Katandra Shanel's Blog: Life Is Just Awful. Ain't It? - Posts Tagged "katandra-shanel-jackson"

It's not a Black or White 'thang'... it's a human race 'thang'.
I can't say that i'm in total shock at the outcome. Afterall, Man was left in charge! Man in all his imperfect ways. The bearer of every flaw under the sun. Each biased in his own beliefs. You better believe he didn't lose a wink of sleep. The people however tossed and turned. Their uneasy rest was broken by silent pleas and prayers. To condemn a man for his sin is one thing. To take his life is another. Rather it be justice or injustice, the proof that this final judgement is 'just' solely based on reason is irrate. Beyond a reasonable doubt... Whose reason? Whose doubt? A mans life was taken last night at the hands of another. Just because he may have commited the same act does not make it right. For those of you religious... I believe it's the 6th commandment. For those of you political... I believe it's the 5th amendment. For those of you spiritual... I believe the essence of the Tao Te Ching captures it best "Sometimes you lead. Sometimes you follow. Sometimes you are stifled. Sometimes you breathe easy. Sometimes you are strong. Sometimes you are weak. Sometimes you destroy. And sometimes you are destroyed."

A quick FYI-- There have been 1,267 government-sanctioned executions since 1976. Troy Davis was the 35th person this year to receive the death penalty. 34 out of states have adopted this method of final judgement and decree, included with over 1/2 of the Nation is the U.S government and the U.S military... United States of Amazing...
... ain't no place like 'home'

Death by Lethal injection-- Painless and Humane. How modernly barbaric. Why not bring Lynching back? During slavery the ultimate punishment. Stoning proved to be quite effective in more primitive days. Even today, the end result is the same. My only gripe aside the fact that Man has stepped into the role of The Almighty Powers That Be... Is that someone turned this into the wrong race issue #humanbeing HELLO.

My final wish in this situation is that every Troy Davis that has met this fate, despite the times... May they each now find rest, wherever their souls may be.



Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor; Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1' ©FreedomInk 2011 Visit my Author/Publisher site. http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

This week FreedomInk celebrated 'Banned Book Week'. The festively literary week has taken place since 1982. This year we circled on our calenders Sept. 24-Oct. 1. In the excitement of my 1st observance I really dug in. Delving where censors wish I hadn't gone... to the Banned Book List. An extensive list dating back to who knows when and started by whom knows whom. But one thing is certain, the why! Why would a person put forth the efforts to ban a book? The answer to that is easy. That which is misunderstood is often feared and that which should be sought can always be found hidden within the pages of a BOOK!!

First lets examine a highly banned book. Rarely making the 'list' due to shame no doubt, but often headlining the news. That book is the Bible. The Bible has been shunned, torn apart, banned... those adhering to its code have been ridiculed and exiled, even killed! I'm no religious scholar {which i've stated on numerous occassion} but I am a lover of all things literary. It matters not if i'm an adamant believer or a mild skeptic, I still appreciate the magnitude which the Bible exudes. "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything"-- Malcolm X
The Bible has served as a strict code for thousands of years, a blueprint of the way we should all live. A decline in prayer in public schools = An increase in peer violence; i.e bullying. Coincident? Perhaps... then again.

The 2nd book that has caught the attention of the book lover that just so happens to be a mother is 'And Tango Makes Three' This children's book has been on the banned list since is publication in 2005. The book in a nutshell. Two male penguins raise a hatchling. The line that probably prompted the ban on this well written children's book?
“She was the very first penguin to have two daddies.” Yep, that'll do it!

Here we are. Living in the land of the Free and Brave. Teaching our children to be strong and courageous. Learning them how to make their own choices and decisions despite what society feels. Then we participate in a ban of books that embody that which we claim.

No matter what, there will be those in the world that seek to stifle the freedoms of others. Of the many rights we enjoy and take for granted on a daily basis, that which grants the right of every man, woman and child, is that which others seek to quell; that right is The Freedom of Speech!! Why do they wish to quiet the voice of the people? Because all it takes is one voice and the universe has spoken. Those that wish to gain, retain, and maintain all of those decision making powers are slightly out of reach of that one mighty tool. One can strip a man of his homeland, his birth rights, take his clothes, property and all of his possessions, but as long as he has the will to live, the voice that dwells deep in his (or her) soul is very much alive and well.

