Victoria's Noir Amour

It’s the little things

2009-11-03T00:59:00Z

Every Thanksgiving Day my family and I gather at my parents’ home for dinner. After we’ve feasted on the delicious meal my mom prepared with love, my dad reads a few scriptures from the bible. After the reading of the word each family member shares why they are thankful. Usually everyone gathered around the table are thankful for God’s love, family, friends, health, so on and so on.

It is at this time of the year I begin to reflect on the meaning of this holiday season. What does it mean to be truly thankful? Am I only thankful for the “big” blessings? The house, the car, the raise at work, etc.

After much reflection and honest soul searching I can admit that there are so many blessings that I’ve neglected to give thanks. It’s the simple little things like the smell of fresh flowers in springtime, the adorable chubby baby who blesses me with the brightest, toothless smile or my baby girl wanting to snuggle up and watch television with me.

Though these things are simplistic, there are so many folks who would give anything to have these experiences. Just imagine if you couldn’t smell a rose, see the smile of an innocent baby or feel the warmth of a child or a loved one.

This holiday season I’m making a conscience decision to give thanks not for just the big things, but the little things. What are you thankful for?

Victoria

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:28:00Z

Wishing you all God's wonderful
blessings on this beautiful day!

Happy Mother's Day

Whatcha Reading Wednesday?

2009-05-06T14:09:00Z

Hey Good People!

I know it's been a few weeks, but I've been mad crazy busy! My family and I are undergoing some major changes. One of them being home remodeling. Dust is everywhere and my allergies are going insane!

Anywho, sorry for the rant. Since my last posting I've read a new author by the name of Gay G. Gunn. Her book Everlastin' Love was such a poignant love story about a young woman whose husband goes missing during the Vietnam war. If you're going to read this one, get the tissues ready. After ready something so intense, I was back to my warm and good feeling stuff. Josephine by Beverly Jenkins and Secret Love by Brenda Jackson were both really good reads. Finally, I got the chance to read Uncle Jake and Diamond's story. Over the years they've popped up in other Madaris stories. It was quite interesting learning the genesis of their story. I also enjoyed Josephine all grown up and independent. I'm currently reading Bittersweet Love by Rochelle Alers.

Come on and blog with me. Share what you've been reading.

Victoria

Weekend Review

2009-04-13T01:58:27Z

Good Morning All!

My weekend started off by getting a call from my pastor Friday evening. It's not often that he calls me at home since I see him every Sunday and we're neighbors. After exchanging the usual pleasantries, Pastor drops the bomb, "I read your new book." Uh-oh

Not only has this man been my pastor just about my entire life, he's also my spiritual father. So, you can imagine his feedback, whether negative or positive, is going to weigh heavy on me. After a few seconds I say to him, "Okay, what did you think?"

He chuckles, which leads me to chuckle. You see, Pastor and I did this same little dance with my first romance novel. We spent the next ten to fifteen minutes discussing characters and different scenes. The conversation ended with him telling me he was proud of me, enjoyed my story, could see where I grew as an author and how my writing became a little bolder. Of course I knew he was referring to the lovemaking scenes. LOL

Saturday morning was dreary, freezing cold and raining cats and dogs as I drove to my monthly Valley Forge Romance Writers meeting. Though the weather was messy I was glad I went out. One of the authors presented a workshop on how to do research for writing paranormal romance. Although I don't plan to write a paranormal romance, if I ever decide to do so, I have lots of resources to do the research .

Resurrection morning, my family and I celebrated with our church family the awesome power of God's love and mercy. (I Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and He was buried, and that he rose again the third day.) Later that afternoon, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in-laws, gathered at my parents' home for Easter dinner. Holiday dinners are always filled with the loud, joyful chatter of children ripping and running through the house playing while the older adults laugh sharing stories of their younger days. Even though we've all heard these stories a million times growing up, we sit hanging onto every word. After dinner my immediate family and I headed over to Esther's to see baby Levi-Jacob. He was so cute in his little outfit with bunny ears and a fuzzy tail! Esther and I behaved. We didn't hold any impromptu concerts! LOL

Come on, don't be shy. How did you spend your weekend?

Whatcha reading Wednesday?

2009-04-08T13:47:00Z

Good Morning,

Welcome to Whatcha reading Wednesday! Every Wednesday I'll be sharing what I'm reading and giving my brief opinion for what it's worth . For those of you reading my blog, please share what you're reading and why you think it would be an enjoyable read.

