If you’ve read any pRhomise blogs or Patrice Baylor Leigh Facebook posts you’ll know that cancer almost killed me. Today I celebrate a birthday and am happy to say, yes I’m still here. It is a wonderful feeling to have a second chance at life. The fight for life can be difficult at times, but when placed in the hands of God everything you need is at your disposal.  During this season I've learned some new skills for life. Yes He has my undivided attention and helps me knock down each and every obstacle. Whether physical or spiritual, this lesson has taught me that there is more to life than just avoiding barriers.  Life is worth living and while traveling this road toward peace and God’s face, you learn to discern what is good and what is a hindrance. Every minute of every day counts. The life I call my own has been riddled with joys and some let downs. There are no complaints or blame here for the things that could  have been done better. To family and those who are incredible friends, I say let’s live.  

Aunt Beulah and Cousin Joyce taking time for a visit.

A Hilarious, Crazy, Silly Day

Today was such a crazy, silly day. My rush to multi-task left me barefoot walking around the grocery story, hurrying to pick up a few items for an important meeting. Before the shopping I wanted to take care of a couple of other chores, clothes to the cleaners and then mani/pedi. I found that under duress I can be quite the bossy broad. At the nail salon, a new one for me, my nails were finished and they slipped the flimsy sandals on my feet. Time was fleeting as I made my way to the store. Just a couple of steps inside the store and then the inevitable happened. Flimsy sandal snapped under my rush to get to the snack aisle. One shoe off, one shoe dragging I made it the cashier where I placed the couple of items on the conveyor. The cashier greeted me with the typical "How are you today?" I responded with, "It's a silly, crazy day."

The agenda for that morning was quickly turning into something from a Jerry Lewis film. I only wish I could have snapped pics of my expressions as I walked through the store. In my business attire I had started out early to get chores done before going to the meeting. Rushing through the house picking up things I needed I absently left my sandals for my pedicure at home. Walking through the grocery store I must have looked hilarious to onlookers. All I could do was laugh at myself. My chic points were diminishing but I was not to be sans classe. 

I froze and began to ask the store workers to help me. I asked one cashier to please go and exchange the five dollar bags of chips I picked up without pricing for the multi pack that was way less. To the bagger I said, "I need your help. Would you please go out to my car and get my shoes they're on the passenger side." After getting the description of my car he went quickly like he was on my payroll. What great over the top customer service.

You'd think I would have calmed down after that incident but that wasn't the only part of my crazy day. Finally getting to the meeting on time I called to my team leader to come out and help me bring in the snacks. The meeting went well, and afterwards I decided to serve the sandwiches to the guests. Going back for seconds for one of the guests I accidentally bumped the presenters sandwich plate spilling her sandwich in her purse and on the floor. Eeeeeek! What a mess and an embarrassment. All I could think about was how unfocused I had been that morning. Shaking my head I whispered, "Lord I should have had my coffee today."

What an incredible ride. I'm meeting some incredible, focused people that help me view the world with clear glasses. As opposed to rose colored glasses, this view is so much sweeter. I believe when we show people who we are they show themselves as well. Liking what I'm seeing lately.

Inside the Mind of Cyrus A. Webb

This innovative, entrepreneur has found a love for literature that has parlayed into several media outlets. Using his voice as an advocate for authors via his blogtalkradio program, Conversations LIVE, and Conversations Magazines Mr. C.A. Webb demonstrates his love for the written word. His virtual and physical book clubs water Cyrus' thirst for literary conversations. An interview with Cyrus A. Webb reveals his candid look at books, publishing and authorship. This delightful young brother is someone to watch.

PBL: How did you come up with an idea for a virtual book club? Is the art of physical book clubs dying?
CAW:  Patrice, I don't think physical book clubs are dying. In fact Conversations Book Club started in November 2006 with physical meetings and we still have them. The virtual book club actually came about as an extension so that others can join in the experience. We allow those around the world that want to be a part of the conversation to join us by phone and online. It makes for a more impactful discussion for sure, because you are able to get so many points of view. The internet has been a friend of readers, but to me nothing takes the place of sitting down with others to talk about a book.
PBL: What makes you such an advocate for literature?
CAW: Books have always been a friend of mine. Growing up I didn't have a lot of people I gravitated towards. Books introduced me to various characters and personalities and opportunities to learn about the world around me. When I finally started to travel, thanks to books I had a better idea of the places I was visiting. 3. What type of literature appeals to you most? I really like it all, but over the past few years I have been drawn more to non-fiction because I know that people sharing personal experiences with the world will help others going through similar situations. I use those kind of books to share with others to let them know they are not alone. Fiction can do the same thing in some ways, but there is something about the truth that resonates more with others.
PBL: When do you know that a particular title is going to satisfy your literary needs?
CAW: Sometimes I honestly don't! I have picked up some books that I thought would be great reads for me, and they ended up a struggle to finish. Others that I didn't think I would like ended up being some of my favorites. I think of the selection of books out there like a never-ending buffet. You just have to try something to see if you like it. You can't always tell by what it looks like.
PBL: In this age of technology do you find that eBooks are more popular than any other form of literature?
CAW: They might be more popular to some, but the hard copy remains my preferred choice. I get that for some the ease of carrying around lots of books on an electronic device is appealing, but there is nothing like cracking opening a book and having it in your hands.
PBL: What was the pivotal point in your life that made you want to become an advocate for authors? CAW: I would say it was meeting authors that might not be nationally known but who had such a powerful story that I felt it had to be shared. I've long dismissed the idea that only the best authors are picked up by the major houses. Sometimes it is the undiscovered authors out there that have a gift that just hasn't been discovered yet. That's why I do it. Everyone deserves to be heard.
PBL: What would you say to a writer struggling to become published?
CAW: Don't rush it and definitely don't take unnecessary risks. There are so many ways today to get your book out. Make sure it is the best product it can be, and if you can't get anyone to believe enough in it, then publish it yourself. Do your research either way, though. I've found some of these companies don't have the author's best interest in mind. Just don't give up. I read over 100 books a year, over half of them are self-published..and they're good! Don't let anyone stop you from pursuing your dream of being published.
PBL: Have you ever had to tell a writer that their work just wasn't good? If so, how did you tell them?
CAW: I made a role years ago that I would never EVER write a negative review. There's enough of that crap floating around the internet that I didn't think that was something I wanted to do. If I read a book that I felt wasn't for me, I may send the author an email or if they ask me my thoughts I'll tell them. What I learned though is that not all books are for everyone.
PBL: What is the most important thing you can say to an author?
CAW: Tell the story you have inside you the way you want to tell it, but don't expect overnight success. You have to work hard and dedicate yourself to it as you would anything else worth pursuing. Take advantage of all avenues available to you to get the word out about your book when published. If you are true to the craft and do your part, you'll be a success.