Push.Promote.Propel.The1stAmendment.FreedomInk



Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©2011
Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1'
Publisher at FreedomInk
Visit my site http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

Over the weekend I purchased a blue and white sweater for the youngest of my brood {Ashley Vanique-- 8 years old-- 3rd grade}. The sweater is rather unisex I must admit, and when the oldest of the clan {Jermaine Trevon-- 14 years old-- 9th grade} tried it on, it fit. No big surprise. He's a little guy. Still, the sweater belongs to his little sister. So this a.m before she leaves for school she is in a frenzy. She's prepared with the exception that she cannot find her new sweater. Chimes in the middle child {Kailyn Elise-- 10 years-- 5th grade} "Tre wore it school." And i'm thinking... "Oh no he didn't!" Checking the time, I know it's too late to catch him at the bus stop... again. So I opt instead for the 'big kid' zone. Yep, you guessed it, High School. Ashley and I had to wait for the mass of hormone raging youngsters to clear out before we could make our way to Administration. Once there, we were greeted warmly by one of Trevon's teachers; she gave me his EXACT location. I rap ever so lightly upon the door. Exits Mrs. Erman. "Is Jermaine in your class?" -- "Why yes he is." Mrs. Erman exclaims, surprised. Enter THE MOM!! dunh dunh dunh <---- scary score... Anywho. I announce ever so polite but loud enough for the 20+ students to hear, "Your sister needs her sweater!" . Oh the horror on the face of the freshman, surrounded by peers, freshman-sophmores-juniors-even a few seniors {BIOLOGY 101} Shamed faced he obliges. The teacher then commences to step out of her class to give me a brief update: "Jermaine knows the material but he's getting comfortable; he's slacking." Say no more Mrs Teacher Lady! Enter THE MOM!! dunh dunh dunh----> an even more scarier scene. So I announce ever so polite but loud enough for the 20+ students to hear once more, "Handle your business in this class today and everyday, or your classmates will be making room for me in the lab, okay? You got that? Are we good?" A host of 'yes mam's followed. Now another situation looms ahead, the matter of his slacking will be addressed in length but that's another post. For the moment i'm content at my public appearance, and Ashley is rather taken with the whole scene. Icing on the cake? She delegated his punishment: Dish duty for a week, starting today.

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©2011
Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1'
Publisher at FreedomInk
Visit my site http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

The World has lost one of it's most influential minds of our times. The Mastermind and CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56. I'm certain he will be missed.

I want to put a ding in the universe. -Steve Jobs

Touche' Mr. Jobs. Touche'.






Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©2011
Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1'
Publisher at FreedomInk
Visit my site http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

Rain, hail, sleet or snow. Nothing can stop the Bride to be when she is in a pre wedded frenzy. Magazines, books, and how to manuals out the wazoo. Everyone offering their opinion on how 'they' would like for 'your' special day to unfold. Then along came a Southern Belle from a rural town {population 100}. She began her quest for love amidst humble beginnings but soon branched out to the big city to find amor'. What she found there was more than she bargained for. 50 lane highways, towering buildings, not so friendly natives, and one heart that refused to thaw. Then there was the faint sound of cracking ice and The Diary of A Bride To Be was born. Journey with this small town girl as she tries to convince a city boy that he is indeed 'her' very own Frog, I mean um uh er, Prince Charming. The Diary of A Bride To Be won't go on and on about color swatches. It will however shed light on the somewhat unaccepting in-laws to be. It won't give you 7 different seating arrangement options. It will however open your eyes to the realization that "Hey, i'm not the only bride to be that's changed her dress selection several times." It's real life events as they happened to one bride.

Likened to 'Reality t.v for your bookshelf or nightstand.' The Author delivers the story with a rather unique voice. You will cry. You will laugh. You will root for the southern girl as she quests for L-O-V-E.



Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©2011
Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1'
Publisher at FreedomInk
Visit my site http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

Ablaze in the news this a.m the story of Amber Cole. For those unaware. Videos and tweets have gone viral (worldwide/trending). Amber Cole, a 14 year old female was recorded performing oral sex on a male that is believed to be her 17 year old ex boyfriend. This incident occured on school grounds. Because the law clearly states that both of these individuals are minors... yes this means they are still children, it becomes very hard to blame either of them. The fault lay in some degree within their hands but the piece that has been dismissed are the adults involved. Where are these children's parents, where were the teachers? Who's gonna take responsibility for the damaging of a young girls image? We as adults know that image is not the be all to our existence, but it is to that of the immature mind. What now? Will she and her family pack up and relocate to Mars? I hear Winters are divine. But very seriously. Where is the home training that teaches young women to be ladies in public... Where is the sex education that informs teens that sexually transmitted diseases are passed orally as well despite their belief in urban myth? The system as a whole is to blame. From negligent parents, to social media, to guardians and authorities outside of home and across the board. Who will claim the cost and pay for the shame that today belongs to Amber Cole, but perhaps could be the shame of our daughters and sons tomorrow. Someone needs to teach our children morals, values, and proper decision making. Someone... Anyone... Will it be you?

This is the perfect example of a case where negligence has led to the sexual exploitation of a child and I feel strongly that the parents should be brought up against charges and made to pay. Angel Eyes Foundation is on a mission to educate communties and raise awareness about child sexual abuse. This education should begin at home and should grow as our children do. Once upon a time there was a program called 'Good Touch Bad Touch'. To my knowledge this program is no longer available in public schools and if there are some schools that still teach this, does it extend beyond elementary? Does it reach into the middle schools and high schools across the Nation. Is it targeted at those seeking to find out who they are (sexuality plays a major role). A component of Angel Eyes Foundation is the 'Because I'm Worthy' program. This program is for young girls, especially those that may have been singled out by teachers and counselor, perhaps even the concerned parent as high risk for grade failure, promiscuity, suicide, teen pregnancy... Very rare does something of this magnitude (Amber Cole's incident) occur without red flags and warning signs. It's our generations responsibility to save the next, before it's too late.

Angel Eyes Foundation is a non profit organization, a 501 c social advocacy organization. The conceptual phase is still on the drawing board, but by Spring 2012 the plans are to begin introducing neighborhoods, schools, churches, youth programs to this eye opening intervention/prevention program in hopes that it will change if not save a life!

Support this worthy cause.











Katandra Shanel Jackson © FreedomInk {Author/Publisher/Founder of AEF}
angeleyes501c3@gmail.com
Angel Eyes Foundation
P.O Box 161965
Atlanta GA 30321

http://angeleyesfoundation.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angel-E...
http://twitter.com/#!/aef_forgetmenot
http://www.freedomink365.com/

This just overheard. On a statistical average, most Authors only sale 4 books per event. Okay. I buy it. Why? Because i've been there and done that! Try sitting for hours waiting for folks to show up to buy your book only to sell 4 out of 25, 4 out of 50, 4 out of 100's... Ouch! Yep. That's a pinch you won't soon forget. The sting of it all results back to this one simple truth. You (assuming you're the Author) showed up to the event (be it a literary festival or book fair or some other Author shindig) with high hopes (as well you should) with dreams of selling 1 million copies (ok, ok maybe 100). Then doom and disaster strike. 4 books sell and you get all depressed. Ewww! Okay here's a solution if not THE solution (drum roll please and wipe the gloom from your face, but not with your sleeve-- geesh) STOP SELLING BOOKS & SELL YOURSELF. My belief is this, when you're someone others want to meet they will flock to you. But it's kinda hard for a flock to get through a sea of sales pitches. So take down the wall of 'Buy My Book-- You'll Love It' and present the face of 'Get To Know Me-- You'll Love Me'.

Keep this in mind via your next event... Even if all you've made is 1 sale but you've had the chance to shake the hands of 10, the potential for an additional 9 sales has been established but better still is the opportunity which was siezed to 'Sell Yourself'

Now go forth and Pimp the Author in YOU!! ;-)










Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©2011
Author of 'The Diary of A Bride To Be Book 1'
Publisher at FreedomInk
Visit my site http://www.freedomink365.com
Like us on Facebook -- Follow me on Twitter@soon2bmrstaylor
email: katandra@freedomink365.com

What has been the most influential book you've yet to read? Why has it been so profound?