I'm currently reading Belle by Beverly Jenkins. Although it's a Young Adult book I'm thoroughly enjoying it. The story is about sixteen year old, Belle Palmer who has escaped to the north with her father and other slaves. When slave catchers descend upon them Belle and her father are separated. After days of wandering in Michigan, Belle is scared, hungry, dirty, and exhausted.
Her suffering comes to an end when her path crosses with that of Daniel and Jojo Best. Immediately the brother and sister duo takes Belle home to their parents who are abolitionist.

So far I'm three quarters of the way through Belle's story and I'm absolutely enjoying it. For those of you who have young daughters this is an excellent read. My thirteen year old, Melanie read this back in February and really enjoyed it. What she loved most about the book were the historical events taking place. At school her social studies class was learning about Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who escaped slavery by being shipped from the south to the north in a box. She was totally excited that this historical fact was mentioned in Belle.

So, what are you reading this Wednesday? Please share. You never know, you just might expose someone to a new author.

Victoria

Weekend Review...What did you do?

2009-04-06T13:33:00Z

Good Morning All!

For those of us who work a Monday thru Friday gig, we live for the weekend. And when the weekend gets here, why does it seem to go by in a blur?

Any who, on Saturday morning I met with my personal training. Let me tell you, the man tried to kill me! Rushing home I had to wash my hair and get ready for my afternoon book signing at Borders in the Springfield Mall.

The book signing was a success and the staff was wonderful. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to some really nice folks. It always amaze me how supportive readers are to new authors. On behalf of all of us newbie authors, "Thanks! We appreciate the love!"

Sunday morning rolled around and I did not want to get up out of bed. My plan was to stay in bed a little longer, skip church and go to the mall. After all, I go to church every Sunday without missing a beat. Missing one Sunday wouldn't hurt.

My hubby put a nice little dent in my plan. When he expressed he was going to church without me, I came to my senses. How dare I even think about staying home on Sunday morning after God had blessed me all week.

Let me tell you when I got to church it was on! The spirit was moving! The choir rocked the temple of the Lord and Pastor delivered a powerful word from on high. As I'm sitting next to my husband, caught up in the service, I thanked God for him. It was his unspoken encouragement which led me to the house the Lord where my spirit was blessed and refreshed.

After church my hubby, daughter and I made our way to the mall to pick up a few things for myself and my little lady, Miss Melanie. From there we spent time with my best friend Esther, her daughter Marquita and baby Levi-Jacob. While visiting with my family, Esther and I turned on the karaoke machine and put on a pitiful, yet hilarious concert. We laughed so hard, we were crying, doubled over and holding our stomaches.

Sunday night finally comes, I'm winding down and preparing myself for another work week.

What did you do this weekend?

My Baby Is All Grown Up

2009-04-02T00:09:00Z

Twenty-one years ago today was one of the happiest days of my life. My life would change forever as I entered into the new world of motherhood.

On April 1, 1988 after twenty-eight agonizing hours of labor at 4:28 a.m. Martia Gaye Suzette came bursting on the scene, weighing in at 6lbs. 5oz. As I held her for the first time I inspected her tiny little body. I breathed a sigh of relief after making sure she was perfect in every way. After gently kissing her on the forehead I handed her over to my husband, her daddy.

Over the years raising Miss Martia has been quite an adventure. As a baby, she had a quiet temperament. Only time she cried was if hungry or needed changing. I suppose this may have been because while pregnant I would read to her from the book of Psalms and Proverbs.

Somewhere around the age of ten months Martia discovered she had a voice that could shatter glass. For hours she would bounce in her walker entertaining herself with her voice. This drove me absolutely crazy! LOL. Little did I know she would grow up to have a five and a half octave rang voice and sing Ava Maria so beautifully at church one Sunday morning she received a standing ovation.

As I spent the day with my daughter at a posh day spa being pampered from head to toe my mind took a wonderful trip down memory lane. Memories like the ones I mentioned above vividly danced in my mind. Her first step, first day at pre-school, first tooth left for the tooth fairy, trip to Disney World, first day of elementary, middle, high school, and then college all came rushing back. Reliving these precious moments had me repeatedly pulling her into my warm embrace and kissing her like she was that little chubby cheek ten month old all over again.

My mommy instincts whispered to me Martia had also taken a walk down memory lane, too. For each time I showered her with motherly affection she not only accepted it, but reciprocated it as well. As I sit here writing this entry for my blog, she’s curled up in a fetal position on my bed, sleeping like a baby. Although all grown up, she'll always be my baby.

Victoria

Taking a break from romance...

2009-03-18T20:15:00Z

Although reading romance is my first love, every now and then I stray a wee bit. Back in January I did an interview with APOOO Bookclub and one of the questions pertained to my reading goal(s) for 2009.

