[BOOK REVIEW] The Catch Book of Fools! shines a light on what to avoid and who we are to be

 No one wants to be a fool, right? Yet it can be said we either run into people with foolish behavior and tendencies or we find ourselves displaying them from time to time. With that in mind, Dr. Velma Bagby's book THE CATCH: Book of Fools! is so timely.

Whether you have read her fiction series The Catch or not, this book shares 80 scriptural examples of fools and/or foolish behavior that we do well to avoid. This can be in our personal and professional relationships or even our dealings with ourselves. 

Thankfully we don't have to wonder the kind of behavior that can be dangerous and keep us from our goals in life. The Bible lays it out for us. All we have to do is read, study and take heed. I love the layout of the book, giving us the scriptures and then the opportunity to ask the questions that need to be asked. Once we come to an answer it's about making notes and the personal reflection, giving us the opportunity to make the changes needed. 

Great for your personal use or as a family, THE CATCH: Book of Fools! shines a light on what to avoid and who we are to be. It's then up to US to take action. 

Get your copy of THE CATCH: Book of Fools! on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] The Forgiveness Game by Norma McLauchlin

 

Sometimes we need a little fiction to remind us of the important truths in our life. THE FORGIVENESS GAME by Norma McLauchlin is that kind of book. 

Through the lens of the character Trish readers are able to see what some are willing to endure in the name of peace and familiarity, only to be reminded of the importance of loving and valuing yourself. 

THE FORGIVENESS GAME shows how men (and some women) can use words and a façade to get what they want and expect others to deal with it---counting on the object of their abuse not to wake up and realize their value and worth. The book also shows, however, when the chips are down who is really there for you. 

The kind of read that draws you in to the story and leaves you with lessons and your own epiphanies, THE FORGIVENESS GAMES shows the power of forgiveness and the importance of peace. 

Get your copy of THE FORGIVENESS GAME on Amazon. 

[To You, From Me] Why NOW is the ONLY Time that Matters

It's hard to believe we are half-way through the year that is 2024. Like you, so much has happened both personally and professionally, and I am excited about what has helped me get here. But it's not the end for me or for you.

I know life gets hard at times. This issue of Conversations Magazine has been in the works for over a year, and though there was discussion about moving on from it I knew the profiles here would be an encouragement for you to do one thing: KEEP GOING.

So many times we look at the past and think things can't get any better. I am here to tell you that is just not true. You have the opportunity to take advantage of NOW, making the most of it. Those profiled in this Visionary Issue of Conversations Magazine have been able to do just that, and all are benefiting from doing so. Not only that, they are able to remind us all of what is possible. I am inspired by Iris, Robert, Tina and Ruby, and I think their profiles will do much to inspire you, too. 

Since the last issue of Conversations Magazine was in your hands or on your device I have gone through my own changes, thankfully most have been for the better. I have traveled across the country, interviewed people from around the world--but for me the main thing is I have continued to show myself and others what is possible when you don't let fear and doubt stop you. 

I hope this issue reminds you of the importance of NOW and remember that this moment in front of you is the only time that matters. You can't do anything about yesterday. You can't control the future. You can only embrace what is in your power in this moment. May you take full advantage of it, and in the process encourage others to do the same. 

Happy Reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine/ Mississippi Success Magazine/Books You Need to Read Magazine

[FOOD] Southern Banana Pudding by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

 

Southern Banana Pudding

by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

Ingredients

2 bananas, sliced (I only had 2 bananas, 4 bananas would have been better)

1 pack of JELL-O Banana Cream Sugar Free & Fat Free Instant Pudding

1 pack of JELL-O Cheesecake Sugar Free & Fat Free Instant Pudding

2 scoops of vanilla custard protein powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups Stevia in the raw or to taste

¼ cup vanilla flavoring

½ cup Bailey Irish Cream 2 cups of cold Fairlife^® Milk

¾ cup of cold water 2 cups of animal crackers or cookie of choice 2 cups of protein probiotic cookies or cookie of choice

¼ cup of pecans

¼ cup of walnuts

 

Preparation

Mix pudding, protein powder, Stevia, cinnamon, milk, water, flavoring, and Irish Cream in a large mixing bowl until it thickens. Then layer cookies, bananas, walnuts, cookies, bananas, and pecans in a glass casserole dish. 

Continue layering until all ingredients are used. Pour the pudding mixture over the layers after making a well in the pudding. This will ensure the pudding gets to the bottom of the dish. If you have leftover nuts, sprinkle them on the banana pudding. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

[FOOD] Cheese Turkey Meatloaf by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

 

Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf

by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1 pound sausage

Tricolor peppers chopped (1 red, 1 green, 1 orange)

1 small onion chopped

½ teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon parsley

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Dash of cinnamon for marinara sauce

¼ cup egg whites or 3 egg whites

1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce with oregano and basil + 1/3 cup of water poured into the can

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 pack Stevia in the raw

Homemade marinara sauce

¼ cup Italian bread crumbs

¼ cup milk

1/3 cup feta cheese

1 cup Italian cheese blend

1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base

¾-1 cup hot water

Preparation

For the Marinara Sauce: Combine the remaining tomato sauce, Stevia, and a dash of cinnamon.

