Category: Anger

“Take Life 15 Minutes At a Time.”

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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I usually do not answer the daily prompt questions, but this one, I just could not pass up.

The best advice I have ever been given came from one of my older cousins who told me “Take life 15 minutes at a time.”

She stated this because I was having a horrible day that seemed as though it would seep into my weekend, and in her stern yet casual way, she simply let it roll off her tongue and it sunk in for me.

The well-known saying is “One day at a time”, but a full day is 24 hours. That is a HUGE CHUNK of time to try and press through without faltering or falling short of goals.

But to breathe and take on fifteen minutes at a time in life is a much better concept. And I have used this method for the last eight years.

My best friend likes to believe she was the one who told me this, but she was not. Lol! I distinctively remember my cousin with her no-nonsense speech and the swag of a Queen who held all the tricks in the palm of her hand tell me this bit of advice, and I shared it with my best friend.

Needless to say, I use it as advice for others who feel like they’re losing their way. I will typically say, “Breathe . . . and take life fifteen minutes at a time.” I also let them know my cousin lent the same advice to me and it works.

When I am steadfast in applying it and I give myself the grace I need, it truly works.

Maybe you will find this to be applicable for you and your life, too. I hope you will.

Do not try to tackle a full day at a time. Take it in little chunks–15 minutes. And breathe.

Autumn is finally here! Let’s celebrate that fact, shall we?!

Peace and blessings.

Sisterhood Powers Through It All

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A Book Review

Single Black Female by Tracy Brown. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Last night, I finished reading the second of the three books by Tracy Brown, purchased for my birthday as gifts from my best friend, and I truly like this one so much more than Hold You Down.

Don’t get me wrong, both books are sensational and the author does a great job introducing developed and layered characters to us in each delivery. Still, something about Single Black Female will stick with me for many years to come.

Below is the Amazon review I submitted:

“I Got Emotional So Many Times

And I am not afraid to admit that. “Single Black Female” is the story so many Black women can relate to.

I love how the author, Tracy Brown, depicts each character. We get a full view of each of their personalities, and it’s a believable fictional tale. I found myself connecting with each of the four women: Ivy, Coco, Nikki, & Deja. I feel like there’s a sliver of each of them within me.

Their bond and closeness reminded me of true friendship and sisterhood. I got so emotional during several chapters and at the very end as well.

It is a breath of fresh air reading a happy and positive ending. One that showcases the women having a delightful conversation and enjoying themselves amongst the peace and somewhat quiet of Brooklyn for a “picnic.”

I teared up simply thinking about the women closest to me and about my brothers and my baby sister, and how hard I would war for all of them if I had to–be it against authoritative figures or their friends and loved ones.

The power and authenticity of love and its effectiveness of a genuine friendship know no bounds and can withstand any evil. And Tracy Brown does such an amazing job portraying that with this book.

I highly recommend it!”

If you’re looking to pick up a book that will stir something alive in you and make you remember just how grateful you are for friendship and love amid turmoil, this book will do exactly that.

“Who’s Gonna Tell Him?”

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Because I felt like sharing a little something that sat down in my spirit and had itself a peaceful rest.

Michelle Obama and one of her many clapbacks. YouTube Short

Long, Overdue Venom: One-Lined Poem

Lady Obama spews long, overdue venom in the direction of a
man who believes Black people aren’t suitable for various
jobs birthed of and around their upper echelon counterparts;
and it’s a clapback doused in class.

Happy Friday, beautiful people!

“Hold You Down” Held Me Captive

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A Book Review

Hold You Down by Tracy Brown. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

A co-worker recommended this book several months back, and I told my best friend (when asked) to please get it for my birthday. She did exactly that, along with two more books the author wrote.

It took me about a week and two days to read this one. That is because I had to sit with some scenes for a while and allow them to run through me, to take their course, so to speak. It is a heavy read.

However, I truly did not want to turn away from it, I simply had to in order to preserve my peace.

Below is the Amazon review:

“An Ending I Did Not Envision for the Book

“Hold You Down” reminds me of my summers spent in The Bronx or on Long Island, and my time growing up on the east side of Savannah, Georgia.

I cried. I got upset. I shook my head in disgust. There were so many chapters that rendered me speechless and appalled in this book. And not in a bad way, but more like a reflection of the teenage boys I knew up north and the slightly older young men I knew from around the way.

Lenox reminds me of one of my aunts. I smiled thinking about how alive and untameable she always has been, but also how she brings so much joy to others around her.

This book is not only breathtaking, it will have you feeling devastated about the trials life throws our way, aggravated about the many labels we toss at Black boys and men, and yearning for family you miss and will never see again.

The author was calculated in her language selection and writes in a way that is relatable and connects with the reader. I found myself not wanting to put the book down many nights.

Although it was such a great read, the ending left me feeling like something is amiss; it seems unfinished–unsettled.

But overall, I look forward to reading it again. I am sure there is much more to be dissected the second time around.”

I have already started reading one of the other books written by Tracy Brown, and I’m toes deep into the plot. I think this is another page-turner. Stay tuned.

Running With the Clouds Part III

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Jake’s Pain (Microfiction)

He answered the call at 12:47 AM in a panic. “Next of Kin” meant waking up at all hours of the night when your big sister has done something unthinkable.

“Can you come in to identify the body?”

Can I do what?! She did what?! How was her mental health?! If she jumped from the 14th floor of her building, what is left for me to identify?!

Thunder roared, and the midnight rain poured like it would be the last.

Maybe she wanted to die first . . .

Maybe that’s why she did it.

Part I & Part II

Séduire

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Serial Tales & Flash Fiction

Séduire, Front Cover. Created with Canva by Tremaine L. Loadholt
Séduire, Back Cover. Created with Canva by Tremaine L. Loadholt

I have been hard at work on something for the last two years, and . . . the above front and back covers are the faces of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction. Séduire (French), meaning to seduce or charm, encapsulates everything I wanted to do with the words I turned into characters that turned into stories for this book.

It is comprised of fourteen fiction tales, housed in 87 pages from my restless and imaginative mind. It is my first book comprised completely of fiction. It was hard to select which stories I wanted to share, but I believe I made the best decision in selecting the stories published in this book.

Its publishing date will be October 30, 2024. Why this date? It’s close enough to Thanksgiving and Christmas, yet not so close to hinder holiday expenses. I believe it will make the perfect gift for family, friends, and acquaintances. Over the next few months, I will post an announcement about the book along with blurbs from its beta readers.

The first two are below:

Tremaine isn’t just a writer; she is a sage who applies the practices and alchemy of empathy. She doesn’t just create compelling characters; she inhabits them and allows them to speak their truth through her grounded prose, regardless of how vulnerable, how conflicted, how beautiful, or how harrowing. -Barry Dawson, Jr. IV

In Séduire, Tre Loadholt gives us the full range of her storytelling magic. Beyond the humorous dialogue, the raw earthiness of relationships, and the intense despair of grief and loss … eternal hope is the emotion that always shines through her stories.This iconic collection of short fiction belongs on your must-read list. -Kay Bolden

For those of you who have always supported me, thank you. I hope you will do so this time around as well when Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction is published.

Are you interested in reading my previously published books? You can do so here.

Stay Tuned.