All Sports Head Gear's Robert Helm: From Idea to a New Innovative Brand

by Cyrus Webb

There is nothing like having a vision and then doing the work necessary to turn it into a reality. That is exactly what Robert Helm has been able to do, and now he is able to share it literally with the world.

Robert and I have never met each other in person, but we connected on social media several years ago. He's an individual who likes to inspire and to educate others. He's now also celebrating a great entrepreneurial venture called All Sports Head Gear, a revolutionary product that allow you to stay comfortable during work and play at an affordable price. In this conversation we discuss his journey.

Robert, this is a big year for you with All Sport Head Gear. Let's talk about that for a moment and then we're going to go back to your journey. How does it feel to have had an idea and now to be able to have it available for the world to have?

Well I have to say it is very exciting. I've kind of coined myself as an inventor since I was a young person, always looking for solutions to problems, and I feel like I really hit it big this time because I have developed a product that is really simple yet sophisticated.

One of the things that everyone I think knows is of course of your passion for young people, being able to inspire them and to educate them. You mentioned being an inventor. Have you always known that you had something that you were supposed to share with others?

I have to say as I got older, got married and had children, I think that's the point when I started to realize that I had a purpose in life that was bigger than me. From there, just going through the roles of parenting and marriage and things like that, I realized that having a positive relationship with my wife and building a strong relationship with my kids could be beneficial for other people. And that kind of started my journey off into wanting to help motivate and encourage others.

That's exactly what you've been able to do. I like the fact that you mentioned, Robert, their being bigger than you. I think a lot of times people don't realize that that the gifts that they have are not just for them. Of course it is to benefit other people. So when you see the work that you've been able to do, Robert, being able to do just that—to benefit other individuals, as I mentioned, either through inspiring them, through educating them, through motivating them—does that make you feel then along this path you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing?

Yes, but it seems like my life just continues to evolve, and I continue to find things. As I say, my kind of natural instinct is always to look for solutions to problems.

I think the other thing is that people will find out about you, Robert, is that you kind of approach the world with eyes wide open. And what I mean by that is a lot of times we get so focused on our stuff that we miss out on opportunities. You and I had a great conversation where you kind of were talking to me about the inspiration for All Sports Head Gear. Share that with our audience.

With the All Sports Head Gear it was one of those things that was kind of like a fluke. I was sitting with a really, really good friend of mine who's actually a custom clothing designer. We were sitting and talking and I think I was watching YouTube or one of those online video streaming sites, and I happened to see Steph Curry sitting on the sideline with a towel over his head. It kind of pushed me back to my younger days when I played sports. I started thinking why people did that, put a towel over their heads. Some people do it to keep their bodies warm. Some people do it if they're embarrassed or whatever and you don't want to be bothered with looking at other people or other people seeing them.

From that point something just triggered. I grabbed an old towel out of my linen closet, took a permanent marker and started drawing on this cloth. It was kind of like an epiphany moment. My friend the designer grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting out what I did and within a matter of 15 minutes we had a prototype that had both of us like “Wow. This can be a really amazing thing”.

Actually before this interview I was just reflecting on that and watching the videos, cause I had documented it all through video and through pictures. It was just reliving that experience all over again. There's times, as you said, if you have your eyes wide open and you're always looking for opportunities. It’s about trying to put possibilities into perspective. It is the little things sometime that have the greatest impact. That's what I really see:  the idea for head gear as being a really simple thing, like I said, that becomes a sophisticated product that can have a major impact on athletes around the world. I'm really excited about that.

Thanks for sharing that! Really an inspiring story. Lots in there for our audience to get value from. One things you talked about, though, that is definitely important is being able to cooperate with others. What was it like for you to have people in your circle, Robert, who can be able to compliment the skills and the talents that you have?

Oh, I think it's a God-send for sure. When you are the kind of person who is always looking to solve problems in that process, you realize either you don't have money or you don't have skills sometimes to do things. There’s nothing like having a network of people that you can lean on who believe in you and who care for you in a way that they're willing to contribute to your efforts. And I think most entrepreneurs that we talk to, successful entrepreneurs especially, will be able to share that same type of attitude.

