Will Sing for Money to Self-Publish

Seriously.

Times are tough financially. It's hard enough to pay for the necessities of life, much less keep up a website (which is why mine is currently down) or spend money self-publishing a book.

So I'm tapping into my other talents to try and put together a few extra dollars to go to print. I'd love to do some studio work. And I'd love to do a little voiceover work too. I can't afford the demos necessary to get the attention I need to book the jobs, so I did a quick YouTube video and I'm hoping someone will stumble across it and contact me to sing a hook...or do a radio commercial...or something behind-the-scenes like that.

You get the idea.

So if you're someone who has a PAYING gig for which I could use my voice, then drop me a line here at my blog. Thanks!

Oh, and yay me for losing another 15 pounds (65 down...many more to go)!

Mary J. Blige's New Site

I know, it's been a lonnnnnnnnnnnng time since I last posted. I've been very busy. And lazy about blogging. Okay, more lazy than busy.

Just wanted to log in for a quick moment to say that I have exciting news: I'm joining the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FAWN) as a blogger! Among other things, I'll be posting about self-esteem, family, and personal growth. All the things I love to write and talk about.

I'm excited about this opportunity! I believe in their mission and I'm grateful to be a part of the organization in its infancy stage.

So stop by the site every now and then and drop a comment to me and/or the other bloggers there. We always appreciate constructive feedback.

Just the Boost I Needed...

I just had such an encouraging conversation with Libby Gill, the Life Coach/Author that Lifetime TV arranged for us to speak with regarding our Clean Start Challenge projects. She gave me lots of things to think about (some of which I may or may not share on-camera...nah nah nah nah nah nah) that will help me stay on my current path of health and wellness, weight loss and emotional well-being. We even briefly discussed the direction my writing is taking. The whole conversation reinforced many of the thoughts that had been swirling around in my head already. And she also offered up advice on other things I hadn't quite fleshed out yet or even thought about at all. Stimulating conversation! I'm feeling further empowered and am confident that it will translate into something very positive for me in relation to this makeover...

Meanwhile, visit her site for yourself to see what advice she may have for you!

Note to Self: Get on TLC's "What Not to Wear"

So I've started campaigning to get the attention of What Not to Wear, the popular TLC makeover show featuring fabulous stylists Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. I watch this show religiously and I jot down the rules that I think fit my body type, all in hopes of someday using them on a shopping spree to replace the disgustingly gross wardrobe currently hanging in my closet.

I'll admit it. I'm a fashion victim. I'm still wearing clothes from when I weighed 314 pounds (I'm currently at 260 and shrinking daily). They do nothing for me. They're misshapen, faded, worn, and in some cases torn. I'm embarrassed to leave the house in my clothes. So I don't. Leave the house, that is. As little as possible, anyway (I'm currently working from home so that's not too difficult). And when I do leave, it's mostly not until the nighttime, when there are fewer people on the streets that will be subjected to my style-challenged ways.

At least I recognize the problem.

So I've emailed thirteen of the show's casting people (I don't know the technical term). I hope that's not considering spamming (yikes). But a sista is desperate. Beyond...actually.

I'll keep you posted. And if you're not already watching the show...watch the show! Maybe you'll see me on there someday as part of my Makeover-In-Action Project. Meanwhile, you can still catch my little web reality show on mylifetime.com (Lifetime TV's online community) as part of the SC Johnson-sponsored Clean Start Challenge. See you there!

Make Me Over, Eb!

Found this online show today (archived at blogtalkradio.com). I'm hoping that I'll be able to chat with the hostess, Ebony Looney, on her next episode, which broadcasts live Sundays on WOIC AM 1230 (Columbia, SC) . I'm sure she'll have lots of great tips that will help me navigate this makeover project of mine. I'll let you know if I make contact with her.

If you're in makeover-mode too, then check out her personal website for tips that may help you in your own journey.

New Exercise Video Featuring Bonecrusher

I've never heard a complete song by rapper Bonecrusher (though I do now recognize the song AttenCHUN! from the badly-written/badly-acted IMX/B2K movie You Got Served), and I didn't watch him on Celebrity Fit Club, but I'm impressed that he put together this workout video for plus-size people trying to get in shape, so I think I'm gonna have to check this out...

Thanks For Watching the Show...Both of You!

Thanks for watching my little YouTube show! I know it's only a couple/few of you, but your words of encouragement make a sista smile. Oh, and sorry I haven't enabled comments yet at my channel. You know how people can be, and I just truly don't want to let any negativity into my space just now. Ever again, actually. You feel me.

Take care and I'll see you later. New video at Lifetimetv.com late Tuesday. Check it out.

And I Sing...Because...I'm Happy...

I decided that every time I lose a pound or more, I'm going to celebrate in song. Why not? This is to celebrate another two pounds lost last week. That's a total of 52! See why I'm singing?

P.S. I'm not a professional, so keep that in mind please. Oh, and ignore that lisp (gonna get that fixed soon, I hope)!

My Gift Basket From SC Johnson/Lifetimetv.com

I gotta tell ya, I'm pretty excited about receiving this giftbasket from SC Johnson and Lifetimetv.com, the sponsors of the Clean Start Challenge that I'm part of for the next ten weeks at Lifetimetv.com. Lame that I got all giddy when I received it via FedEx just now? Not really, considering how much this stuff costs in the store!

I received Ziploc bags of various sizes, microwave-safe bowls with Snap 'N Seal lids, containers with Twist 'n Loc lids, a Glade Wisp Flameless Candle, and a Plug-Ins Scented Oil Fan. And the basket it came in is cute too.

I'm just too excited...

Updates All Over the Place!

I haven't posted in sooooo long...and I was doing so well for a while there!

Anyway, several quick updates:

I've been chosen as a finalist (under my legal name "Chela") in the Lifetimetv.com/SC Johnson Clean Start Sweepstakes, which means that I'll be documenting my weight loss/health & wellness journey over the next ten weeks by uploading a weekly video to their site for a chance to win $10,000 and a trip for four to Disneyworld. I'm excited! This puts me back on track with my eating (I was wildin' out there again for a while) and makes me more conscious of my health issues again.

Since it's only a weekly upload to their site, I decided to start a Youtube channel so that I can post more frequently and vent when/where I need to. Plus it allows me to do so much more as part of my makeover. More on that as details become available.

My upcoming young adult novel K My Name Is Kendra is coming along quite nicely. I'm completing the final pages, and I'm excited that the project is going to be edited by Katura Hudson, a freelance editor who is also Director of Marketing at Just Us Books, a 20-year-old New Jersey publishing company that has established itself as a leader in multicultural books.

Oh...and I almost forgot! I've written my very first article ever. Honestly, I can't even remember the title right now, but it'll appear in the February issue of Venus Diva Magazine. Should be available tomorrow. I was so excited to see my picture added to the masthead as a frequent contributor. I'm looking forward to a future with them.

I think that's it. Stay in touch! And thanks for all your emails.