Jewel Kats: Living life Without Impossibilities

by Cyrus Webb

When challenges come---and they always do---it's up to us to either allow it to destroy us or bring out the best in us. That is exactly what Toronto native Jewel Kats has done.

I was introduced to the author and disability advocate through Victor R. Volkman, the founder of Loving Healing Press and the publisher of several of her titles. Katz was involved in a car accident as a child that changed her life, but didn't take away her desire to change the world.

After reading a few of her titles I had the opportunity to interview her for Conversations LIVE, and it was an inspiring discussion that led me to this theme: nothing is impossible when you live life without impossibilities.

Jewel told me that it's been an amazing experience to have individuals read her work and get the messages she has included. "That's exactly what I wanted to do," she says.

She told me she didn't know she wanted to be a writer until her twenties, and after some changes in her personal life it was a conversation with her mother that set things in motion. "My mom asked what I wanted to do with my life," she recalls. "I told her I wanted to write books for children." The rest, as they say, is history.

Since then she has written books like Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story about Sexual Abuse,  Cinderella's Magical Wheelchair: An Empowering Fairy Tale and Teddy Bear Princess: A Story About Sharing and Caring: all of which are entertaining, yet provide important lessons for readers of all ages. Her newest book Snow White's Seven Patches: A Vitiligo Fairy Tale is full of the entertainment fans of the reader have come to expect as well as great messages that will have you sharing it with others.

Thanks to the internet, Jewel is able to reach individuals around the world, something that she doesn't take lightly. "You never think you can touch people through a keyboard and your thoughts," she told me. "It's so humbling to know you are making a difference through your words."

That difference she is making also comes from her personal love of the craft. "Writing is a burning desire," Jewel explained. "I can't go a day without writing. I'm constantly flooded with ideas. Writing is in my blood. It's what I do...what I want to do."

One of the most recent ways she author and advocate is sharing her gift is through the new book inspired by her own life. DitzAbled Princess: A Comical Diary Inspired by Real Life shows you a woman who is not only a fighter but an individual that knows how NOT to take herself too seriously. What a great lesson for all of us. I enjoyed the book so much I chose it as one of my Top 50 Non-Fiction titles of 2013.

Because she has done so much I asked Jewel what advice she has for others when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams. "We don't know what is going to happen tomorrow," she said, "so you have to make the most of today. Keep trying. Look inside yourself.  If you have a dream then follow it."

If 2013 is any indication of what we can expect from Jewel I believe she is only just beginning to share her creativity and jest for life with the world. Make sure to stay in touch with everything Jewel at her website www.jewelkats.com.

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Review of Snow White's Seven Patches: A Vitiligo Fairy Tale 
by Cyrus Webb

Once again author Jewel Kats has delivered a story that is entertaining and shares a powerful message. In SNOW WHITE'S SEVEN PATCHES we are introduced to a beautiful girl who was hidden away because of her Vitiligo. This also makes it easy for her to be taken advantage of by a woman that just happens to be her mother.

This book is an amazing example of individuals loving you for you and also how others can try to take advantage of a situation for their own benefit. For Snow White she was at the mercy of the woman she knew only as Ivy, however, it was during some alone time that she realized that her seven patches were something special.

Will Snow White have the chance to find happiness or will the evil Ivy try to destroy what makes her special?

SNOW WHITE'S SEVEN PATCHES is a great story of not just the power of words but the importance of loving yourself. It worked for Snow White, and it can work for anyone who believes they are able to do great things in the world.

Entertaining and full of lessons, SNOW WHITE'S SEVEN PATCHES is a great read for reader of all ages.

Actress Francine Locke: Finding "Justice" On Her God-Directed Journey

by Cyrus Webb

Some things just seem to happen, but do they really? I know for me there have been instances where it seems as though things were working out so well that it was just meant to me. I've since come to realize that this is what happens when you are able to realize your own limitations and give yourself over to something larger than yourself.

Actress Francine Locke has also found this to be true. As someone who had over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry she has been involved in commercials, industrial films and modeling. When I caught up with her as she was promoting the film Stand Your Ground (formerly Georgia Justice) that will be released in January 2014. Her own personal journey has been one of soul searching and reflection, and now she is using her gift in a way that is sure to inspire others.

