The Authors’ Corner

Welcome to The Authors’ Corner. This week’s featured author is Karl Anthony Francis.

Karl Anthony Francis who writes under the pseudonym Anthony Pathfinder was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States as a child. Like most young boys in the inner-city, Anthony soon became fast friends with several of the neighborhood tough guys. Not one to let his adolescents mishaps dictate how he would spend the rest of his life; he embarked on a path that would forever change his life. He attended CUNY Queens College where he double majored in African Studies/Political Science and minored in Sociology; obtaining his bachelor’s degree. Meeting John Henrik Clarke, Cornell West, Al Sharpton and Yolanda King at his former college, had a lasting impression on him.

Anthony is a firm believer in second chances, convinced that desire and determination overcomes any obstacles. His remarkable coming of age life story, coupled with his work as an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor, and working in the homeless shelters in New York City, where he was exposed to a number of unfortunate situations; consequently were the backdrop for some of the stories which he would later write.
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A self-published writer, he has written several novels, ranging from urban fiction to historical, suspense and romantic novels. He has never pandered to the expectations of the typical reader, but rather to their unpredictability and the simplicity of their human experiences. A voracious reader and lover of Anton Chekhov, Chinua Achebe, James Baldwin and Toni Morrison’s writings, Nina Simone’s music and Motown Soul, Anthony is insatiably curious about the complexities of our world.

Book Synopsis 
Treasure chronicles the de jure racial segregation of the Jim Crow era in the south. It is a candid account of sisters raised in a family of freed blacks who for generations had passed for white. Forbidden to marry black men, Treasure, the eldest provides as much protection as she can in shielding her younger siblings from the constant exchange of ideas they are exposed to growing up. However, in doing so, she may have taken them to a darker place, where the family secrets are revealed and where few can be trusted.

For more on information Anthony Pathfinder and to stay in touch with him:

Visit his website at http://anthonypathfinder1.webs.com/
Email him at Anthonypathfinder307@gmail.com

To purchase Treasure and other books by Anthony Pathfinder:

All titles are available on Amazon and at his website http://anthonypathfinder1.webs.com/

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Ciao!

Savannah J. providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Follow Savannah on Twitter http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Putting Down Roots

 

This morning, I stood in the middle of the living room floor staring at the bare white walls that surrounded me. Pictures I’d been meaning to hang for the past three years remained stacked neatly in a corner. The same colorless walls were found in every room of my home with the exception of the kitchen, den and half bath.

I’ve lived in my house for over twenty years now, yet I’ve only painted three rooms. How I’ve managed to survive without color for all these years is beyond me. Yet in still, it’s not. Color would mean, I’ve put down roots.

Allow me to pause here and say, my favorite color is red. I find it exciting, vibrant and invigorating. My car is red as are a lot of my clothes. As I stood surveying my bedroom, I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t painted it red. Suddenly, I realized this moment, this epiphany if you will was a turning point for me. I’d grownup north of the Mason-Dixon line and in my heart, I’d never left home. I decided right then and there, it was time.

I have big plans for my house and yard this summer. I’m going to upgrade my appliances, kitchen and bathroom fixtures as well. I’ve already envisioned the oasis of serenity I want for my deck and yard. It’ll be a place I can retreat to in the evenings away from the cares of life. But most importantly, I’m going to head over to the local hardware store and buy some red paint. After all color means I’ve put down roots.

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

Becoming A Foot Soldier

For most of my life, I’ve know I’m called to be a Foot Soldier. We are those at the grassroots of the spiritual war. We go quietly about our work and are seldom in the lime light.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful husband and wife team who are doing great things in my area. I met them after reading an article on their work in our local online paper. This young couple is working to help the homeless, especially those living in a tent city not far from my home.

After reading the article, I knew I had to get involved. You see, when God places a calling on our lives, He leads us to the exact place He wants us to be. I’ve always had a heart for the homeless and I’m always willing to put my hand to the plow and work in the fields.