Last summer I came across this wonderful used bookstore in Olde City Philadelphia. And what treasures did I find! I found copies of Quicksand and Passing by Nella Larsen, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs and Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston.I had the pleasure of reading Jacob's story for the second time last year as well as Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Getting back to my reading goal(s) for 2009. One of my goals was to read novels by female writers from the Harlem Renaissance. Today I started Quicksand by Nella Larsen. I'm totally looking forward to reading the thoughts and feelings of women from that era. I'm curious to know how or if our beliefs have changed.

What about you my fellow romance readers? Have you taken a break from romance? Please share with us what else interest you besides romance.

Victoria

Black History Month...Paving the path

2009-02-05T01:59:00Z

Mary Eliza Mahoney was born on May 7, 1845 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. At the age of 33 she became the first African American graduate nurse. Mahoney began training as a nurse at New England Hospital. She remained steadfast and endured a 16 month program that was demanding with a difficult course load. The would be class of nurses started out with 40 students, however, only 4 students completed the course work. On August 1, 1879 Mahoney became the first African American to receive a diploma of nursing.

After graduation, Mahoney registered to be a private duty nurse. During this time period in the history of nursing, nurses were expected to perform domestic work as well as their nursing duties. Mahoney elevated the profession of nursing by refusing to work as a domestic. Her commitment to her patients was to provided excellent nursing care. Her skills as a nurse were so legendary that patients from states as far as New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina requested her compassionate care.

On January 4, 1926 Mahoney departed this life after suffering with breast cancer. In 1936 the National Association of Colored Graduated Nurses, which she co-founded in 1908, established the Mary Eliza Mahoney Award. In 1951 the NACGN merged with the American Nurses Association which continued the tradition of awarding this prestigious honor.

This Black History month I salute Mary Eliza Mahoney for her courage to stay the course. Because of her, the path she paved made my dream of becoming a nurse a reality.

Who do you salute this month for paving your path?

When Love Comes Around...

2009-01-12T01:05:00Z

You have no choice but to surrender...

Click Here To View Video

Merry Christmas...A Holiday Treat from The Delightful Chef!

2008-12-21T23:41:00Z

Apple Rum Cake...Yummy




As promised, The Delightful Chef is back! Yaaaay! I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to get to the grocery story to get the ingredients for this yummy holiday treat!

Click here to get the recipe for this wonderful Holiday Dessert!

Visit The Delightful Chef at: thedelightfulchef.blogspot.com.

Victoria

December's Feature..The Delightful Chef!

2008-12-06T22:02:00Z

                                                                                               Seasons Greetings!

                                                        Victoria's Noir Amour is pleased to feature The Delightful Chef.







I'm a dreamer at heart - I day dream about everything - well almost everything; everything that excites me, particularly food.

I'm on a mission to love people through my food and that they love me back by enjoying it. It's an orchestrated love story swirling with happiness and delight.

It all started from a young age. My father was a military man and my mother a stay at home caterer. I used to watch her from the table, all night decorating wedding and birthday cakes for her clients. And when my father was away at work, a multitude of people would pour into our house. We’d have food on the table from end to end. It was like water to wine as my mother so gracefully flowed in and out of the kitchen to greet then prepare, greet and prepare. I often gazed at her in loving amazement.   I noticed how satisfied and full of happiness our house became, as people came to and fro to feast and fellowship. I longed for that feeling, to make everyone as happy with my own food. When I got older, my sister and I would hold late night sessions. A lot of times we couldn’t sleep, so we would stay up and bake cakes while we did our homework last minute. We’d hold our secret meetings downstairs in the kitchen and feast to our little heart’s content.

My satisfaction doesn't only come from the consumption of such delicately prepared delectables, however, but from sharing the experience of food. See, food is much more than eating to me. It's friends and family gatherings, laying in the grass, picking smooches from your sweetie under a tree.

For me, cooking is truly something you put your entire heart and soul into. Creating and cooking in the kitchen is love in action, manifested from the intangible of the heart into tangible digestible delightfulness; a glorious agape in the form of food!

It brings a remarkably joyful sense of duty yet with an offset anxiousness, an intense eagerness almost out of control. In the kitchen I’m the same way but I get down to business (enter the serious face). It’s amazing to see the finished work of your hands and then bask in the overwhelming sense of pleasure, like a big sigh of love struck satisfaction, except you just never get enough. Duty calls and love wells up. I pour myself into each step. My cup runneth over!