"I've taken a different step forward in this industry," she told me. "I want to use what I have been given to bring light to a dark environment. I had been modeling and acting for many years, but it was really just to pay the bills." After taking a ten-year break from the business she has returned with a new outlook on her life, her gift and what she can do with it. "Today I want to use what God gave me to show something more positive."

The change that Francine has experience has a lot to do with the person she's become. "When I first started I was in a different place in my life," she explains. "Right now I am at a different place spiritually. This has led me to accept who I am and what God wanted me to be." When referring to the entertainment world she points out the difference in the perception versus the reality. "It's not the glamour lifestyle that is depicted. It's just work. It's a job." What makes it different for her this time around, though, is her own motive towards that job. "Today the way I feel is that I am finally where I belong."

Francine role in the upcoming film Stand Your Ground is that of Jackie Carpenter, someone who is no stranger to Conversations Magazine or Conversations LIVE radio show. The project is based on Jackie's own journey of faith as outlined in her books THE BRIDGE and GEORGIA JUSTICE. "It has been such a God-directed journey," Francine told me. In fact when Jackie saw Francine her words to her "We've been praying for Jackie to show up, and it's you."

Stand Your Ground was exactly the kind of project that fit where Francine is in her life now. "It's something that I feel like I am completely suited for," she says. "When I read the script I could say that I know the feelings of frustrations of wanting to be in control and having to give it all up to God."

That is what both Francine and I believe viewers of the film will be able to take away from it: how much Jackie's journey of faith is really all of our journey.

With Francine's experiences in the industry has come invaluable advice that she is more than willing to share with others. "I feel so empowered to tell people to do what is good in your heart. You don't have to say yes to everything. It's up to you to  make the right choices. There is a reason why you are put where you are at."

For actors and actresses she share this nugget: "Do all the work you can as long as it is up to your moral standards. The right projects will 'suddenly' show up. You can continue to work in this environment to grow your craft and to grow yourself spiritually."

For more information about Francine visit http://www.francinelocke.com/ . To stay abreast of everything dealing with with Stand Your Ground visit http://www.standyourgroundmovie.com/.

Actress Sandra Elise Williams: Teaching So Others Can Learn

by Cyrus Webb

For actress Sandra Elise Williams her journey in the entertainment industry has been about more than just the glitz and glamour and the privileges from being seen. With roles in movies like Untouched and The Notebook, it is her love for the craft that has really made her someone to watch.

"I feel very blessed," she told me during a visit to Conversations LIVE. "To have these opportunities I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue a career. In a lot of ways I feel as though I am just beginning, because I've just inched along slowly in moderation with family as a priority. I feel really fortunate and thankful."

It was interesting with Sandra to talk about how she got to where she is today. At the time when we talked she had just wrapped on a film project called Stand Your Ground  (formerly called Georgia Justice) and was preparing for upcoming productions. "For myself being an actress is similar to being a teacher," she explained. "As a little girl I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I worked as a teacher for 10 years and love it tremendously. I see similarities because you help people make new discoveries and provoke change. The realization came to me when I booked my first Screen Acting Guild commercial. I have always been very sensory-driven. That connection is just an innate part of who I am. I have just continued to pursue it from there."

Education has come not just in what Sandra has learned about the craft but what she can impart to others as well. "I still define myself as an educator," she told me, "because I want to have that equal impact. I want to be very much connected in young people's lives and be an encourager." Sandra has come to realize that you don't have to be in a classroom to accomplish this feat. "You can do that through film as well," she says.

When talking about the movie Stand Your Ground, Sandra seems to have the same reaction as everyone else I have talked with who are associated in some form with it. "You're going to love this movie," she says. When talking about working with the cast and those who were bringing the film to life, she says it was an amazing experience for her in many ways. "I have never experienced anything like that before, where there is such a commitment." Sandra says everyone involved embraced her fully.

I asked her what she thought the public will be able to take away from the film, and Sandra told me that she believes that with every chapter of our lives there is a lesson there. "We all come from different perspectives, and we can be so judgmental of others," she explained. "Via the media we hear of a story and we decided where we stand with it. It really isn't until you have intimately known what has taken place that I feel you are in a position to make a decision and determine justice. It's a delicate thing and a frightening thing to go through. It requires the responsibility of everyone. It's about coming together as humans."

In keeping with her mission of imparting knowledge to others, I asked Sandra what she had to say to individuals looking to follow a dream. "Truly work begets work. When you go in and show solid commitment and professionalism, it really does lead to the next thing."

