Submissions Now Being Accepted for BDelight, vol 2.

If you thought the first volume was on fiyah - wait until you see what's in store for the second! ALL Authors & Poets: Click HERE to read the submission guidelines, so you can "step up to the mic" and be part of history!!





click image for source

Me: Reading on a Harlem Roof-top!

This was one high-energy evening! Thanx again for all the luv, support & encouragement on Saturday, Oct. 11th!

This clip from the BD Celebration needs no editing...

Besides, I'm too excited & exhausted to edit this piece. Special thanx to R.J. Leippert for taking the role as videographer so seriously that very little editing needs to be done! Sistah Miz, U pulled this one out the hidden treasury and I am so proud to call U a partner! Hugz to ya all.

Thanx Eb & Dejanae for these images...

Until I download from my cameras here's what Eb the Celeb & Dejanae (above;-) posted! Thanx 2 my Li'l Sistahs of Blogland! SMOOCHEZ;-)!










A special shout out & Hug to my Brother from another mother: RJL, for taking his job as videographer (using the Flips) so seriously! Can't wait to look over all that footage!!

The NYC Book Celebration was FABULOUS!!

It was so wonderful to read under the stars, over-looking the Hudson river as the Autumn breezes caressed us! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support our first collection of short stories.

Bloggers came through and showed much luv:

Sheletha, Lance - the infamous Non-Blogger, Organized Noise, Eb the Celeb, Ali of Ali'sZay, Bougie Negro, Dejanae, BrooklynGirl, ShellyShell.

A special thanks to Troy Johnson, President of AALBC for coming out!

A extra big, ol' country hug to my gurl, Miz for treating us listeners to her beautiful voice in song! She had us all spellbound!

We couldn't have asked for a better NYC celebration:-)

Photos & videos will follow very soon!!

SAVE the DATE!!!! Bloggers' Delight TAKES NYC

U all asked for it & Y(our) prayers have been answered! Bloggers' Delight, vol 1 will be completing its premiere tour in the BIG APPLE at an exclusive Harlem location (to be revealed along with the rest of the details very soon;-). Please - Save the DATE & make no other plans for: Saturday, October 11th, 2008 (probably early evening: 6-9pm - but the details are being worked out)!

Yes, it's Columbus Day weekend. Yes, I know most New Yorkers blast out of the city at the mention of a long weekend. But, the other authors in the collection with me want to tour The Big Apple along with the rest of the tourists;-)!

So, c'mon - stayCation with us, for this once in a life-time chance! Besides - NYC can't let the ATL beat 'em on numbers of bloggers who came thru & showed luv! At least 15 bloggers came through the ATL signing. I KNOW more than 15 bloggers live in or near enough to Harlem to come through;-). Will it help entice U if the event includes an assortment of food, beverages & it's FREE (though we may need to take up a good-will offering;-)? Where else can u get all this on a holiday weekend?

All those folx who said U wanted us to come through NYC ... U coming through? We're giving U an early heads up, so u can't say U didn't know). C U there (again - details will follow very soon;-)!!

Thankful Thursday (special edition): I've Recovered & Got Stories 2 Tell!

(Click image to see more over at The Rich House)

First, I gotta say: ALL eyez on Sistah Miz!
She certainly deserves the spot light cuz
Sis put it DOWN this past weekend
& showed us how it's done in da Durty!

My "party" started in the NYC's LaGuardia airport when my flight was delayed an hour and I headed to the bar;-). Seems I woke the sullen patrons when I asked the bartender: "Any Happy Hour specials?" One blond woman in a suit whose flight must've been really delayed said: "No ones happy at airport bars." I corrected her: "Everyone's happy, we're all escaping!" She wasn't buying it, but the Hispanic lookin' Sistah next to her glanced at me with a quiet grin. Anyway, I was happy as I stood there a moment trying to decide how much more happy I was trying to get & simply chose a frosty brew buzz. Sat down and the blond dude next to me introduced himself then proceeded to share some of his career & life story, which was genuinely interesting. I've never met a genetic engineer/chemist before. He shared fascinatingly frightening tidbits about scientific possibilities. Watching I AM LEGEND after meeting him gave the movie a new, ummm, reality. Bonus: he bought the second round;-).

