Read Louis Cecile's reviews for My Poetic Soul Unleashed and Poetic Outlets by clicking the link below.

Louis Cecile's Book Reviews

Enjoy! 

The Return of Roomie Lover Friends

Well guys, if you are a Roomie Lover Friends addict just as I am, then you will be happy to know that the show is returning on 12/13/13. I am sure my sister will be happy to know that after I helped get her addicted to the show, it's coming back for her viewing pleasure. If by some chance she does not remember, I will definitely have to remind her. What I want to know from all you fans, are you #Team Tamiko, Jay, Austin, or Cherise?

Tamiko

Jay

Austin

   

Cherise

Get Your Christmas Copy of Poetic Outlets

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy your free copy of Poetic Outlets at Amazon 

Check out the latest edition of ME! Newsletter. Featuring poet Sharday Cage and the #20GreatFF list. Did you make the list?

Roomie Lover Friends

What can I say about these episodes? They are just way too funny. I am sure stuff like this happens in real life. Support Issa Rae "Ackward Black Girl" and Black and Sexy TV.

Season 2, Episode  5

Brought to you by Black and Sexy TV 

Support them so they can bring you more episodes like that above.

The "How Men Become Dogs" Series

So lately, I have become very engaged in watching "Ackward Black Girl." In watching this web series, I came across "How Men Become Dogs." My questions to you are: Have you seen these series? Do you agree with the methodology of it all? Do you think that this type of thought is acceptable?

In the beginning of these series, I could see how the men in these situations could have temporarily changed their characters for the worst. These men had women calling them punks, disrespecting them, and just stepping all over their manhood.

Episode 1

 

After watching a few series, I started to think about everything and put it into another perspective. While the beginning of the series told the story of men being hurt by women, the middle portion displayed men changing their character to find true happiness.

Episode 9

 

Do I ever agree with people changing their character to get the girl or guy that they want? Definitely not. After spending a day engulfed in these series, my mind became wrapped around the fact of people allowing others to impact their lives in a negative way. The reason I say this is because sometimes we allow people to permanently alter our character and change who we were raised to be or intended to be. We allow their negative comments, as seen in the episodes above (Men don't pack picnic baskets) to tell us who we think we should be.

My suggestion to you is not to "Aim low and reap what is at the bottom of the barrel." Always strive to "Aim high" to reach the top or fall somewhere in between. So what I am really saying is that if you meet someone who does not accept you for who you are, keep looking. Life is funny in the way that sometimes people are brought into our lives to teach us a valuable lesson. They prepare us for the things we will receive in the future. These preparations may come in the form of bad relationships, disloyalty, and corruption. We as people have to see these situations as opportunities to grow further and become the best us. Are you ready to become the best you?

~Don't lose yourself tying to fit into what people want you to be.

Book Reviews by Melica Niccole: A Taste of Chicago that Ignites the Spirit

Check out my latest review for Sharday Cage

Book Reviews by Melica Niccole: A Taste of Chicago that Ignites the Spirit: Picture found on Amazon.com Shadows and Silhouettes Received 5 out of 5 stars Sharday Cage definitely dishes out The Taste of Chi...

Still In Exile

I did not choose him and he did not choose me

Our spirits chose each other

Long was the separation

of missing one another

Still in exile

Of full connectivity

But still giving my all

Because he gets the best of me

Long be no more

for soon shall get here at last

To him I give

This love I cast

Book Reviews by Melica Niccole: A Wonderful Collection that Speaks Volumes

Book Reviews by Melica Niccole: A Wonderful Collection that Speaks Volumes: Picture found on Amazon.com Collection of Poetry and Prose Received 4 out of 5 stars Review: Evan Shaw’s desire to enlighten the wo...

The American Welfare System: Reform or Conform?