Stay in contact with Sandra on Twitter at http://twitter.com/hiresandraelise as well as on Facebook. Stay in contact with Stand Your Ground at www.standyourgroundmovie.com.

Jackie Carpenter's Faith-Filled Walk to Justice

by Cyrus Webb

Georgia native Jackie Carpenter never intended on becoming an author, however, the events that took place in her life in 2009 set in motion not one but two literary works that she believes have been divinely inspired.  THE BRIDGE (Between Cell Block A and a Miracle Is Psalm 91) & GEORGIA JUSTICE allow you to go into the events that would have destroyed many but seemed to fortify those involved. What has been great to watch is not only the response to the books but how they seem to set off a ripple effect including a movie called Stand Your Ground.

I first interviewed Jackie on Conversations LIVE radio show in 2010 and our book club had the opportunity to host her in January 2011 when she visited Mississippi. I said to her then that I could see her story unfolding on the big screen and in January 2014 that is becoming a reality with the debut of Stand Your Ground. How has Jackie grown and what does she hope readers and soon viewers take away from her story? She talks about this and more in this exclusive interview.

First of all, Jackie, congratulations on the success of your book THE BRIDGE and GEORGIA JUSTICE. How does it feel to have something that came from a tragedy inspire so many people?
It feels like for the first time my life has a "real purpose" and that purpose is to share "what God can do" with all of the hurting people who do not need help in their lives, "they need Miracles! I am learning for the first time that there is nothing in this life as satisfying as telling others what God can do!

Before the events that happened in your life that prompted this book, did you ever think of being an author before?
Before this tragedy I never even so much as entertained the thought of writing a book.

Your not intending to write before the events just a few years ago is one of the most interesting aspects of this journey. So take us into your world growing up. In reading the book, it's obvious that faith was instrumental to getting you through your trying times as an adult. When did you realize the power of faith?
I had a great childhood. God blessed me with Christian parents and also a Christian sister. My sister Susie and I were raised in the country. Playing barefoot in the dirt, running through mudpuddles, and having fun all day. My dad was a hardworking man and my mom was a homemaker. We were always involved in the church. I gave my life to the Lord when I was 13 yrs. old. I always thought that I had faith that would conquer anything, but that's easy to think when it hadn't had to conquer anything. But when my world was turned upside down, how did I build my faith strong enough to turn it "right side up"? That's a whole different ballgame!


(author Jackie Carpenter, Cyrus Webb and Kimberly of the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS) Jackie, for those just hearing about your books THE BRIDGE and GEORGIA JUSTICE, tell them what the books are about.
My 28 year old son, married to a beautiful wife with a 7 year old son, was a homebuilder. He was also a victim of copper theft in his under construction homes. After numerous thefts, each theft costing approximately $6,000 a deputy agreed to meet my son at the construction site to give him advice on how to handle these thefts. The bad advice that this deputy gave my son resulted in the death of a young man. Due to "false accusations" by so many people, my son was "falsely accused" of Felony Murder.

These books were totally inspired by God. I am not a writer, but God wrote a Best Seller. The first book was inspired about 2 months following my son, Jason's "high profile murder trial". This "Tragedy" is something that could happen to anyone on any given day. The early morning hours of June 28th, 2008 just happened to be my day. Never in my life did I ever think for one split second that our family would ever experience anything like this. But the call came at 2:00 a.m. on June 27th, 2008 just the same!

How did this happen? Why did this happen? Upstanding citizens of the community, Christians, always trying to give back , always trying to do what's right. How in the world could something like this be happening? What do we do now? We have never dealt with anything like what we were dealing with now.

God was my only hope. Things were dire. Money was of no value. All news was bad news. Without God's renewed strength in my body I would not have been able to take another breath or walk another step. I moved my life into the Book of Psalms. I read Psalms day and night!

"The Bridge" and "Georgia Justice" take you on the journey of "utter helplessness" that our family endured, and the strong Faith that brought us to the place of Victory. Ten long months we lived in the very pit of hell where Satan viciously attacked our family continuously.

Looking back on it now, do you think the trials that your son and your entire family went through were in some ways a larger testimony of what God is able to do in all of our lives?
YES! God doesn't make mistakes. He could have stopped this tragedy at any time. What if Jason had not gone down there that night? What if I had not bought that "Psalm 91" Book? What if the "deceased" had just cooperated until the police arrived? What if the police had not got lost? What if the gun had not misfired? What if I had gone down there with him? What if a "bad cop" had not given Jason "bad advice"?