Floated off the bar and headed to the gate in time for my smooth flight which landed at about 10:30pm. The flight attendants announced as we were landing: "Welcome to Atlanta. The temperature here is NINETY-FIVE DEGREEZ." Good lawd! Miz pulled up soon after I arrived and I noticed she was lookin' all cute - but I figured she'd come from somewhere else. She informed me that we'd at least stop at one of the local spots for a drink. Cool. Then she pulls up into the parking lot of Arizona's where ALL the Pretty People seemed to be hanging out! Brothers were in linen and Sistahs were sporting summery dresses or jeans & fly azz shoes! Oh HAYL nawl! I was wearing comfy travel gear: gym pants & sneakers. Yes, I did pull the quick change into jeans & heels in Miz's front seat! We laughed about charging anyone for a peek! Heyyyy, gon' make a li'l change while I'm her'! We chilled at the bar long enough to have a drink and appetizer then we moved outdoors to enjoy the live band! It felt good to be around fly Black Folk! The band even hit that Go-Go beat one time as if they knew I was in da house!

Miz & I were far from sleepy when we got to her beautiful home. She gave me the tour & it was imperative that we "christen" her new patio set! We changed into comfy gear & met at the kitchen where we poured wine and headed to the patio. I knew we had plenty to catch up on - but I didn't realize we'd pull an all nighter! It was 4am before we decided to call it "a night". I can't thank Miz enough for being the most gracious hostess. Not sure if I'd give up my bed and put my kids out for a weekend guest (I didn't feel too bad 'bout the kids, since she sent 'em to their Daddy's ... but to give up her bed!;-).

The next afternoon when I awoke it was so quiet I thought that Miz had gone out. After taking a shower I took my slightly grape-smashedness in to her kitchen to raid her fridge (u gotta feed da grape;-). I heard "her" coming from another room and hollered out, "Hey Girl!" not wanting her to shoot my azz leaning into her fridge. Around the corner comes Miz's daughter who jumped at the sight of me. I introduced myself and she calmed down but still seemed wary of the stranger in her moma's kitchen. Miz stumbled in and I let her know I was ready to raid her fridge. She too was hungry, so we got ourselves together and went to hang-over heaven: Waffle House - cheaper & less crowded than IHOP;-).

We had the Waffle House & it's staff all to ourselves since we'd just missed the brunch rush. The gentlemen were friendly and chatting it up which led the manager/franchise owner, Terence to purchase a copy of Bloggers Delight, vol. 1 and 52 Broad Street! Tha's the breakfast of champions;-)! Feeling much bettah with our bellies full, egos stroked & books sold - we rolled out of there knowing we needed to get it in gear since we had to load up the car and intended to stop by T-Dawg's New Shop: BrainCell before arriving early enough to set up for the book celebration. Unfortunately, Miz & I were talking so much we missed T-Dawg's exit and things in da ATL aren't "right around the corner", so we just had to keep it moving & hope that T-Dawg knew to blame our heads/ motor mouths & not our hearts;-).

When we got to The Grounds Coffee House another party was leaving out. Rather than sit in the car until they were done and use up Miz's gas to keep cool, I suggested we check out the lovely li'l boutique next door to the coffee shoppe! I asked if they had hair jewelry, dude at the counter said no, but my creativity kicked in and I asked to look closer at a bracelet which could double as a fly "scrunchy" and it did quite nicely. As clerk-dude searched for the price in a box of jewelry my nosiness paid off as I discovered the cutest SHOE necklace in the box he rifled through. With bracelet/hair jewelry & shoe necklace (see photo below;-) -- I was ready!

(Click on above image to get to Tony Oh's spot
for even more great shots)

I assisted Miz in setting up the tables & chairs as she desired while the musician/singer set up his equipment. I even enlisted the muscles of a coffee house patron to unload a box of books from Miz's trunk. As we were unloading and setting up Sistah Jali rolled up on us. We whooped, hugged & hollered like old friends who hadn't seen each other in years! Her energy is soooo cool & laid back! Soon after her arrival The Rich House came through with an entourage of wife & parents! All of them sweethearts - though Daddy Rich has devilment sparkling in his eyes;-). T-Dawg and Tony Ohhh slid up into the place just as smooth as only country men can be like a hug waiting to happen and I got my fill!

While waiting on the arrival of other folk - I made myself useful by pulling jokahs off the street. LOL! No, seriously - I was looking out into the heat for Sistah Jali when I noticed a brother walk toward the door with puzzlement on his face as if he couldn't believe his favorite coffee shop was closed to the public. I stepped out, invited him in, told him what we were doing and he bought a book! I even got all of the authors in attendance to sign it for him - which was a challenge because it was like interrupting mini reunions. Thanx Bruthah Alton for supporting our first volume of Bloggers' Delight.