I know when I first started out as an entrepreneur, you know, it was like, “I gotta do this”. I got an idea, and I wanted to keep it secret, keep it to myself so nobody would steal it. What I found is that that's really counterproductive, because as an entrepreneur one of the most valuable things that you can receive is feedback from your peers and from the consumer market. Those things can really help get you over the hurdles that you will encounter trying to do everything yourself.

Social media has been a big part of your marketing. One of the things you were able to share on social media are individuals wearing All Sports. How does that feel to see something that began in your head now on somebody else's head?

it's heart-warming, and it's encouraging and inspiring.  Being able to see people using the product, people enjoying the product, and in some cases people identifying uses for the product I hadn't even considered is great. It just really makes me feel encouraged and wanting to continue developing more products.

You mentioned the uses for the All Sports Head Gear. What are some of the other things you've been seeing and even being able to share with people, Robert, that they can use the all sports hit gear for?

It's funny. I created the product, but then I talked to other people about how they thought the product could be used. I also turned to the internet, googling how people were using towels for different applications. I spoke to one individual that told me that he thought it was great for sports and athletics and all that, but he also thought it would be good for people who go to football games sitting outside in the sun and are sweating. Even good for when it was cold outside or raining.  It was made for all of that. And we even took it a step further by adding a pouch in the neck area of the product so that if you know it was hot outside, you could put an ice pack in there, and it could help keep you cool.

So excited for you, Robert. I know this is going to be a great year for All Sports Head Gear and you. Last thing I want to ask is your advice. What do you hope our audience realizes about the importance of acting on our gifts. What would you say to them about the importance of acting on it and walking in line with that gift?

As you said, we all have gifts and there's no doubt I think one of the biggest struggles in life is identifying what that gift is. The only way to find out what that gift is in my mind is to act on every opportunity that is revealed or presented to you. And through that process you can begin to either develop your gifts or find the gifts and then you should certainly act on that gift without hesitation. Some people live and die with ideas, and they never have an opportunity to manifest into the world. My belief is the more ideas and concepts that you are able to unfold and manifest into this world, it has a greater possibility and greater potential to be able to help generations to come.

Discover the world of All Sports Head Gear at www.allsportsheadgear.com. 

Visionary Manswell T. Peterson: Creating a Legacy One Book at a Time

 by Cyrus Webb

In 2024 I have met so many amazing individuals in person, including my friend and client bestselling author Manswell T. Peterson. 

He is the kind of author who doesn't wait on opportunities to come his way. He creates his own lanes, follows his own rules and has been able to find success with readers along the way.

Though he has written in many genres, what he has created with The Locrottum Universe stands out currently as his crowning achievement, with characters and storylines that keep readers coming back for me. 

In this conversation we talk about the journey to doing what he loves, what it's been like to create his own universe and advice for others wanting to make their own literary dreams come true. 

Manswell, it’s been amazing to watch your success over the past few years. What has it been like for you to see how readers have responded to your work?

Everyday is still amazing. To see readers from all over the country and hearing from them via e-mail or messenger and to see how they fall in love and hate certain characters, shows me that I am on the right track.

The Locrottum Universe has become a big part of your career. How did it all begin?

I thought about it over 10 years ago. Mentally, I started working on the series. Next, the writing began. I watch paranormal and fantasy shows a lot. I saw that there were not different factions all in one series. Therefore, I wanted to create my own fantasy world intertwining several factions.

You have not allowed a particular genre to define you or your writing. Did you always believe in your ability to succeed at any type of writing you chose to do?

Yes. I don’t believe there is a genre that I cannot be successful in; and that is because I will study a genre from every angle. I will look at what’s working and what’s not working. I also pay attention to what the fans are asking for. I then do my best to deliver it.

You have also written children’s books as well. What led you in that direction?

The more e-mails that I got from parents, the more I was concerned that some kids were looking for a new favorite book. My wife and I created Braylen the Bear & Friends because of the warm heart and caring nature of our son, Braylen. I wanted something that ALL kids could gravitate to. And I believe we pulled it off with this series. We have kids asking their parents when is the next one coming. That's exciting to see.

