Dee Miller

There you go @Pioneer1 - got me tilting my head northeast, and squinting my eyes..lol. I only listened to a few minutes of the video as much of what he was saying I've heard somewhere before. I found him; somewhat, annoying, primarily because I didn't vibe with his energy, but here are my thoughts about the video. I hear remnants of The Silva Method, a dribble of Wim Hoff, a splash of Einstein, a pint of The Law of Attraction, a part-time student of Bohr & Planch and a wanna believe he's educating us on a new discovery. Perhaps he means well and wants to share his philosophical gift of energy, space, and living at the highest frequency, perhaps wants to start a movement, or maybe I am just not open to receiving. In any event, I'm not in a position to judge, but my opinion matters, right?

The top 3 are on am*zon. I wrote you 37 Letters is not available online as I am looking to put this book on aalbc. I am self-distributing at this time. a copy of the INSB imprint on my book is attached ISBN: 9781520984773: Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry? Hmmm...Truth, Excuse, or Something Else ISBN: 9781502341402, LOL...You Cant make this stuff up!! ISNB: 9781496154255: The Sun came out Last Night...Rated D ISBN: 9798218093198: I wrote You 37 Letters Thanks again, Triy

@Pioneer1 lets see....how far back should I go, hmmm. (smile) I'm just always intrigued by your views. You tend to make my facial expressions shift to the left. Then, I sit back and dissect your words - very thought-provoking @TroyYou're a deep brutha. Thanks for the 'narrow-minded clarity (you speak your truth and I can appreciate it), and you're absolutely right about, 'when we publish with am*zon exclusively we give am*zon all the money to produce the book and all the money to sell and distribute it. This just increases their strength and revenue while weakening their competition'

@Pioneer1, I have much respect for your raw views (even if I don't agree with some of them and even when I'm offended by some of them) on this and other discussions. Your responses are truly thought-provoking. Thank you. @Chevdoveyour observations are on point. I, too, have seen lots of 'promo' for LGBTQ, BlPOC, and even with specific content requests. IDK, but what I can attest to is the challenge of marketing/promoting with impact (which is a whole other discussion) Haha… @Troy I was one of those (in your own words) ‘narrow-minded’ sistas who self-published on am*zon, but it was solely because, when researching how to self-publish, the resources listed included only the well-known sites. I can't recall how I found AALBC, but I'm delighted that I did - you do better when you know better. (Wink) To give input into my thoughts of the 35% fewer books published by black authors in 2022 than in 2021 and almost 50% fewer than the peak published in 2015, TTTGA (that thing that’s going around) played tricks with many our minds in that many of us spent the last few years so worried about our mental well-being, physical well-being, and overall spirit that, for me, I could not settle down - fearing that depression, restlessness and pity parties would rule the day. Safe to assume that 2019 - 2021, at least, remained consistent, or, at least, not much of a decline? Sh&@! by 2022, I was still recovering from the mental burnout of TTTGA, and yeah, I admit that it handled me a little as I witnessed what was happening around me, and I’m not one to be handled (I much prefer to be loved for the beautiful mess I am). Don’t get me wrong, the downtime kept me ‘still’ and allowed for some great self-reflection which included working on book IV, which, by the way, thanks to aalbc, I’ve printed copies via BCP digital, and self-distributing, temporarily, that is, until I list on aalbc, but the down time didn’t sustain my attention until mid-2022. The impact of TTTGA is not an excuse, but, in fact, a ‘whole event’ (whether a conspiracy or reality or our imagination) that influenced heavy adverse outcomes. BUT, what remains consistent is the resilience of my people - We still stand, we still have lots to say, and we will see an increase in black author publications!, again! Just look at me - ‘I wrote you 37 letters’ published in December 2022!!! Not sure if my December 2022 publication had much impact on the stats, but I'm baaaaack!

