Encouraging messages that have been AI-generated as I grow through the messes and joys of life.
AI-Generated T-Shirt Message #1: God’s Got This! Created with Canva.
Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-BookandPaperback) 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 aboutthe most recent events with my place of employment, as it pertains to racism and discrimination. I welcome your visit.
The most important items at that moment. Intersections by Jack Herlocker is my favorite, though.
There’s nothing quite like reading a book that makes you laugh, reflect, wonder about what it’s like to find the VERY person with whom you connect on a level no one else gets, and sink into poetic goodness, too! Intersections: Stories, Chats, Truths, and Verses, by Jack Herlocker, has all of this and more! Jack and I met on Medium (maybe 9 or 10 years ago?), where we dove right into each other’s work.
He’s always been such a cool cat who doted on his wife, shared stories about his life in the military, being married and then divorced, and married again, and also about his career in IT and as a technical writer, etc.
When I found out he had published a book by familiarizing myself with his Substack bio, I jumped at the opportunity to get it, and I was not disappointed. I knew I wouldn’t be. There’s something in this book for everyone.
I had not been surprised when I beamed with elation and excitement upon the first few pages of Jack’s book. It’s classic Jack with a bit of humor, sadness, truth, and peace sprinkled throughout each page.
You’ll laugh out loud (I did so many times) from the section, “Chats with Deb”, be inspired by his short fiction, moved by his poetry, and locked in while reading the creative non-fiction. Jack is, as God would have it, a Jack of All Trades.
He doesn’t skimp on creativity, metaphorical blends, easy-to-digest scenarios, and entertainment. Reading this book made me remember how much I loved interacting with his work on Medium, and now, I get to do so again on Substack.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled quick read that will put you in a good mood, “Intersections” is truly the book you’ll want to get. It did not disappoint, and I knew it would not.”
For light-hearted reading with a splash of humor and reflection, this is the book for you. I know one day soon, I will pick it up again, and I’m certain I’ll find something new upon the next reading of it. It’s the kind of book one would never tire of reading, especially during these God-forsaken times in which we currently live.
This will probably be my favorite segment on my blog in a very long time! Welcome to Opening Lyrics to Songs That I Love!
3X Grammy award-winning superstar, Lizzo has become a household name with over 5 billion global streams and a platinum selling debut album to date.
With the help of anthemic smash hits like the 7x Platinum “Truth Hurts,” the 3x Platinum “Good As Hell,” and the 2x Platinum “Juice,” Lizzo released her Nice Life Recording Company/Atlantic Records debut album CUZ I LOVE YOU on April 19th 2019, debuting at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and spending 24 consecutive weeks in the chart’s Top 10.
Why these opening lyrics?! Are you kidding me?! Why not! Out the gate, Lizzo tells you she’s a bad, thick bitch, it’s her time, and she’s still flirty regardless of all she’s been through. It gets no better than that for me.
For the next nine Sundays, I’ll share with you my favorite opening lyrics to nine more songs I truly love. Maybe you’ll enjoy it. Maybe you won’t. Perhaps you’ll share favorite opening lyrics to songs you love as well. Perhaps you won’t. Either way, we’re going to have a good damn time.
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!
Raised black platform bed with a queen-size pillowtop mattress and a gel memory foam 3-inch mattress topper. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
The bulk of my bed is for my lower back – it’s a mountain of clouds and… heaven isn’t too far away.
I had to purchase linens made for a king due to the newness in width and height of a space that transforms me during the witching hour.
I forgot one thing, though – black attracts lint, so I will be brushing nuisances off this plane of peace regularly.
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.
My lovely birthday gift from my kid sister. I adore it, and I will cherish it for many years to come. I can’t wait to drape myself in it later on this evening! Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
I am Who I will be When I put my best self Forward in everything I do I am
Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-BookandPaperback) 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 aboutthe most recent events with my place of employment as it pertains to racism and discrimination. I welcome your visit.
**The Crush and I had another conversation post-my initial video sent to her of me shooting my shot. And the follow-up discussion was so I could gain clarity on some things and understand what was being said and what was NOT being said.
Sometimes I have to have things put to me very plainly so I can process them. It is always a gamble with anyone when approaching them with some form of keen interest, it is moreso a gamble while being bisexual and approaching a woman you love and have loved for over three years, nearly four, and crushed on for close to three years.
Needless to say, we will remain friends. She has never been attracted to women outside of simple admiration for them and respect for our overall physical beauty. And the last thing we need is for us to embark on a path toward a relationship, get involved, and a dude comes along who she’s MORE interested in, and then leaves me high and dry. Not good.
I’m still proud of myself. I did a thing I never thought I would do as it relates to her and my feelings for her.
But I won’t lie. It hurts. One day, it won’t, though. And that’s life. I am who I will be when I put my best self forward, in everything I do. I am.
A Cornered Gurl 
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