Thoughts at 5:25AM

We are living in perilous times. Men have become lovers of themselves more than of God. It is easy to see as we look about the world in which we live. The selfishness prevails as those who feel they are in authority vigorously exert their will over others. It is sickening and causes this writer to wonder what in the world is going on? Fathers are against sons and daughters against mothers. But what we overlook is that it is not always the natural fathers that overlook their natural sons. It is the man in the street who boasts of a disdain for the young brothers who seem to not have it together. The matriarchs that shake their heads at young women who have not adequately developed their sense of style. These elders would just as soon turn up their nose at a young man who passes them wearing the street gear of the day. Can you sir, look past the exterior of the young man's attempt at self expression and say hello. Have we become so afraid of one another that it is difficult to look our brother in the eye and affirm him.

Many fatherless men don't have a clue as to what manhood looks like. They turn to the fictionalized examples of manhood displayed in media. These young men see the absence of the father not only in their home but in the community as well. These communities being overrun with women and their children causes the onlooker to see a type of community that screams out dysfunction.

Out of necessity woman has become the wherewithal for wayward souls who have lost out on a heritage deplete of nurture and concern. The toll this seemingly takes on some women is more than they can bear and a trend towards aggression and duality of purpose sets in.

The innocence of little boys is reflected in their voice when they eagerly say, “I don't have a daddy, but when I grow up I'm going to be a daddy.” As heartbreaking as this seems something within this child lets us feel that he must be protected at all costs, in order to become that daddy that will not leave his child.

On my reading list this summer is a book by author Pat Tucker, Daddy by Default. Although Ms. Tucker's title suggests that sometimes some men are trapped in caring for a child they actually didn't father. It is also this writer's hope that within these pages discovery of the secret behind the dilemma of too many fatherless children will be revealed.

The question becomes how does a nation re-adjust itself to one of purpose and responsibility for our youth? Will the true patriarchs stand up and take your stance to integrate the fatherless into the villages that produce good and upstanding young citizens . Let it begin with a handshake and an affirmation that all men can be great.

I've just learned that my publisher, Passionate Writer Publishing is competing for a small business award. Please log onto www.missionsmallbusiness.com and vote. Please tell your networks to vote for Passionate Writer Publishing.

After five weeks of radiation I was finally done, today was the last day. I had been served by some great health care professionals. The smiles and pleasantries of these professionals made it worth my while to drive into town every day for treatment. I met quite a few others with similar health issues. We bonded while sharing our individual stories. Today I met the lady whose ipad I had found in the waiting room a few weeks ago and returned the next day. She thanked me for returning it explaining how upset she had been to have lost it. I saw the doctor, got my final treatment, a nice certificate of completion and was out of there. Graduating was sweet. But the day hadn't started out so sweet. At my GP's office I wouldn't be seen because I had forgotten my co-payment. Oh well, blame it on the insurance companies. The receptionist told me my doctor would work me in the next day. To that I said, “I don't think so. You see this therapy I'm taking drains me and I don't want to sit in this waiting room waiting to get worked in.” I left after speaking to the nurse telling her to make sure the doctor knew I had been there for my appointment and I would see her in four months. Although I forgot to put the check in my purse to pay for my co-payment , I left the GP's office with a sour taste in my mouth. I had been a patient there for over seven years. But I guess rules were rules. This particular medical network was very strict. I found in another instance that after my insurance paid for x-rays the balance that was not paid by insurance was sold to a “zombie” company. This was getting to be too much. The visit I had with the radiation department at the other hospital made up for the irritation I felt at my general practioner's office. The professionals in radiation were empathetic to my needs, where as the general practioner's office didn't seem to have a clue about making people feel comfortable. I wondered if it were even necessary to see the general practioner since I was being treated by so many other doctors. You won't have to worry about me and my missing co-payment.