You have also been out and about meeting your readers in person. What is it like meeting your readers and seeing their reactions?

At one function, I sat next to a mom and daughter reading Locrottum Academy 3. I asked the mom was the book good. When she looked up and saw my face, her smile said everything. She began tapping her daughter on the shoulder and when the daughter finally looked up all she could say was, “It’s You”. She said this about 5 times and I asked if she would like me to sign her book and take a picture. Best feeling in the world to me.

Social media is a big part of how we connect with our audiences. How has your relationship with social media evolved over your career?

It allows me to stay in constant contact with readers in real time. When I first begin writing, this was not possible.

You are also big on trying to inspire others to go after their goals and dreams. Why has that been so important for you?

This is about the next generation of writers. I know I can’t write forever. We have to fill the gaps in the literary world as all authors must at some point bid farewell to readers.

 

Any advice you have for those who are looking to begin their own career as an author? 

I remember a new author told me that they had the worse payday in history where they only made 50 cents that day. I told them about my worst day…..I only made 17 cents. They looked at me stunned. They knew if I could have a bad day like that and survive, they knew they would also.

Thanks for the time, Manswell. How can our readers stay connected with you? 

They can find me on Facebook , Instagram and Tiktok under Manswell T. Peterson. You can also find all my books on Amazon at www.manswelltpeterson.com 

Excerpt from K3 by author Tracie O'Neil Horton

Conversations is excited to start offering teasers from great books of all genres in the pages of our magazine. Enjoy this excerpt from Chapter 78 of K3 by author Tracie O'Neil Horton. 

ABOUT K3: A controversial political thriller—or a glimpse into our future? K 3 is a timely, thought-provoking read for today’s audience.

In K 3, the United States has been strictly divided into racial provinces. When Mikela Flanders discovers her country’s true past, she enlists the help of an American Indian, her friends, and an army of wolves to reunite the USA.

Mikela is a brave, smart, strong young woman with courage and honor that help her fight against forces intent on keeping the country separated by race. Her story incorporates elements of adventure, romance, and suspense, along with a tangible love for animals and nature. Above all else, it’s a cautionary tale about how far politicians will go to further their own agendas.

Chapter 78

            Two of the things moved toward the group.  Mikela ran her knife through the eyeball of one of them.  She kicked at another, sending it back and away from her family.

            “Dad!  Boomer, now, let’s go!” Mikela gave out orders while Westmoreland has his face under water.

            “Move, move, move!  Let’s go!” she said to the people who still sat in shock around the table.  People rose numbly.  Michelle and Janice couldn’t stop looking at Sarah’s still body on the table.

            “I know.  But we can’t do anything for her, and your daughters are waiting for you now,” Mikela said as she gently tried to hurry them out the door. 

            “Lexi is going to need you now.”

            Molly and John were already out the door.  James and Peggy were right behind.

            “Chris and Ben…” Peggy said.

            “Should stay right where they are,” Mikela said, hoping the boys would hear.

            “Okay, they’ll stay right where they are,” Peggy said.

            The boys heard.  They needed no encouragement to stay right where they were.  Chris and Ben hugged and stayed quiet under the dining room table.

            Everyone crammed into the Boomer.  John started the vehicle and they were off like a bullet.

            Westmoreland went to the freezer and grabbed a steak to put on his face.

            “Get after them! Follow them!” he yelled.

            His men sprang into action.  He yelled into his E-phone for all local AI to converge on his signal.

            Westmoreland had men in pursuit.  He waited for the new teams to show up.  He had machines from Coopers Falls and every neighboring town within a twenty-five-mile radius.  Vehicles converged on the street.  Neighbors stuck their heads outdoors, asking what was going on.

            Westmoreland told them to shut the fuck up and to get their asses back inside.

            Several gasps ensued.  Indignant old ladies stepped on porches.  Large men dressed in black approached the old ladies with angry faces and large fists raised. The ladies retreated into their homes and watched out windows while spreading the gossip on their E-phones.    Mothers ran outside and picked up their children. 