Requesting a Book Review of my fourth self-published book: I wrote you 37 Letters. Thank you in advance for your feedback, interest and support. Dear Chocolate Brutha, Dear Black Beauty, Dear Bathroom Facilities, Dear Anonymous Lover, Dear Random Thoughts, Dear Hennessy, Dear Mood Swings, Dear Son, Dear Life, Dear Sweet Angel of mine, 40 years, 7 Days, 2 Hours and a Kiss, Dear... For years, I let my pride, stubbornness, strong will, ego & fear hijack me, emotionally, but now that I've humbled myself, I wrote you 37 Letters to express my feelings about all of those things that I've been wanting to say. This book of 37 letters offers an opportunity for you to self-reflect and perhaps find the words that you have been looking for to express those suppressed feelings. This is NOT a book of Dear John letters, nor is it intended to be a self-help, love yourself, and then let me love you, book, but rather it's a thought-provoking book of letters that dare you to get in touch with your headspace when it comes to expressing your feelings. Oh, and feel free to 'borrow' my words. (wink) Warning: Some of the letters are frisky, funny, and head-tilting, but trust me, they will make you smile, woosah, blush & want to write me back. ISBN: 979-8-218-09319-8 Published: 12/2022 Self-Distributing: contact me at DeeInspired1521@gmail.com About the Author Hello, my name is Dee Miller. I am, what I call, a 'Closet Artist’ - mostly commission-based pieces, yet my work is widespread. As an artist, my work ranges from serious depictions of strength to clever portrayals of corporate slang, to metaphoric images that inspire thought, to simple lines that tell a story, with a dribble of graffiti art. What’s so cool about being an artist is that the piece can change direction at the flip of the wrist or a mood swing. Often called a wordsmith, my artistry also includes writings with the same artistic range. As a wordsmith, I have self-published three books - poetry for the soul, short stories (inspired by life events) that make you laugh hysterically, and a book of articles explaining why Black Women are NOT always so angry. Book 1 The Sun Came out Last Night...rated D (A book of Love lessons from poetry sessions). I believe that the ingredients for a good story or poem can come from many venues…experiences, imagination, and observations just to name a few. What makes the story or poem come to life is its writer, the wordsmith and the execution. “Six months, Seven days, Two hours and a Kiss”, “Blue Morning”, “When no means Yes – No means Yes when he places his lips…she takes control and says, ‘It’s time’”. This book of Private Thoughts and Love Lessons from poetry sessions promises to take you on a ride from the inspiration of love to the adventures of “oh, lala”! The Sun Came out Last Night....Rated D https://www.am*zon.com/dp/B01LACH464 Book II LOL...You Can't make this Stuff Up (hilarious and embarrassing book of my reality that many can relate to). When you sit back and recall the funny things that come out of a child’s mouth, you can’t help but laugh. The innocence is priceless as you sit back and watch them try to figure out how to navigate the world. What I find even funnier is listening to them as they near adulthood – the conversations that take place as they, now, try to figure out how to navigate the world that they ‘think’ they’re ready for. Then, the conversations that take place as adults when they reflect about the past and share how they interpreted words, conversations and phrases that were spoken during their younger years – even they have to laugh at themselves. Of course, there’s the spoken and unspoken conversations that take place between adults that are side-cracking, funny!!! Not to mention funny situations that you’ve gotten yourself into. LOL... You CAN'T make this stuff UP!! https://www.am*zon.com/dp/B01LDGL1WA Book III Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth Excuse or Something else (An inspirational and educational book of articles that speaks to how Black Women Love) The purpose of this book of narrative, non-fictional articles promise to bitch slap you into owning your truth, then apologizing, forgiving, and hugging it out. It will enlighten, educate, answer that burning question that keeps so many up at night (smirk), and will help you help me help others who need help understanding the Truth, Excuse and the Something else as to why ‘Black Women are NOT always so angry’. Hmmmm. Are Black Women ALWAYS so Angry...Truth, Excuse or Something Else the link: https://www.am*zon.com/dp/1520984774

And BTW, you’ve been gracing us since 1997?? While you’re ‘refreshing’ the logo, I’d LOVE a ‘refresher’ on your aalbc journey. soooo, @Troy, what’s your story?

The one on the left. Changing the head color to represent - LOVE! Adding color to the letters, yet keeping the the acronym - Legacy! @Troythe incredible job that you and your crew(everyone who has, is and will become part of the aalbc community) do to educate, support, entertain, challenge, and offer opportunities to dialog IS your logo, but thanks for asking! Keep doin the damn thing!! AALBC FOREVER!!