I want people to discover food, to experience that sense of fulfillment, to pique their interest in the literal “Joy of Cooking.”

See, funny thing is, I don't care about becoming a celebrity chef. I just want to cook.

My name is Elle, and I am the Delightful Chef.

Folks stay tuned...The Delightful Chef will coming back soon to share a special holiday treat recipe!

Until then visit The Delightful Chef at: thedelightfulchef.blogspot.com.

Victoria

President Elect...

2008-11-05T05:06:00Z

            Congratulations Barack Obama!

                  Your next sworn oath will be as our President!

As I waited an hour and a half to cast my vote I was filled with so much hope. Hope that history would be made, hope that a change would come. As a healthcare provider, hope that all Americans would have the basic right to have health insurance coverage. Since 2002 I've run a free blood pressure clinic in the African American community at a local church. Just last month a parishioner presented to the clinic with a blood pressure reading of 170/100 (normal is 120/80). As I continued to ask her about her medical history I learned that she indeed had been diagnosed with high blood pressure several months ago . As I further probed, I became distressed as she told me, "I can't afford my blood pressure medication."

Despite the fact that this woman goes to work everyday, she can't buy a tiny pill that would prevent a stroke and devastating complications. As I listened to Obama's plans during his campaign to provide healthcare for every American I thought about this woman and many others like her. One of the many reasons I voted for Obama was because I believed him when he promised he would fight so that every American would have affordable health insurance coverage. As a nurse for 17 years I can confidently state that healthy individuals will cultivate healthy families. And healthy families will in turn cultivate healthy communities. If our communities have access to healthcare this will save millions, maybe billions in healthcare dollars. Perhaps these dollar could be utilize to improve our educational system?

What were some of your reasons for helping to elect our 44th president?

Victoria

Big Ones...Little Ones...LOVE YOUR BOOBIES

2008-10-01T21:55:00Z

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month love your boobies. According to the American Cancer Society in 2007, 178, 480 women were diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer. Approximately 40, 460 women died the same year from this disease.

The best way for us as women to protect ourselves is to be as proactive as possible. It is never too late, or too early to learn how to perform a Self Breast Examination (SBE). In my opinion, it is crucial to teach our young girls the importance of getting to know their breasts at a very young age. A trained medical professional such as a physician or nurse can teach you how to perform SBE.

Please keep in mind that the majority of breast lumps are not cancerous and may change throughout the month due to fluctuating hormones. When doing SBE you should be checking for any new lumps paying close attention to the underarm area, changes in previous lumps, change in breast size, a nipple that has become inverted, and a fluid discharge from the nipple. Also check for the "orange peel" appearance, scaly, red and swollen skin of the entire breast.

Every woman should have a yearly mammogram once she turns 40 years old. However, if there is a close family history of breast cancer a mammogram should be done 5-10 years earlier than the age of the diagnosed family member. For instance, if my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, I should begin yearly mammograms between the ages of 25-30.

All women must become proactive in combating this disease by getting a yearly mammogram, doing regular SBE, eating a diet low in fat and high in fiber, regular exercise, weight loss, limit alcohol consumption, and quit smoking. African American women must become more vigilant in the fight. We are more likely to die from this disease than women of other races because our tumors are found much later in advanced stages that are more difficult to treat.

For information on possible resources for free or low cost mammograms log onto: www.cancer.org to find your local American Cancer Society office.

Victoria

September Is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

2008-09-02T03:35:00Z

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder which predominately affects African Americans in the United States. About 1 in every 12 African American carries the trait for this disorder. The most common form of sickle cell disease is Sickle Cell Anemia.

The hallmark of sickle cell disease is pain. Individuals suffer with painful episodes called crises. Crises are unpredictable and may occur at any given time, lasting anywhere from hours and may be prolonged from days to weeks.

Severe anemia, stroke, splenic sequestration, pneumonia, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and blindness are some of the complications that may occur with this illness. Some of these complications presents themselves as early as childhood.

In order to survive, prevent and correct these complications, blood transfusions and blood exchanges may be required as part of the treatment plan. Children as young as five years old depend on these procedures about every 6-8 weeks to prevent the onset or the recurrence of a stroke.

What can you do to help during Sickle Cell Awareness Month? I'm so glad you asked! You can give the gift of life by donating blood. Contact your local American Red Cross and inquire about the sickle cell program. Blood donated to this program is given specifically to patients with sickle cell disease.

To learn more about this disorder click on: Sickle Cell Anemia.

Give someone the gift of life today!