            Mikela instructed her father to drive to the five combines along the towpath.  John left North Oak Street and drove down East Street to School Street to Pearl Street.

            “They’re following us!” Michelle shrieked.

            Mikela craned her neck to look through the rear window.  It was difficult with all the people crammed into the back of the car.

            “That’s not all of them,” Mikela said.  “Only some are following.  The rest will come when reinforcements arrive at the house.  They will follow those guys’ signal,” she said as she pointed her thumb back behind them.

            John followed Pearl Street until he came to the parking area at the top of the combines.  He paused to park.

            “No, go all the way down.”

            “We aren’t allowed to drive down there.”

            “We are today.  Move it Dad,”

            John glanced at his daughter.

            “Sorry, Dad.”

            He smiled weakly at her.

            “It’s okay honey, we’re all a little tense right now.”

            Mikela couldn’t help it.  She laughed and reached out to squeeze her dad’s shoulder.

            Mikela knew they were following the signal on her phone.  She turned off the GPSE.

            They drove down the steep hill past the stairway that was the five combines.  John didn’t stop until he was at the T at the bottom of the road.  Mikela’s truck was backed into an off-road, a small, man-made road that led to more fields and trees.   She told her father to park next to it. 

            Farmland was out beyond the T paths and Mikela could see her horses grazing.  Two hundred feet from the horses she could see tall grass, reeds and cattails.  There was a pond nearby.

            River was walking to her.   Mikela ran to him, throwing herself at him.  Molly and John watched this with great interest.  Lexi, Alex, Elena, Brian and Sky came to them as well.  Michelle and Janice ran to their daughters.

            “Where’s my mom?” Lexi asked.

            “She stayed with my nephews,” Mikela said.  “They were scared.  I didn’t want them to be here, and I couldn’t leave them alone.”

            She felt terrible for lying to her friend, but it wasn’t a complete lie.  And she needed Lexi to be able to focus on the fight about to come.   The other mothers heard.  They said nothing.

            “He’s human.  The leader is human!” Mikela said to River.  She told him of her mom throwing hot soup at his face.

            “She scalded him.  He is real.”

            Mikela gathered everyone together in front of the truck.

            “Mom, Dad, James, Peggy, Michelle and Janice, go to where the horses are, and head for those reeds.  I want you to hunker down in the reeds and cattail and don’t move.”

            “But Mikela, it’s dirty down there, and there will be bugs,” Michelle said.

            “Mom, get dirty!” Alex barked.  “Better dirty than dead.”

            Michelle flinched.

            “I can help,” James said.

            Mikela smiled and shook her head.

            “No, bro, you can’t.  Just go with the ladies and keep them safe.”

            “The boys have my E-phone.  I slipped it to Chris when they crawled under the table,” Peggy said.  “Please let us know when we can go back to them.”

            Two black Millennium Mountain Lions pulled into the parking area at the top of the five combines.  They were followed by two more, and then two more behind that.  The things looked around and found nothing.  Mikela’s signal had stopped here.  One spoke into his E-phone.  Westmoreland barked orders for them to check out where the road led.

            “Will they come after us?” Peggy asked as she walked towards the pasture.

            “They will.  They are waiting for the boss,” Mikela said.

            “I love you,” Molly said as she walked away from her daughter.

            “I love you, Elena,” Janice said.

            Alex hugged Michelle.  “I love you Mom,” she said.

            “Okay, enough.  Go.  Now!” Mikela said sternly.

            Her parents shrunk from her.  The girls’ parents, with Peggy and James, walked down the slight hill to the pasture and disappeared.  They appeared again briefly, then were lost in the reeds and cattails.  Michelle’s comment of ‘YUCH’ could be heard.  They all laughed for a bit.

            Alex put a hand out.

            “Robot stoppers, let’s go!”  They all put a hand in.

            “To freedom!” Lexi cheered.

            “Yes, let’s get ourselves emancipated!” Alex yelled.

            The hooting and cheering abruptly stopped.  All eyes turned to Alex.

            “What?”  Alex asked.  “What did I do?”

