Behind the Chapter: California Love

 In chapter three of Diary of a Divorcee Diva, the introductory scene symbolizes Mikayla leaving all of her troubles behind and hoping, against all odds, that this journey would take beyond her wildest dreams. Ironically, she was taking the trip with her off again and on again ex-boyfriend. There was no denying the temptation to rekindle the past, but she was determined to turn her focus to the future. Based on my actual first trip to Cali and my experiences there, I try to give my readers a sense that they are with Mikayla on her way to freedom and new adventure as her love for California and the flicker of her old flame take flight. Let’s catch up with Mikayla on Cloud Nine...

 

Chapter Three-California Love Excerpt

I never felt so free as I did on that flight to LAX. The sky was the limit and I was literally on top the world, looking down on it from Cloud Nine. No one could tell me anything would ever go wrong ever again at that moment in time. After chatting it up with Darren a little bit about my hopes and dreams as always, he suggested that maybe I should look into moving to Cali, too. It would be the perfect place to start a totally new path in life and get away from all my troubles. I daydreamed myself about it right on to sleep.

“Good evening, passengers. This is your Captain speaking. I hope you have enjoyed your flight. We are approaching our destination and fully expect a safe and uneventful landing. Thank you for joining us. Have a good night.”

Waking up to stare out the window at the stuff that dreams are made of was surreal. The view of the Concrete Jungle, with all that water surrounding it, was amazing. I saw nothing but miles and miles of highway and bright lights! I had on my cute little sleeveless cotton dress that was hit just above the knee and got a rude awakening when I stepped onto the tarmac. The cold, sweeping air hit me right in the face.

“Whoa!! How can it be freezing in California in the middle of July?!”

“Kay, this ain’t Cackalacky. Ain’t none of that humidity out here. Don’t you know this is the desert?” Darren was always so thorough in his explanation of everything. Always had been, even back in the days when he was trying to tell me why we needed to break up and just be friends.

“You gone love the way it feels outside tomorrow when the sun is out, though. I’m telling you, Kay. The weather is addictive.”

“Ok, I’m just gonna have to trust you on that one ‘cause it’s just freezing my legs off right about now!”

That night as I looked out the 12th-floor window of the hotel at all the lights that put the dark, tree-lined streets back home to shame, I was hooked and my mind was made up. If the rest of Cali was like the view from here, I was gonna call it home and soon. The next day, Darren and I headed out to paint the town. He was right about the weather being gorgeous and we checked out the usual tourist traps like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater, then watched the many talented hopefuls acting out at Venice Beach. We toured the star homes and rode past all the famous places like Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Capitol Records, and the Hollywood sign. We even checked out South Central and in the words of Ice Cube himself, I gotta say it was a good day.

“Tomorrow we’ll go look at the apartments I found online”, Darren said. “If you decide to move here, you can just find something when you get to town because people move in and out around here all the time. It’s not like back home.”

We talked about staying together and decided that it was not the best idea. Darren still wasn’t ready for commitment at a time when he was trying to launch his screenwriting career and probably somewhere in the back of his mind was planning on seeing what the California Girl singers were wishing all the other the females could be. Besides, I was still trying to get my walk with the Lord right and that would be so to the contrary. God would not be pleased. I didn’t know how I would make it, but not to worry about that as long as I remembered that God would supply all my needs!

Don't miss the final week of my Goodreads Giveaway! 

 

 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Divorcee Chronicles

by Michelle Lynn Stephens

Giveaway ends May 30, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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DDD Spotlight: Fiercely Camille

A shopaholic boss diva who sits in a boardroom filled with men all day, Camille can best be described as fierce. Not always the most confident in her own superpowers, yet she speaks her mind and always takes the lead, even when it comes to Mikayla’s relationships. Their first loves were brothers and they have considered themselves sisters ever since. Always opposite in their love lives thereafter, Mikayla was divorcing while Camille was tying the knot and matchmaker Camille soon wanted to hook Mikayla up with her new man’s best friend. Imagine that, since she encouraged Mikayla to date the guy she was just in divorce court with! But, Camille knows her better than anyone, so why not take her advice again? Get your copy today!

DDD Spotlight: Divinely Keisha

I like to describe Keisha as divinely loyal. Sometimes, too much and too soon, but she never gives up on her family, her friends or her man. She often prays to get that dedication in return. God spared her from death when she was given just two years to live, fifteen years ago, now surely he could deliver her from lies and betrayal. If there's one person who she can count on to be there, it's her friend, Mikayla. Whether she wants to laugh or needs to cry, Keisha can always call on her. They didn't start out that way; more like almost toe-to-toe, but after both being on a collision course with divorce and life as they once knew it, now they have each other's back. Enter my anniversary giveaway on Goodreads and be sure add it to your to-read shelf!

The DDD Sisterhood

Welcome to Diary of a Divorcee Diva Sisterhood Week!



In continuing to celebrate the fifth anniversary of my debut novel, I will be highlighting some of the themes in the book. This week I will be focused on sisterhood and I am starting by introducing you to the main character, Mikayla Summers, and two of her best friends. Check out my video link below with some of my favorite quotes from them highlighting support, vulnerability and strength. Stay tuned throughout the week for more on their special bond!

