Best in Ages

I performed at a newish show called The Poet's Corner this week and I have to say that it was one of the best poetry events that I have been to in ages, yes indeed. Not just because of all the talent, of which everyone who touched the mic' surely came to represent, but because of the overall positive, encouraging vibes and the pleasant intimate venue of which it was held (Dee Dee's Bar). My only complaint was how far and awkward the venue was for me to get to and get back home from being that I reside far away from its location. Otherwise, I have nothing but praise.

I and some fellow performer friends of mine have begun to notice a nasty trend of audiences behaving kinda stink lately, to be quite frank. Since last year, with more and more shows that I went to whether I performed or not I could not help but notice that audience members were increasingly being disrespectful to Artists, as if they just came to hate on them, discourage them or hear their own voices heckle in the background, if not to hear their own silence of stushness. We call this being stush where I'm from and there is simply no need. It was starting to take all the fun out of coming to such shows that I love and adore. My heart goes out to every Artist who had to endure any such unwarranted attitudes that brought down their performance or made them question their work.

So I was completely elated to come to this event and be reintroduced to APPRECIATION of the art. Everyone came to enjoy themselves, to hear 'the word,' a diverse group of talented Artists came to speak 'the word' and just do their thing and it was beautiful. I didn't detect any egos and I felt like any politics among us were at a minimum and that was so refreshing. Everyone was friendly, happy and social, I met many beautiful people that night and was glad that I came down under my friends influence despite my complaints about the journey.

I debuted 2 of my poems that will be in my book coming out NEXT MONTH! They were widely received which always warms my heart. I also noticed that the audience really liked if not favoured, my first poem My Sermon, My Plea which I have only performed a few times. That actually meant a lot to me because it has been one of my favourites since I wrote it last year and with that performance in particular, most references were recognised among the audience and my delivery was exactly as it was intended. I couldn't have been happier and this just makes me more excited for the performances that are to come for when I do my promo tour for my book.

I really needed this, it was just 'what the Doctor ordered.'

BIG UP to everyone else who performed and the host with his organisation Poetic Unity keeping poetry passionate and positive.

People still often ask me about Poetic Justice and I love that the love from the public is still there as it is also a positive show with passionate performer's being all about the art, but that is going to have to wait a while. Not too long though as I can't wait till its resurrection either.

A Quote from Me

I love a good quote as in most cases they're inspirational. Here's a quote that I came up with randomly  this week due to my current circumstance. It may inspire you somehow:

"If life is like an obstacle race then you must learn to jump, crawl, prepare to sweat, fall and be determined to make it to the finish line."

-Lauren Kaye

Giving You What You Want

My latest newsletter for ya!

I issued it last week, includes information about recent performances, future events and a food/wine article of mine from Deevah's Cravings. Click here to view it properly in your internet browser.

All this marketing is no joke people let me tell you and this is coming from someone who works in media. I can promote a film or an event all day long but to promote myself has taken a whole lot of elbow grease lol. However, the positive feedback and demand from fans of my work makes it ALL WORTH-IT.

I'm happy to share with you as long as you are happy to receive. No innuendo intended.

Want more of my newsletters? Sign Up Now 

Alternatively there is always social media; Miss Lauren Kaye on Facebook, @LK_ReelDeevah and LinkedIn.

Have a great weekend peeps.

         

SAVE THE DATE

I have an announcement to make....

Further details will come to those who are keen to learn more so join my mailing list for more info.

In the meantime, all you need to know is that the date to save is SATURDAY 15th AUGUST and that it will be for a very special GUEST LIST ONLY event hint-hint ;-)

#WomanOnAMission

For Father's

There is something incredibly sexy about the loving visual of a man with his children, many women agree and I am sure that many men have used that to their advantage not that I blame them. It is enduring and just simply adorable, but as a fellow Poet Prentice Powell made his point in his video 'Good Father,' this should not be praised as he is just doing what he should be doing. True, however as life has it, it is debatably uncommon to see loving, responsible, consistent relationships between men and their children. Which only makes it that much more appealing and inevitable of praise when we do see it.

I wish it was the norm but it's not, I am glad to have noticed and witnessed an increase in fathers (single dads as well as dads within an unbroken home) holding hands with their children, playing with their children, holding the baby or pushing the pram while going about their day. I didn't see much of this growing up so I am loving all this. I hope the trend continues which is interesting considering the changes and current debates of modern society.

Side note; I nearly fell off my chair when I was watching Mob Wives and I saw Drita's incarcerated husband call up in the evening to do his daughter's homework with her over the phone!! I know that many children particularly boys, have lost out on having a relationship with their dad due to incarceration but what I saw on Mob Wives just showed that it is down to the responsibility of the individual to beat the odds in such situations as opposed to just allowing you and your family to suffer from it and that was beautiful to me.

