He spoke about the importance of our "practicing seeing". We need to get back to a place of taking time out to daydream. Give ourselves permission to let our minds wander and see ourselves in light of our imaginations. Getting outside of where we are even if just for a moment. Remember when you used to sit in class and doodle on your folder as you daydreamed about the intricate details of a crush asking you out or how fabulous your life would be when you grew up and were successful? Our imaginations, abilities to fantasize and see beyond our current circumstances are being killed off by trashy reality television, stress, bills and the list goes on.

When we can't see ourselves where we want to be, who we want to be with, the lives we wish to have, there is no way we will ever get there. Close your eyes and imagine. This week take the time to "practice seeing." See yourself receiving that coveted award, see yourself on the red carpet, in the radio station doing an interview, on a popular morning talk show, wherever it is you are trying to go. Go there in your mind first. See yourself there. What do you have on? Are you nervous? Did you enjoy being there? I am learning how to let my mind wonder, I doodle on random pieces of paper and see where it takes me. I often come up with the best ideas, get answers to problems and am able to get refocused once I let my mind do what it does naturally, wonder. Seeing beyond where you are is imperative in reaching your goals in life. It helps you keep a perspective and prepares you for when you arrive. If you have seen yourself doing something over and over then it becomes second nature and there will be no need to be nervous or anxious. Who hopes for what he already has?

Let your mind shape the world you are going into as we look toward a new year of new hopes, new goals and infinite possibilities. Here is a great post on Visualization: http://lifebydesign.hubpages.com/hub/Visualization---I-cant-visualize--How-can-I-learn_1 for further reading.

How often do you give yourself permission to fantasize, let your mind wonder and get lost in your thoughts? Let me know your thoughts.

~C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week- Henry Ford

2011-12-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -Henry Ford

What are you looking at? I have had to constantly ask myself this question over the course of the last few weeks. The answer has been; all the wrong things lately. I'm racing to complete tasks I have let pile up but that can't go undone and into the new year. As of late, I have allowed myself to get distracted by the insignificant. One "no", a disinterested blogger, no feedback from a book club, etc.

We by human nature are prone to the negative first and it takes four positives to negate one negative statement or experience. A rejection, an isolated "not interested" or a single opt out of my newsletter, seemed as if I was allowing these small things to tip my scale way too much. As I have become aware of it, I realize I was losing focus on the bigger picture. Does one "no", one rejection, one opt out really matter in the grand scheme of things? Not in real life, when there have been a larger, more significant number of interested, excited clients and customers who have found value in my products and services. Is one bad comment or rejection going to matter when the numbers are in the thousands, hundreds of thousands and then the millions? Not so much.

Everyday I have to tune into my focus and make sure I am clear on where I am striving to get to and this helps me not become easily distracted by the obstacles which arise daily if not by the hour. As I mentioned last week as a writer, business owner and dreamer the road to success is not a sprint, it is a marathon and like any good runner, we have to keep our minds focused on the finish line ahead. Maintaining focus and having clear goals are essential in being successful and reaching the finish line. Maintain your focus this week and only give energy and attention to the things that truly matter in the end.

What are you looking at? How do you maintain your focus? Let me know your thoughts!

~C.

Weekly Reflection- Perseverance

2011-12-16T11:07:00.004-05:00

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

What does it mean to persevere? To persevere means to persist in anything undertaken, maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles or discouragement, continue steadfastly.

The road to success and achieving your goals beyond your wildest imagination is not a sprint, this here is a marathon. Pacing yourself, preparing in advance, constantly surrounding yourself with people who are able and willing to cheer you on as you go along are imperative to you not only finishing the race, but winning it! Set your own goals and put your blinders on so you don't get distracted by what others are doing and how they are progressing in comparison to you. We each have our own race to run. Focus solely on running your good race. Remind yourself there is no competition. You are unique and so are your gifts. No one else on earth is able to do what you can do like you can do it. You just have to start and once you begin, you have to persevere in spite of, staying focused on the end result and pushing past the pain. You are past the point of now return, know that giving up is no longer an option.

What are some methods you use to continue to persevere and keep going on your race to your destiny? Let me know your thoughts!

~C. Nzingha

KickStarter Project Launch

2011-12-07T01:01:00.001-05:00

KickStarter Project Launch

Today is the official launch for the KickStarter campaign for my upcoming book; Letters To A Rapist, A Memoir. Click on the above link to view the book promo and video and to get more information on how you can be apart of such an awesome project! Help me spread the word by sharing the link on your Twitter, Facebook, Google + and LinkedIn pages. I have 35 days and counting to get the project fully funded! I can make it there with your help. ;-) Thank you so much in advance for believing in a dreamer. *blush*

-C. Nzingha

Quote of the Week- from Joe Zee

2011-12-06T12:11:00.001-05:00

"If you get it all right on the first shot, where do you go from there." - Joe Zee

While almost every other fashion critic who viewed DW, Kanye West's new clothing line in Paris was negative and highly critical, Joe Zee opted to shed a brighter light on West's first attempt at breaking into the fashion business. Stressing he has time to get it right and make it better, something to work towards.