Help me with my personal journey of completing a study on the American Welfare System and whether or not it needs to be reformed. Should we reform the system or conform to what has already been established? Answer the following questions and submit your answers.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Blog Action Day October 16, 2013 Topic: Human Rights

Article title: A Nation of Immigrants

Picture found at edsitment.neh.gov

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union,” acknowledge that most of us and/or our ancestors were not born in this country. Although it seems proper to say “American made,” have we really thought about our family lineage? Were we really “Made in America?” We, decedents of Africans, Britain people, Russians, and other cultures established outside of the United States of America; have to take a stance on who we are and where we are from. Though many of us may not be aware of our ancestral ties, we must still know that in “1492, when Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” many of our cultures found here today were not among those found in the area now known as the United States of America. With this being said, would this not make us a nation of immigrants? A nation of somewhat similar cultures who journeyed to the United States of America through various methods, to reap the benefits of what The Statue of Liberty exudes; “hope and opportunity for those seeking a better life in America.”

In being a nation of immigrants and having a statue that represents immigrants are welcome to the country, should not all those who want to live in this wonderful country be able to partake in some of the same human rights as those living here? This brings me to the topic of immigration reform and the rights of individuals under “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Article 13 of this declaration states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.” This means that everyone has a right to migrate to another country if he or she chooses to do so. In researching various information, I came across S. 744. The bill is:

A broad-based proposal for reforming the U.S. immigration system written by a bipartisan group of eight Senators known as the “Gang of Eight.” Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) drafted S. 744 in the spring of 2013.

The bill is heavily supported by the “American Civil Liberties Union.” This organization was established 90 years ago with the duty of “protecting rights of all people, whether or not they were born in the U.S.” Some of the points within the bill are regarding: “Increasing the number of border protection officers at the border, reporting all uses of force used by personnel, and coordinating federal program and response to immigrant integration. Those are not all of the key issues at hand; however they are discussed within the bill. 

I challenge you to use this day (Blog Action Day) to learn and blog about something dealing with Human Right issues. You will be glad you did. 

Blog Action Day October 16, 2013 #BAD13

Love Expectations: Speaking from Experience

To love...

In the beginning
In the beginning of relationships, we as women and men have to acknowledge that we sometimes expect too much. Sometimes our expectations get in the way of true happiness. Our expectations have the ability of blinding us from what truly lies in front of us. I for one want to let down my guard and allow true happiness to knock at my front door and fill my house with love. That’s right folks. I said “Love.” Tell me this, what type of life would we live without someone to love, someone to hold, and someone who we could be ourselves around and he or she appreciate this? We are in a state of denial if we think that this type of stuff does not matter. Love matters.

My previous expectations:

In being inexperienced with love in my mid-twenties, I expected too much from love. I expected love to be honest and considerate, open doors, have no or one kid, be monogamous, only make me smile, and be available anytime I needed it. Some of my expectations were good things to expect; however the others were way out of line. The truth of the matter is that love could not live up to my expectations because love was not built to abide by a set of rules. A few years ago, I had a conversation with one of my male acquaintances about dating and love. He told me that he was going to aim low when dating because the females at his college expected too much from him. He stated that these young women at his school wanted him to buy them things, take then out to dinner, and spend money on them that he did not have. This young man stated that if he aimed lower, maybe he could find a female who did not expect so much from him. In taking in the information that I had just received, I could believe what I was being told. I am definitely not saying that all females are this way; however I could definitely relate to what he was stating. 

What I have learned though living:

Love taught me so much over the years. One thing I have learned is that what I expect from love is not always what I am going to get from love. I am definitely not in control over love and how it should work. I vowed to live my life “As is” and let love show me the direction it will take me.

To the person who showed me how to let my guard down: Thanks love!   

~Have you checked-in your expectations today?

Compassion International Ministry's Third Annual Anniversay

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Compassion International Ministry's Third Annual Anniversary Event at Philadelphia Deliverance Church of Christ. I was excited to attend the event, but also to be listed on the program to read a poem called, "This is Temporary." The poem complimented the event title, which was called, "Healing & Restoration Program." The poem was about being in a temporary state of existence, which was less than legendary. It was about planning to never be in the same situation again by learning from lessons and progressing toward a better state of awareness and taking action. While attending the program, my niece and I felt the healing and restoration of the program by the testimonies of the ministry's members, praise dance for the lord, and skits regarding letting go of excess baggage. At some time in life, we have all been victims of wearing excess baggage that had the ability of holding us down and disallowing us from movement toward our purpose. Some of us are still victims of carrying unneeded baggage. What we must do is start the healing process for "A better you, better me, better us!"