I contacted the couple and made arrangements to meet up and drop off some clothing to a few of the people living in the tent city. My heart grieved for them because every night that I go to sleep, I lay down in a bed in a house with a secure roof over my head. I don’t know what it feels like to have no home to go to.

Dropping off clothing and having prayer with persons I met is just the beginning for me. I want to do so much more. Perhaps you have been led to get involved for the Kingdom of God. If so, ask for guidance and when He answers, put your hand to the plow and don’t turn back. This world needs Foot Soldiers now more than ever.

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

 

Living Our Truth

 

There is a freedom that comes with finally accepting one’s truth. My journey to accepting and living my truth began with the cutting of my hair. My father and paternal grandmother gifted me with long, thick hair. At it’s longest point, my hair was midway my back. I received compliment after compliment on my hair, everyone loved it.

Grooming my hair would take anywhere from two to two and a half hours. If I chose not to do it myself, I spent upwards of $50.oo a pop. One day, I decided I’d had enough. You see, my hair wasn’t my own, it belonged to everyone else. I was tired of tying up half my morning or night and spending way too much money.  And so, I walked into my girlfriend’s salon one day and asked her to cut my hair completely off.

People were shocked and couldn’t believe I’d cut all my “long pretty hair off.” I, on the other hand felt free. I needed to live my truth and my truth said I had way too much hair and I didn’t enjoy the upkeep. My next moment of truth came when I decided to no longer color my hair. I made an executive decision to proudly show my gray; my salt and pepper.

Following the decision to no longer color, I was lectured by well meaning souls on how they would never allow their gray to show. I was told by some how they would continue to color their hair as had their parents and grandparents before them. To that I said, “good for you, God gave me this gray hair and I’m wearing it proudly.” The Bible says in Proverbs 16:31  “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a Godly life.” So, there we have it. The Bible said it and that’s enough for me.

Many times in life, we struggle to live our truth. We may feel we don’t know what our truth is or we may be uncomfortable embracing it. Other’s may try and place their belief/truth on us and we cave into the peer pressure. I’ve come to believe deep down inside, we know what our truth is; we’re born knowing.

Think about the children in our lives. How easy it is for them to live honestly; to say exactly what’s on their minds. They live their truth. I’ve decided it’s time for me to audaciously be who I am; to valiantly accept my beliefs. To live my truth.

I implore you to join me on this journey. “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” (Matthew 5:37) Life is too long and too short not to live happily and happiness is a state of mind. The next time you make a decision based on your beliefs and the naysayers/haters and the “well, I would” folk try and change your mind, live I say. Live for you and embrace your truth!

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

“Don’t Give It Life.”

I was talking with my brother a couple of days ago about a situation that had come up in my life. I decided to pray about it and leave it in God’s hands. When speaking with my brother, he of course agreed. We share the belief, our words and thoughts have power. For instance, I’m not one to talk about my health unless it’s in a positive light. Were you to ask me how I’m doing, my response will be, “I’m well,” because I believe in responding in that manner, I affirm my good health. I claim Divine health and healing although my pain level on a daily basis is rarely less than a three on a scale of one to ten. They say, I have arthritis.

On my most painful days, my pain level is usually an eight. Rather than “give life” to the situation raging in my bones, I choose to take something and spend time alone where I close my eyes and see myself as whole. I believe beyond a shadow of doubt, the same Jesus who healed over two thousand years ago, still heals today.

In my conversation with my brother, he quoted my niece. The saying, “don’t give it life,” is hers; her way of speaking only positive outcomes to whatever arises by not allowing negative words or thoughts to dominate the situation. I like that. How many times have we said something and watched it happen. For example, “If I eat this, I know it’s going to make me sick, but I’m eating it anyway.” Only to spend the next twenty four hours in agony. Or we speak something over someone else’s life and watch our words come to pass. Lets face it, whether we accept it or not, our words and thoughts have power.

I’ve had co-workers tell me I’m falling apart because I catch a cold or they can tell I’m in pain. I quickly correct them; I’m not falling apart nor do I plan on falling apart. The Bible in Psalm 103:5 tells me, the Lord will satisfy my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the Eagles. (paraphrased) That is how I choose to live my life.