The visions of Octavia Butler tho. Thanks for sharing the article, @Troy

Yoooo! Thanks for sharing!! I read Kindred 3 times, and can’t wait to watch the series on Hulu. It’s a story that took me on an emotional roller coaster, as I reflected about the sacrifices that our ancestors made for us to live closer to ‘freedom’. can you imagine experiencing Dana’s journey? I mean, how do you explain these “strange” occurrences with time past to your husband, or to anyone for that matter, and expect them to believe you? and then, be a kindred to a little white boy, whose parents are slave owners... But it goes to show you how forgiving we are, in spite of. my thoughts go in so many directions, as I think about the story, but I’ll some it up by saying, ‘Wakanda Forever!’ That is a promise that a civilization. Can go forward in the face of unspeakable hardship. And so it is

OK, so I'm a little late to the party, but I don't believe there's an expiration date to submit responses. @Pioneer1, your responses about the movie and its characters were intriguing. At first, you made my head tilt to the right and my eyes squint because of how I interpreted your comments about Viola's character and the movie's attempt to 'masculinize' black women, but then I took a closer look and was able to recognize the intense love you have for us. Good look'n out. Thank you. Full disclosure. I looked up the definition of Pioneer to help me appreciate the magnitude of your passion. A Pioneer pushes the boundaries to advance a cause or idea. I appreciate you, @Pioneer1. You gave me food for thought. Viola, the BEAUTIFUL duckling who rose from a challenging life to the Woman King - much love my Woman King!

Hey @Troy! Good to be missed my friend! Life has been taking me on a ride, but I’ve been keeping aalbc in my view. in fact, on Monday I uploaded my file for this book to BCP Printing!! Yeah baby!! once a bar code is assigned and the book is ready, I am excited to share. in the meantime, did I see something to the effect that I will receive a free profile page on aalbc? I also plan on moving my other 3 books to the site. take care my friend and keep doin the damn thang! we appreciate all you do to keep us front and center!

But look at the AMAZING POWER that our black skin beholds: Intimidating, breath-taking, forgiving, exhilarating, inventing, BEAUTIFUL, strong, resilient, productive, head-turning, relevant, contributing, kind, empathetic, compromising, welcoming, loving, inclusive, compassionate, powerful, creative, forward-moving in spite of, holding our heads high, lifting the spirits of & fostering endless possibilities for everyone we love - causing those who don't love us to secretly admire our strength while outwardly denying our incredible abilities to make this world a better place... and WE STILL STAND!

I'm in the process of self-publishing my 4th book and wanted to share a couple of letters to uplift. Enjoy! Your feedback is ALWAYS welcome! Dear Bathroom Facilities, Thank you for allowing me to be alone with you. You and I have so many secrets. Thank you for keeping mine on the low. I know that, at times, it is I who puts my business in the air, but when it counts, you’re always there for me. You’ve become my place of refuge - A place where I can wash the day’s demands away. Thank you for supplying me with everything that I need to release, refresh and revitalize. Thank you for protecting my pride, oh dear sweet bathroom facility. You’ve experienced the best and the worst of me. You’ve proven your unconditional love by harmonizing my words as they bounce off the shower walls. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to express myself during all sorts of private events. Much love – bathroom facilities. Dear Life, I have no regrets. As a matter of fact, when was the last time that I said, ‘I Love you’. Thank you for all of the experiences that you insisted I have. The lessons learned made me wise, the ‘failures’ made me strong, the women in my life made me the woman I am, the men make me smile, the laughter of children makes me dream, and the sun makes me shine. Thank you, life, for educating me about consequences, for introducing me to frequencies that have elevated my soul – helping me to rise up and manifest my here and now, to live in the moment, and to walk with gratitude on my right and spirit on my left.

I like the first cover best because it’s not obvious. The title and the picture together made my head tilt northwesterly, and made my eyes shift in the same direction, in Curiosity. Now I wanna know more.