I would like to thank the ladies of Compassion International Ministry for such a wonderful event. I would also like to thank them for such a wonderful gift.

Poetic Outlets

My reviews forPoetic Outlets.

Poetry Book Reviewer

Poets, do you need someone to review your work? Well, you have definitely stopped at the right blog. You can get your book reviewed for free. The reviewer will also write a review for you and post them to certain websites. Check out more information at Book Tweeting Service

ME! Newsletter Fall 2013

Free Copy of Poetic Outlets

Have you read my book of poetry titled "Poetic Outlets?" This book is about love, life, relationships and the things that keep us emotionally engaged with each other. Come be emotionally engaged with me.

 Amazon

Business Ties

Poets, Writers, and Authors

A Writer's World by J.R. Scott

Recently, I was tagged in a note by this wonderful poet. I could definitely relate to this poem as a writer, poet, and creative person. Can you relate? Feel free to visit the website and share with others.

http://rasilliantenterprises.blogspot.com/2010/07/writers-world-by-jr-scott-c-2004.html

Spread the Love!

The Future

Are you ready for the future? Well if not, you definitely want to get prepared because the future will be here before you know it. What this means for families is that we have to start preparing our youth at a very young age to start taking their place within society. Start having those conversations with them about what they want to be when they grow up. The best age to start doing this is at 2 years old and above. These small individuals may not know exactly what they want to be; however with your help, they can make dreams turn into reality.

Ask yourself this question:

Have I helped prepare my child (ren), nieces, or nephews for success? Have I helped prepare someone to be the next Mae C. Jemison or Richard Wright? Or have I helped prepare someone to be a nurse or fire fighter?

~Get your preparation on today!

Are You Living in Expectations?

Are you currently living in expectations? Do you help people with the expectation that the people you help will do the same for you? If you are living life like this, then you may be in a world of hurt when you take a poll of those willing to assist you when needed. I for one use to be the go-to-person for others. I thought that if I helped people, these very same people would help me when the time came. Boy was I wrong. When I needed help the most, I saw these people the least. These individuals I considered friends did a disappearing act and pretended as if they did not hear my cry. How could they not hear my cry? The cry for help that bellowed inside of me, yelling "Please, please set me free."

They did not hear my cry because their own thoughts overpowered my words. Truly, how could I be mad at something that had not been written in stone? See, I wasn't Moses and these were not my commandments. Although my expectations did not get satisfied, I did learn a valuable lesson. The lesson I learned was that I should not expect things from others that was not instilled in them to do. I also learned that I should live expectation free and do things because I want to and not because I expect something.

Do you struggle with living expectation free? Follow these simple steps in how to expect less.

Free Kindle Books: Get Your Copy on Amazon Today

Poetic Outlets

Poetic Outlets is a book of poetry that discusses depression, society, love, and attributes of a woman. It can honestly be said that this book has a bit of everything in it that draws you deeper and deeper into the author's thought process.

My Poetic Soul Unleashed

My Poetic Soul Unleashed is an extension of Poetic Outlets and ­the ­journey taken by Melica to reveal what lies underneath. In ­revealing what lies underneath, one has to be aware of the body, its functions, and what makes people feel the way that they do. My Poetic Soul Unleashed is about the immediate ­reactions to situations and the long deliberation of relations. It's also about mind ­boggling questions and the statements that keep you guessing. It's life and ­allowing ­Melica to ­unleash her soul in the form of poetic words on paper. So many times in life, people tend to see the things that are on the surface without ­digging ­beneath the exterior and revealing a diamond in the rough. It's time to stop recovering items from the surface and start digging for more than the obvious. Start digging for the truth.

