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Who comes to mind when you think about your personal heroes: a parent, sibling, action figure, military veteran, or stranger you witness saving a life? Maybe it's the elderly lady selflessly serving free Thanksgiving meals inside the homeless shelter, an ER Doctor working exhaustively for three days straight, or just someone that reaches out their car window at an intersection handing over a dollar bill to a stranger in need. No matter who they are, we all want, and wish for someone who's larger than life. Heroes come in many shapes, forms and patterns, and they don't…  ( Click for more )

Our Freedom of speech is one of the biggest rights we enjoy as American citizens. However, it pains me to see how mere accusations can ruin another persons reputation, either professionally or personally, destroying a lifetime of work and effort in the blink of an eye. If the recent charges against Herman Cain are proven true, then he should suffer the consequences. If not, it will go down as one of the worst character assassinations in recent memory. Unfortunately, much damage has already been done regardless of the outcome, and many good people will be paying the price.

In…  ( Click for more )

Our economy is still struggling. We see it everyday with continued layoffs, further drops in the housing arena, jittery stock markets, and a stubborn unemployment rate that doesn't want to budge. All of these are coupled with the most negative political atmosphere since the gloomy days of the Great Depression. Money affects everything we do. Like bright sunshine or a dark, ominous cloud constantly floating overhead, money represents a huge part of what drives us from birth until death. It's the reason why most roll awake in the morning, draining 95% of the population's minds…  ( Click for more )

The word "inheritance" can mean so many different things. Most initially think about money, or material possessions after their parent(s) or close relatives die and pass their belongings along. However, it can also mean what religious, political, and socioeconomic status you belong to and believe in throughout your entire life. And as the ol' saying goes, "We are what we are born into." But what about individualism? When you think about where you were born and the beliefs your parents or guardians raised you with, more than likely, you grew up living…  ( Click for more )

Not many people knew, besides his inner circle, that Steve Jobs could've possibly beaten his fatal cancer if he had only taken his doctors advice and succumbed to traditional medical procedures, particularly, an operation which could've removed his tumors much sooner than he decided. This information has been coming out as the release of his authorized autobiography will soon arrive on everyone's Kindle, I-Pad, and Bookshelf. Now, this wasn't all that surprising to me. After all, he'd turned to Buddhism as his religious affiliation, alternative medicine for pain and healing,…  ( Click for more )

All of us are born with hopes, dreams, and desires running through our veins, often wishing upon the stars that certain things and people would emerge, taking us to where we long to be. We pray on our knees, seek out advice, look for certain signs, and make our case to whomever and whatever will listen that what we have in our hearts is what's best for us, and destined to happen. Sometimes good things do come true, often they don't. After all, we're only human, and have a right to go for what we want. But differentiating between reality and hope-filled dreams is often a brutal…  ( Click for more )

Eyes meet; two bodies and their souls come together. The sparks fly, the clouds part, food tastes better, the fragrance of flowers sweeter, you start walking around in a daze 24/7, everything’s finally making sense and your life has new meaning like never before until…

When things go wrong, or even well, in the arena of love lots of people go looking for advice. They seek out friends, family, psychiatrist’s, astrologers, those grey-haired couples who’ve been married for most of their lives, even their local bartender or barber gets an unwilling ear…  ( Click for more )

I recently read a news article about a young man working at a Seattle Walmart, an immigrant from Ghana, who voluntarily returned an envelope containing $20,000 in cash to an elderly couple while helping to carry shopping bags to their car. Apparently, the envelope with the money fell out of a purse. He noticed it, quickly ran after the owners, and returned the funds while refusing to take a finders fee. And as it turned out, the money was to be used for purchasing a home the couple had been saving for. He later received an accommodation for the good deed, and is now being rewarded…  ( Click for more )

As baseball fans everywhere know, the ALCS is currently being played here in Dallas. The Texas Rangers, once again, have captivated our population as a whole, giving our city a wonderful escape from our everyday lives. We all wait patiently for the first pitch and swing of the bat to begin. We marvel at seeing these superbly conditioned athletes performing at supreme levels, watching in awe at their unique abilities. Like art in motion, their magical actions and reactions on the playing field let us witness what God-given gifts and talents some are truly born with. Our focus…  ( Click for more )

Our world lost one of the greatest minds of its time this week, Steve Jobs. So I find it only fitting to say a few things about where he's going from here, at least, in my viewpoint. When you think of the truly great inventors, geniuses, and business pioneers of the worlds history very few names stand out. I'm talking about the ones who REALLY changed the way we live our lives (i.e. Henry Ford, Walt Disney, Edison, The Wright Brothers, Einstein, and now Steve Jobs). They literally altered the course of our history and made things that drastically improved our very existence.…  ( Click for more )

The day that Jesus arose after being nailed to a wooden cross, crucified til death, and giving the world a promise of everlasting life is the most significant worldly event to ever happen. It's what gives believer's hope, reasons to not fear death, and a peace inside that says, "yes" there is another life after this one comes to an end. It's an inner peace which millions carry with them, knowing that when their day of crossover finally happens there will be an outstretched hand immediately grasping theirs, welcoming them to the streets of gold. I love the sights…  ( Click for more )

From the moment of birth, our lives are a nonstop journey into finding out who, and what we are. To find answers, all you should do is listen to that little voice God has planted inside. Quickly, answer this question: "I am a _______." So, what was your response? If I were to guess, I'd say that most rapidly answered this with your professional position: Doctor, Lawyer, Brick Layer, Artist, Housewife, etc. All of these are great things to be, but so often we become something we're not, racing down the tracks of life like an out-of-control locomotive. Worldly…  ( Click for more )

When you think about it, we're all born an underdog. We enter this world with no skills, prospects, luck, or abilities. It's all up to us, the individual, to make it happen. There's some truth that who you know in this world can make a difference. But for my money, I much prefer seeing someone who's disadvantaged, struggling, underprivileged, or even poor setting life's goals then finding a way to make his/her life a huge success.