For 10 months I wrestled with the "what if" factor. What if God doesn't help us? What if God let's Jason go to jail even though he's innocent? It was all those "what if" questions that weakened my Faith. It was only when I stopped doubting and started trusting that I received "Peace" and now God is showing me the next piece of the puzzle. He is allowing me to share "what He did for our family" with countless others who need for Him to do the same thing in their lives. He is affording me the opportunity to tell them "He is there for them"!

Not only do you have the two books that chronicle the experience, but now there is the movie Georgia Justice that is sure to inspire others as well. Jackie, there are people reading this interview who might not be going through a situation like you experienced, but they are dealing with their own difficulties. What advice would you give them?
The books and the movie are totally based on what I experienced "start to finish" from a great life, to a tormented life, from the arrest of my son until the last day of his "Murder Trial, and everything that I experienced along the way. I experienced humility. I experienced what it means to be "Scared to Death" I experienced embarrassment. The Newspapers were Relentless. I experienced the maximum in the "frustration arena". I experienced what it's like to "Bottom Out' as a Mama.

Even if the reader has not experienced this tragedy, they may have experienced the same feelings in dealing with their own hurt that they are facing. If they haven't experienced these feelings "Hold On My Friend" before June 27th 2008 neither had I. But God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He can do the "supernatural". He can take the devices of the wicked and make them to non-effect. God can take the crooked road and make it straight. God is the Only One that can do this. God is the Only one that can "heal a broken heart". There is nothing too big for our God!


As an author that is getting the recognition that so many aspiring writers want, what would you say to them about following their dream when it comes to writing?
This is a difficult question to answer because I never dreamed of becoming an aspiring writer, but God is an "Inspiring Writer". He wrote a bestseller you know! If you believe in Him I know that he will help you with whatever you are doing as long as you keep Him first. He can't fail.

Just when everyone in the family had started moving on from this tragedy approximately 2 months after the verdict , as I was sitting at my desk working , God asked me this question: "Jackie, what was the worst part of this ordeal for you? I answered: Oh God, that was when my son was in Cell Block A. God then asked me, "Jackie, what was the best part of this ordeal for you? I answered: Oh, God that was our Miracle Verdict. He then asked me" Jackie, what was that "Bridge" that joined the worst to the best? I replied: Oh God, that was Psalm 91 that I claimed for my son all of those tormenting months. God said: "Very Good, now let's start writing!" You have to share it with others, you cannot hide it! Miracles are meant to be "shared"!

Jackie again it has been great watching all of this unfold. Congratulations to you and the cast and crew associated with the movie Stand Your Ground. For our readers they can get their copies of the books by visiting www.bridgetoamiracle.com and updates about the movie can be found at www.standyourgroundmovie.com. I also invite them to follow you all on Facebook and Twitter. The links are all available on the movie website.

Mary's Motivational Message: The Gift of Gratitude

Recently, I was asked to participate in a challenge during the month of November focused on extending GRATITUDE on numerous levels.

With that said, I have spent most of 2013 re-assessing my life. I recently shared with my soul-mate friends how I’m in transition. I’m in the midst of a metamorphosis. Many of you reading this article may also feel that within your life you are being called to make a shift or reassess your journey. And if you are a person who is resistant of change, this process can be overwhelming.

Many of you at this very moment may feel as though you are in the midst of yet, another internal storm and finding your way through it may leave you feeling as though you are in a maze. At times life can leave you feeling as though you are stuck; everywhere you turn there is a road block.

While in transition, it can be difficult to remember the value housed in your existence and what you should be GRATEFUL for.

You see, many times when we are in transition we seek out support yet, we are met with un empathetic ears or our level of faith is questioned. Because within that moment; many may not see or feel our internal conflict.
Sometimes the needed prescription is in the form of validation or just a reminder that this moment will pass.  We all have had those moments, moments when we doubt or question. But it is during those internal struggles, that you come to discover, just how resilient you truly are. Working through those struggles allows growth to manifest.

Let’s focus back on the maze…as you travel through that maze, which is reflective of your life, each corner you turn, every bump you encounter, challenges you to trust that every step back is not a set back and every road block is not necessarily a block of your potential.

Perhaps, it’s actually directing you down a path that leads to new opportunities and a greater sense of self awareness.

