Category: Community

Zumi’s Gotta New Friend

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Would you like to help us name it?!

Zumi Tye and ?!?

One of my dearest friends, Poohbs, decided to send a gift for Zumi Tye along with the items I purchased from her website. When I opened the box housing the items that would now be new features in our home, this little buddy had been wrapped separately and packaged along with everything.

I have placed the new addition in Zumi Tye’s terrarium to see how Zumi takes to it, and well… So far, Zumi hasn’t really paid much attention to it. I’m sure Zuse probably senses that it’s a toy or not a living being, but I still want to see how Zuse reacts to its presence over the next few days.

Naming things is typically my claim to semi-fame, but I would appreciate some input from all of you. I have listed three potential names for Zumi’s new friend. Which of the three should this lovely beauty of a toy be saddled with?

  1. Cricket
  2. Charlley
  3. Coral

I hope you’ve enjoyed the photo montage I’ve created of Zumi Tye and such a wonderfully colored toy sea turtle. I’ll update everyone after the new year on which name I have selected, taking into account the input from all of you in the comments.

Stay tuned!

Is Your Heart Big, Fat, and Juicy?

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A Book Review

BIG FAT JUICY HEART by Deanne (Dee) Dennis. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

If you’ve read/viewed my previous post, then you’ve seen this photo and even got a little blurb about the above book in the caption as well. However, this blog entry is its formal review of it. Deanne (Dee) Dennis is an up-and-coming writer whom I follow on Substack. She is one to keep an eye on, seriously. I enjoy her bubbly spirit, enticing words, and drive to grow and learn more about the woman she is becoming.

Below is the review I posted for Big Fat Juicy Heart on Amazon and Goodreads:

The title is appealing, and so is the book!

I was intrigued by the title, and even more ecstatic to read the words within the cover. I began reading the poetry of Deanne Dennis by way of Substack.

Poetry is my first love, so naturally, I gravitated toward her offerings. I am happy I did, and as a subscriber, I have remained.

Big Fat Juicy Heart is short, sweet, poignant, truthful, and luring in all the right ways. The writer gives the reader just enough poetry to know her capabilities, but does not completely fill the cup or surge into an overflow.

Every poem is strategically placed, flows well, and builds a strong tower all on its own.

I would have loved to see a few more pieces about self love and familial love because these two subtopics regarding love are near and dear to me.

However, for her debut poetry book, Deanne Dennis soared high above what many have been able to do with verse, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

There’s just something about poetry that makes you want to write poetry, and this book… well, this book reminds me how good it feels to be poetic. You can find Big Fat Juicy Heart on Amazon in Kindle ($4.99) and Paperback ($9.99) formats.

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

Life In Photos #6

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Daily photographic musings

Heading out. Saturday, December 20, 2025. A little pose before going to see Caison play basketball, and then visiting Jernee’s burial site. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Second shot: Because Wakanda Forever! Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Trees and Sky #2. I love how the sky and trees look on my boss/friend, Karlie’s land. Jernee has such a beautiful resting place. Visiting Jernee Timid, Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Trees and Sky #3. A different view. I can stand out here for hours if my legs allow it. I visited with Jernee for 4o minutes before Karlie came out with her dog, two other kittens, and then all the chickens started coming toward us, too. I ended up spending an hour and fifteen minutes total out in the country (East Bend, NC), instead of just 30 minutes. And you know what? I needed every second of it! Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
I never thought I’d see antique bicycles paired together like this, but here we are… Art in the hallway of my building, on my floor. Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Is this a big enough compass?! There’s something vaguely intriguing about this, and I have yet to put my finger on it. Artwork in my building, in the hallway: This is becoming a theme, yes?! Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
BIG FAT JUICY HEART is the debut book of poetry by Deanne (Dee) Dennis, a writer I follow on Substack, and it’s well worth the read. For her first book of poems, it held my attention, gave me hope, and made me smile; I imagine any future follow-ups will be five to ten times better. This writer is one to watch, seriously. Saturday, December 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
A Reindeer Christmas Card: A fellow writing acquaintance, Sherry, sent this lovely card to me for the holidays. It’s delightful, and I have it displayed on my kitchen bar. Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Another Christmas card, but this one is from my dear friend, Candice Louisa Daquin. She actually has another book out, The Cruelty, published by Flowersong Press, and you can find it at all major book retailers. She’s pretty dope. Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
My Christmas Meal: BBQ shoulder lamb chops, baked beans, and collard greens with onions & cherry tomatoes. Thursday, December 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

A Little Christmas Funny…

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This will never EVER get old to me!

The Grinch and the Screaming Goat Scene

My best friend and I went to see The Grinch in theaters in 2018. This particular scene made me guffaw loudly in the theater, and I just couldn’t stop laughing. My tickle-box had been activated, and I laughed for at least fifteen minutes.

Mook (my best friend) looked at me with red in her eyes at first, but after hearing me laugh for so long, she started laughing, too. She finally said to me, “You so damn silly”, and we laughed some more.

To this day, I cannot watch this scene without laughing until I cry.

It’s the screaming goat for me every single time! 😆🤣😂

I hope this holiday allows you to reach into your heart and let your inner child be free. Today is a GREAT day to do so.

Bonus funny clip:

Sing 2: Meena Falls in love with Alfonso

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

From My Small Family To Yours

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Another year is almost here, another one is almost gone.

Christmas Season 2025 (Zumi Tye Loadholt and Tre L. Loadholt). It feels so peculiar without my baby girl… but here we are. I know she’d want me to be happy instead of being sad, so for her, I’m pressing on. Image created via Canva.

I wish the very best for you, your family,
and anyone else
you may come into contact with
for this holiday season and beyond.

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

chocolate teaser

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a savory poem

Hot cocoa. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

with my salivating taste
buds patiently
waiting, I tweaked a
hot cocoa recipe
and took the first
sip that led me to a
a new lover’s arms.

I’ll be right here
tomorrow; same
time, same place,
eager to coat my
tongue with a savory
chocolate heaven.

simply divine.

A savory poem celebrates rich, complex flavors and satisfying, hearty experiences, often using food imagery to evoke deep emotion or memory, as seen in poems about home cooking, spices, family gatherings, or even love and loss, focusing on hearty tastes like bacon, curries, and herbs rather than just sweetness, finding depth in everyday meals and shared moments. 

Google Gemini Overview of a Savory Poem.

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.