This is also one of my favorite books. I read the book like three times. I highly recommend it

I will be publishing a book of letters, and I’d like to give you a taste of the letters that I’ve compiled. All feedback is appreciated. I took the long way home just so that I could take the scenic route into your soul. On my way, I caught a glimpse of loneliness as I passed through the supplemental vessels that run wild. Then I came to rest at the upper left side of your chest. I felt a sense of love and warmth as our hearts became harmoniously synchronized. I stayed there a while - until I felt your heart beat faster. To keep the pace, I traveled up and down your spine; slowed you down; made you blush; confused your mind in a good way. Then I brought you down to avoid the point of no return. We held on tight. When was the last time you were…? Up and down your tibia, up and down your esophagus, up and down your tibia, down to your phalanges, wrapped around your large intestines. Then back up through your membrane. I stopped at your lips where we played tantra with our breath. I’ll take the long way home, but I will return tomorrow to address the unaddressed - at your address on the second floor - Be undressed.

I will be publishing a book of letters, and I’d like to give you a taste of the letters that I’ve compiled. All feedback is appreciated. I took the long way home just so that I could take the scenic route into your soul. On my way, I caught a glimpse of loneliness as I passed through the supplemental vessels that run wild. Then I came to rest at the upper left side of your chest. I felt a sense of love and warmth as our hearts became harmoniously synchronized. I stayed there a while - until I felt your heart beat faster. To keep the pace, I traveled up and down your spine; slowed you down; made you blush; confused your mind in a good way. Then I brought you down to avoid the point of no return. We held on tight. When was the last time you were…? Up and down your tibia, up and down your esophagus, up and down your tibia, down to your phalanges, wrapped around your large intestines. Then back up through your membrane. I stopped at your lips where we played tantra with our breath. I’ll take the long way home, but I will return tomorrow to address the unaddressed - at your address on the second floor - Be undressed.

I'm over it. Next

Damn Candace! My feelings are hurt! You dare say that if any of us want to go back to Africa, you'd buy us a ticket? How freak'n dare you disrespect us and the Motherland where the gold, soil, diamonds and other rich resources were STOLEN and used to pave the way for what this ENTIRE WORLD is today! And that's not even including the strength, physique and beauty that we behold that has been and continues to be copied, stolen and promoted as 'beauty' just because 'they' say so. Get WOKE Candace! Go back to Africa as if Africa has nothing to offer? As if my people in Africa have nothing to offer? As if black people in America should be grateful to be here? Well, yes, as an African-American I am grateful for the unconditional love and sacrifice that my ancestors gave so that I could be here - even if not by choice. How freakin dare you sound as if somehow 'they' saved us! Read your history, sista! Candace, even with those thieves continuing to claim the land, Africa and Africans remains strong, forgiving, loving, and powerful just like us, here in America - The Land of the Free??! Do you even know what freedom REALLY feels like, Candace? I don't. And I promise, you don't either. Get WOKE Candace! My feelings are so hurt by your audacity, but I won't turn my back on you, sista.