Prepping a Blog Post in honor of this year's Halloween Hop. I'd love to add your links with a 10 word description. Hard I know, but I wanna squeeze as many as possible. Participation is easy...

The instructions are simple:

1) Insert your blog link via comment w/ a brief 10 word descript.

2) Over the Halloween weekend (October 28-31) visit as many of the other blogs listed as you wish.

3) HAVE FUN!!

*This idea borrowed from http://www.jeremybatesbooks.blogspot....

Thanks for joining us in this years Halloween Blog Hop!
Do come in, enjoy, and follow those blogs you like.
The links are provided below with a brief description of each, but 1st... a little All Hallows Eve fun!
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Looking for the perfect Zombie movie to lose yourself in? Wanna know the history and truth about Vampires? Searching for that deliciously demonic name for your next Villian/Villianess? Do you have a weakness for Werewolves? Click this link---> http://www.hellhorror.com/?gclid=CJbe...
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Random Spooky Flicks {and NO WAY! have I seen em'... hello! Fraidy Cat here} Watch them if you dare: The Ring--Children of the Corn--Sleepy Hollow--Final Destination-- Scream--Jeepers Creepers--Witches of East Wick--Chain Saw Massacre--The Grudge--Twilight--Saw--Red Riding Hood--and of course a host of your usual suspects--Freddy--Jason--Chucky--Candy Man

For the kiddos: Hocus Pocus--Casper--Ghost Busters--Beatle Juice--The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown--Igor--Twitches--Night of the Living Fred

Two out of season creepy movies that scare the bejesus outta me: Black Christmas & The Grinch That Stole Christmas
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Truly Creepy this guy (and I absolutely adore his psychosis)
---> Edgar Allan Poe! Have you by chance read the one about the 'Tell Tale Heart' ? It's my fave even if it does give me the creeps for weeks. http://poestories.com/read/telltaleheart
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As promised. The links ;-) Happy Halloween Blog Hop!

*Richard McKinney http://redemption2380.blogspot.com/
Trials and Tribulations. Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Redemption.

*Dr. Darcova Triplett http://strut-the-magazine.blogspot.com/
Coast to Coast/International Magazine. Walk in confidence, competence, & conviction.

*Herman L. Taylor II http://atlantasmonsieurconnoisseur.bl...
ATLANTA'S FINEST FOOD CRITIC AND CULINARY ENTHUSIAST

*Sarah Davis Brandon http://steampunksarah.blogspot.com/
I write steampunk and fantasy novellas and I love to interview new writers! I am also starting to review books. Come and join!

*Ashley Kimball awesome, I'm http://www.notanotherwriterblog.wordp...
"The musings of a socially awkward twenty-something aspiring author and editor."

*FreedomInk Poetry Showcase http://freedominkpoetry.blogspot.com/
got Poetry?

*Ressa Empbra http://ressaempbra.wordpress.com/
Come find reviews, sneak peeks into my WIPs, and more!

*Connie Johnson-Jasperson http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com/
One author's take on living and writing in the realm of fantasy.

*Shelley Workinger http://bookfare.blogspot.com
But What Are They Eating? --Because everyone talks about what the characters are doing and where they're going, but it's what they're eating that really matters.

*Brian Hayden http://brha99.wordpress.com/
Join my journey for a new heart

*Wendy Lovetiggi Gonzalez http://lovetiggibookreviews.wordpress...
My perspectives on the books I read ~ without spoilers.

*Cary Cheyenne Cummings http://carycheyennexo.blogspot.com/
"A blog filled with books, character and glamour. Interviews + Giveaways!"

*Angel Eyes Foundation http://angeleyesfoundation.blogspot.com/
Non Profit Organization. Raising awareness/educating communities about Child Sexual Abuse.

*spot'LIKE' http://freedominkspotlike.blogspot.com/
Quality interviews with top Moguls, Models, and Model Citizens!

p.s Don't forget to Goodreads 'Fan' your Host. Thanks you guys (and gals)





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