Victoria

Happy Graduation Day...A Tribute To Future Movers and Shakers

2008-06-15T13:38:00Z

On April 17, 2008 I had the pleasure of participating in the Young Women’s Conference Day at Murrell Dobbin Career and Technical High School. I along with other professional women was asked to volunteer a few hours of our morning to speak on the topic: Education…Fuel For Life.

The class I was assigned to was a small group of 12th graders. To break the ice I had each young lady tell me something about themselves and what their plans were for the future. As I listened to each of them share their plans for the future my heart burst with pride. Here was a group of beautiful, young, African American girls living and going to school in the inner city that society had written off. Statistics dictates that these young ladies most likely would have the propensity to be high school dropouts, single mothers, drug addicts or on welfare.

Well, I’m over thrilled to let you all know these young ladies weren’t having it! Each one of them had a road map for their lives that included college in the Fall. One young woman’s aspiration is to be a chef. Wouldn’t it be something if one day she aspired to a Master Chef! Fewer than one hundred chefs in this country hold this special certification. Another has plans on majoring in Business and becoming an entrepreneur. Just imagine ten to fifteen years from now she may be the owner of a Fortune 500 company!

The purpose of my being there was to encourage and inspire these young women by telling them of my journey of becoming a nurse practitioner and an author. I must say that being in their presence renewed my spirit. They encouraged my heart that our youth do have hopes and dreams. And they are willing to strive towards making them come true, ensuring a brighter future for us all.

On graduation day as these beautiful, young Black Queens walk into their destinies I wish them all the success and happiness they deserve. I may never see any of them again; however, I’m expecting wonderful things out of life for each and every one of them.

Peace and Blessings,

Victoria Wells

The count down is on... It won't be long until there's...A Special Summer

2008-02-29T03:26:00Z

            EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT!

            On March 4, 2008 A SPECIAL SUMMER   Makes Its Debut!




Kick off your shoes, get comfortable and relax yourself to take a moment to step inside Summer's and Nick's noir amour...

    Returning from the kitchen, he sat on the floor behind Summer and pulled her to his chest in a bear hug. He whispered as he nibbled on her lobe, "Whatcha' thinking, Beautiful?"
    "Nothing."
    With one fluid motion he had her underneath him as he gazed into sparkling brown eyes.
    "Now that I have you at a disadvantage, are you going to tell me what's going through that pretty little head of yours?"
    The prettiest smile he'd every seen illuminated her face right before she spoke.
    "You make me feel special, Nicholas Stiles." She wanted to tell him more. To tell him that he made her feel loved and that she loved him. But she didn't, because she wasn't sure if he was capable of hearing it just yet. For now she would keep her feelings for him to herself. Later, I'll tell him later.
    "That's because you are special..." Nick hesitated, "to me." It had been years since he revealed what he felt for a woman. He kept them and his feelings at a distance. However, somehow, some way, Summer had woven her way close to his heart. He would never admit it to himself or anyone else that she had gotten under his skin. Saying she was special would have to be enough. Nick promised himself he would never fall in love with another woman. Not even one as loving and caring as Summer Jackson.
    He covered her mouth with his as he lightly traced the inside of her warm, moist mouth with his tongue. The kiss started off tender. As he deepened the kiss and their tongues mated the kiss took on a passion of its own fueling the deepest longing. He trailed kisses from her throat to her cleavage as he slid his hand under her blouse. Summer released a small sigh as Nick rubbed her nibble through her bra with the pad of his thumb.
    Fingering the hem of her blouse, "Let me get you out of this." Nick pushed himself up slightly enough to stare down into her face. Her expression revealed she wanted him. A mischievous smirk played at his lips, "You do want me to take this off, don't you?"

   To get your copy of A Special Summer click here, Order Here !

What is Noir Amour?

2008-02-15T04:00:00Z

Noir Amour is French for Black Love.

Black Love is a strong love...a solid love...an unmovable love. When I think of black love, I think of freedom. The freedom that allows us to love unconditionally. It's a love that is sensual, passionate, all consuming, never assuming, repentant, and redemptive.

Black Love is the joy you feel when you snuggle a newborn babe for the first time and inhale its sweet innocence. It's the kind of love that transforms a shy, timid woman into a fierce lioness when there is an inkling of a threat to her cub. It's this same love that raises up the warrior in every man to protect and defend his most prized possessions...his woman and children.

Black Love is never being able to get enough of the one you love. It's that tingle, that shiver you get when your love kisses that secret spot that drives you insane. It's the pulsating rhythm in your hidden treasure every time he gives you that lingering seductive gaze letting you know you're his entire universe.

Noir Amour is you... Noir Amour is Me