My Message to You Is To Stay GRATEFUL
In the midst of your journey never lose touch with all GOD has done within your life.
- You may have lost you home, your job and your dream car but you are still here, be GRATEFUL
- Be GRATEFUL for the people who have crossed your life. Perhaps, every experience wasn’t pleasant but you learned something from it
- Be GRATEFUL for the people who love you and the people you love
- Reflect on how GOD has blessed all of us with special gifts. Perhaps, you have not tapped into yours at this very moment but HE did not forget you…be GRATEFUL
- Be GRATEFUL that HE loves you unconditionally and has instilled within you the power to forgive others as well as yourself
- Be GRATEFUL of your journey. Your stay here is simply a short visit but HE allowed you to be born.
Set aside time and make a list of all that you are GRATEFUL for and revisit it often. And never forget that as a Nation we set aside one day out of the year to focus on GRATITUDE and we do it big. However, it is important that we maintain a GRATEFUL spirit each and every day.

Love, Peace and Endless Gratitude,                                                                                                                                                Mary E. Gilder
*Mary E. Gilder is the author of the award winning novel, “A Misrepresentation of Myself.” And her soon to be released novel, “Even a Man can have a Broken Heart.” Mary can be contacted at meg@maryegilder.com or bookclubs.maryegilder@yahoo.com.

Actor Drew Matthews: Following the Road Leading to His Destiny

by Cyrus Webb

Our path to our own personal passion or purpose is not always a straight one. Sometimes it includes some twists and turns, bumps and valleys---but if we are truly committed to it the destination we are intended for is the one we will reach.

For actor Drew Matthews where he is today is due to nothing else but his faith and perseverance. I got to know him as one of the leading cast members in the movie Stand Your Ground.  He plays Jason Veitch, the man at the center of the storm that takes place through the film and as it was in real life for his family. Talking with Drew, however, I can't help but see how he would resonate with the story-line. "My journey has morphed over the years," he told me. He credits much of his success from learning something that actors are suppose to develop in their craft: creating conversation, making the dialogue about the other person and not yourself.

Drew started acting when he was young. When did he know it was something he wanted to do? "In our kindergarden play when I played the gingerbread man," he told me. It was a big thing for his family at the time, and for him too. After that he wanted to be a part of every production---that is at least until middle school.

"I stopped performing in middle school and high school," he explained. The reason being caving into peer pressure. Drew says his classmates weren't friendly about him being a part of productions. He was tired of being bullied and did something that actually got him praise in another area: tennis.

As I said earlier, though, it doesn't matter what happens along the road to purpose. If we are truly passionate about something it always comes back around. This proved true for Drew as well. He told me that after college he had to be true to himself about what he really loved. "I decided I couldn't escape how much I enjoyed acting and went back to studying the craft and was going to do what was making me happy."

Acting for Drew is about more than just about getting attention. It's about bringing attention to something larger than you. "Everybody at some point in time want to feel like they are contributing and want to do their part in life," he said to me. "I don't claim to be a great actor. I claim to love acting. I hope that one day I can be great at it. I'll keep working hard for it. No matter what I'm going to encourage others, bringing others up and go for my dreams." He then added: "That is the scariest thing I could have said out loud," but for him it is the truth.

When discussing getting into character for Stand Your Ground Drew says "It's not as easy as it looks." Known mostly for light-hearted performances, this role required he go into another place. "I can't tell you how hard it is. This is the first time I've had to do a film where I had to constantly make myself vulnerable and open to the audience." A great deal of what made it possible to bring Jason Veitch to life was the director. "Every actor that was there would walk on glass" for him, Drew explained. When he discussed the finished product and what he hopes others would see in it he says "We kept the story pure and honest and full of integrity."

When Stand Your Ground opens in select theaters in January 2014 viewers will be able to see how faith and reliance in God helps you to withstand any challenge you face.

For Drew the path now is clear and though it has its obstacles he is sure that where he is today is exactly where he is supposed to be.  His message from what he has learned? "You've got to be exactly what you've been called to be." Only then can you say that you are truly living.

Stay in touch with Drew Matthews online at www.facebook.com/drewmatthewsactor and www.twitter.com/drewlmatthews. Discover more about the movie Stand Your Ground at www.standyourgroundmovie.com.

*  Top photo from www.facebook.com/drewmatthewsactor. Bottom photo from www.standyourgroundmovie.com.