As some may realize, I live in Dallas and am a proud Texas native. So naturally, when fall rolls around I tend to glue my attention inside the TV…  ( Click for more )

Is it just me, or has our society become increasingly, narcissistic? Up until the past few years, I really hadn't even heard this word used before. But, to start things off, some of its meanings are stated below from the online source, Wikipedia: Narcissism is a term with a wide range of meanings, depending on whether it is used to describe a central concept of psychoanalytic theory, a mental illness, a social or cultural problem, or simply a personality trait. Except in the sense of primary narcissism or healthy self-love, "narcissism" usually is used to describe…  ( Click for more )

How will you be remembered by the lives you touched after your gone? Would you be thought of as caring, giving, loving, respected, admired, smart, or intellectual? Did you have special gifts which you shared with others, if not the world? Or would your life's imprints quickly disappear into the sunset, like grains of sand washing back to sea. After all, how we treat others today is how we'll be remembered tomorrow. In my novel, Sons In The Clouds two friends shared absolutely everything together: their inner battles, hardships, and victories leaving marks on each other…  ( Click for more )

Learning to write, speak, express, and socialize well are some of the most valuable items a person can conquer. They aren’t easily learned, oftentimes taking lots of time and pain to master, but once properly accomplished, they can benefit both your personal and professional life in so many ways.

Let’s start with writing. Since I began learning the art of creating stories, I’ve been enduring a crash course in grammar, language, punctuation, and dialogue. Anytime I sit down to place together a series of words, I make a repetitive, conscious effort to spell check,…  ( Click for more )

Its Valentine's Day week, that wonderful time of year when significant others spend a little time expressing, and sharing their common attraction. For many, it’s a time of reflection, a day of sharing that certain chemistry bringing souls together, a period of needed sexual bliss, an occasion where hearts communicate a little bit deeper, and even moments when personalities come together for the very first time.

In the fifty years I’ve been alive, I’ve experienced, desired, wanted, expressed, shared, rejected, and written about love. I’ve wanted to be…  ( Click for more )

Our goals, dreams, and individual aspirations all play a part in making us who we are. Most have imagined lives of incredible richness and success, wanting to claim their stake on earth as part of their individual plans. How we visualize, and drive toward attaining these desires ultimately determines how quickly they become reality. Those of us who make strides in the world of creativity are obviously dreamers. We make something from nothing, hoping it will produce a lasting impact on those we share our efforts with. The artist paints his canvas, the actor rehearses his…  ( Click for more )

I recently had the pleasure of attending a book signing, here in Dallas, for one of the best-known authors of our time, Nicholas Sparks.

One of the reasons I traveled to see him was because I wanted to be in the presence of a true success story; someone who’s worked hard, developed his craft into literary artistry, and has gained international acclaim due to the marketability of his work. Mr. Sparks is a self-made man, and someone who those of us in the writing field continually strive to become. He’s an author who never gave up when he first started writing, despite…  ( Click for more )

If you've been lucky, there's been people who entered your life for the sole purpose of being your friend, mentor, lucky star, partner-in-crime, even those who share your most intimate secrets, etc. They're people you can trust explicitly, never having any intention of causing you harm, and truly wanting the best for you and your family. There's a willing, mutual bond. And like a favorite movie or place to visit, they make you feel better just being in their presence. un.con.di.tion.al is defined as: Without conditions or limitations. Well, that pretty much sums up what…  ( Click for more )

We are all being watched over. Whether or not you believe in a supreme being, astrology, quantum physics, or any other type of spiritual/non-spiritual theology, everything happens for a reason. In my novel, Sons In The Clouds a physical item was found by one of the main characters during his life's darkest moment. It gave him desperately needed faith, while death was becoming a certain reality.

Have you ever had moments in your life when you just knew favor was placed upon you? That certain circumstances beyond your control went to your benefit, the only explanation being…  ( Click for more )

Not long ago, I submitted this quote on my social media accounts, "If you're going to write, do it with your heart, not with your head." Almost immediately, I saw it gathering attention and it really made me stop and think about what I was saying. The answer is simple: It was something that came to me while closing my eyes and letting my inner soul do the talking. Now, for some that might sound a bit corny, or even conceded. But truthfully, that is really how I write and am learning to live my life. Our actions and reactions should reflect what our heart, and passions…  ( Click for more )

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? Give everyone you know on your gift list what they asked for? Did the IPad’s, jewelry, and fresh pieces of clothing pulled from neatly-wrapped boxes flow steadily around the ole’ Christmas tree? Good. Now, how many of those “things” have truly made you happier, more fulfilled, even caused you to maintain a better sense of hope and excitement for the future past the first minutes after receiving them? Did their newness quickly wear off, or are you still reveling in their presence now that the New Year has come…  ( Click for more )

I was advised a while ago while getting my novel, "Sons In The Clouds" ready to go online that few people I knew personally would buy, or even acknowledge it's existence. That only around 10% would even whisper a single word. Unfortunately, this viewpoint has proven entirely correct. I'm not one looking for praise, please understand this. But, what has opened my eyes about many people these days is the increase in negativity among them. That, for whatever reason, they're uncomfortable in watching you succeed, gain a few shards of acclaim, climb a little higher…  ( Click for more )