A Meetin' in the Ladies Room!

So, if you haven't heard by now this is my 15 year author anniversary!  Yep, I wrote and published Sunday Brunch, a novel about five African-American women lawyers that are each at different places professionally socially and spiritually in my third year of  attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Wasn't my plan at ALL but when God has an agenda you need to listen and line up!  So I'd thought in the light of the third book release for the Sunday Brunch Series it would be great to revisit with the original Sunday Brunch Ladies.  To help you learn more about these ladies I decided to do a meet and greet right here on my blog!  The photos are "MY VISION" (not actual likenesses - think I'd get in trouble for that!) of the ladies of Sunday Brunch.  



WHO IS LEXI?

Visit her pin board for more...

Faithful friend, perpetual shoulder to lean on, prayer partner, lawyer, seeking, praying for Mr. Right. Hopeful romantic.

 

Favorite Phrase:  "Lord, I love you but where's mine?"

Fashion Style:  Hi-low. Anything from Marshall's, TJ Maxx or from the outlet

Favorite Music: Old School, Slow Jams, Gospel

 

 

WHO IS CAPRI?
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Sharp, gorgeous, confident lawyer.  Graduated at the top of her law class.  No nonsense, serious and in it to win it.  Law firm rock star on a mission until she meets Anthony Stanton, a client at her firm and pro-ball player.

Why she'd make a great friend:  She will always have your back and tells you the truth even when it hurts.
Favorite song:  Empire State of Mind
Fashion Style:  Tailored suits at the firm.  Anything comfortable when she's not.
She will always love: New York, her original hometown

WHO ARE REX AND JERMANE?
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Uber couple: Rich, beautiful and sexy

Why we love them as a couple: They met and feel in love the first week of law school.
Why we root for them:  In spite of some of Jermane's bad judgment and vulnerabilities we know they are made for each other. Rex is a good man that works overtime in his career and to please his lady.
Jermane's Style:  Pastels, pearls, anything that swirls. Epitome of grace and charm...she's a Southern Belle personified and a lady. Simplicity but always the best.  

WHO IS ANGEL? 
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Sharp, corporate lawyer that excels at all except love...by choice.

Why you need her as a friend:  She's mastered the corporate game, offers  sage advice wisdom with a much needed reality check. And she has a fierce and fully stocked closet!
What about her love life?  Ahhhh, enter Octavio. Younger man, Latin, long time friend that happens to be in love with her. 
Does she have a past?  Umm, maybe.  She left her hometown Washington, D.C. and family behind and never looked back. The Sunday Brunch crew is her family.




WHO IS JEWEL?
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Spoiled, irresistible, loves to spend other people's money, perpetual party planner! Sparkles daily

Why you love her:  She's spoiled, materialistic, shallow and self centered.  But, she finds a way to throw confetti in the midst of a crisis!  She means well. She's faithful with a big heart. She brings the drama and the fun!

Favorite Movies:  The Devil Wears Prada and Legally Blonde 

Fashion Style: Anything Designer, Anything she can't afford



*Freedigitalphoto.net Stockphotos image

So you have been formally introduced to my besties, the ladies of Sunday Brunch as we originally discovered them. Begin the journey...

 

 

                                 

Bridal Brunch - The Novel by Norma L. Jarrett - Excerpt!

Sooo excited!  As you know I'm launching my "baby" Bridal Brunch, then next novel in the Sunday Brunch series on May 29, 2014 at a fabulous event hosted by Robbins Brothers of Houston, Texas!  (Cue the cute flyer in the post below).  In the meantime here is a little "nibble" of Bridal Brunch, didn't realize I was writing my heart out so Bridal Brunch is a delicious 310 page literary meal for all my Brunch Ladies! Bon Appetit!

*EXCERPT*

(Prologue)

 Dear Jesus:
     I don’t have much time, but need to connect. I know I know…I’m working on the time management thing. Seems like gone are the days you and I’d hang out for hours, I so miss that. But I know when I’ve been neglecting my God time. Experience has taught me I can’t do a thing without You. Been there, done that…bought the t-shirt. Since so much is competing for my attention these days: family, work, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (seriously), I need to work a little harder. And I’m enlisting Your help!
     Hubby Chris has been working second shift at the police department, keeping the streets of Houston safe. Please keep him covered. Right now, he’s sound asleep, calling major hogs. Side note: You could’ve given me the heads up about that. Little Chris has gotten out his bed and tucked his narrow self under his dad. It’s the cutest thing ever. There’re times when I wish I could freeze this moment. It’s just that good. You know, that season after all the rain, struggle, doubt, and heartache dissipate. They take their funky remnants and bounce! The dust settles. The harvest not only arrives, it’s abundant! Ahhhh, nothing like beauty for ashes!