Actor Cameron Arnett: Transforming the Entertainment Industry From the Inside Out

by Cyrus Webb

With everything we do in life I think the key to finding true success and happiness is to know that no matter what happens in life God has our back. Those who are a part of the cast of the movie Stand Your Ground are able to share this message on screen, however, they are also able to impart the same message through their lives.

Take actor Cameron Arnett for instance. In the movie he plays Mitchell Kane, attorney for Jackie Carpenter's son Jason Veitch, but everyday he is showing that a difference can be made by any of God's children so we should look for what we can do and then get to doing it.

Prior to my interview with him I read a post he made on Facebook that really stuck with me. It simply said this:"Christian actors you are needed in the entertainment industry. Don't leave it. Transform it."

It was with that post in mind that I went into our conversation. "It's great to allow Christ to use my talents to not only enjoy what God gave me but be a blessing to others as well," he told me during our chat together.

For Cameron this journey in the entertainment industry has not been without its moments of pause and reflection. "When I was in California in the industry you did whatever they wanted you to do," he told me. And that was exactly what he did, until something happened. My relationship with God just took over," he explained. "God tapped me on the shoulder and told me it was time to get out of the system." Cameron said that this "shattered" his world, mainly because at that time his entire existence was about being a star out of California. He know, however, that if he was going to be obedient he was going to have to make a change. That change caused him to drop acting for about 15 years.

Then something happened. Three years ago Cameron told me that God says to him "You're ready." What had changed? "It's not my world anymore," he told me. "It's not what I live for. It's something that I can be of use in."

This leads me back to the quote I shared at the beginning of this article from Cameron. You can be an individual of faith and thrive in any area. What changes is what you're thriving towards. "God has called me to the arts and entertainment," he told me. "I believe that He makes a way, and He is the way. He opens the doors. There's no reason for me to give up who He is when He is the one making it happen anyway."

When it comes to his role in Stand Your Ground, Cameron goes back to the truth for all of us. "I think people need to realize it is a cry for justice. I pray that people understand that everyone that is affected needs to have justice cried out for. We have to band together as godly people and be an answer to the questions others have about life and what they are experiencing."

His message for us as we are dealing with our own challenges and circumstances? "We have to understand that Jesus Christ is a Redeemer. Everything that you touch you have to understand that you are called to transform whatever you are involved in." May we all get to a place where we can receive that message and act on it every day of our lives.

Stay abreast of everything going on with Cameron Arnett at www.cameronarnett.com. You can also find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cameronarnettactor.

*     Top photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/cameronarnettactor. Bottom photo is from www.standyourgroundmovie.com.

Tony Lindsay Presents... Nella Larsen

Nella Larsen was unique, not only as a writer but as person: a female contributor to the Harlem Renaissance, a Guggenheim Fellowship winner, a childhood in Denmark, a Chicagoan, a Harlemnite, a divorcée in the 1930s, and a professional with three successful careers librarian, writer, and nurse. As her life and writing reflects, Nella Larsen felt that a woman’s place was wherever she wanted it to be.  

In the novel Quicksand, the reader is introduced to Helga Crane the protagonist of the work. She is a young college professor who has become disenchanted with the school that employs her and those who work for the school including her fiancé. She viewed the school as, “a place of shame, lies, hypocrisy, cruelty, servility, and snobbishness”(48). A place she no longer belonged.  This feeling of not belonging and being on the outside is a motif throughout the Quicksand. 

Larsen’s ability to place the reader in the story through precise, reader involving, descriptive details speaks to her literary craftsmanship. Larsen puts the reader where the character, Helga Crane, is to illustrate what and who Helga is escaping.

Bi-racial in culture and in ethnicity, Danish and African American, Larsen’s Helga Crane is often outside of the community she is living. Initially, she is attracted to the communities by feelings of nationalism or common ethnicity, but these prove not to be enough to sustain her belonging, or to prevent the ever ebbing feeling of being an outsider.