I was really bothered a couple of weeks ago at the fact that leading up to Mother's Day I had tons of enquiries and orders for Mother's Day cards and yet leading up to Father's Day I had practically no orders! This was a concern of social ethics as opposed to profit. I know there are some good fathers out there that are deserving of a special gift such as what I have to offer with my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards. I can actually think of some friends of mine who would be ideal recipients due to their admirable 'hands on' parenting. It is a damn shame that the unquestionable difference in the customer behaviour that I have observed is merely a social reflection of most people's relationship with their fathers, if any relationship at all. This bothered me so much that I voiced my opinion on Facebook while giving a shout out to some of those male friends of mine that I admire.

I will not deny that many men have been absent or flat out deplorable as parents however, I have met some wonderful men that are the complete opposite. I personally know men that have raised children that weren't even theirs, lovingly as if they were their own. I also know of some men that have voluntarily been a father figure to children within their communities, uncle's that have taken on a commendable father role to their nephews and nieces and even godfathers that have more than taken their role seriously.

Men seem to automatically have a bad reputation as parents and guardians due to the negligent actions of many men prior, so it is easy for fathers to get ignored on the larger scale of things or have people be quick to bash as oppose to praise but I would like to praise all the good dads out there. I wish that the paternal instinct was stronger in general or that effort in relationships from father to child/child to father were stronger but that is just not within my power. However, what I can do is encourage it like I am doing right now.

Another person encouraging this or least trying to give young men a positive experience of a father figure is Comedian and Host Steve Harvey. He actually has a Father's Day weekend that I heard of where he runs a mentoring programme (spelt as 'program' for my American readers) for fatherless young Black men and takes them to Disney World, something like that. Check his website for more information, hopefully it'll take place this year and continue to thrive as a foundation and initiative. If you really want to have an idea of what his children think of him as a dad watch this tear-jerking video clip.

If you have a father figure in your life who you happen to have a good relationship with and would like to let them know how much that means to you then show it! It is important to say and show someone how much you value them. As much as some people think that celebrations such as Father's Day or Mother's Day are unnecessary, they so serve a good purpose. For some parents it is the only time that they can expect to be spoiled per se by their children or even spend quality time with them.

The greatness of my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards is the impact that it has on the recipients. It comes totally unexpected to them as it is an unusual gift therefore, I would suggest a sentimental, fun, loving card custom made by yours truly. Then again in saying that, not all men appreciate cards so if you don't think that your recipient will then that's ok all is not lost. Alternatively, just remember that the best things in life are FREE and there is really no better gift than just giving your time and attention.

If you are in London and stuck on where to take your father or father figure for a nice day together, then here is another little something; 'Father's Fun Day Out' which is a family event taking place Sunday 21st June 2015 1pm-6pm at Poplar Grove Community Centre, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9DB.

CLICK HERE to order your CUSTOM POETRY GREETING CARD for Father's Day. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS ACCEPTED!

4th One Rolled Out, Join My Movement

So I published my 4th newsletter today promoting my poetry and various writing/work activities. Remaining consistent since the start of the year in regard to my increase in self-promotion, enthusiasm to share more of myself and my creative work that I would have kept private otherwise or just for the selective few and it actually feels good. Time and money well spent.

It feels like a movement for me, it is a movement for me. A mini one of course but that's just for starters as this is just the beginning of many more BIG  things to come from this Mini Mogul in the making. It's not just me speaking about myself by the way or flooding it with pictures of selfies (no offense to others that do- do your thing!). Yes, its main purpose is to promote me and what I do but I also promote any topic or event that I want to bring to your attention such as what I do with my actual blogs.

In this edition I mention the greatness of the Black Girls Rock organisation....read more.....Offer discounts and direct shopping (PayPal) links to my Exclusive Luxury Greeting Cards....read more....Offer you the chance to have a 'Lauren Kaye Original' custom order of mass produced cards or invitations....read more....Share foodie pics and articles from my food blog, and as always I like to close with an inspirational or thought-provoking quote as food for thought. See the full newsletter for yourself.

Join my movement and jump on my Mailing List

I look forward to infotaining you.

Lauren Kaye

Xmas Already

Last year I made a few Christmas cards which were both custom orders as well as personal gifts of mine for others. A business owner (the company shall remain unnamed) saw two of them and has since commissioned me to write and design a Christmas card for their customers!

That's a good look right there! It's funny because one of my grandmother's suggested that I make a Christmas card and mass produce it, it's big business as we know but I just wasn't interested at the time. One-off custom orders was my main focus but as you have seen from my recently introduced Exclusive Luxury Greeting Card range, that has now changed. In saying this, I am willing to take on more mass orders so if you would like for me to make an original card or invitation for an audience of yours then by all means get in contact with me.


Lauren Kaye
@LK_ReelDeevah
LKsamuels@infinitipromotions.co.uk