Tag: Friendship

For You, My Favorite Veteran.

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Karen & I, April 2024 (my birthday weekend and trip back home to Savannah, Georgia).

I’ll never forget that morning
You called me in tears . . .
Painful sobs hit my ears
As I struggled to open my
Eyes and listen to your words.

You thought something
Happened to me–I was unsafe
Or hurt or about to do something
To myself I hadn’t run by
God first, and upon hearing
The pain in your voice, it shook
Me awake.

I could never leave this earth
In a way that would cause
You to worry about my actions.
You deserve full reports and
Regular updates.
We grew from teenagers running
Away from home to adults
Running to our homes and
Love looks good on us.

My beautiful friend, my sister . . .
Thank you for your service–for
The fearless enlisting that would
Swallow twenty years of your life
And have me stand back in awe
Of your choice to serve a nation
That still hates us.

I am proud of you.
You have been an inspiration
And a joy in my life that
Ages like fine wine.

I would war for you without
Hesitation–throw on the full
Armor of God if you were ever
In danger–blood doesn’t bind
Us, but love does.
Experience does.
Grief does.
Healing does.

And if the world doesn’t
Recognize your beauty in
My presence, it will be force-fed
Stories about your existence
To acknowledge it because
It’s the right thing to do.

You survived a system for
Over two decades that never
Had you as its highest priority,
And you lived to recount the details.
You are my hero and forever
Will be.
Happy Veterans Day, Karen!

And Happy Veterans Day to all veterans. Thank you for your service.

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

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.

Two Things Thursday #16

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1. Wicker Papasan Chair & Footstool (Different filters & angles). ©2024 Tremaine L. Loadholt
2. A Wednesday Outing. ©2024 Tremaine L. Loadholt

1. Wicker Papasan Chair & Footstool are the newest additions to our home. You all know that Jernee commandeers my favorite chair ALL THE TIME and has laid an indefinite claim to it, so I purchased the above Papasan chair & footstool.

Prayerfully, The Little Monster will leave this one alone and let me have a space to fully relax without her taking over.

My best friend was here in March and Jernee hopped right in my chair just before I was about to sit down and my best friend said, “I don’t know why you just don’t get her another chair.” I said I wouldn’t. I even said Jernee has plenty of places where she can park her hind-end, and lo and behold, I’ve bought another piece of furniture, but solely for myself.

We’ll see how long it stays mine and only mine. Lol!

2. A Wednesday Outing is a quick photo I took of myself walking down our building’s stairs to get to my optometrist’s appointment. I took the day off to take care of my eyes and had my last therapy session with my therapist who is retiring.

My shirt (one of the very many my best friend bought . . . I rarely buy my own shirts. She loves to shop and whenever she buys something for herself, she gets me a ton of stuff, too. I’ve ceased arguing with her and telling her not to buy me anything, she’s going to do it anyway. Ain’t no need to waste my good energy. Lol) says “Loved.”, which I am.

It’s also in one of my favorite colors–red. I paired it with a white long-sleeved (I’m always cold while indoors) shirt, dark gray sweatpants, and a pair of red & black sneakers. My crossover purse is black as well.

It was a good day. And I am somewhat partial to this photo. I’m not really cheesing, but I’m smiling enough to show that I am happy, and I was having a fantastic morning.

NaPoWriMo #29

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break loose

Weekend Getaway to Charlotte Photo Collage created by Tremaine L. Loadholt

slid away from
the comfort of
home to breathe in
different air

the dog in tow
we spend our
weekend with love
and good food

Queen City breakaway
to break away from
the monotony but
run right back to it
because . . . life must
go on