DDD Sisterhood

Enter my Goodreads Giveaway here!

Cover Story

When I wrote The Divorcée Chronicles: Diary of a Divorcée Diva, I was completely focused on the story.  I never even considered the cover. Once I needed it, I put a lot of thought into the picture, but had no idea how I wanted to frame it. So, I just chose a simple template that would highlight the picture. Fast forward a few years and a lot of research, I decided I wanted a larger and more creative font. I came across Ida of Amygdala Art, a designer with a striking portfolio, and asked her put her touch on the words.  I hope you enjoy the new design and the story behind the image.

Available at Amazon

Her eyes are closed as she reflects on her past, so that it will not affect the dreams of her future. The colors represent her journey of emergence from darkness to the light. Her shoulder is bared as a symbol of the naked truth that has saved her. Her beauty mark matches that of her grandmother and reminds her that she has the strength and support of her family. She delights in the beauty of the butterfly. She relates to its humble and lowly beginnings. Once moving slowly and crawling on the ground, with its life at the mercy of its surroundings and at risk of being trampled. Then suddenly, hidden away to be broken down and transformed into a new being. The struggle to break free is strengthening its wings, so that it may take to the sky. She had to die, so that she could fly. 

Loving YOU!

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and love is again in the air! With February being so focused on love between couples, it is often a time of doubt for women who are going through divorce and separation. Some of the most confident women I know have allowed divorce to make them doubt their decision-making, doubt they are worthy to be loved and doubt that they can ever be whole again. Having been a Divorcée Diva for a few years now, I often forget just how much you go through before you reach that point of becoming victorious over such notions. Some women have yet to get there at all and often ask me how it is possible that when asked if I would do it again, I come with an unequivocal and anticipatory answer of yes! My answer is simply this…if God loves me and I love myself, then my love is complete and it should be easy for me to share that love with the man who God has for me.

Most of us know that God loves us, so that leaves the question of whether you have you learned to love yourself. Your ultimate goal should be to remain true to self and to the desires of your heart. Focus on the past only as opportunity for reflection and re-evaluation to perfect your future, never as reason to doubt who you are and what you are worth. If you are going through this transition, be sure not to get caught up in the bombardment of focus on couples at this time of year. Focus on LOVING YOU! 

Here’s a bit of my poetry to remind you what you’re made of:

Elastic recoil hindered from waiting to exhale

But still dancin’ in her stilettos though her feet are calloused from walking away from the drama

There was a time when she would have fought back and said “Go tell it to yo’momma”

Now her tongue is bruised from biting back words of disrespect trying to submit

But he ain’t done it with God so she can’t fix it 

Distal phalanges scarred from barely holding on yet being soothed ‘cause she still gets her manicure 

As the artwork dries she uses them to turn the pages that lead to Psalm 30

Verse 5

She knows the man of God is out there looking for her somewhere

Like Lazarus she will live and love again

This is the Anatomy of a Divorcée Diva, my friend!

This Christmas

'Tis the season when we picture all things to be merry and bright. While for some families it most certainly will be a Merry Christmas, this will not be the case for everyone. The demands of the holidays often lead to domestic violence and, for a variety of reasons, most victims choose to suffer in silence until after the holiday is over and at times, indefinitely. All too often, that silence can be deadly. If you are in a domestic abuse situation of any kind, I encourage you to open up to a trusted friend or family member and to reach out to community and national resources for immediate help. Should you find yourself in a situation that is life-threatening and beyond repair, please do not hesitate to make your exit.

 

This Christmas

 

We were married two days after Christmas

Then two years later, we were separated

Two days after Christmas

How could this be?

It was our anniversary

I knew him like my ABCs, my 123s

Always quick to please

But soon he lost all his cares

 Got caught up in his love affairs

With Tequila and Chardonnay

Getting in his sanity's way

Though we seemed to have it all

Our Christmas tree was 7-feet tall

Reaching toward that cathedral ceiling

But the gifts beneath could not compete

With those lonely, angry feelings

Entertaining myself all alone

With Christmas songs playing all night long

In our fancy house in the cul-de-sac

With eighteen holes of golf out back

But he'd lost his cares in his love affairs

Then cerebral limitation and delusional accusations 

Led to him to outrage just on the cusp of physical violence

For years I would lash back but that day

I responded with silence

Ready to move on yet

Paralyzed by thoughts of being alone

Then I realized I'd been doing it all along

I'd already been patient

Already been kind

I'd tried all those years to open his mind

He promised to change when we were married

But two years later

Two days after Christmas

We were separated

I refused to be a slave to fear

The devil I knew was no longer welcome here

Though I've lost many things

What I gained is much more

My past can't compare to what God has in store

Because I learned to love myself as He loves me

And I care not if there's one present beneath my tree

I've already received the greatest gift there ever can be

When His Son came along and set me free

And this Christmas will be a very special Christmas for me!

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