     I’ve struggled for so long to be the woman You designed me to be. And I finally get it! I don’t have to be perfect. I just need to be consistent in my faith and trust the process. Phew! I could have saved myself years of anxiety, fear, and emotional breakdowns. You’ve been in total control but I insisted on grabbing that steering wheel. Driving us both nuts! Thank You for being such a patient and loving God.
     I always knew there was this confident woman inside of me. But You allowed the world to see it. I knew I was destined to be a wife and mother. I knew I was something greater than just everyone else’s confidante, friend, problem fixer or prayer partner. Don’t get me wrong. I truly love helping others, especially my girls–Jewel, with all her crazy, unpredictable over the top ways; Capri, my solid as a rock law partner; Angel, my mature, smart and savvy mentor; and Jermane, my classy, sweet friend who refuses to let me pay back that loan from law school. These are my ride-or-die (can you say that over thirty?) sister-friends. Through thick and thin, broken hearts, marriage, law school, business start-ups, career shifts, childbirth, and holidays; we’ve fought, argued, cried, worshiped and celebrated…together.
     Guess we have Jewel, the woman who can throw confetti in the midst of any crisis, to thank for our first “bonding” brunch back in law school. I thought it was a little over the top, because honestly who could afford Sunday Brunch back in law school? But that’s my beloved Jewel. Just like her name, she brings the sparkle and shine every time.
     My gratitude reflection for this season starts with my family−my awesome and anointed husband Chris and our son, his moniker and mini-me. I’m grateful for the good, the great, the “what in the world” and the “shut the front door” moments. I’m also grateful for the lessons. I’ve clearly learned that life is dynamic. I’ve learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Do I like it? No. My flesh HATES it. But I know if I stay with You I can ride anything out, bloom where I’m planted, and come out on top! This morning, I didn’t spend long in the Bible. I started in Proverbs. If all else fails, Proverbs has an answer. It’s saturated with wisdom. It’s my fail safe – smile. Then my daily devotional led me to John 15:30…

Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.

   I closed my Bible right then, assured I’d gotten my word for the day. I’m grateful this morning for my friends. We’ve “laid down our lives” for each other many a time. Maybe not literally, but we have each other’s backs. We take care of each other. We’re more than friends…we’re like a small gang, lol. And I’m proud of us. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, how we carry ourselves and the way we love. We know our worth. We’re leaders, business owners, wives, mothers, givers and hard workers. But even more precious than that, we are forever…

“Brunch Ladies”

xoxo…Lexi 

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE LAUNCH!!!

Door Prizes, Booksigning, Refreshments, Bling, Try on Rings!!!

 MAY 29, 2014

6-8 p.m.

Robbins Brothers

2101 W. Loop S.

Houston, TX

RSVP:  fanclub@robbinsbrothers.com 

5 Ways to Be a Better Friend!

Image from Freedigitalfotos.net by Stockimages

Brunch Lady and my Brunch Series books are celebrations of friendship. I’m counting down to my next book launch for my novel Bridal Brunch, with my beloved Sunday Brunch characters: Lexi, Jewel, Capri, Jermane and Angel. As well as gearing up to celebrate 15 years since the launch of Sunday Brunch, the first novel in  the series. It has truly been a special journey. During this time I also had a chance to reflect on how special my friends truly are. Some have come for a season, a reason or a lifetime. Sometimes in our superwomen quests we may take our friends for granted. So during my personal prayer time I asked God to share some ways we can all become a better friend! So here are a few of those nuggets!

1) Be sensitive to those awe inspiring, overachieving women in your circles! You know the ones that are always there for her girls. Whether organizing a birthday brunch, offering a listening ear or prayer they’re our forever faithful shoulder. But sometimes those that are strongest are the least likely to seek much needed support. Perhaps its pride or selflessness but they struggle the most with asking for help! For these stubborn sister-friends, you must be vigilant! Make sure your support, love, prayers and listening ear are reciprocal! Treat this kind of friend like the gem that she is!

Time to act: If you have a friend like this in your circle call and say, “Hey I was just thinking of you. How is everything going? You’re always giving and supporting others, just wanted you to know if you ever need me, I’m here.  What can I help with?"

2) Know your friends well enough to give the right gifts! Just because you like Tiffany’s and MAC products, doesn’t mean she does. Your bestie may need a day at the spa, a few new books to add to her “avid readers” collection, or simply a “kid free” afternoon. Be creative, thoughtful and sincere.

Time to Act: Make a gift journal for friends and family. Jot down interests, activities, and specific products they mention. So the next time your gift can be personal. This is also a great way to take the much needed focus off us!

3) Call your friend and specifically ask if there are any prayer needs. You don’t have to spend all day in the prayer closet, just keep her close to your heart during your personal prayer time. Remember when you sow seeds in prayer for others, it will bless you too.

Time to Act: Reach out to a friend you have not spoken to in a while. Ask her if she has any prayer requests and always operate in discretion. Let God know He can trust you with a prayer!

4) Celebrate her victories and encourage her during those times of disappointment. Be the refreshing spirit, the living water and the well spring of life. Always be ready to water a seed and watch it bloom. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to celebrate others in their season of harvest when we’re seemingly in the desert. But we can do all things through Christ. When we make a habit of it, our waiting time is more pleasant.

Time to Act: If you feel hints of jealousy during a friend’s season of “breakthrough and blessings” go to God with honesty and transparency. Let Him work on it! Be intentional with your sister celebrations!

5) Let your friends know how much you appreciate them. Not just on birthdays or holidays. Send an e-card or text. Better yet, pick up the phone or drop a card in the mail. Handwritten notes are keepsakes and always put a smile on the receiver’s face. T

Time to Act: Go to a stationary store and find the most beautiful card you can and write a note to a special friend or family member today! Keep stamps in your purpose just for this reason!xoxo

Norma L. Jarrett
Author and Creator of Brunch Lady
Beautiful You, Beautiful Friends, Beautiful Life (w/Christ!)
www.normajarrett.net