Who's Who in Black Columbus

Happy to have celebrated such a wonderful event with such great people. I was truly honored to be among other great professionals listed in this year's edition.

Who's Who in Black Columbus 11th Edition 

Released 7/15/2013

I am featured in the Professionals Section

Check it out!

UniverSoul Circus

We had so much fun at the circus this past Sunday. Check us out!

The Meaning of my Name

Melica Niccole, the name of a strong willed and hardworking queen who is a person of victory.  It is instilled in me to be sweet, dedicated, and a person who believes in being the best.  The seed has been planted and tended to so diligently, that even the smallest seed sparkles in the darkest night.  I thank my mother for seeing the light in my garden and the strength in my soul that she so named me Melica Niccole.

Melica is Greek, Arabic, Polish, Italian, and Latin.  It means bee, honey, plant, queen, a strong willed and hardworking woman.  It is a very uncommon name for individuals in the USA. 

Niccole is Greek, French, Dutch, and English.  It means people of victory.  It is a very common name for first and last names.

Sources:

 (http://www.quickbabynames.com/meaning-of-Melica.html)

 (http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Nicole)

I Am an Expressionist

Vincent Van Gogh picture found at ArtyFactory.com

I am an

Expressionist

I express my feelings in the form of

Words

In the form of

Actions

See expressionism is the ability to

Create

Emotional and/or spiritual

Pieces of art

Pieces of literature

Pieces of me

Which dangles off the lips of

Admirers

I create

Expressions

Featured in Alumni News for Central Michigan University

http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/issue/115080/39

Summer 2013 Edition of ME! Newsletter.

Inspiration

Do you need a bit of inspiration to help you keep shining and pushing toward your dreams? Let Ledisi help you continue your drive and determination

A Piece of Me

You took something from me

That I want back

You took a piece of me

My love, you hijacked

I feel like Passenger 57

On a flight to a place unknown

But unlike Passenger 57

This trip I, forever long

I long for our conversation

The way you smile and grin

I long for your spirit

That makes life a sure win

Your soul is imprinted on mine

As my soul is on your’s

All I can do is sit back, relax

And let these feelings pour

T. Ayan Nelson's Youtube Poetry Video

T. Ayan Nelson's YouTube Poetry Video Contest is underway. Have you had a chance to register? We have extended the time for you to register. You now can register to the end of May; however the video has to be made before May 31, 2013. Are you still interested in partaking in this wonderful event where you could win $100 Visa or Mastercard? Check out the details here https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0U0TuGBy_AbRWc1QWJqU1RwN1U/edit?pli=1

T. Ayan Nelson

Follow T. Ayan Nelson on Twitter at Twitter.com/BaltimoreNelson 

Melica Niccole

Follow Melica on Twitter at Twitter.com/MelicaNiccole

Kristen Henley

Follow Kristen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/khenley1?directed_target_id=0

Dear Lauryn Hill...

Picture found at Crown Chronicles

Many of us go through life being the product of our surroundings; we think the same, react the same, and go through life without reaching our fullest potential. We stand in the crowd because we fear standing out from the crowd and being ostracized for our own thoughts. For some realist like Erykah Badu, we consider this Group Think; Individuals who refrain from individualist-creativity and thought because of the ramifications attached to it. It is not until later on in life, usually at age 25 or older, that some individuals break away from Group Think and start living life to their fullest potential. For others, this may never occur.

Truly, how can I judge you and what you are going through when my life is still being written? Sometimes, it’s easier for people to judge others without fully evaluating their own situations; Not realizing that their situation is very similar to those who they are judging. I just want you to know that I respect you. I respect your style, grace, and ability to rise above it all. Your story is still being written.

 ~Respect the originators

Xenia Daily Gazette

Get Your Free Copy of Poetic Outlets Today!

Do you have a Kindle? Do you want to get free books every now and then? Well, here's one freebie that will poetically speak to your mind, body, and soul. Get your very own copy of Poetic Outlets for free on Kindle today. Visit the link below to get your copy.

Get on Kindle today!

