Blog Archives

Indie Drama ‘Short Term 12′

8/26/2013

A film Exploring the Foster Care System

Opens in DC August 30, 2013

Growing up in the “system” makes one typically reluctant to share their stories, as it often requires reliving a life better left buried. However, when someone does have the courage to expose the realities of what it means to be a part of this kind of life, my antennas go up and I consider myself a harsh critic. I haven’t seen this film yet, but from the reviews, it seems promising. Based on the writer/director Destin Cretton’s experiences working in a group home, the film screened at Sundance in 2008 and tagged itself as “A film about kids and the grown-ups who hit them.”

Movie Synopsis:
Short Term 12 stars Brie Larson (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) and John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom) as Grace and Mason, a young couple working together in a juvenile care home. Grace is tasked with guiding the troubled youngsters, many of whom come from backgrounds where they have been abused or neglected, through the trials of growing up, but finds herself unable to be as open about her own feelings as she encourages them to be.

2011 Foster Care Statistics

On September 30, 2011, there were an estimated 400,540 children in foster care.More than a quarter (27 percent) were in relative homes, and nearly half (47 percent) were in non-relative foster family homes.
About half (52 percent) had a case goal of reunification with their families.
About half (52 percent) of the children left the system to be reunited with their parents or primary caretakers.
Close to half of the children (46 percent) who left foster care in FY 2011 were in care for less than 1 year.

Would you see a film like this? Why or why not ?

What is your reaction to these statistics?

28 Comments

YMCA Anthony Bowen

8/22/2013

40 Comments

Preview Party for Charter Members

Two words that come to mind when I think of the
YMCA Anthony Bowen: Prestige and Promise.

YMCA Anthony Bowen rooftop terrace

At the beginning of the summer I enjoyed my first ever hard hat tour of the Anthony Bowen YMCA. Today, I got a sneak peak of the finished product with its inspirational design, rooftop terrace and so much more! It is an exciting time to be a part of something new and meaningful!

The building reflects the diversity and wide- ranging interests especially to the arts and writers of the immediate community. The unique design celebrates the legacy of YMCA Anthony Bowen as historically the first African American Y, founded in 1853, along with its ability to adapt and serve the community’s evolving needs. It also pays tribute to its famed visitors (such as Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Poet Langston Hughes and Dr. Charles Drew) and founder Anthony Bowen, a slave who purchased his freedom in 1830 and went on to become a prominent religious and community leader. Click here for a detailed history of this Y's service.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Staircase leading to the swimming pool.

The entrance of the YMCA Anthony Bowen.

Cardio room and Climbing wall.

Swimming pool and Lobby

The front lobby and Customer Service Desk.

40 Comments

Mama Rock's Rules with Valerie Graham

8/20/2013

35 Comments

Virgil Graham Photography

Remember the photographer I told you about the other day? Well his wife, Valerie Graham is just as awesome! She wrote Mama Rock’s Rules Ten Lessons for Raising a Houseful of Successful Children with Chris Rock’s mother, Rose Rock. Valerie, a graduate of Harvard University, is also a magazine editor, and society columnist. Down to earth and full of positive energy, it was a joy exchanging family stories with her and learning that we have similar roots!

As a child that grew up in the foster care system and now a mother, I am moved by what Rose has not only done for her ten children but for seventeen foster children. It isn’t easy. Rose founded Rock This 619, a nonprofit youth empowerment organization. Moreover, she hosts the weekly Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, radio program The Mom Show where Valerie is also a part of the on-air production team. This collaboration signifies the strength and beauty of what women can do when they share their gifts. I love it!

Rose says she had 3 rules in her house that her children had to follow:
1. I'm the parent, I make the rules.
2. You are the child, you follow the rules.
3. Any problems? Refer to rule number 1.

What rules would you add to the list?

35 Comments

Virgil Graham Photography

8/18/2013

42 Comments

It is more than picture taking, it's an experience!

Virgil Graham Photography 2013

During a recent visit to Myrtle Beach, I chose to splurge a little on hiring a professional to take beach portraits. When I called Virgil Graham Photography to learn more about the services provided, Virgil answered all of my questions and was knowledgeable of the location and best time of day to shoot. I had no idea he was educated at Harvard Design School, trained to be a pilot, is a popular local speaker and has been featured on television as a narrator/ historian! He shared a lot of great stories, which highlighted his dynamic personality.

For me, our conversation was pleasantly different from the way I do business back home. Knowing that I was visiting, Virgil asked that I treat him like an uncle away from home and that if I needed any local recommendations he would be happy to provide them. Virgil suggested the Sea Captain’s House, which provided an award- winning oceanfront dining experience. I’m glad I went as I got the impression that the locals frequented the place and it reminded me of Mary Kay’s Toll House back home.

Do you want to know about the photo shoot? A big storm was on its way and the clouds were coming and going. We decided to go for it anyway! Virgil’s professional camera and lighting system worked magic! I am delighted to see how the pictures turned out. I was most impressed with how Virgil has an eye for catching the right moments. If you are ever in the Myrtle Beach area, I highly recommend Virgil Graham Photography. It is more than picture taking, it is an experience!

