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More than a gift to the Instagram Writing Community, Quinn B. Jones is an asset to humanity in a myriad of ways. There can be a staunch difference between what we write and what we choose to share as writers. But there is something to be said about the seasoned pen. It speaks; even when wisdom woos it to rest. Quinn however, has mastered the art of pause and press play. His writing is served to all but best appreciated by the palate of the insightful.

Quinn speaks…

I started writing poetry at the age of 14 when I found a poem that was actually addressed to someone else on my desk in my workshop class. I took the poem home and actually memorized it. I’m 42 now and poetry has become a stable in my life. Writing has pulled me out of my darkest nights and settled my heart, mind, and soul. The writing that I do now comes from a very personal place. Seeing what people go through in their daily life has made its way into my art and I draw inspiration from that. Also just an everyday conversation can be just the spark you need to create. With that being said I am a sponge of life and I return all of it to the world in my poems.

e speaks…

I am a huge fan of your writing. I love your range!

“Writing has pulled me out of my darkest nights and settled my heart, mind, and soul”. Tell me more about this. And what would you say to someone who has not yet  found that thing to pull them out of their darkest nights?

What are two of your favorite pieces that you’ve written and why?

Quinn speaks…

I am a huge fan of your writing as well. Many blessings and continued inspiration for you and all that you touch.

The first is because it speaks to the strength of all women. The woman who knows that in a heartbeat she can stop time just by walking into a room, and for a man to recognize that is seeing his own power being sucked out of him cause no matter how powerful that man is he is not stopping that foward progress of any woman.

The second poem is more of a story that shows death and the many reactions to it but from the side of the person that is gone…rather it be suicide or natural, those topics have to be brought to light. Also seeing how much hurt one can cause by thinking “If I wasn’t here”…Im here to say if you don’t want you here, I want you here, so please live for me.

e speaks…

Have you considered writing an autobiography? You strike me as a writer with so much more to say…

Quinn speaks…

I have alot to say, but I want it to be able to get the attention of people who really need it. I didn’t have anyone at certain times in my life who understood me and I want to let everyone know that they can hold my hand in and at anytime.

I am working on a Poetry autobiography…it will be called “1976” for the year I was born. It’s going to be very personal and dig up many things that I need to get out and actually see from a different view myself.

e speaks…

A perfect gentleman from day one; I have great respect for you and admire the way you carry yourself online. As an African American woman I salute you as an African American man of excellence! Do you feel there is a greater sense of responsibility? Has it ever crossed your mind?

Quinn speaks…

Being an African American writer crosses my mind with every word that I write down. I will forever be know as a writer but because America has to put a title with every single thing to make sure lines don’t get blurred or their history doesn’t get trampled I will also go down as an African-American Writer. But there is a silver lining in that…I used to did not see it. That silver lining gives me the privilege to stand with some of the greatest writers that are African-American…Maya Angelou, W. E. B Du Bois, James Baldwin, Octavia Butler, Counted Cullen, Ta-Nehisi Coates, to let me know I’m not on this stage alone it’s beautiful to be reminded of such strength in a time when all they think we can do is be criminals. But my writing(s) include everyone, we all cry, we all have emotion and we all have a heart. Even if I’m never on that plateau of those greats I guarantee that I’ve inspired at one person.

e speaks…

I was talking to another writer about the beauty of community and how important it is to have support. Tell me a little bit about your support network and how the role it’s played in your life; both personally and professionally as an author.

Quinn speaks…

There is nothing greater than community it’s bonds and binds like a glue. Community keeps you writing. From a personal aspect it gives you and your art life. There are days when you can read my poetry and know that I’m arguing with someone or that me and my wife just made love or that I am going through a personal feeling of a rush of emotions. All of that is encompassed in my art, you may have to read between the lines a couple of times but trust me…it’s there.

As far as professionally, everyone keeps me on my toes. To seeing where these words, My words can take not only me but people that I see I can help make it to the next level. I get excited when I see a new writer come to Instagram and they have that fire to lead a whole new generation of writers, creatives, and artist.

e speaks…

I follow both of your Instagram pages and the content and formats are completely different on each. You seem to be a limitless reservoir of words Quinn! What influenced your decision to create another poetry account?