 

Dr. Yvonne Seon (Chappelle) presents at Wilberforce University

Dr. Yvonne Seon (Chappelle) presented at Wilberforce University on Thursday, April 11, 2013. She discussed her life, The Negritude Movement (La Negritude), and her son (Dave Chappelle). It was interesting hearing about La Negritude because I immediately linked it to The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Come to find out that the movement was inspired by The Harlem Renaissance and each movement had someone that connected both movements; Langston Hughes. Mr. Hughes spoke French and was instrumental in both movements. Dr. Seon's time at Wilberforce was very insightful. The students at Wilberforce came out in great numbers and showed a lot of respect to the visitors on campus.

Great event Wilberforce. Let's do this again next year!


Check out Yellow Springs News

Press Release for 2nd Annual Book Festival at Wilberforce University

2nd Annual Literary Festival

Authorsdb.com

Authors,

Check out this great website to publicize your work.






Find my listing at http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1804-melica-niccole

Spring Edition of ME! Newsletter

Quotes from, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill

“Desire can be transformed into gold.”

“Before success comes in any man’s life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and perhaps, some failure.” 

“Their greatest success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them.”

“When riches begin to come they come so quickly, in such great abundance, that one wonders where they have been hiding during all those lean years.”

“Riches begin with a state of mind, with definiteness of purpose, with little or nor hard work.”

“Success comes to those who become success conscious. Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious.”

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

“We have the power to control our thoughts.” 

“Maintain a spirit of open-mindedness.”

“Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat. Only by so doing can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win, essential to success.”

“No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it.”

“Every man is what he is because of the dominating thoughts which he permits to occupy his mind.”

“Faith is the only agency through which the cosmic force of Infinite Intelligence can be harnessed and used by man.”

“Abraham Lincoln was a failure at everything he tried, until he was well past the age of fourty. He was a Mr. Nobody from Nowhere, until a great experience came into his life, aroused the sleeping genius within his heart and brain, and gave the world one of its really great men.”

“Mahatma Gandhi, In this man the world had one of the most astounding examples know to civilization of the possibilities of faith.”

“Successful men, in all callings, never stop acquiring specialized knowledge related to their major purpose, business, or profession.” 

“Plato has this truth in mind when he said, “The first and best victory is to conquer self. TO be conqured by self is, of all things, the most shameful and vile.”

“Life is a checkerboard, and the player opposite you is time. If you hesitate before moving, or neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by time. You are playing against a partner who will not tolerate indecision!”

“The Master Key is intangible, but it is powerful! It is the privilege of creating, in your own mind, a burning desire for a definite form of riches. There is no penalty for the use of the Key, but there is a price you must pay if you do not use it. The price is failure.”

“If we are related, we have, through these pages, met.”

Suggested books to read: 

The Secret

The Law of Success

Life is a Business   

The Creative Bunch

Tweets from @ZoraNelson/the-creative-bunch

Suggested Accounts to Follow (#20GreatFF)

Tweets from @MelicaNiccole/suggested-accounts

The Hot List in Social Media: Smart Edge Webinar Series

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce has great webinars called, "Smart Edge Webinar Series." Recently, the chamber completed a webinar on The hot list in Social Media. Kelly Kinzer Malone discussed the list, which included: Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+. This list was very much different from when I attended a training at United Way about three or four years ago. United Way stated that Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn were the most popular social media websites. While that was probably true then, now these websites have other contenders who are giving them a run for social media tools. Social media websites have to stay abreast of what's new, what people want, and how the tools can be used in the business realm.

To view the video about The Hot List by Kelly Kinzer Malone, click the link above.

~Enjoy and know what social media tool works for you.

Calling All Poets

Are there any poets out there who want a chance at winning a $100 Visa or Mastercard gift card? Follow me on Twitter for more details coming soon. More information will be released in ME! Newsletter: Spring Edition. Who knows, you may have some of my well known followers shout you out or tweet you. You may also make the #@20GreatFF list. The winner will also receive recognition on twitter, ME! Newsletter, YouTube, Pinterest, Klout, etc.

