My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me

For some, it may be a delectable meal. For others, it may be a soothing melodic lullaby that lulls them to sleep at night. Some people find release in rousing sexual escapades. They are all forms of escape. Though some may be more drastic than others, we all have our coping mechanisms. These last (almost) two years of living in an ever-changing pandemic state of mind have exacerbated anxiety levels for all of us.

Many people may be ashamed that they need someone to talk to. Someone besides a family member, a friend, or acquaintance, but a professional someone who can help them find resolutions for their issues. A couple of years ago, I operated under what I like to call “functional depression”. I’m no mental health professional, so avoid quoting me. However, I found myself in a dangerous state of mind only after I had come out of the other side. Some people don’t have that revalation.

On this week’s episode of my new podcast, Trigger Pointe, we’re addressing the elephant in the room that’s seldom talked about – mental health. Here’s an early listen before the episode drops at midnight tonight. I hope the dialogue inspires you to make the necessary changes you need to live your best life physically, spiritually and of course, mentally.

$10 Labor Day Flash Sale!

If you’re reading this, I hope you’re having an amazing Labor Day weekend! Chances are that you’ve worked extremely hard and deserve to take a break. Here’s something that will make your relaxation even sweeter: $10 off on all books on my site. Yes, for the first time ever, you can get any book here for only $10. Act fast, because the sale will be over tomorrow!

This is a thank you to everyone who has supported me for the last ten years of my writing. I truly appreciate your support and couldn’t do this without you. Stay tuned, more surprises are coming later this year.

Also, in case you missed it, check out the first episode of my new podcast, Trigger Pointe. Stay tuned for the second episode, coming this Thursday.

Broke, Busted and Disgusted

Life has a funny way of inspiring art. A few years ago, my bank account was no laughing matter. Life situations mixed with a couple of desperate financial choices left me thousands of dollars in the hole. During that period in my life, I was bitter and unhappy. Plus, I had to quickly find a way to recoup the money I lost.

I’ve always had a hustle mentality. I saw first-hand how some people get involved in illegal activity to make money. But wait. I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ll get to that part later. For the record, I did work hard to get out of debt without doing anything illegal.

If you’ve been following my blog, you know I have an upcoming podcast called Trigger Pointe (yes, ‘Pointe’ is spelled correctly for the purpose of the show). The time is finally here and the new episode will be released at midnight! As a thank you for subscribing to my mailing list, I’m giving you access to the first episode before anyone else.

Trigger Pointe is a limited-episode podcast that discusses many triggering situations that can shake our worlds, including finances, love, mental health and the fear of being alone. Check out the first episode and stay tuned for new episodes every Thursday!

Unwrap It Now!

I started collecting vinyl in December of last year (with the kick-start from one of my best friends). Since then, I have collected more records than I care to admit. During one of my recent record store visits, the cashier told me about how he purchased a rare album for his teenaged son. His son never opened it and within a few weeks, sold it for over $800 (well over what his dad paid for it).

Granted, I understand the lesson here of saving something to increase its value. As much as I love music, that would never work for me. I thought about that guy’s son and how the grand concept of saving is important by society’s standards. We are often taught to save money for a rainy day or even hold back our emotions in relationships to avoid the other person from getting the best of us.

What kind of life is that? How miserable must it be to save everything for some unspoken ultimate opportunity to unwrap the contents? I must admit, I have lived my life like this to some degree. Don’t get me wrong, we should practice restraint in some situations. However, the last two years have definitely shown me the importance of living in the moment. Even down to this blog you’re reading, many experts would say it’s best to post at Noon or early in the morning to catch the peak time of readers. So, what the heck….I’m unwrapping a few things right now and posting this as soon as I finish the blog.

On September 2, 2021, please lend your ears to check out my new limited episode podcast, Trigger Pointe. The podcast will discuss life’s triggers and how we deal with them. I’ve brought some of my friends along for the discussion as well. We’re talking about everything including love, finances, mental health and being alone with your thoughts. Look out for the book of the same name coming in early 2022. In the meantime, check me out as the co-host of Brown Liquor and Cigars (with John Patrick Adams), a podcast that talks about real issues from a male perspective.

