Today I’m faced with sadness in heart that not every friend will remain in my life for always. It’s hard to imagine that differences of opinions or disagreements would cause up close and personal to now be, distant and silent. I too realize that some things are just too difficult for me to deal with and believe me, I wish they weren’t.  I also understand that love doesn’t have to change, but the interactions have to in order for me and the “friends” I have lost to remain happy.

Pruning season is far from easy, but it can be very necessary. I’m just so grateful that healing eventually does take place in the heart, the mind and the soul.

For those friends I have lost, I love you still. Some things aren’t meant to last forever. That is truly a hard lesson to swallow especially when it comes to those you love, but now at this stage in my life…I finally get it!

Operation P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)

The story is dear to my heart even though it’s fiction. Throughout my existence I have come close to ending my life because of personal struggles and not loving myself AT ALL. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, my body frame, my hair…just basically I wasn’t too fond of ME. Also being a Pentecostal preacher’s kid I have seen how many people get treated because of their differences. I’ve seen people hurt over their sexuality, not having on the right attire, not smelling their best etc. and it was hurtful seeing it come from “Christian Church folks”.

I’m not saying that all churches or church goers are bad people, but we can be some of the worse ones to inflict uncessary pain on others different from us. I have to say though, I’m grateful that I never witnessed that cruelty from my father who is still an active pastor and bishop. His compassion, understanding and love showed me how I wanted to be. He stood, and still does, firm on his beliefs but he never judged. He simply showed love without it being mistaken for condoning bad or unfamiliar behaviors.

As a result of wanting to end my life on more than two occasions and being hurt from church folks, I had to literally turn to my only source of help, God. Now today I can say that I’m growing and happy even though I’m still healing and learning. I have favor over my life that I never thought possible to have. This is what prompted me to write, Self Rigteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). We all just need to learn to show compassion and love at all times. There is life and death in your tongue so watch what you say to and about people.

Well that’s enough of the serious stuff, again please read the story and spread the word to others about it. Also leave me a comment to tell me what you think. Feel free to ask me questions about it as well.

Below is just a taste of Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). Enjoy!

S-Factor

An S-Factor Short: Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks)

by admin on May.17, 2010, under S-Factor 

SILENT Turmoil 

I keep staring at the bottle of sleeping pills next to my bed and the only thing I can hear at a steady rhythm is my heart even though the television volume is up. I’ve been sitting here at the side edge of my bed for about an hour, smelling the aroma of straight Hennessey that I poured in a greenish blue cocktail glass. While remaining emotionless, I pick up my wallet to look at my driver’s license to observe how different the person in the photo is from the person contemplating taking a final breath. The state of Massachusetts is written across the top portion of the plastic ID in blue writing and my name is typed in black as, Prestine, April D. As soon as I realize that the same day I took that license picture was another day of unanswered questions and depression, I took a large gulp from the glass. I squeeze my eyes tightly together and when I open them, a tear slides down my cheek. I’m not exactly sure why since I haven’t been able to cry for weeks. Liquor is the only logical reason why water has seeped through my tear ducts. 

As I sit here I begin looking at the pill bottle again and decide to pour its contents on the nightstand. From the looks of it there are at least fifteen white pills in front of me that appear to be a permanent remedy for my soul’s pain. One by one I begin popping them in my mouth, chasing them down my scratchy throat with Hennessey. I have relived this day repeatedly in my head, but I honestly didn’t think it would come. I figured that it would always be a vision in my mind that I would be too scared to really follow through with. Well I was wrong …

Please take the time to log onto trealee.com, click on S~Factor, register and that’s it! Let me know what you think of the story and share it with your friends. It is my plan to grow this site into a launching pad for other aspiring poets, singers, writers etc. to show what you can do. I will keep you updated on that as we get closer to developing the “Artist Showcase” of S~Factor.

So again, take the time to check out S~Factor and read, Meantime…, the first of many to come. I’m already working on the next one which will really make you say “Oh no she didn’t!” Until…enjoy!

I had the pleasure and opportunity to appear on Urban Update (Channel 7 affliation), to promote the March 21st concert for Haiti as well as perform. It was my first time on a major television show at my favorite News Station, Channel 7. I had a ball. I’m also grateful for having such great people on the show with me who are all sponsors and supporters of the concert. Thank you so much to JoHonda Rogers (DST), Janet Williams (AKA), and Chris Charlot (Tamboo) and big ups to Brian Clarke (producer of Urban Update) and Alberto Vasallo (Urban Update host). We had a ball today and from my “mouth” to yours, the Channel 7 crew members are soooooooo friendly. Hey Adam! Not that he’s going to read this blog LOL.

I’m expecting only great things to transpire from this Urban Update show and for the Haiti relief concert. Please, please, please come out and support the event. The flyer is on my website under my blog and I will keep you posted on the Urban Update show and when it will air.

It’s Friday and I can’t wait to get my weekend started after such a splendid day. We’re only going up from here!!!