Inevitably, Crane becomes hostile toward the community she is within and begins to feel trapped and drawn into the lifestyle of the inhabitants; the communities themselves begin to suck her in much like quicksand. Of Harlem, she says,

Here the inscrutability of the dozen or more brown faces, all cast from the same indefinite mold, and so like her own, seemed pressing forward against her. Abruptly it flashed upon her that the harrowing irritation of the past weeks was a smoldering hatred. Then she was overcome by another, so actual, so horribly painful, that forever afterwards she preferred to forget it. It was as if she were shut up, boxed up, with hundreds of her race, closed up with that something in the racial character which had always been, to her, inexplicable, alien. Why, she demanded in fierce rebellion, should she be yoked to these despised black folk? (85-86)

            Revealingly, Larsen’s Helga Crane is aware of her character flaw. While in Denmark she asks,

. . . what was the matter with her? Was there, without her knowing it, some peculiar lack in her? Absurd. But she began to have a feeling of discouragement and hopelessness. Why couldn’t she be happy, content, somewhere? Other people managed, somehow, to be. To put it plainly, didn’t she know how? Was she incapable of it? (111)   

            How Larsen ends this novel is totally unpredictable, but true to the motif the end is as unsatisfying for Helga as the life she lived in the previous pages. Larsen gives the freedom of choice to her female characters; if they make the correct choice is up to the reader to decide. This edition of Quicksand was in The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen a wonderful book that gives exposure to an incredibly talented writer.  

Tony Lindsay is an award-winning author and adjunct professor at Chicago State University. His book ONE DEAD DOCTOR was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Top 100 Books of 2012. Lindsay was named Conversations Author of the Year 2012-2013.  His new book EMOTIONAL DRIPPINGS is available now on Amazon.com. He can be reached at tonylinsay7045@sbcglobal.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.linssay2.

Actor Ronny Mathew: Answering the Call to Bring His Best to God

by Cyrus Webb

I truly believe that all of us have a calling on our lives. It's up to us to be able to recognize what it is and walk in it. For actor Ronny Mathew it is no question that his calling is to bring characters to life.

He plays Ernesto Morales in the upcoming film Stand Your Grounds, and when he stopped by Conversations LIVE to discuss his journey in the entertainment issue he calls it "A God call".

Spending most of his life as a mechanic, some might see a career as an actor something that was unlikely for Ronny. He says it was during a retreat that he realized the gift of bringing words to life. After that with the coaching and support of Michael McClendon he knew that he could actually be successful in the craft.

When talking about the call to acting Ronny says that it fulfills for him what all of us have a desire for. "There are sides to us that we need to let out and help find ourselves," he told me. Michael McClendon told Ronny that he had something different. That validation told him this: "This is absolutely something I want to do."

Part of what brings joy to Ronny along his journey as an actor is the way his thoughts about the craft have changed. "It's about understanding that what we do is not for the sake of ourselves but for the glory of God," he says. "The weight of being a famous actor is tremendous. By giving God glory and putting all that fame and fortune in Him all that pressure is released." Ronny says you can then "be the kind of performer" he was meant to be. He also says you have to "let go and have faith."

Look for Ronny in Stand Your Ground and other projects in 2014. Stay in contact with him online at www.facebook.com/ronnymathew and www.twitter.com/ronny_mathew.

Top photo credit: Jordan Wright of Wright Expressions Photography
Bottom photo credit: Stand Your Ground the movie

Kenyon Glover: Living Life on Purpose

by Cyrus Webb

The road to the destination called purpose is sometimes a tricky one.

We all know what it's like to have a love for something and either never see it realized or have it snatched away. What we do in that moment determines not only the rest of our lives but what our purpose might actually be.

Take Kenyon Glover for instance. Today he seems to have it all: an amazing career as a model, actor, director, clothing line designer and he ends the year that is 2013 as an author having published his autobiography From Atlanta to Hollywood: Chasing the Dream. There seems to be very little that he can't do. Few would guess that all of what he has accomplished in the entertainment industry almost never happened. Why? Because after his NBA dreams were shattered, Glover had gotten to a point in his life where he was not only suicidal, but had actually held a gun to his head and pulled the trigger...

How was he able to realize and walk in his purpose before it was too late? That and more is what we discussed in our fascinating conversation.

KENYON GLOVER ON HIS LIFE NOW: "I'm blessed to be able to do what I have learned to love to do. It's been a heck of a journey. I have an interesting story to tell, and I hope it will inspire others to keep pushing for their dreams. I thank God for allowing me to wake up and do what I do. It's been rough. This live is one where you have to put in 120% a day. If you slack up everything can fall apart. My goal when I wake up is to make today better than yesterday. I've come a long way, and I'm appreciative for everything I've overcome and had fun doing it."