I’m not one to push my beliefs or opinions on others, but if I’ve shared something here today that you can glean and be blessed from, please own it. I had another co-worker tell me, he admired me for my way of positive thinking, but it doesn’t work. My response to him was, it doesn’t work for whom? Because it works for me. My plan is to continue to foster positive thoughts and words, even when it’s a struggle to do so. I’d rather live my life seeing the good it has for me than spending time miserable because I dwell on the negative.

When troubles come my way I will pray and then leave the rest to God. I’ll remember as my niece says, “don’t give it life.” 

Ciao!

Savannah J.  providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

What’s In Your Glass?!

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with a friend about a test she had taken, she called to let me know she had passed. My response was, “I knew you would.” Well, she went on to give me all of the reasons why she may have failed. I listened and when she finished I said, “no matter what I go after whether it be a new job, car or certificate in something, I expect to get it. There is an ongoing question as to whether one’s glass is half empty or half full, well my glass is not half full, it’s full. I expect the best for myself and I anticipate the same for you.”

There was a time in my life, when I suffered from low self esteem. As a result of my woe-is-me attitude, I found myself surrounded by like-minded people. On the inside, I longed to escape this world of despondency, but it seemed the harder I tried, the deeper I sank. As new people moved into my circle, I became excited until I realized, they were toxic to my well being. The Law of Attraction is real.

I have spent years getting to know me and learning to appreciate my strengths as well as weaknesses. I know what I want and I have a written plan on achieving my goals. I now surround myself with others who are on the same path as me. Most of them are ahead of me in what they’ve accomplished and are willing to mentor me. A half full glass may be ideal for some, but I have a voracious thirst and would deplete the contents of a half full glass in a few swallows.

I refuse to allow setbacks to derail me, I merely regroup and begin again. I’ve learned this type of discipline from the people now in my life as well as my faith in God. Our best made plans don’t always work out in the timeline we set but that doesn’t mean they won’t workout.

Perhaps you’re in a state of frustration or maybe like my friend see the downside of a situation because things are rough right now. Well, please allow me to encourage you. Your thoughts as well as words have power; again I say, The Law of Attraction is real. Begin to refocus your mind and tell yourself you will succeed. See your glass as half full instead of half empty and then take it into the kitchen and fill it up, after all you’re going to need a lot to drink. In order to attain all life has for you, as The Most Interesting Man in The world says, you must “Stay thirsty my friends.”

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

 

“If You Can’t Be The Sun Be A Star”

As a child my mother often used poetry to motivate me to complete a task or believe in myself if I were feeling doubtful. One poem she used to encourage me is “Be A Star If You Cannot Be The Sun” by the Late Douglas Malloch. The poem is far too long to quote here, but if you haven’t read it, may I suggest you do.

In this world where everyone wants to walk the red carpet, write a best selling movie or novel, or live the glamours life of the rich and famous, we forget that may not be the direction life has for us. Not everyone is cut out to be a leader, some of us are better suited for support staff, which is fine. I have found my abilities are stronger at coordinating and pulling projects together than leading. I’m a behind the scenes kinda person.

It may seem if we aren’t the biggest and brightest out there, we aren’t fulfilling our destiny. Well, where would the sun be without the moon and stars? We may not be world renown but we can still live equally if not more productive lives than those in the spotlight.

There are needs to be met right in our own backyards and communities. We can put our hands to the plow and make a difference right where we are. Organizations that feed the homeless, mentor at-risk youth, spend time with the elderly and forgotten to name a few would love to have our assistance.

The next time you feel as though you’re not as successful as you’d like because you aren’t an accomplished actress, or scientist.  You haven’t made the New York Times Best Seller List or won a Noble Prize, or maybe your name isn’t on the tongue of everyone you meet; take a walk outside on clear night and look up.

Our night sky is full of beautiful stars and a gorgeous moon. Those same stars and moon have guided many a lost sailor or hiker. They’ve provided comfort to to those separated from loved ones when they realize the person of their affection is gazing at the same sky. My point is, we all matter if we just believe we do. So, remember as my mother used to tell me, “If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail, IF YOU CAN’T BE THE SUN, BE A STAR; It isn’t by size that you win or you fail-BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE!”