Don’t forget to unwrap the beautiful moments in life…..right now.

A New Trigger on the Horizon (10 Years)

Today marks ten years since the launch of the website you’re reading this blog from today. What initially started as an avenue to share some of my poetry and thoughts on music, turned into a website to host books, drink reviews and publishing. Thank you all for your kind words, support and love for these past ten years. At times, it was just what I needed to avoid throwing in the towel. For that, I am forever grateful.

I believe that in order to write about life, you have to live life. When I first started my journey as an author and a published poet, much of my writing was based on fictional situations or real-life stories from someone else’s perspective. However, as time went on, my writing became more introspective and vulnerable. These past few years have been a whirlwind of emotions (and events) for me and all of us.

Life has a way of triggering us in ways we least expect. Of course, those triggers have influenced my writing, but they have also influenced the ways I cope with the blows life delivers. Now, with the help of some special friends, I’m talking about it for the first time. Look out for my upcoming limited-episode podcast, Trigger Pointe, this September. We are going to talk about finances, love, mental health and judgment. The podcast episodes will all tie into a new novel I’m writing (also called Trigger Pointe, to be released next year) about a good man turned bad when life pushes him into a corner. Pull the trigger with me in just a couple of months, as we explore our triggers together and how to manage them.

Looking Back Never Felt So Good

Today is a nostalgic one for me. April 5, 2021 marks eight years since the release of my second book, Hindsight 20/20, the launch of my publishing company, 7th Sign Publishing and now one year since the anniversary edition re-release of Hindsight 20/20. Poems like “Appetizer”, “Tattoo”, “Standing On Your Shoulders”, and “Detox” are some favorite poems from my readers over the years. All of those poems came from my second book. I also launched 7th Sign Publishing, a venture I never intended to start. Nonetheless, I’ve enjoyed the journey of the last eight years and helping other indie authors release their books.

As the saying goes, “Tell God your plans and watch Him laugh.” Although the vision for my first two books literally came to me in a dream, I thought that was where it stopped. My plan was to release only two books and just see how things went from that point. Now, I just say that I’m working on new books/projects until the ideas keep coming. As I’m typing this, I am working on my next book that is coming “soon” (sometime after 2022). I’m taking my time and really enjoying the writing process; something I haven’t done at this pace for quite some time.

I would love for you to join me in the celebration today. I’m giving away a free copy of my latest poetry book, Cataracts, to anyone that purchases any of my books on the site today. Thank you all for all of the encouragement, support and kind words. Stay tuned…there’s more to come!

How Sade Soothed Me through a Pandemic

I was about seven years old the first time I saw Sade’s music video for her iconic hit, “No Ordinary Love”. I remember being mesmerized at how she was able to sing underwater as a beautiful mermaid. There was something intriguing about her; mysterious even. As time progressed, I listened to some of her music here and there. I even bought her Soldier of Love album the first day it came out (the title track is one of my favorites of hers btw).

Sade is one of those “keep on living” artists. Growing up, I used to hear my parents or older people explain certain situations to me that didn’t make sense at the time. They would typically conclude by saying, “Just keep on living. You’ll understand one day.” Well, that day is now. I always believed Sade was one of the most underrated icons of the music industry. Nonetheless, most of her music lived outside of my heavy rotation.

One night back in April of 2020 (the height of the first wave of the pandemic), I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing and nothing I tried worked. I love music but I usually don’t fall asleep to it because I get too engrossed in the melodies and the lyrics. For some reason, I decided to put on Sade’s Love Deluxe from my then Google Play account.

I must have made it halfway through “I Couldn’t Love You More” before I was sound asleep. For those that don’t know, that’s only the third track on the album. I developed a new appreciation for Love Deluxe, its standout hits (the aforementioned “No Ordinary Love”, “Kiss of Life” and “Cherish the Day”). Her voice was a silky lullaby that effortlessly calmed my mind. Soon after, I listened to that album nearly every night before I went to sleep.