KENYON ON SPORTS: "I started playing basketball at the age 5. It was all I wanted to do. It was my dream to play in the NBA. Fortunately I had people around me that worked with me and wanted to see me succeed. I had brothers who pushed me and trained with me everyday. They made me tough and strong. It meant alot to have my family there to support me."

"I played ball through high school and had scholarship offers all around the country. I got to a point where I wanted to be: the NBA. Then 3 months after joining the Milwaukee Bucks I was injured. The doctors said I was done."

KENYON ON MOVING FORWARD: "After my NBA dream was gone I went into a total depression. I became suicidal and attempted suicide. I put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger, but the trigger got stuck. From that moment on I knew there was something else God wanted me to do.

"I started getting on my knees and praying and getting myself back together. It took me about a year. It was then that someone approached me about modeling. I got into it and before long I was working all over the country with different clothing companies. After that a friend invited me to attend an acting workshop with them. At the workshop I was asked by the acting coach to participate and fell in love with acting. It took over from there. I got to a place where I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. Basketball was put in the back of my mind. It been non-stop ever since."

* * *
The lessons that Kenyon have learned through his experiences are ones he is passing on to all that he meets. "You can't give up," he says. "Never give up on anything. No matter what, continue to pursue your dreams."

I asked him about the attention he gets from being in front of the camera and if it was something he was completely comfortable with. "It's been very comfortable for me," he replied. "I see it as a way of using it to my advantage. If I can inspire someone else to achieve what they want to achieve it's all worth it."

The projects that appeal the most to the mogul are action projects. "Those are the the roles that attract me," he says. "I like being the good guy that saves the day."

Outside of those that support him in person from project to project is his amazing online audience that follow him on each step of his journey. "I love social media because it connects you with your fans. They want to know more about you as a person, and I am able to talk with them one on one." Kenyon also using the online tools to grow as well. "I try to get advice and suggestions from my peers," he says. "I'm constantly picking their brains, because they are where I want to be. I'm really thankful for those who support me. It's good to know that they care and like what I have going on. I respect that."

There's a lot to look forward to from the man that is living his life on purpose. Kenyon has added another title to his name: that of director. His first short film is called LEAGUE OF REDEMPTION. He is also gearing up for the next season of his popular web series ANICA and promoting his newly launched clothing line called LDG which stands for League of Distinguished Gentlemen. Kenyon explains: "The main purpose was to be a movement. It's caters towards men who are making positive moves, are role models and giving back to their communities. When you have on LDG I want you to feel like you are part of something good."

To stay in contact with Glover visit his website www.kenyonglover.com and check him out on the social networking sites at www.facebook.com/kenyondglover  and www.twitter.com/kenyonglover. You can find out more about the clothing line at www.lodgclothing.com.


                                                                            ***
REVIEW: From Atlanta to Hollywood (Chasing A Dream)
by Cyrus Webb

A lot of times when it comes to someone in the public eye we just focus on the good they are doing or on the success. Few, however, know the path that they had to travel in order to get there or the challenges that could have stopped them along the way.

In his book FROM ATLANTA TO HOLLYWOOD: Chasing A Dream, renaissance man Kenyon Glover shares not just the highs of his life but what it was like for him to rise from a past of abuse, bad decisions and betrayal to be respected as an actor, director and business man.

I have interviewed Glover a few times on Conversations LIVE Radio, but a great deal of what he shares in the book was new to me. I think it really does give a glimpse into what it takes to make it in life and how you can't allow a setback or a bad situation to define you.

After dealing with a dark chapter in his life and attempting to end it all Glover came away with this revelation: "God had a plan for me and that was God's way of telling me that He ain't done with me yet." After that he was able to refocus his life and even was able to inspire others because of his positive outlook and determination. When it comes to his family he says that they have helped him to realize what is ultimately important. "I have learned that sometimes you have to put yourself and your dreams aside and put your family ahead of your dreams...Now when I walk into auditions or gigs, I have a sense of security because I know I have a family at home waiting on me that loves me no matter what. Whether I succeed or if I fail, they are going to love me regardless."

This entire book is a life lesson for us all. Regardless of what you are going through or what you might face, the important thing is to never give up on what is important. The road may not always be easy, but if you stick to the journey it will be worth it.

NEW VIDEO: Cyrus Webb Presents... "Life After the Fall"

Media personality Cyrus Webb begins his new weekly series called "Conversation Pieces" by addressing how we react after a challenge or difficulty in life.