            “Why is it always the not smart ones?” Elena said.

            “The Emancipation Proclamation is the key,” Mikela whispered.

            “Oh, my stars.  OH! MY! STARS!!” Lexi said.  “We can turn them off.”

            Mikela fumbled with her pockets.

            “Where is it?  Where is it?” she was frantic.  Her eyes grew wide as she fumbled for her E-Phone.  It must be in the Boomer.

            “What?”  Elena asked.

            “My E-phone. I need to call my nephews.  They can help.”

            “Here, use my E-phone.  Call my mom,” Lexi handed her phone to Mikela.

            “Oh, honey,” Mikela looked at her friend and her lip quivered.

            “No...no,” Lexi stammered.  Brian came up behind her and held her.

            Sixty cars pulled into the parking area.  There was no place to park any more.  The cars lined up one behind the other in the parking area, and more just stopped, overflowing from the lot onto Pearl Street.  Car doors slammed shut, making a noise as loud as thunder.

            “I’m so sorry, Lexi.  Your mom was hurt.  That’s why she stayed behind.”

            The man with the scalded face was walking towards them.  His face looked red and angry.  I hope it really hurts, Mikela thought.

            “Lexi, I need you to be strong now.  That asshole walking towards us hurt your mom.  We have to be strong and level headed so we can beat him.”                                                        

            Mikela took Lexi’s phone and called Peggy’s number.   Chris answered on the first ring.

            “Chris, it’s Aunt Mike.  I need your help, okay? Can you help me?”

            “Yes,” Chris whispered.

            “I want Mommy, I want Mommy,” Benjamin was saying repeatedly.

            “Good boy.  Go in the kitchen to where the man is standing in the corner.  You need to turn him on.  He’s turned off, like one of your toys.”

            Mikela looked up to see the man she had scalded.  He was close, and he had a gun. They all had guns.

            “Disperse!”  Mikela said. 

            Everyone ran for the woods.

            “Chris, we need him turned on,” Mikela said while she ran to the woods.”  He can help us, so we can come home.  You want us home, right?” she was whispering now.

            “Yes.” Chris’ voice was soft, and quiet.  He was in shock, she knew.

.

Enjoyed this excerpt? Get your copy of K3 on Amazon today. 

[BOOK EXCERPT] Seminole: Some People Never Give Up by Tina Siemens

 Author Tina Siemens' book SEMINOLE: Some People Never Give Up is not just an account about her family. It's a reminder of what we can get through and overcome. Enjoy this excerpt from Chapter Twenty-One of her book, and get your copy on Amazon. 

Chapter Twenty-One

Two long years passed after that initial meeting. Of course, there were more meetings and more plans. During one of them, David found himself surrounded by a determined group of men interested in permanently leaving the colony for Seminole. This time, though, he would have to speak. His palms were sweaty and his throat was dry as he waited for his turn. Mr. Reimer went first.

He told the men he had been working with a lawyer in El Paso to process potential groups from the Old Colony and EMMC into America. He’d assured them that their children would be properly educated, the rubber tires would stay on the tractors, and other mandatory hardships would be done away with—the main point being that each man could live his life as he saw fit.

This was what David needed to hear. No matter the obstacles, he was now fully committed.

“Gentlemen!” Mr. Reimer shouted. “We have another report to give you. Let me call your

attention to Mr. David Rempel.”

David rubbed his palms on his overalls before stepping onto the stump, unaccustomed to being

the center of attention. He cleared his throat, swallowed hard, then started talking. “Four weeks

ago, Mr. Schmitt and I hitched a ride with Mr. Reimer, who was driving to Seminole to pick up

some farm equipment. We stayed in Seminole for three weeks, at the Teepee Lodge. I learned

that the Reimer family has spent so much time in Seminole that the owners of the Teepee

Lodge asked them if they would be interested in buying the motel, since the owners are ready to

retire. Mr. Reimer agreed and is moving to Seminole to run it when the purchase goes through. I tell you this because it means we will have people from our colony in Seminole— people who know their way around.

They speak the language and have connections. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel

comfortable.”