After reading this quote it made me reflect on how I was viewing my writing, my business, my marketing efforts for Lust-Have Recipes among a host of other things. Learning how to take constructive and even negative criticism is a must in business and as an artist. However, learning how to lighten up on ourselves and give ourselves room to grow is even more important. I am not sure about you, but I am definitely my own worst critic, I push myself very hard and if something turns out anything less than I anticipated I bring the hammer down. More recently though, I have taken a step back and am learning how to be more flexible with myself as I work to make my dreams come true.

A lot of times outside circumstances play a big part in whether our efforts are successful. There is limited control we have over them and so giving ourselves permission to learn from mistakes, to do better next time and to not let our own criticism or that of others hinder us from trying again is a must. I encourage you this week to stay true to your goals and ambitions, but instead of being so hard on yourself if you fall short, encourage yourself instead. Remind yourself that this wasn't the only opportunity to get it right. You can learn from the mistakes and the more you try, the closer you are to perfection. Keep at it and since everyone else has an opinion about what it is that you do, how about you change yours to a positive one!

How are you viewing your mistakes? Are you devastated after something doesn't work out? What are your thoughts or tips at staying positive in spite of?

- C.Nzingha

Quote of the Week- from Sheri Gaskins

2011-11-28T10:41:00.001-05:00

"It doesn't matter how talented you are, if you can't motivate yourself to do what's necessary to succeed you will always fall short." - Sheri Gaskins

Before I started pursuing my dreams as a writer and author I thought the mere fact of having talent as a writer and having an idea of the things I wanted to accomplish were enough. Then the light bulb clicked on and I realized I had to begin aggressively working towards it. Merely talking about it was getting me nowhere but frustrated. So I began to take action and put some work into it. So far so good I thought, this isn't hard at all, I can do this. Then resistance showed up and began to increase and as a result discouragement set in. I had to make the decision of whether or not to keep going and finish what I started or quit and go do something else. This is an uphill march and everyday I have to recommit.

Now I am getting a taste of what it really means to chase after and aggressively pursue your dreams. As I am blessed with each new day, I have to fight to keep the dream alive. I now personally know the meaning behind so many cliches we are quick to dismiss. The difference between the people who make it in life and are successful and everyone else is a hard work ethic, iron will and a fight to keep at it. To finish what they start and have the guts to continue to start and finish despite obstacles, doubt and emotions. Anyone can start something, however everyone does not have the ability to finish. If you are wondering why you are where you are, try looking back over your track record of how you finish.

Concentrate on motivating yourself daily this week, moving your emotions out of the way and committing to get your daily tasks completed. Set daily and weekly goals to accomplish. Each finished task moves you forward and closer toward your end goal. The first step is starting. However, get in the habit of finishing what you start and you will be much more fulfilled in life.

How does your finishing measure up? Do you think it is a direct result of where you are in life? Let me know your thoughts!

~C. Nzingha

Holiday Book Fair 2011- Atlanta

2011-11-22T11:53:00.001-05:00

Join over 100 participating authors including Author C. Nzingha Smith just in time for your holiday shopping.

Give the gift of a good read for your favorite book or cooking enthusiast!

Hope to see you there on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

Lust-Have Recipes Goes Digital!

2011-11-14T01:51:00.001-05:00

Hey! I am happy to announce "Lust-Have Recipes" is now available for immediate sampling and sale in multiple ebook formats, readable on virtually any ebook reading device via Smashwords as well as on Amazon's Kindle. Below is a direct link to both my author page and my book page on Smashwords. Please check me out! Tell a friend and give the gift of love for the holidays! Long Live Passion.

C. Nzingha Smith's Smashwords Author Profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/snc2inkbooks

Book page to sample or purchase Lust-Have Recipes, A Cookbook: IN-Gredients for Stimulation: http://smashwords.com/b/103300

Thank you for stopping by today! Continued success in all you do!

*waving hello*

Lust-Have Recipes Book Signing Sunday 11/6/11 Overflow Coffee Bar Chicago

2011-11-04T14:07:00.002-04:00

SNC2 INK BOOKS > > > MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Tracye’ Black

Phone: (866) 695-6917

Email: info@snc2ink.com

Sunday, November 6, 3pm CST, Author C. Nzingha Smith will host a book signing for her new title, “Lust-Have Recipes- A Cookbook: IN-Gredients for Stimulation” at Overflow Coffee Bar in Chicago's South Loop.

Meet Chicago native, Author C. Nzingha Smith as she comes home to celebrate her new title, “Lust-Have Recipes: IN-Gredients for Stimulation.” The cookbook features aphrodisiac recipes combined with erotic poetry and imagery. Smith will sign copies of her new release at Overflow Coffee Bar from 3pm-5pm.