The drum tinged cautionary ballad “Feel No Pain” finds her cooing in her lower register that’s sexy and relaxing all in one breath. This isn’t music I could have fully appreciated at seven years old. Now, at 35, I totally can relate to the lyrics and vibe of the music. “Like a Tattoo” is perhaps one of the best bare-bones (musically) love song my ears have ever witnessed.

I recently started collecting vinyl records and plan on adding her albums to my collection soon. Love Deluxe is the pinnacle of Sade’s illustrious career (in my opinion) and arguably one of the most definitive Pop/Soul albums of the last several decades.

Fit Life. Peach Vibes.

You know the drill. During this time of the year, everyone is on a new year’s resolution health kick. Although I am currently fasting from certain foods right now, it has nothing to do with a new year’s resolution. I don’t believe in those. Instead, I prefer to live in the moment and strive to be better each day. In comes Celsius.

I’m not much of a morning person, but I’ve found it’s the best time for me to workout. I don’t drink coffee but I do like a boost to get my blood flowing in the gym. Many of the hardcore pre-workout drinks make me feel a bit loopy. So, I’ve been drinking Celsius for a while now. It’s the perfect energy boost with a natural effect.

Recently I stumbled upon a limited edition Peach Vibe flavor and I decided to try it out. Let’s just say I’ve been a Peach Vibe fiend, on the hunt for the drink ever since. This flavor is hands down the best one of the entire Celsius line (and the others are great too). Although the drink’s refreshing white peach taste is best suited for summer, I could drink it all year long. If you find a can, let me know. Trust me, you’ll love this drink if you’re able to track it down.

Bottoms up….it’s Thirsty Thursday!

Swipe Right for the French 75

As we enter 2021, I think we can all say that COVID-19 has lasted a bit longer than expected. With this in mind, I decided to host a virtual celebration for the launch of my two new books (A Swipe in the Wrong Direction and Cataracts) instead of an in-person event. Thanks to Dallas On Air and my co-host, Robi Nickoli, the book launch event went well with no hiccups. After the event, Robi and I decided to stop by Eight Bells Alehouse in downtown Dallas for a celebratory drink.

She ordered a French 75, a drink I had never tasted. After just a couple of sips, I thought it had a great flavor. Not too sweet. Not too strong but it had a nice kick. Then, she told me it included gin. I was shocked because I typically am not a fan of gin drinks. However, this one pleasantly surprised me. What’s in it? Gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar. Apparently, it’s a classic drink but I’m late to the party. If you find yourself in the Dallas area, stop by Eight Bells Alehouse to try this smooth drink.

In case you missed it, I’ll be posting the virtual book launch event here on my site. My new books are also available HERE. For now, raise your glass. Bottoms up….it’s Thirsty Thursday.

Swipe N See: A Virtual Book Launch Event

The time is finally here! Thank you to everyone that has already supported the presale release of my new books, A Swipe in the Wrong Direction and Cataracts. Today is the official release date for both books and I want to celebrate (quarantine style) with you!

A Swipe in the Wrong Direction is a spinoff novella form the Fortune Cookie novel series that includes No Cream in the Middle and When the Cookie Crumbles. Mike is recently divorced and his friends secretly set him up on a dating app to spice up his love life. He falls in love with a woman on the app but there’s just one problem…..she’s crazy.

Cataracts is a poetry collection that was written over a three-month span earlier this year and covers a wide range of topics including breakups, dating, loss and social injustice. This book also serves as a 10-year anniversary celebration of my first book, Blurred Vision.

So, tune in tonight at 7 pm CST for Swipe N See: A Live Book Launch Event. Robi Nickoli will join me as a special guest on the show as well. We’ll discuss my new books (which you can order signed copies of tonight, with free shipping), new merch, the message behind my writing and a few surprises!

The live broadcast starts below at 7 pm and ends at 9 pm CST tonight. Plus, here are the direct links to swipe up both books. Also, A Swipe in the Wrong Direction has two versions with different endings (swipe left and swipe right).

https://player.dacast.com/js/player.js?contentId=83668_c_431209