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life. 

Http://www.thesavannahjpublications.com 

Follow Savannah on Twitter   http://bit.ly/1tBBC6o 

on Google Plus http://bit.ly/1pnq9sP 

and on Facebook http://on.fb.me/10p1o32

Savannah is the author of The Prey now available in eBook on Kindle http://amzn.to/1xg0pgM and on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Also look for Raising Tristan on Google Play Books http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN and on Kindle http://amzn.to/1AlHl6g

For The Ladies: Rocking Your ShePower – Everybody Can’t Go Where God is Taking You.

The actual wording in the above mentioned quote is, “Baby, everybody can’t go where God is taking you.” It was said to me by my mother years ago when I came to her with concern over why a relative couldn’t receive the blessing I was trying to share.

We have a powerful act we gift to others called “paying it forward.” By “paying it forward,” we become a blessing to someone out of gratitude for being blessed ourselves. Now, here in lies the lesson. Not everyone can or will receive the blessing. There are times we will try and give to someone who is unable to accept for whatever reason. Some are afraid of success, some don’t want to come out of their comfort zone, and some are conditioned to believe life has nothing better for them than what they currently have.

In “paying it forward,” we must learn to accept that not everyone will receive with excitement, the gift we have. As we readjust our thinking and forge alliances with like-minded women and men in order to grow, some people in our circle will fall away. If these people are loved-ones or long time friends, it can be difficult to let go and sometimes we want to hold on, but as my mother said, “Baby, everybody can’t go where God is taking you.”

Letting go of people and sometimes things as we move forward can be uncomfortable for us but is necessary for growth. In advancement, we move from one level to the next. As we are elevated, we will encounter individuals of different calibers, each more competent in their field than the one before. These persons are placed in our path to guide as well as mentor us on our journey.

Those who climb mountains will tell you that the higher you climb the thinner the air becomes. I believe this is why only the Eagle flies as high as it does. Again I say, “Baby, everybody can’t go where God is taking you.” It takes a certain character, tenacity and fortitude to scale a mountain or soar on Eagles wings. As you Rock Your ShePower and go hard for your dreams, and forge collaborations with like-minded women and men, remember “Baby, everybody can’t go where God is taking you.”

Ciao!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Savannah J is the author of Raising Tristan, the story of Shiloh Milner a gentleman who suddenly finds himself a single father after the mother of his newborn son abandons the baby at the hospital. Raising Tristan is available in paperback and eBook at  http://amzn.to/1tMpX3m and on Google Play Books at http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN

She is also the author of The Prey, the story of J. Carter Woodson and man who finds himself the victim of a relentless stalker. The Prey is available in eBook on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1BVDXO1 and Google Play Books at http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Follow Savannah on Twitter @savana74

For The Ladies: Stay The Course

Greeting ladies! Today I would like to talk with you about our ambitions. I’m sure many of you have goals, plans and dreams. I’m also sure many of you are either working on or have fulfilled some if not all of your goals, plans and dreams. But there are some of you who may have lost hope in achieving your desires. Perhaps it’s because someone shot holes in your plans or you became confused as a result of too many voices offering you direction and it caused you to become discouraged. Whatever your reason for giving up, I’d like to encourage you to breathe life into your aspirations and then, Stay The Course. 

It’s very important when we are working on a project, that we surround ourselves with others who are on the same highway of thought. Equally important is finding a mentor or two willing to guide us in our quest. It can, however, become confusing when too many people offer advice. As my mother used to say, “Too many cooks spoil the stew.” Even more devastating are comments from the Nay-Sayers.

Nay-Sayers are those who for whatever reason, choose to tear down another’s dreams. I’m not sure the motivation behind their negativity, and frankly I don’t try to figure them out. I just know, if you want your plans to succeed, “run do not walk to the nearest exit” and get away from the Nay-Sayers.