The group of men nodded at each other. David continued. “We stayed in Seminole for three

weeks, at the same Teepee Lodge Mr. Reimer is pur- chasing. I spent the entire time looking

around. Since Mr. Schmitt wanted to earn money for his way back, he had a chance to work at a

machine shop there. Mr. Schmitt can tell you there is plenty of work because he found some

and doesn’t even speak the language.”

“What’s the land like?” an anxious man called out.

“The land is good,” David replied. “It’s dry, but there’s farming going on. They need more of the

mesquite land cleared and planted.”

Several men smiled, apparently satisfied with the answer. David con- tinued. “I want to tell you I

liked what I saw. I told my wife that they have these machines for the dishes. No one has to

wash dishes anymore. The machine does it all for you. And they have little houses for dogs.

Imagine a place so rich that they build houses for dogs.”

A buzz raced through the group with several men shaking their heads in disbelief.

“After three weeks, we hopped on a bus and came back here. I don’t know about you, but I’m

moving my family to Seminole. Are there any questions?”

One man raised his hand. “How do we buy some land?”

David was ready for this. “The Reimer family is putting together a joint purchase. They’re

looking for a large piece of land, enough for all of us. When they find some, they have a lawyer

who will draft a contract and obtain financing for the first year. After that, we will make payments

directly to the bank. The good news is we will only have to deal with the Reimers. They will

handle everything.” 

Heads bobbed up and down, smiling and grinning, as the men realized how easy this entire plan

was coming together. David answered a few more questions before stepping down and talking

individually to several men. When everyone was satisfied, he climbed into his Volkswagen and

headed home.

If only Anna was as agreeable as the men, he thought, setting his jaw. It didn’t matter, though.

He had waited two full years before putting his plan into action. It was past time they left.

Stepping through the door of his small house, David heard some splash- ing from the room

containing the bathtub. With no running water, they took their baths in a small clawfoot tub in its

own little room. The water was heated up outside and carried in, which his wife was doing right

now. He thought back to Seminole, where the water came right out of a faucet. And it was hot or

cold, depending on how the knobs were turned. The colony was so far behind that he now

dreaded his daily trips to the outhouse, thinking of the nice commode and endless supply of

toilet paper at the Teepee Lodge.

He walked up to the bathroom door and knocked. “Who’s in there?” “It’s me, Tina.”

He could hear her splashing around in the tub, something she loved to

do. “Are you almost done?” “Yes, Dad.”

Tina took baths with her cheap plastic sandals on. They were one of her most precious

possessions. Anna had told him that his daughter wore them directly into the tub to clean off the

hard-packed mud from their soles. After removing all the mud and pebbles, she would bathe in

the dirty water and somehow clean herself up. He smiled, amused by the little girl so attached to

those sandals that she refused to take them off.

David checked on the other children, finding them scattered about the house, waiting for their

turn at the tub. Then he spotted Anna—out back, tending the fire and heating up water for the

next child. When she noticed her husband, she frowned.

“You’ve been at another meeting,” she said.

“I have,” he replied coolly.

Anna stared down at the boiling water. “I suppose you’ve made up your mind.”

“You know I made up my mind when we left for Canada. I’m just sorry that didn’t work out.”

“When are you going to tell the children?” she asked, shoving more fuel onto the fire.

“Tonight, after supper. It’s the best time.”

She didn’t meet his eyes. “It’s going to be your job, not mine.” “That’s fair,” he said.

Anna and the girls put away the last dishes as David sat in his favorite chair, working over a

toothpick, waiting for his wife and daughters to join him and his son. When the entire clan had

assembled, he looked at them, sitting up a little straighter.

“Children,” he said confidently, “I’ve got something to tell you.”

Tina raised her hand. “We forgot to tell you about our turkeys. Remember?” “Turkeys? Why...

oh, yes. Go ahead,” he said, unhappy with the delay. Tina ran to her room and brought back

three pieces of paper. Each one had fabric glued to it. David studied them as Tina explained.

“While you were away, we had a project at school. The teacher wanted us to make our own turkey.”

“I see,” David said. “They look nice.”