Quinn speaks…

The funny thing about that is my first account is on my tablet. Now my job at the time didn’t have great WiFi so I was stuck  with writing all these ideas but just as you said it was completely different from what I was sharing on my tablet. I get the grand idea to make one on my phone. I thought that not a single person would even think about liking let alone reading even more of my poetry but here we are two trivia pages of art one that is great in exposure and another that is great at being personal. But it is not because of me at all. As I said I’m not up here alone.

e speaks…

Absolute perfection Quinn thank you for being here! Thou rockest!! If you want to see and support more of Quinn’s work, his books (The Angel Room, Opal Remains and The Chronicles of Hurt) are available on Amazon!

https://www.instagram.com/quinnbjones_just_poetry

https://www.instagram.com/quinnbjones_just_poetry_2

Blessings!

e of @authenticiteespeaks

IG | FB @AuthenticiteeSpeaks

Twitter | @Authenticitee

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

Remember YOU MATTER!

All excerpts and photos used in this piece are the sole property of Quinn B. Jones. No copyright infringement intended.

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Welcome to Day 26 of #TheLoveLetterProject Writing Challenge created by Marie of The Notion Of Love! If you’re just joining me, you can catch up on the rules here!

Day 26

To The One Who Gives You Hope

You know what’s interesting is I felt compelled to look up the definition of hope for today’s writing prompt.

Sounds a lot like faith to me soooo what am I overthinking…now?

As volunteer suicide crisis counselor our training teaches us to assess a person’s feelings of hopelessness:

Anytime one loses hope they run the risk of becoming very withdrawn and depressed, if they stay in that space. Sure we all have our bad days but we must be honest about the cause and effect.

As a person who loves to give hope to others, I know what’s it like to be superwoman to several. I know what it’s like to run on fumes. I also know what it’s like to learn the hard way, that pouring from an empty cup is a lack of wisdom! Compassion Fatigue is nothing to play with. One of the most liberating moments of my journey is when God reminded me that everyone is not assigned to my caseload!

So if you’re a person that’s been struggling, feeling hopeless and helpless; I really encourage you to talk to your doctor or trained volunteer about your feelings. Your feelings are valid. Your grief is real. It’s ok to not be ok – but don’t stay there. Reach out because you are deserving of care.

To those like myself who give others hope, thank you for all that you do. Please take care of yourself!!! And finally remember the most important things to do in between breaths is to breathe💫e

*****************************************

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

LIKE ON FACEBOOK! @authenticiteespeaks AND @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @authenticitee & @EAInspiration

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits Pixabay. No copyright infringement intended.

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Hello & welcome new faces!

I wanted to take a moment to thank my faithful Authenticitee Speaks blog supporters who ask about my poetry all the time! You are beyond awesome. Yes, I still write love poetry, quite a bit actually. However in the past year I’ve ventured outside my comfort zone to share my work in other spaces, including other blogs such as For Friends Without Borders! Most of my poetry however, appeared on Instagram (@authenticiteespeaks) prior to my recent decision to gradually streamline the content by deleting over 250 posts in the last 2-3 months.

There is an AMAZING, rich mosaic of gifted writers on Instagram and I’ve been blessed to connect with many a humble, gifted and loyal soul there. I have even featured a few right here on my blog! Just go to the Menu and then click the Instagram Writer Crush Series link to meet a few!

Even if you are not on Instagram, simply Google #PoetsOfInstagram and you can check out a myriad of poems/quotes from writers all over the world that way too! 

Ah! In other news…

Earlier this year, I had the honor of being published for the first time as a contributing poet in Feminine Collective‘s book; ‘Love Notes From Humanity: The Lust, Love & Loss Collection available on Amazon! What made that moment all the more special to/for me; was that part of the proceeds went to Suicide Prevention. I cried tears of joy because that’s where my heart lies. What a blessing!!! I’m forever grateful to Publisher and Editor in Chief; Julie Anderson and her staff for seeing something special in my work. I don’t take being considered and then featured lightly!

So as I recondition myself to sharing the bulk of my poetry on my own blog again (imagine that🤔), I look forward to hearing from old and new supporters & fellow bloggers alike! Introduce yourself if we’ve not met, tell me a tad bit about yourself and next time maybe even bring a friend!

Stay tuned for the Poetry Archives Series launch! Super excited about that. Oh and if you’ve yet to hear my new Inspiration With E radio show, all Season I Episodes are available on demand right here on Authenticitee Speaks!

Thank you for your support! Please feel free to comment, like on Facebook and share!

