Day: May 28, 2025

the pull

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holes come at unexpected
times, bearing down
on weary hearts–taking
our last moments of peace.

the strong hold on–ending
the fight before it’s time
can place a wrinkle in the
waves of life.

we grit our teeth and lean
into every storm until
we ache from years of
battling–the war, never-ending.

the pull is a place we find
ourselves lagging in
navigation, stuck on
fear, and when we stay
there too long, it becomes
home.

the key to remembering how
to escape is to grab
the closest thing to you
and lasso it to your beating
heart–give it the life it
has no chance to steal,

and watch it falter
before your eyes.
you’ll defeat it, and it
won’t ever see it coming.

Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-Book and Paperback) yet?

I recently signed up to write on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing as I speak about the most recent events with my place of employment as it pertains to racism and discrimination. I welcome your visit.

Photos From Memorial Day Weekend

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I lived. I loved. I ate delicious food. I am better for having done so.

800°. Southpark, Charlotte, NC. Saturday, May 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
On the table: Yellowed beauty. Saturday, May 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
What we ate: My friend had a double pepperoni wood-fired grill pizza. I had their specialty wood-fired grill wings with honey bourbon sauce & house wood-fired grill Brussels sprouts. Saturday, May 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
A friend who is a gem (and like my kid sister), Diamond. We both worked for the contracted company of our bigger, more established company. And now that the contracted company will no longer be a thing, we are linked to each other’s lives in a way I am not with any other co-worker I have ever had. We’ve been through A LOT, and we’re still standing, still smiling, and still here for each other. The lunch spot was her suggestion. Saturday, May 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
She is yet another person who understands my silliness. At 23 years old, Diamond must’ve been here before. I am grateful for her presence in my life. Saturday, May 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
A peaceful resting spot. Jernee sleeps whenever she can and wherever she wants. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
The movie theater. Sinners was the feature. Although it was a good movie, the hype about it was TEN TIMES BETTER. This was before six more people entered this theater. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
And again. The seat with the napkins on it is where I sat for the film. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
After the movie, in my car, preparing to go to the store. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Cast-iron skillet homemade macaroni and cheese. Yes, it was delicious! Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Sunday dinner: cast-iron skillet mac-n-cheese, thinly sliced BBQ steak, & oven-baked cabbage with tomatoes & onions. Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Manifestation Monday: On Memorial Day, a small part of my day included watching/listening to an audiobook, How to Talk to the Universe. The link was sent to me by one of my long-time friends, Raina. Monday, May 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I needed this break from working. I ended my time with the contracted company on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Thursday and Friday were spent attending doctors’ appointments, visiting my cousin in the hospital, and enjoying every moment I could.

I am ready to take on whatever is headed my way, and I welcome it all with open arms.

I hope this week will be more than kind to all of you. Peace and blessings!