For the Meatloaf: Soak Italian bread crumbs in the milk. Sauté the peppers and onions in the chicken base and let cool. Add peppers and onions, spices, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of tomato sauce, Italian bread crumbs, egg whites, and cheeses to the turkey and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Don’t over-mix the meat mixture. Spoon it into a baking pan.

 Spoon marinara sauce on the meat mixture. Bake at 400 degrees in a preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining marinara sauce on the meatloaf, then add the Italian cheese blend to the top of the meatloaf. Place back in the oven on broil until the cheese is melted.

[AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT] Angel Davis, author of SOMETHING LIKE HOME

 

by Cyrus Webb 

There is nothing like seeing someone's dream come true. 

When Angel Davis first told me about her desire to write a book, I was excited to embark on the journey with her. What we were able to create is inspired by her own life and experiences but is something that can be related to by women (and even some men) no matter where they might live. 

I am so proud of Angel, and this is only the beginning of her writing success. 

Angel, thanks for allowing Conversations to be your first interview about your book SOMETHING LIKE HOME. How does it feel to have your first book published and available for the world to read?

First of all thank you Cyrus for having me and for your help with the book. I am a very private person, so I am still trying to process it all.  I normally lay low in the background. Being in the forefront is new to me, but I am embracing the challenge. 

I totally understand that. When did you realize that writing was something you were interested in?

Reading and writing have always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. However, I did not start thinking about being an author until I was in my teens.

Who were some of the authors you have enjoyed reading?

I enjoy Treasure Blue, ReShonda Tate, Tyler Perry, Terry Mc Million, Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou,

Tell our readers about your first book SOMETHING LIKE HOME.

Something Like Home is about Angel, a girl who grew up fast, loved hard and was looking for a semblance of normalcy and love. What she found was pain, betrayal and hopelessness. Can she get back to a place she can call her own? That is what readers will discover as they read the book. 

You have already started hearing from readers. What has it been like to see their response to the book?

It feels great. It also proved a point that I have been making.  This is a great book. I am not just saying that because I wrote it. It is a great read according to the feedback I have received from my readers.

 What advice do you have for aspiring writers out there when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams?

No matter what it is that you want to achieve in life, just do it. Age ain’t nothing but a number. I believe in you, and I am rooting for you.

Congrats again, Angel. How can our audience stay connected with you?

Thank you again for the opportunity. My email is angeldavis15@aol.com. I am on Instagram at @angeleyez_davis and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angeleyez4u2c

VISIONARY Ruby C. Wight, author of RESILIENT HEART

 by Cyrus Webb

If you're looking for proof of what you can do when you dream big and don't give up on yourself, look no further than Ruby C. Wight. She was introduced to me by another powerhouse individual Dawn Marie Westmoreland, and her book RESILIENT HEART quickly became a favorite of mine after reading it. 

Life has changed quite a bit for Ruby since the book's release. She has traveled the world, gotten married and continues to show us through the ups and downs what it means to be resilient and a vision. 

Ruby, so glad we get to share a bit of your story with our readers.What has it been like for you to see the response to your book RESILIENT HEART?

It has been fantastic. When people said the book empowered and inspired them and one reader said it saved her life, I simply couldn't contain the joy and the feeling of having accomplished something that served the purpose for which it was intended.

You were so open and honest about your highs and lows. What helped you to be so transparent and vulnerable? 

To be authentic, genuine, and highly effective teacher, you must be transparent and vulnerable.

One thing that is clear about you, Ruby, is your love for adventure. Where does that come from? Life is an adventure. We come into this world seemingly hypnotized by the nature of duality. The only way to figure out and know the truth is to be curious, to investigate, to explore and ask all the big questions in life: “WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?

You keep pushing yourself it seems daily. What keeps you inspired, even when challenges come? The knowing that I am not just the body, not the mind, but the Soul, made in the perfect image and likeness of God is not enough. I must prove it to myself that I AM - able to do things when it is seemingly impossible to achieve and accomplish beyond the ordinary. To call the unseen into the seen world using the “Spiritual Laws,” is fulfilling.

RESILIENT HEART also shares your journey of faith. What role would you say your faith has had in getting you to where you are now? 
Faith is everything to me. When the going gets rough, it is very easy to give up without FAITH. 

Has it been easy for you to see yourself as a role model to others?
Yes. All I must do is be myself. 

What advice would you give our audience about the importance of going forward in life even when things are tough?
If you want to BE the person you desire, HAVE the things you ever dreamed of, and DO the many things in your bucket list, the only direction you have is to move forward. Be done with self-pity; it doesn’t speak of your Soul. Do not linger in depression. It is the playground of Satan. Lastly, never entertain Self-doubt – it is a poison in your mind. Have faith and trust that the Universe always has your back. 

What should we be on the lookout for from you next?
I’m working on my second book that reveals the secrets to the Universe because of my 30 years study in the world of Metaphysics, exploration, experimentation, and implementation. 

Thanks, Ruby, for being YOU. RESILIENT HEART is currently available on Amazon.