INSPIRATION WITH E RADIO SHOW REPLAYS: iTunes Podcast, BlogTalk Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn. SEARCH “GrindHard Radio” then “Inspiration With E”!
Blessings!💫e of @authenticiteespeaks

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show
IG | FB @InspirationWithE
Twitter | @EAInspiration
Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com
IG | @authenticiteespeaks
Twitter | @authenticitee
Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Photo via Pixabay and original owners.  No copyright infringement intended. 

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*The following is a never before released vintage piece.

MOTORS OF MOUTHS

She would not shut up.

She just kept talking and talking and talking and talking.

And I admit it. I am an extremely complex person; so I get it. Polite and not a phony bone in my plus size body; but in real time? I keep to myself. Speak to everybody but talk to very few. So in her defense; perhaps my dilated pupils feigned the interest I did NOT have. Eh. The perks of being one of those newfangled, quirky, super guarded, friendly and from time to time; super talkative introverts. Mixed signals? Don’t judge me. 

So anyway I couldn’t figure out why I wanted her to shut up. Mind you, “shut up” is a phrase I’m not fond of unless I’m using it in jest (cue urban vernacular). She was smart, articulate, young and vibrant. She was making good, no great points; but yet I grew more and more agitated every time she paused to take a breath AND refueled for another round of her passionate spew-ation-ism! (Hmm…I am so loving that word I just made up. Spewantionism is simply marvelous. Ah let the records show…mine!).

Then it dawned on me…it wasn’t her presentation; it was her content!

She was a serial complainer and in addition to her scattered list of complaints, she was talking about two other people who were not present to defend themselves. I tried, I mean I tried I tell you! Then to boot I was exhausted and as a result my occasional “polite nod and pause, eye squint, head tilt and pause” move didn’t go over very well. Translation: The hints I gave were plummeted by her incessant complaining at full speed.

Complaining. Yeah. Me no likey.

Its official. My tolerance level for negativity and extended periods of fussing is ZERO to NONE, Not interested Ma’am…Sir. I’m just not.

Hmph! Well thanks for listenin’..I’m done.

Oh Lawd…wait. WAIT just a minute…I do believe I just did the same thing she did.

UGH. Are we all forever guilty of this endless cycle? Complaining about a complainer? Thoughts? Talk amongst yourselves.

 

 

Blessings!💫e
Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content
Photo Credits are property of original owners via Pinterest. No copyright infringement intended.

Sharing is Caring!

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MY INSPIRATION WITH E RADIO SHOW FINALE IS HERE!! 
SUN. SEP. 24, 2017 at 7pm EST! 

SEASON 1. EPISODE 6 FEATURING: 

Guest CoHost SINGER/SONGWRITER Kamilah Cyree Long | IG @k.cyree



SINGER/SONGWRITER Tasha Montfort | IG @cocota_77



WRITER/JOURNALIST Imade Nigobun |IG @depressedwhileblack



BRAND STRATEGIST/ENTREPRENEUR Crystal Z. Perry | IG @prissperry

🎧HOW TO SUPPORT & LISTEN🎧
Include the following in your tags/correspondence for branding purposes:

#InspirationWithE @InspirationWithE 

Tune in LIVE 323-693-3043 OR listen to the REPLAY: iTunes Podcast, BlogTalk Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn. SEARCH “GrindHard Radio” then “Inspiration With E”! 
Blessings!💫e of @authenticiteespeaks 

Host of the Inspiration With E Radio Show

IG | FB @InspirationWithE

Twitter | @EAInspiration

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content
Photo Credits are property of original owners. No copyright infringement intended.

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THANKS GRINDHARDRADIO!



Almost two years to the day, as a fairly new blogger; I was interviewed for the first time @grindhardradio by the main cast on Aug 17, 2015 along with @iamsadechampagne. A couple of days later I was interviewed by the #RadioDivas for the first time. Fast forward to me hosting my own show, Inspiration With E (@inspirationwithe) on the same network.

I don’t know what you see when you look at this picture, but I see entrepreneurs, college graduates, indie artists and even a couple (both pictured) who have been married over 9 years. I see people who have checked on me if I got too quiet, sent me inspirational quotes, and that guy in the middle? That’s Jit Chronicles (@jitchronicles). They call him the Black Larry King. It’s important to him, that people stay true to their brand. “Hey Sis, no profanity on your show? I got you. You gonna talk about Jesus and raise awareness, I got you. You have a burden for all cultures and all genres of music. I got you. Just do you.”

Thanks Jit & GrindHardRadio Squad for the most ridiculous support I’ve seen in a long time. Just loving people for who they are, where they are. Exactly how it’s supposed to be.