Follow the following accounts who will also shout you out:

+Takiyah Baltimore Nelson (@BaltimoreNelson)
@SocialExchangeG
@ZoraNelson
@Hampton_Publish

~Create, grow, and prosper

Tips in Getting Media Coverage

Webinars held on the second Tuesday of Each month

Click link to view Tips in Getting Media Coverage by Smart Edge Webinar 

Presenters: Lisa Arlege Powell; Media Source, Brian Linda Mood; Director of Dispatch Magazine, and Mark Williams; Veteran Business Reporter

Dos

·         Think like a reporter

·         Know deadlines

·         Know what you want

·         Understand changing media

·         Definition of a good story has not changed

·         “New” may be a means for a good story

o   Include in title

·         Things to think about

o   How to make something new

o   Make people care

o   Put a face to the product

·         Pitch to your customer

·         Prepare an elevator speech

·         Offer visuals

·         Getting media coverage is all about forming relations

·         Follow tweets and facebook info from reporters, companies, etc.

o   Appreciate work in tweets, facebook, etc.

·         Better to contact reporters or media individuals in the mornings or afternoons

·         Don’t be afraid to pick up the telephone, as a opposed to sending an email

·         Reporters are more prone to cover stories that are trending

·         Show well-rounded campaign

Don’ts

·         Send a mass email

·         Send information to media sources that do not deal with subject matter

Important Information

·         In sending an email

·         Introduce yourself

·         1 paragraph (what is the story about?)

·         Paste press release below

·         Pitch

o   Make sure it is appropriate for subject matter

o   Make unique and specific

·         Look for seasonal stories

o   Reporters tend to prepare these stories 6 to 9 months in advance

·         If reporter tells you to contact them in the next day or two, be responsive

·         Director/reporter may be open to meeting with you.  Send them a note to meet and talk

·         Contacting media outlets

·          Use current reporter’s name

·         Personalize email/note

Lava Filled Capsule

So just under an hour ago, I sat here thinking about love. See love has always been here, but not always reciprocated at its highest ability by those I dated or those I cared for. In the past, I was always seen as the one who recognized my love for another first, whether it was a relationship or a friendship. You can say that this is also a present concern; however I will not say concern because I was made this way for a reason. I was made to love. Built to share my true feelings for those around. Placed on this planet to radiate the love in my bones that is bound to seep through my lips and to attach to the earlobe of the one I love. So friends, family, and loved ones, this is my, "Lava Filled Capsule."

Passion and love burns inside of me

For a love and caress that is only known by me

Recognize it

To a T

If I must

Loyal

Compassionate

With a sweet hint of trust

My body aches

For the one who is like I

Emotions on the table

And nose open wide

These emotions hold tight

To this lava filled capsule

This is not a test

A public service announcement

But something that is factual

I say with great emotion

My heart has been set for devotion

This path I will not stray

Because love will be here

Any day 

The Dream Team

Picture taken by Kiyah Whaley

Right now, I know you are wondering what is the Dream Team and who are the members of it? Well, I’m here to tell you that the dream team is a group of individuals who strive toward making dreams come true. We are individuals who will not let a dream die just because someone tried to steal our dreams from us by saying we were incapable of making them come true. Have you ever had someone tell you that you could not do something? Or maybe the person did not come out and say it; however you could read the words in their eyes and expressions. I am here to tell you that you hold the power to making all dreams come true. You and only you know what you are able to do and take on.

Recently, I was asked by a close acquaintance if there was anything that I could not do. This individual asked this because she was impressed with all of the things I was a part of. I responded by saying that I do not want to say that I cannot do something because I believe I can anything I set my mind to with practice and patience. A large portion of being on the dream team is being able to self-motivate yourself. You have to push yourself even when others are not. You also have to know when its time to take a break, so you can re-energize yourself and come back with the same passion you had before. 

~Are you a part of the Dream Team?

+Takiyah Baltimore Nelson +OppsPlace +Iyanla Vanzant +Nita Bee