Man..I'm exhausted with all the '-----' going on in the world. Time to lighten the mood, lift some spirits, remissness, LOL! I want you to spit your drink out from laughing, fall off your chair, slobber out of control... cause you know how we do! You Can't make this stuff UP!! When you sit back and recall the funny things that come out of a child’s mouth, you can’t help but laugh. The innocence is priceless as you sit back and watch them try to figure out how to navigate the world. What I find even funnier is listening to them as they near adulthood – the conversations that take place as they now try to figure out how to navigate the world that they ‘THINK’ they’re ready for. Then, the conversations that take place as adults when they reflect about the past and share how they interpreted words, conversations and phrases that were spoken during their younger years – even they have to laugh at themselves. Finally, there’s the 'never to be spoken out loud', embarrassing conversations and events that take place between adults...LOL... I know right?! Before I share a couple of short stories from the book, I'd like to tease you with a few titles to ignite interest. These are true events in my life that I bet you can relate to... at least a couple...maybe..lolol! There are 18 True events in the book. Here a just a few Titles: The Interview The Glow in the Dark Am I being Punked Q&A Figurative v Fact So Is Brown the new Black? Assigned seat 19A Pregnancy Exceptions OK, Really? The end of the book includes those Refrigerator Notes that mom left before leaving for work or making a quick run to the store. AND, everyone has an Aunt TT who speaks her own language... My sister's...Hilarious and true to form!! ALL TRUE STORIES...MY LIFE...LOLOL, You, REALLY Can't make this stuff UP!! Here are two short stories. The She-ro OK, so I use to work for this company that hosted seminars which were held at hotels in order to accommodate the size of its attendees. The purpose of the various seminars was to enhance the quality of our investigations in order to deliver the promise to our customers by providing world class service. The focus of this particular seminar was to enhance our ability to recall - to teach us the importance of capturing detail and how quickly important facts can be lost if one fails to preserve facts. So anyway, the seminar went along as expected when all of a sudden an intruder comes from behind a curtain with a handkerchief covering most of his face and mouth and a gun in his hand, hollering and cursing at the presenter, while promising to get his revenge! Everyone, except me, froze in position. I, on the other hand, dove under the table, and on all four, in a dress, proceeded to find my way through the legs of my peers. I followed the angry intruder’s voice to make sure that I was crawling in the opposite direction. My intent was to make it to the isle after which my plan was to perform a military crawl, up the ramp, to the exit so that I may call for help. After about 30 seconds or so, my peers, who were sitting in the row in which I was sitting, began to take notice of me under the table, and started moving their chairs back to see what I was doing. In an effort not to draw attention to our row, I quietly hushed them, and instructed them not to react – that I would get us out of here safe. As the intruder continued to threaten the presenter, I noticed that the guy sitting in the row above me (lecture hall seating) laughing and asking me what I was doing. Of course, I become anxious and waive him to be quiet. Then, he says, ‘It’s a skit! What are you doing?!’ WHAT?!, I replied. Then, those in my row proceed to laugh and inquire about what I’m doing under the table. ‘It’s a skit, didn’t you read the agenda?’ Unfortunately, by this time, both rows have gotten wind that I thought that the invasion was real – man oh man, the laughter that ensued...need I say more. What can I do at this point except crawl from under the table (by the way, I now have a huge run in my stocking) and return to my seat. Embarrassed as all get out, I focused on the pamphlet, ignoring the laughter. By this time, the intruder has left the stage. In an effort to see if his lecture on ‘Recall’ was effective, the presenter then asks, ‘Who can tell me what the intruder was wearing?’ ‘What was the gist of the intruders rage?’ ‘What color was his skin?’ ‘Were there any distinguishing characteristics that you can recall about him?’ ‘Was the intruder a male or female?” It was very interesting to hear that several of the attendees recalled different things, while others missed most of the skit because they were distracted by me trying to play she-ro. A couple of them thought that I was part of the skit. If only I could have thought quick enough to say that, indeed, I was part of the skit. Needless to say, this skit made me famous as it was talked about for years. The good news – my peers were happy to know that I was prepared to save the day! The Interview So, my daughter, DANI goes on a second interview at an upscale, fast food restaurant, right. Wait, let me back up. Prior to going on her first interview, I coached her on what questions to expect as a 16 year old with no prior work experience. I told her that they would ask about her ambitions, school activities, hobbies, maybe chores and some very basic, general questions that one would ask a 16 year old with no prior work experience. The first interview went as I had coached, and all was well. OK, so, she was called for a second interview with another manager. I informed her that the questions will, likely, be very similar given she is 16 with no prior work experience. In my mind, I couldn’t imagine them asking any 'heavy' questions. I should warn that DANI begins each interview response with the word, 'Weeeelllll' I wait outside in the car while she attends her interview. When she gets into the car, she says, 'Well, he was nice, but I'm not sure how well I did. I'm gonna have to write down some of the questions he asked and save them for future interviews, so I will know how to answer them'. Of course, she then shared some of the questions and her responses. Questions 1- 5: School, activities, hobbies, ambitions, TV shows, movies.... Question 6 - Tell me about a weakness that you may have. Answer: Weeellll, my eyes are kind of weak. Ya know, it’s a little hard to see the board in school when I don't have my glasses. My mom should be taking me to the eye doctor soon. Question 7 - Tell me how you prioritize your day with everything you have going on.? Answer: Weeeellll, today, I had Orchestra first period, then English, then World Science.. and I have a late lunch so I'm starving by lunch time.... Then, she stops because she is distracted by the manger’s facial expression. Then, DANI responds: That's not the right answer is it since my schedule was set at the beginning of the year, by the school. Second answer: Weeellll, I do what is going to move me forward in life and not what's going to hold me back. Question 8 - What do you do after you’ve completed everything that you have to do? Answer: Weeeellll, sometimes I text my friends, or watch TV, or cook..... (pause) That's not the right answer, either, is it? Ya know, maybe one of my weaknesses is comprehension.... I don't think I understand the question. Manager's response: No, that was a perfect answer! Final question: Why do you want to work here? Answer: Because I love your number 5! I always order a large with a lemonade. And I love your bar-B-Q sauce. Final comments by the manager - It was certainly a pleasure interviewing you, DANI. Tell your parents that they did a very nice job raising you. We'll be in touch. Two hours later, THEY CALLED AND OFFERED HER A JOB!!! Not sure if he just loved the innocent/truthful/sweet answers she gave accompanied by her cute little face (she's such a awesome young lady), or that they saw a great opportunity to mold her exactly the way they want. Yes, it took everything I had not to laugh at her responses, but I just couldn't control myself. I was hysterical!!! Gotta love her!! The remaining short, but true stories are hilarious! This book was picked for a local monthly Book Club that I attend. Let's just say that the, normally, two-hour book club turned into over 3 hours because of all the laughter and reminiscing that ensued. Feedback was that it was a great way to start the day, hilarious, unbelievable, only you, Dee, Thanks for sharing, soooo fun! Thank you all for your review and feedback. Very much appreciated. Title: LOL...You Can't make this stuff UP!! Author: Dee Miller Published: 2017 ISBN: 9781502341402