After that it was like a wonderful whirlwind which brought in all sorts of family, friends and more blog-family!! It's a funny thing -- this learning to "perform" in the midst of having family reunions - cuz that's what these celebrations have all been! When Miz called me up to read, I was in the back of the shoppe and you would've thought she called me to be the next contestant on The Price is Right the way I ran up to the mic! LOL! Thankfully, I pulled it together enough to find my reading segment - even if I did ramble a bit while flipping through the book. Although, I get a bit nervous while reading - when I look out at the faces listening attentively - it's all LOVE and it feels so good!

After the readings and photo ops, I began to burn Go- Go music from my laptop for 12Kyle & Rich who had requested it. Since 12Kyle brought extra disks I kept burning for others who were interested in that DC sound;-). Of course, we couldn't let the party stop at the coffee house! This was da ATL - the party capital of da Durty! 12Kyle had to change into his Daddy-Cape, so he couldn't cut a rug with me - but I've got a rain check for next time! Several others also had to call it a night, so a few of us die-hards took it onto the Atlantic Center for a li'l eye candy, dranks & appetizers. It was only appropriate that we end our night in the nation's "shoe modeling" capital at a spot called: STRIP! LOL! I must add that the sistahs DO rock some serious shoes in da ATL!

U would've thought that after such a full day, Miz & I would hit our pillows as soon as we got back to her spot. But, u KNOW we had to end my stay with one more night on her lovely patio with the remainder of that wine we popped the night before. Yes, folk - I had a wonderful time in da ATL! My natural high couldn't even be brought down by the major delayed return to NYC! My delay was caused by expensive hair products which I refused to trash and checking my luggage caused me to miss my flight. Storms in the NYC area delayed the flight I boarded. God is still in the blessing business because my dear friend's fiancé had to work late and he works near La Guardia, so he was able to scoop me and drop me at my door on his way home! I know next time I go to the ATL that their baggage checkers don't play;-).

ATL wuz HOT & so were WE;-)!

(Click on image to enlarge)

Here's just a quick taste of the HOTNESS as History is Being MADE! It was 95 degrees when my flight touched down on Friday at 11PM (da ATL don't play;-)! THEN, Sistah MizRepresent put together THE HOTTEST Bloggers' Delight Book Celebration TO DATE! Enjoy this view until I can make it back with full, juicy details! MizRepresent & The Rich House have posted some details - so check their blogs 'til I can get it together. Had a challenging trip home - but I am SO thankful to The Creator that I am SAFE, that a "little" 12 hour delay was NUTHIN';-). Besides, I had such a great time & am so thankful for the blessing of this adventure called Bloggers' Delight that I only feel LUV! But, I am a li'l exhausted, so I'll HOLLA back in a bit;-)

C U in Da ATL tomorrow!!

The Bloggers Delight Book Release Party III
The Grounds Coffeehouse @SkyLofts
898 Oak Street, Atlanta, GA.
Sat., June 7th: 7-10pm.

If you're in Ft. Lauderdale, FL show luv to Brother Zay here:
Location:African Research American Library and Cultural Center2650 Sistrunk BoulevardFort Lauderdale, FL 33311 US
When:Saturday, June 7, 12:00PM
Phone:866-230-5692
Email:xavierpjr@gmail.com

Blog Talk Radio Showwww! C U in ATL on Sat., June 7th

Sunday past I enjoyed my 5th segment of Blog Talk Radio! This is such a fun & funny phenomena! Sistah LoveBabz made an appearance this week & I luved it! She's so much fun to talk to! I shouted out all of the Bloggers I'm expecting to meet while I'm in da ATL this coming weekend: June 7th. Check it out by clicking on the arrow/triangle below. Enjoy!



Looking forward to meeting all my Durty Souf Blog Fam this weekend!!

If you're in da ATL C U here from 7-10pm:

The Grounds Coffeehouse @SkyLofts
898 Oak Street, Atlanta, GA.

If you're in Ft. Lauderdale, FL show luv to Brother Zay here:

Location:
African Research American Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 US

When:
Saturday, June 7, 12:00PM

Phone:
866-230-5692

Email:
xavierpjr@gmail.com

Wonderful Gift from my Brother in Law!

Thanx to my Brother-in-law, Carlton for this wonderful video of the DC Book signing! Enjoy! Look forward to seeing U all in da ATL on June 7th for the 3rd BD, vol 1 celebration!!

DC BD, Vol. 1 Celebration - a sample

Here's just a few of the images that have been sent to me thus far. Thanx again for all the luv & Support. Enjoy!
Note: Due to so many requests - the song playing is entitled Go-Go, by Bob Mintzer Big Band (one of the many tunes listed on OneTrue Media).

Don't BE the DC April Fool ...

... by missing this event: Celebration and signing of Bloggers' Delight, vol 1!
DC Metro area readers & blog-family: C U next Monday, April 7th ;-).

