Elevation by Sheilah Vance

Loving the next generation (photos from Howard U. booksigning)

Yes, I'm loving the next generation.  Last week (4/21) at my booksigning at Howard University, my alma mater, I had a great time hanging out with, sharing my thoughts with, answering questions from, and reading to the next generation.  My son, Vance, who's a sophomore there in the School of Business, came out with about 10 of his friends to cheer me on, as did my nephew, Ehren, who's also a sophomore there.  I can't tell you how great that made me feel.  As Mother's Day is just around the corner, I am thrilled with my son's everlasting support and with the good and supportive friends that he has made.  And, seeing my nephew, who's like a son to me as he is only a week older than my son, gave me the same feeling.  They didn't have to do it.  They could have blown off the event, especially their friends.  But they didn't.  And I so appreciate that.  They came with thoughtful questions and open and listening spirits.  I feel so confident that our future is secure when these young people take over with the heart, the brains, and the compassion to move our world forward.  So, thanks to them all:  Vance Lewis, Ehren Vance, Shanel Tate, Nicolas Mitchell, Gary Nelson, Jr.; Jacob Fitzgerald, Jared Mason, Chantel Bennett, Kristopher Brash, Dwayne Arcenaux, and Morgan Venzant.  From one Bison to another...Peace!

  

Land Mines in Main Line Today magazine "Things We Like"

Saw a great review of my novel today.  Read it at http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/May-2009/Things-We-Like/.  But, hey, I'll post it myself.  Here it is--

"Any woman who’s been through a separation and divorce, and managed to come out on the other side with her wits—and heart—intact, will appreciate this Paoli-based writer’s inventive take on one of life’s most painful experiences. Part divorce survival guide, part self-help book, this fictional novel is written journal style. In the end, Land Mines proves that fairy tales are just that. But happiness and peace are there for the taking."

Join me Tues., 4/21, 4-6pm, Howard U. Bookstore signing, 2225 Georgia Ave., NW

If you're in DC, please stop by tomorrow at the Howard U. Bookstore, 4-6pm.  I'd love to see you!

5 Things Couples Should Know When Considering Divorce in a Bad Economy

I'll be interviewed on this topic on Wed., 4/15 at 2 pm on WNMA-AM, Miami.  One of the five things is reduce joint marital debt, like joint credit cards.  I talk about how filing for one type of bankruptcy can discharge this credit card debt.  The Associated Press reported that nearly 1.2 million debtors filed for bankruptcy in the past 12 months, according to federal court records that they collected and analyzed.  AP reports that in March, 130,831 sought bankruptcy protection — an increase of 46 percent over March 2008 and 81 percent over the same month in 2007.  See the article at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ikymwYIOopCKgNCXplo_p58i7QAQD97HRUSG0.

Great article on the healing power of journaling

Here's a link to a great article called "The Healing Power of Journaling" that I used in my writing/journaling workshops last week.  www.bellaonline.com/ArticlesP/art54479.asp.

Key points were:

1) journaling helps clear the mind.

2) journaling sparks creativity.

3) journaling keeps us honest.

4) journaling allows us to express ourselves without judgment.

5) journaling gets us organized.

6) journaling enhances conscious living.

7) journaling shows progress at a glance.

Interview 4/7, 8:05 a.m., WRVA-AM, Richmond on Five Things Every Couple Should Know Before Getting Divorced in a Bad Economy

Please listen in tomorrow, 4/7, 8:05 a.m., to WRVA-AM, Richmond, Va. as I discuss "Five Things Every Couple Should Know Before Getting Divorced in a Bad Economy."

My interview on CNN Radio, 4/4, at 9:30 p.m.

I'll be interviewed on Saturday, 4/4 on CNN Radio at 9:30 p.m.  on "Five Things Couples Should Know About Getting Divorced in a Bad Economy."

Tips for moving on after a divorce or breakup

That's part of what I'll be covering in my workshop on April 4, and I just read a great article with five tips on the same subject.  The article is "How to Get Your Sexy Back after a Divorce or Bad Breakup" at http://advice.eharmony.com/article/how-to-get-your-sexy-back-after-a-divorce-or-bad-breakup.html?cid=23600&aid=705.  My workshop is called, "You're not the fool:  Reframing April Fool's Day by Writing (and Rewriting) Relationship Stories and Moving On."  Saturday, April 4, 2 - 4 p.m.  Artmosphere Cafe, 3311 Rhode Island Avenue, Mt. Ranier, Maryland. www.artmospherecafe.com. We've all had them  Times when a bad relationship has left us feeling like a fool.  Well, come to this workshop/reading and turn that around.  Bring a journal or some sheets of paper and write your way through the negative emotions to the other side.  Cost:  $15 book purchase.  Food available for purchase.  Hope to see you on the 4th, and hope you enjoy the article.