Life in Photos #7

Daily photographic musings

Kosmos, my bamboo plant, looks incredibly cute in its new pot. I truly do love this design, and it fits Kosmos perfectly. It is one of the items I purchased from my friend’s site, which I shared in this post. Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
A New Year’s card that I received from the truly amazing K. E. Garland. Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
New Year’s Dinner: BBQ ribs, coconut lemon Jasmine rice, cherry tomatoes, onions, & zucchini. Yummy. Photo Credit: Thursday, January 01, 2026. Tremaine L. Loadholt
The ribs alone… because YAAASSSSSS. Thursday, January 01, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
The trail at work. Angle 1. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
The trail at work. Angle 2. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
The trail at work. Angle 3. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Outside: Fake plants. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Inside: “Real” Plants: Dora, Lyric, and Kosmos. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Another item that I purchased from my friend’s site, Lyfer’s Choice. Tuesday, January 06, 2026. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Have you gotten your copy of SΓ©duireSerial 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

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 SΓ©duireSerial 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

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

Google Gemini Overview of a Savory Poem.

Have you gotten your copy of SΓ©duireSerial 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.

Titillating Literary Culinary Offerings

A Book Review

Milkshakes & Chilidogs by Bartholomew Barker. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

You will never have to twist my arm or convince me to purchase a book of poems by Bartholomew Barker. If he’s writing them, I’m buying it. Some people master structure, line breaks, wordplay, and intensity all in one go with their poetry, and Bart is one of those people.

I assure you, reading about dinner, drinks, and dessert will never be the same. You’ll find yourself thinking you can actually undress a glass of wine, see full and supple breasts in a bunch of tomatoes, and hear heaven’s angels sing while you’re baking a fresh batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

It was a pleasure to read and review this chapbook, which I did on both Amazon and Goodreads.

Serve Me a Symphony of Purple in a Glass

I knew that I would not be disappointed as soon as I opened “Milkshakes and Chilidogs”, and began reading. Barker has a way of working language, playing with phrases and rhythm, so that his poetry not only sticks with you, it is pleasing to the ear when read aloud.

His line breaks are intentional and powerful. Every stanza is a welcome wave of sighs of relief for a reader and writer of poetry.

There are so many quotable phrases throughout this chapbook such as:

“I keep time with an hourglass
because I prefer the shape.”

“Sunday morning pancakes
start out pale like her skin
in early spring.”

“Tomatoes
Firm as your breasts
Red as your lips
On a night out
Drenched in Merlot.”

And this doesn’t even begin to scrape the surface of his brilliant use of form and structure. I loved everything about this offering except for the fact that it’s not long enough.

I would have loved to see a formal book of poetry regarding dinner, drinks, and dessert, especially if they’re going to be written by Bartholomew Barker.

Currently, at just $1.99 for Kindle and $5.45 for paperback, Milkshakes & Chilidogs is far beyond affordable and worth so much more. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for a few of your wordsmith-like friends, this chapbook would make the perfect gift!


Have you gotten your copy of SΓ©duireSerial 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 #5

Daily photographic musings

Jack Frost paid us a visit last week. The coldest day during that time was 13Β°, and it felt like 6Β°. This photo was NOT taken on that day. LOL. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Sunday morning breakfast. Grits, cheesy scrambled eggs, and sausage links. Sunday, December 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
My little red Christmas Tree. Saturday, December 06, 2025. I forgot to share this photo collage last week, so here it is. DELAYED but not DENIED. LOL! Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Zumi Tye consumed its fill of food and was heading back to its hidey hole in this photo. Sunday, December 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Oh, nothing… I’d just washed my hair, and I was letting it dry under one of my favorite towels. Sunday, December 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
This lovely piece of art is situated perfectly near two of my neighbors’ apartments on our floor. I love walking past it. It’s such a unique piece to me. Sunday, December 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
A chilly Monday… I was dressed for the heavy winds that had been blowing outside over the past weekend. I knew to layer up before heading out to work. Monday, December 15, 2025. That was the last VERY COLD day before a warmer streak began on Tuesday night. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
You’ve seen this photo in the most recent post about SΓ©duire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction, but I took the photo earlier this week, so you get to see it here, too. LOL! Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Same with this one… Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
My little home away from home: my cubicle space at work. Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Do you know which movie my Christmas shirt is referencing?! Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I want to take this time to share two business ventures with you, both are from two close friends of mine, whom I love dearly. I am proud of them for stepping out into the world of creating, entrepreneurship, and testing the waters to get closer to fulfilling their dreams. I hope you will take the time to peruse their sites, become familiar with their initiatives, support, and/or purchase a few items wherever applicable.

I know I’ll be doing so soon. If you have no interest in either, please share the links with someone or a few people you believe would be interested. Thank you for your time.

Lyfer’s Choice (By SemsLyfe)
&
Clarity to Clients Collective


Have you gotten your copy of SΓ©duireSerial 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 #4

Daily photographic musings

Workout Mode. Friday, November 28, 2025. I’m on a mission. Don’t play with me! Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Lunch: Diced baked chicken, lettuce & spinach, diced tomatoes, onions, blackberries, cheese, & ranch dressing. Friday, November 28, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Ollie, the perfect Mini GoldenDoodle. I visited my friend/co-worker in the country (Dobson, NC, about 45 minutes away from me) on Saturday, November 29, 2025. I had a BALL! Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Lily (or as I call her, “Lily Girl.”), a Red Golden Retriever. She and Ollie are Niece and Uncle. LOL! Lily is my friend’s dog, and Ollie is my friend’s parents’ dog. I kept thinking about how Jernee would have had a great time with them, simply lying in the grass and enjoying the sun. Saturday, November 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
I swear, this could be the corn field from Children of the Corn. I mean, when you’re in the country, you take photos of corn fields. You just do. LOL! Saturday, November 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
My Snoopy sweater, because YAAAASSSS!!! It made everyone who saw me that day smile. Saturday, November 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Pond #1 along the walking trail at work. Wednesday, December 03, 2025. Pnoto Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Pond #2 along the walking trail at work. Wednesday, December 03, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Thursday, December 04, 2025, chilling in my dentist’s office, in the waiting area. My dental hygienist, while cleaning my teeth, kept saying, “Your teeth are just so clean, Tre. Goodness! They’re so clean.” Every time I go there, they compliment me on my smile and my teeth. My mouth is actually featured in photos on their website. Lawd, help. I’m particular about my oral hygiene. I’m SUPER DUPER anal retentive. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
Christmas Decorations at the dentist’s office. I just love their little tree. Thursday, December 04, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
In between exams at my Optometrist/Cornea specialist’s office. For those of you who do not know, I have an eye disease called keratoconus, and I am monitored twice per year to continue to keep surgery at bay. GOOD NEWS! The eyes are the same; no changes, and there’s no need for surgery at this time. The hoodie is an item created by Ernio Hernandez, a dope artist & writer, who is in a class all by himself. Dude is out in left field with his art, and I love it! Thursday, December 04, 2025. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Have you gotten your copy of SΓ©duireSerial 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 speak about recent events with a previous place of employment, as it pertains to racism and discrimination, growth from the transition after resigning from that company, and life’s foibles and overall experiences. I welcome your visit.