@Troyoooh looks like some confusion. The quote about there being fewer Dark Skin was not from me. But rather from our friend @Pioneer1. My explanation surrounding us being brainwashed when it comes to dark skin - well, as you know, there’s a whole history lesson around that. I will say; however, that I SOMEWHAT agree with what @Pioneer1 says; however, not completely. For example he mentions self-hatred.... Hoping that we can all agree that the ‘how to make a slave’ brainwashing tactics gave way to believing the portrayal of negative images of self for many. The good news is that, in many, many, many cases, we have overcome as evidenced by all of the beautiful Dark Skin images we see in movies, runway, politics, in our neighborhoods....all around us! What projects am I from? They say that you can’t judge a man by his shoes in a dark room. It’s those secrets that.....

@Pioneer1haha...When I say, "PREACH", I mean I'm loving what you're saying. Your Dark Skin comments. Yes, I understand the impact that Brainwashing had/has on us when it comes to skin tone, Just staking my love for Dark Skin none-the-same. @TroyNot sure if you were asking if or assuming that I don't live or haven't lived in Black Neighborhoods, but, actually, I and grew up on the Projects of New York - the family on welfare, eligible for surplus cheese, free meals and social service programs... Yes, I've got quite a story that I could tell. And even though I no longer live in the projects, and now live in a diverse neighborhood, my roots remain in the hood. Nuf said?

@Pioneer1PREACH!!! I most def stand corrected by the use of the word, 'we'. That was not my intent as I, absolutely, meant, 'They'. @Pioneer1 'But I see less DARK SKINNED Black children in America than I did when I was a kid...' This is so true and unfortunate. I have always been attracted to my Dark Skinned sistas and bruthas. You already know how much I LOOOOVE my people, but when it comes to Dark skin, I'm in awe at how extremely beautiful, absolutely flawless and very sexy Dark Skinned people are. There is something so beautifully powerful about their presence, their effortless stance, their stride, their smile, their stare. I'm in love Race haha....are you saying that I fell for the okie doke in reference to race? You might have a point, but there is definitely lots of cross-pollination going on. I'm not judging - you love who you love. I LOOOOOVE the bruthas til the end!!!!

@Pioneer1lololol... "Mama, Rog paid me $5 NOT to tell you that he, Rerun, and Dwayne went to that party....so I won't tell you".....lol, Now, that was funny! Yeah, it's all giggles and laughs til somebody gets hoit. If I had a dolla for every Dee reference to "What's Happening!" ...man... But much love to that oldie but goodie!!!

haha...seeee...da all tryin ta perpetrate and recognize on the low while denying out loud. But, it's all good. We all have choices, right? Word on the street is that, with all of the cross-pollination of races, by 2060 there will no longer be a race. Then what will we fight about? Until then, SAY IT LOUD....I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!