Once you breathe life into your plans do not allow anyone or anything to turn you around. Ladies, Stay The Course; our goals are achievable. No matter how large or small, you can do it. I’m not saying it will be easy because anything worth having rarely comes easily, but it’s more than worth the struggle. So, stand up tall, square your shoulders, look life straight in the eyes and revitalize your ambitions and no matter what, Stay The Course. 

Cioa!

Savannah J, providing a place of tranquility away from the stress of life.

www.thesavannahjpublications.com

Savannah J is the author of Raising Tristan, the story of Shiloh Milner a gentleman who suddenly finds himself a single father after the mother of his newborn son abandons the baby at the hospital. Raising Tristan is available in paperback and eBook at  http://amzn.to/1tMpX3m and on Google Play Books at http://bit.ly/1pL4GqN

She is also the author of The Prey, the story of J. Carter Woodson and man who finds himself the victim of a relentless stalker. The Prey is available in eBook on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1BVDXO1 and Google Play Books at http://bit.ly/1q5hncz

Follow Savannah on Twitter @savana74

For the ladies: Shinning Stars!

 

Greetings ladies! I’d like to share with you about a wonderful transformation period, I’ve been growing through. During this time, I’ve been reflecting on what got me to this place and the necessity to move forward. I would like to share my journey with you in hopes it will both inspire and encourage you.

In order to understand my journey, let me take you back to the beginning. I was raised by a mother who believed in me from day one. She, along with my older sisters poured greatness into me, and like a sponge, I soaked it up. In my later years, however, my growth would be temporarily stunted as I would encounter young women who were apparently intimidated or made uncomfortable by my personality.  I was labeled as one who “thought I was cute,” or “thought I was better than everyone else.” This ladies, wasn’t the case at all but it was enough to stop me in my tracks. To further illustrate my point, consider this analogy.

There are billions of stars in the sky, some shine brighter than others but they all shine. Each of the stars has a purpose, just as God created each of us with a purpose. Some people are created to be leaders, while there are those who are placed in the auxiliary role. What we must understand is each role is important. Where would the President be without his Vice President and supportive staff. How could a General lead an army into battle without the backing of his soldiers. The young women I encountered back then were too immature to grasp that truth but more importantly, I allowed myself to succumb to the peer pressure and jealousy and tucked myself away.

As I embark on this new awaking in myself, one thing has become clear; the voices of discouragement and disparagement are not relegated to childhood alone.  We often hear the advice, to be careful with whom we share our plans, visions and goals. This, my dear sisters is pure truth.

I have found even in adulthood there are those who are so busy coveting their sister’s star, they can’t see the light emanating from their own. These women, perhaps struggling to deal with their own pain, will place a damper on someone else in order to feel good about themselves. If you’ve encountered this type of friend, it’s important to remove yourself from their company as quickly as possible. She may be a family member or close friend; it doesn’t mean you stop loving them, or even hanging out with them, it just means you must guard your heart. As we grow, it’s important to share our dreams and goals with like-minded individuals and those who are currently more successful than we. By doing so, we surround ourselves with positive energy.

As I mature and become comfortable in my skin and with who I am, I find doors are opening on a daily basis. I’ve embraced who God has created me to be and I no longer allow the negative opinions, stares or comments of others to deter me. “I have gone from zero to my own hero . . .” like the words in Katy Perry’s song “Roar.”

My diet has improved, I exercise three to four times weekly and I spend each morning in the Word of God. These are some of the steps I’ve taken to turn my life around and move in the direction God has for me and thereby fulfill the destiny my mother saw in me. I hope as you read my words, you will embrace your star and let it shine brightly and remember what God has for you is for you. Find your own truth and grab a hold to it. Spend time with you and your Higher Power (I choose to call mine God) and your inner star will guide you in the direction of growth unique to you.  Now, go get your blessings!

Ciao!

Savannah, she adds a little sass in every page.

www.thesavannahjpublications.com Follow Savannah on Twitter @savana74, on Linkedin as Author Savannah Jackson, on Google+ as Savannah Jackson and on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/savana74.