“Yes,” she replied, clearly not through with the story. “The teacher told

everyone to bring some fabric to school, and the other kids had a few pieces in tiny plastic bags.

But we brought a big cracker box of scrap fabric. When we pulled it out, the other kids laughed

at us and said, ‘What were you thinking?’ But we had the scraps left over from all the dresses

Mom makes for us.” She lowered her voice. “The other kids don’t dress like we do.”

At EMMC, David knew that his kids looked different because of their clothes. He was hoping

that would change in Seminole.

“Anyway,” Tina continued, “David, Elizabeth, and I started making turkeys with all the scrap, and

they were looking really good. That’s when the other kids—the ones making fun of us—started

coming over and asking if they could have some. We were very popular!”

David’s face lit up. It was important for Tina to feel she could help others. She loved learning,

and especially loved being asked to do import- ant tasks—ones that required trust. There was

something in her spirit that needed to be needed.

“That’s wonderful!” David told her. “I’m so proud of you.”

Tina beamed, nudging Elizabeth and David. They hid their emotions better than her, but David

could tell that they were pleased by his words, too. Of course, two-year-old Nancy could only sit

and listen.

David put his hands on his knees, looking at each one of their happy faces. “I have some news,

too. Your mother and I have decided to move to Texas. The town is called Seminole.”

Suddenly, the smiles disappeared. “Are we leaving the colony?” his son asked.

“Yes, we are,” David told him.

“And our friends?” Elizabeth ventured.

“Yes, but you’ll meet new ones in Seminole.”

“Can I take my sandals?” Tina asked, ready to cry if the answer was

not what she wanted to hear. “Yes.”

“And my doll?”

“Of course.”

Before he could say more, the single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling

dimmed. David got to his feet and trudged outside, switching out the car batteries. This was the

only light they had at night, unless they pulled out the expensive oil lamps. He couldn’t wait to

leave this place and turn on all the lights simply by flipping a switch. What a day that would be!

A horsefly buzzed around looking for a place to land. David swatted at it then heard his father

kicking some dirt clods out of the way as he shuffled to his barn, where David waited. This

would be another goodbye, one that David hoped would be permanent.

SEMINOLE: Some People Never Give Up available on Amazon. 

[Book Review] Chanelle Coleman Wesley shows that by saying yes to yourself it makes room for everything else

by Cyrus Webb

 This is the kind of book that women as well as men can benefit from. SHE SAID YES TO HERSELF UNAPOLOGETICALLY captures the importance of knowing who you are, identifying your self-worth and not allowing others to keep you from walking in your own greatness.

Chanelle is able to share the lessons she has learned but how she is using her platform to motivate and inspire others towards their own possibilities. In 2024 I have seen her do just that, embracing her role as a motivational speaker, leader and author who doesn't just talk the talk. She walks the walk. 

Love that the message is all about realizing that where you are now does not have to determine how far you can go. And even if you have put others ahead of you in the past, now is the time to say yes to you.

A book that will not just help you grow in your own confidence but show others the importance of putting themselves first, SHE SAID YES TO HERSELF UNAPOLOGETICALLY touches the mind and the heart. 

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] Face the Music in Pictures , Book One Reloaded: The Jerome Ewing Story

 by Cyrus Webb

We all have heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case Face the Music in Pictures , Book One Reloaded: The Jerome Ewing Story speaks volumes, not just for the pictures it contains but the history it shared.

Birthed after the pandemic, we are able to see how Jerome Ewing has used his skills with a camera to not just snap pictures but record memories and history that will be shared forward. Putting the book together with the stories he is able to recount, it gives us a look not just at his varied career but the lives he has touched. We see the "It Crowd" of the entertainment industry, some of which hadn't reached the levels of fame and influence they now have, but still enjoying where they were in their careers. 

This book also is about how Jerome Ewing has garnered the trust and the attention of those with power and influence, allowing him to use his gifts in ways that not just impresses us but inspires us as well.

A conversation piece as well as a piece of history, Face the Music in Pictures , Book One Reloaded: The Jerome Ewing Story is a book that will entertain and inspire. 

Get your copy on Amazon.