Book Signing | Sunday 11/6/11 | 3pm-5pm

Overflow Coffee Bar

1550 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Book Preview Link

Lust-Have Recipes: IN-Gredients for Stimulation

More C. Nzingha Smith

Twitter | CNSmithBooks | SNC2INK

2nd Sunday on Main Foodie Fest

2011-10-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

Join #TeamSNC for 2nd Sunday's on Main Foodie Festival tomorrow 10/9/11 from noon-5pm. Autographed copies of Lust-Have Recipes will be available for purchase as well as great giveaways! The weather will be great. Hope to see you there!

Sip & Chat LA: A Taste for Discussion

2011-06-25T00:56:00.000-04:00

Event Registration Online for Sip & Chat LA: A Taste for Discussion

Sip & Chat ATL

2011-06-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

Sip & Chat Atlanta was a great time. An intimate setting was created at The Grape Atlantic Station. Readers came out to hear excerpts from the book and to chat about dating, relationships and love. I was able to answer questions regarding the book and signed copies of, "Lust-Have Recipes: IN-Gredients for Stimulation." Visit my author site www.cnsmithbooks.com for updates on future readings and signings!

Quote of the Week: Defining Moments

2011-06-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

"A defining moment is a time in our lives where everything changes and there is no turning back." Forget the Past... You can not live life through the rear view mirror. You get the wrong perspective of your journey, where you are and where other people are. Your past can't be your future...God is more concerned about your future potential then your current situation. You can't go with God and stay where you are. I heard this over the weekend and the point made was very profound. "You are either going forward or going backward, there is no such thing as standing still." Meditate on where you are and where you want to be. Forget where you think you should be by now. It's irrelevant. Begin walking towards something. Start today...don't wait. Have a successful week! C.

Sip & Chat: A Taste for Discussion

2011-06-15T16:11:00.000-04:00

Event Registration Online for Sip & Chat: A Taste for Discussion

Quote of the Week

2011-06-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

"Don't lose your passion! God is the source of passion! Have a passion daily for what you do!
- Michelle L. Smith

Author's Share w/ Author Lonz Cook

2011-06-10T13:23:00.000-04:00

Romance filled the air in Café Hortensia in Downtown Atlanta this past Monday, June 6^th as author’s Jean Holloway, Gail McFarland and myself participated in Author Lonz Cook’s, “Author’s Share” reading & signing event.

A triple threat was created as erotic suspense writer Jean Holloway (www.deckofcardz.com) read from her newest release in the “Deck of Card” series entitled, “ Deuces Wild" . Author Gail McFarland (http://fitwryter.tripod.com/) read from her “Dream” romance series which includes the steamy “Dream Keeper” novel. I had the pleasure of starting things off reading “Ecstasy Pure”, a sensual poem from my new release, “Lust-Have Recipes, A Cookbook: IN-Gredients for Stimulation” (http://www.cnsmithbooks.com). Love, passion, romance and even death was shared during the evening. Guests had the chance to meet and greet each author and all authors conducted signings of purchased titles. The question and answer portion of the evening devoted time to getting into the minds and inspirations behind the books of each participating author.

Monday was the second event installment for author Lonz Cook’s, “Author’s Share” event (http://www.lonzcook.com). The event debuted last month and will continue on June 13^th and July 11^th from 7pm-9pm. Come out and meet your favorite authors from around Atlanta and around the country. Enjoy light refreshments and sink into the cozy atmosphere of Café Hortensia (http://http://www.cafehortensia.com) , a nestled gem in the heart of the city. This is an event for book lovers and authors alike. “Author’s Share” is a great resource for aspiring writers and a chance to network and meet a great group of talent.

For more information on the event and how to participate in a future event contact: RLO Enterprises at info@rloenterprises.com or 404-327-9286.

Quote of the Week

2011-05-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

"I think about how much of our lives are wasted pretending, I'm scared to death. Sometimes you need to do what's scariest in order to get to where you need to be." - Julie Baxbaum

This quote in a nut shell sums up where I am in life and in my career. I am scared to death, but facing my fear by taking baby steps toward my goals. I've spent a lot of my life pretending to be something other than what God created me to be for the sake of others being more comfortable. The shoes never fit. I am finally catching up with myself in the vision God had in mind for me. It's okay to be afraid, just don't let the fear paralyze you. Forggive yourself for the lost time, bad choices, wrong decisions and then forgive those who have hurt you and #getmoving.

*Success is the only option*

Quote of the Week

2011-05-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

"Move. Get out of your own way." - T. Beasley

Definition v.- 1) change one's position, posture or place, or cause to do this. 2) put or keep in motion, rouse or stir. 3) go; proceed; make progress.

Move. Seems simple enough. However, a thing, the past, a thought, worry, or fear can keep us from putting things in motion. It doesn't always come from an outside source either, we are often times the person holding ourselves back from moving on, moving forward, making progress. Get out of your own way. Begin. Even if you don't have all of the pieces, move with what you have right now. Another day doesn't need to go by without you taking a step towards what it is you are supposed to be moving towards. It's time for action. Period.