Well you guessed it…I absolutely hate snow. I’m not one who gets all caught up in the beauty of it or who wants to take pictures of it or make snow angels, I’m the one who wants the snow gone. My biggest obstacle is, I can’t escape the snow since I live in snow central, New England. So what’s a girl to do? Move or just bear it? I’m still here so I guess I’m trying to bear it

Calgon, take me away to the warmest climate possible where the beaches are covered with warm sand that flows between my toes. Take me to a place where shorts and a tank top seem too much for the hot sun beaming down on my skin. Take me to a place where the sweetest drink cools my mouth with every sip and makes me just a little nice, not too much though. I want to relax and enjoy the warm breeze while watching the waves from the crystal blue water sway back and forth. What a wonderful sight to see…but why the heck am I still here? I guess the Calgon thing only works for television commercials. Awww fiddle sticks…

Oh well back to reality…enjoy the snow and be safe!

Since the earthquake in Haiti, everyone’s awareness has been peeked so to speak. We see all types of events to raise money or donate items for the cause, which is wonderful and a true blessing. My question is though, once it “dies” down, will the need to help or the awareness of the hardships in Haiti die down as well? It’s sad to say, but I think so many of us will forget or maybe I should say not pay close attention anymore because we have probably already done our part to “help”. Hopefully, I’m wrong in saying this.

Granted, life must go on and we have to continue doing what is necessary for our own lives, but let’s not forget about the pain of others. Of course we may not be able to donate loads of clothing or thousands of dollars on a regular basis, but let’s try to remain conscious of what is going on. If we can’t do anything else but pray or speak a positive word in the atmosphere or give of ourselves in some type of way, then let’s make it happen.

In our efforts of giving to Haiti, let’s make an effort to look at the people in close proximity to us as well. There are so many people suffering all over and many times they are overlooked also because they don’t fit into our life or lifestyles. Just remember this; greater blessings come from helping somebody else along the way. Take a minute to visit a homeless shelter, a food bank, a battered woman’s safe house, the cancer unit or anywhere that there is a need. I’m a living witness that a smile, a hug, a hand shake or just a kind word goes a long way. In some type of way we all need help, some of us more than others, but no man is an island and giving of your time and love will go a long way.

Much love…

 I’m personally inviting you to come meet me at Tamboo, 252 Main Street in Brockton, MA at 5pm to 8pm. The ladies of The Norfolk Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are sponsoring a book club to help promote my current novels, Straight with Options & And So Shall You Reap.

 I’m honored and humbled by their support and everyone else who supports my work. This will give you the chance to hang out with me to hear my thoughts and reasons behind my work. I’ll also be signing books as well as selling them so please come out and join me. It would be my pleasure to meet you in person.

 Keep an eye out for more things to come from Tre Alee and Team Tre Alee. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

 I’m personally inviting you to come meet me at Tamboo, 252 Main Street in Brockton, MA at 5pm to 8pm. The ladies of The Norfolk Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are sponsoring a book club to help promote my current novels, Straight with Options & And So Shall You Reap.

 I’m honored and humbled by their support and everyone else who supports my work. This will give you the chance to hang out with me to hear my thoughts and reasons behind my work. I’ll also be signing books as well as selling them so please come out and join me. It would be my pleasure to meet you in person.

 Keep an eye out for more things to come from Tre Alee and Team Tre Alee. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Major, major thank you that I have to get out that was an oversight on last evening. I have to thank my good friend and publicist, David Johnson, who is an important part of Team Tre Alee. He is the person responsible for my website, www.trealee.com, and all other major behind the scenes media that is done on a daily basis. He takes on my projects as if they were his own and puts more than enough into his work for me. I couldn’t ask for a better person to help me get to the next level. If it weren’t for God touching his heart to help me progress, I would not have gotten to this next level. I’m so grateful that he is on my team! So David, please blame my oversight on my head and not my heart. I love and appreciate you big time!!!!!!

I also want to thank Jerome Kyles again for coming out and doing his thing for my event. I appreciate he and his crew for coming out.

Okay well keep your eyes open for the next big thing. Again thank you all for everything! Tre Alee won’t and cannot stop! Lets go!!!!!!!

Before you open a gift or call your friends and family members, turn your attention to Him. Tell Jesus Happy Birthday first and celebrate Him. It would hurt me to my heart if on my birthday the ones who I hold dear to my heart didn’t acknowledge my special day. So give Him the same that you would want on your day of birth.

I’m wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas, a prosperous New Year and I pray that every blessing that comes your way consumes you. Enjoy your life! Whatever kept you bound and stagnant over the course of this year, change it for the new year coming. Don’t let it be just another cliché or something that sounds good, but LIVE out your words for greatness in 2010. Clothe yourself with faith and speak life ONLY! Mainly, don’t allow anyone to speak anything other than life into your situations as well and do the same for them.

For all of you who have been supporting me over the course of this year and year’s past, thank you from the depths of my soul. This year has brought some wonderful things that have me so excited about 2010. I can’t begin to fathom what is to come, but I do know that the overflow will be grand. My expectancy, love and faith blow kisses to God continuously and my time of reaping blessings has begun.

Again, have a wonderful and safe holiday. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in the New Year especially for the Concert & Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 9th. Yes, yes I had to make that plug LOL.

Much love and blessings to you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!