~ P.S.~
I shouldn't tell U this until I win;-) - but KoffeeDyme's having a contest.

DC Metro Area Bloggers! U R invited - April 7th!

To meet the above three featured Authors of Bloggers' Delight!
View the E-Vite & leave me a comment w/ email if interested in joining us;-)
I know that's a few weeks away - but U all know how excited I get about a party;-).
I'll remind U again as the date draws near.
Hope to C U THERE!

NYC's VIP Bk Celebration March 8th - THANX!!

This is a mere glimpse at a celebration that I hosted this past Saturday in appreciation to those who have supported my fiction debut and my transition to this New York City "wilderness". The celebration took place at Antoinette's Restaurant in Harlem. Thanx to all who made it through Saturday's torrential rains! Thanx for the calls, texts & emails from those who were there in spirit, but unable to attend in body. I had a FANTASTIC time! HUGZ 2 ya ALL!
Several Bloggers even made it out: Ms. Lee, i.am.malik and Lance (the non-Blogging Blogger;-). As others send me images from all of their fancy cameras I'll create a li'l video to show you more. Until then - enjoy!

Hit the Ground Running!

Well, I rested & recuperated a li'l bit yesterday! Today & for the next few days/weeks ... I'm OFF & RUNNING:

• An interview with Sirius Radio's Indie Talk Channel 110: The Blog Bunker at 5pm TODAY. I'll be there live, Rich & Miz will be there via phone. U may get the opportunity to win a copy of Bloggers' Delight! So, if U're a Sirius listener - tune in!

• Lots of interviews for possible employment at a conference here in NYC for next three days!
• Enjoying an Exclusive, V.I.P., Invitation only Bloggers' Delight Book event on March 8th here in NYC. Public NYC signing to be in Summer 2008.

Looks like March will be coming IN like a LION for ME - regardless of the weather;-).

HAPPY LEAP DAY & WEEK!

Keep me in prayer! Thanx in advance!!

*click on image for source.

Had a BLAST in the STL!

There are too many wonderful stories that unfolded in such a short time! I just feel so blessed that I was there and am part of this phenomena! Please enjoy this li'l movie and let your imagination do the rest. U can get more images and a few stories over at Miz's, Suite B's, Lea78's, The Rich House, Girly Girl's, Sheletha's & Sharon's ;-)!

Just a Taste...

... until I recuperate, here's a peek at my weekend at the first Bloggers' Delight Book signing & Launch Party;-). For more images, go check out Bloggers' Delight 2 Write - there's a list of the attendees and their perspectives!

Image courtesy of The Rich House!

See Ya in St. Louie!!

Well, Folx I'm out for the weekend! Please pray the weather cooperates & I'm able to miss those storms circulating. Can't wait to see some of youse guys! Will take plenty of photos to share and hopefully a li'l video. But of course, what happens in da Lou STAYS in da Lou (who started that daYUM sayin', anyway? LOL!)! As you can tell - I'm so excited I'm 'bout to jump the moon! U don't know why I'm all excited? Well catch up w/ the rest of us by clicking HERE ;-).

Okay, Nelly, here I come, shugah ... just had to step into my heels & say bye to some friends! Is Ceddy Bear gonna meet us for drinks? He's so funny!

*click image for source.

Next Saturday - It's ON Like PopCo'n!!

Next Saturday, FEBRUARY 23, 2008 from 6pm to 9pm
we are going to be putting it down at

Lucas Park Grille
1234 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO 63103

This is the first book release party for

Bloggers' Delight Volume 1: Love and Redemption.

That night we will have on hand authors Diane Dorce' - y'all know her as Mizrepresent, Saadia Ali Aschemann - better known around these parts as Girly Girl, the SwagaDocious Rich House host himself - R. Fitzgerald, and of course, Yours Truly: C. Paige - U know me as CAP;-). We will be on hand to meet and greet as well as share from our work. We are excited to also have along for the ride bloggers Sheletha, Lance (the blogger with no blog), and I heard that Denea might be in town as well. Sistah Sharon said she'll come through (so we can sang Happy Birthday to her & give her birthday hugz;-)!! If more of you can make it, especially those of you in the STL, it will be great to finally meet you. There will be food (gourmet appetizers), comedy, readings, a cash bar, lots of laughter and plenty of good old fashioned fun.

COST
If you previously purchased a book during the promotional period, bring your book and you will get in FREE. Everyone else, the cost is $20 (includes a copy of the book) - Couples can gain entry for $30 (includes 1 copy of the book).

Be there or be SqwaYAH;-).

*Thanx Rich House for most of this copy;-)