42 Comments

2013-2014 Events for Writers

8/16/2013

42 Comments

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

With the fall equinox only 36 days away, I thought it would be a good idea to map out the writers conferences, workshops, retreats, and festivals coming up. Don’t wait for January 2014 to make the decision to get serious about your writing project. Set some goals now and get connected to the right resources.

Sometimes the writing life can be isolating. Find camaraderie with fellow authors by getting out, networking, and building your author platform. I’ve listed events taking place in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Kindly let me know of an event that needs to be added to this list. I look forward to seeing you! Cheers!

Maryland

The Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend
http://readers-rock-2013.eventbrite.com/
Weekend October 18 and 19 in the Comfort Inn of Bowie

Baltimore Book Festival
Where readers and authors connect
September 27-29, 2013

F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference
poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, travel writing, memoir, Children's/YA
October 26, 2013

The Writer's Center- Any workshop with Barbara Esstman is worth every penny spent!
Year-Round

Bethesda Literary Festival
poetry, fiction, nonfiction, journalism
2014 dates TBA

Virginia

Hampton Roads Writers' Conference Where characters connect September 19-21, 2013

Fall for the Book [fest] September 22-27, 2013

James River Writers [con] October 19-20, 2013

Virginia Festival of the Book March 19-23, 2014

The Porches Writing Retreat Year-Round

Emory & Henry College Literary Festival 2013 dates TBA

Lex Allen Literary Festival readings, panel discussions 2014 dates TBA

TCC Literary Festival 2014 dates TBA

Washington, DC

Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival October 6-16, 2013

Split This Rock Poetry Festival "Poems of Provocation & Witness" March 27-30, 2014

Algonkian Writer Conferences workshops, novel analysis Year-Round

42 Comments

Famous in Takoma Park, Maryland

8/14/2013

36 Comments

Takoma Park, Maryland is my home town. Woot! Woot! I hear you clapping!
Known for its farmers markets and budding azaleas, it is a place rich with culture. Recently, I've done research to craft a scene in my manuscript and I've learned that some pretty neat people have interesting ties to the place. Where is your home town and what interesting facts or people come from there? I'd love to hear all about it!

Katherine Peterson

Katherine Paterson, from Takoma Park wrote the Bridge to Terabithia, a classic of young adult literature based upon an 8 year old girl who died from being struck by lightening in 1977.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn is an American actress, film director, producer, and occasional singer. Hawn is known for her roles in television's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and films like Private Benjamin and The First Wives Club. She grew up in Takoma Park where she married John Hudson in the backyard of her childhood home.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, is an American actor, screenwriter and film director. Stallone is well known for his Hollywood action roles. Two notable characters he has portrayed are the boxer Rocky Balboa and soldier John Rambo. He grew up on the border of Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

Sterling Brown

African American poet and scholar of African American folk culture and literature, Sterling Brown died in Takoma Park, Md on January 13, 1989.

Mathew Nathan Drudge

American businessman, journalist, blogger and personality, Matthew Nathan Drudge, born in Takoma Park, Maryland, has a net worth of approximately $90 million. Matt Drudge made his millions though creating and running his famous news blog, the Drudge Report.

John Fahey

John Fahey 1939-2001 was ranked 35th in the Rolling Stone “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list. He was born in Takoma Park, DC and has an album called “Twilight on Prince George’s Avenue.”

Mark Mitchell

Photo: DAN DELONG/P-I

Mark Mitchell is an African American Historian and impressive Artifact Collector of African American history. Read more here.

36 Comments

Indie Drama ‘Short Term 12′

A film Exploring the Foster Care System

Opens in DC August 30, 2013

2011 Foster Care Statistics

Would you see a film like this? Why or why not ?

What is your reaction to these statistics?

YMCA Anthony Bowen

Preview Party for Charter Members

Two words that come to mind when I think of the YMCA Anthony Bowen: Prestige and Promise.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Mama Rock's Rules with Valerie Graham

Rose says she had 3 rules in her house that her children had to follow:1. I'm the parent, I make the rules.2. You are the child, you follow the rules.3. Any problems? Refer to rule number 1.

What rules would you add to the list?

Virgil Graham Photography

It is more than picture taking, it's an experience!

2013-2014 Events for Writers

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Maryland

Virginia

Washington, DC

Famous in Takoma Park, Maryland

Katherine Peterson

Goldie Hawn

Sylvester Stallone

Sterling Brown

Mathew Nathan Drudge

John Fahey

Mark Mitchell

Yvonne Brown

Archives

Two words that come to mind when I think of the
YMCA Anthony Bowen: Prestige and Promise.

Rose says she had 3 rules in her house that her children had to follow:
1. I'm the parent, I make the rules.
2. You are the child, you follow the rules.
3. Any problems? Refer to rule number 1.