Salute. Much respect. And congratulations on a brand new season starting tonight!! PROUD OF YOU!!🙏🏽❤️💫e

#GrindHardRadio #RealityRadio #Squad 

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com
IG | @authenticiteespeaks
Twitter | @authenticitee
Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content
Photo Credit: http://www.grindhardradio.com

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Posted earlier today on my new accounts: Instagram @InspirationWithE |@EAInspiration on Twitter

S T I L L

Dear Journal,

Yesterday afternoon I had the best conversation with one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs I know. She not only gave me food for thought, she challenged me to think outside the box without giving me crayons to draw.

I know what it’s like to start my day with great hope and purpose; only for things to periodically get screwed up fairly quickly. Our conversation reminded me why there were erasers on pencils. It’s never too late to begin again.

Maybe there’s someone else reading this who started out on their journey with a clear mind and things got very cloudy very quickly.

It is my hope and silent prayer that they remember as they throw their hands up in frustration or defeat that every setback is a not a Stop sign. For every moment of time is a gift destined for greatness even still.

Selah,

e

PS: It can still be a good day. 


NOW ON FACEBOOK @authenticiteespeaks and @InspirationWithE

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credits Google Images. No copyright infringement intended.





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D I F F E R E N T

Dear Journal,

Got on the scale a few mins ago, entered my weight in my @myfitnesspal app & shuddered at the steady increase from my first entry on Jan. 13, 2013 till now. I then thought about every maladaptive coping mechanism I had but my weight gain was the only one I couldn’t hide. And once I entertained that negative, self demeaning thought, a million other negative thoughts attempted to quickly overtake me.

Then my Creator interrupted the barrage of self inflicted negativity when he whispered, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made…”. Hmmm…I knew the address of the old familiar adage…but it’s what I told OTHERS. I mean, did that still apply to me Creator?

Then peace…this reassuring peace washed over me. A warm reminder to not only speak life over myself but that it was never my Creator’s intentions for me to be anyone else than what I was created to be. It was a sweet reminder that being different was not only hauntingly beautiful…it was incredibly necessary.

Selah,

e

Originally posited 4/12/17 on my NEW Inspirational Instagram Page: INSPIRATION WITH E! Also on FACEBOOK (@InspirationWithE) & Twitter (@EAInspiration). Meet me there!
Photo credit Pinterest. Model unknown. No copyright infringement intended.

Blog | http://www.authenticiteespeaks.com

IG | @authenticiteespeaks

Twitter | @authenticitee

LIKE ON FACEBOOK: @authenticiteespeaks

Remember YOU MATTER!

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks, 2015, 2016, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee speaks with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

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I have a better appreciation for storm clouds passing and tornado sirens ending, now that I live in a region where that’s the new norm for me. I intentionally never speak of the region in which I live and often refer to the East Coast and more specifically Brooklyn NY; because that’s where my heart is. It’s where I was born and raised. It’s home. 

“Life…”, as I find myself repeating here of late quite a bit, “…has a way of leveling the playing field“. There are times however, where we wished we were not the survivors left to tell the stories or the testimonies of that which we have survived. 

Just ask anyone in therapy for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or anyone dealing with Survivors Guilt after the fire that consumed property and loved ones. Maybe you have to look no further than your mirror to find someone who regrets living to tell the tale. 

Love, matters of the heart, relationships gone awry and temptation can bring out the best and worst in us. Forcing us to dig deep and pull on survivor skills we never knew were deeply embedded. The tragedy however, can include our never wanting to be the “poster child” for that manner of victory. 

After. 

After the tornado sirens have subsided and the storm clouds have passed and the dust has settled and the smoke has cleared and you’re left with remains and remnants; you will see a new version of you. 

Don’t be afraid of the sound of your new voice when you hear it. Just be determined to fight for its existence and its preservation as hard as you fought for the preservation of others. 

Love you to life and on purpose🌹e

P.S. If you’re having a hard time coping, that’s totally normal. Everyone has a different threshold of pain. Things on the news can serve as a trigger as well as pleasant conversation overheard at a restaurant. Don’t be so hard on yourself…there are people you can talk to. 

Here are a few resources below:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-8255

http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

© Ericka Arthur and authenticitee, 2015, 2016 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ericka Arthur and authenticitee with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

Photo Credit: Ericka Arthur for Authenticitee Speaks on Instagram. Background Image  Credit: BetterPhoto.com. No copyright infringement intended.