Brunch Bride - Chimeria Cleveland weds Patrick Evans

Photo Credits:  Faith Burkett - Kimbox Photography.com

Wedding Date: October 6, 2012 (X.VI.XII)

Location: Selma, Alabama

How did you meet?  Chimeria- Although we were raised in the same neighborhood, we officially met and became friends at our current job. We are both educators in a school system in our hometown of Selma, Alabama. Patrick-I’m not sure how we meet; however, I knew many of her family members. When she started working at the high school, I was impressed with her work ethic and of course the attractive way that she carried herself. 

How did you know you’d met the one? Chimeria - I knew that I had met the one because Patrick had such a kind spirit; furthermore, I could tell him anything and laugh with him about anything from the beginning. I was always able to be myself. Moreover, he never gave up until he got my attention, so I knew there had to be something more to the story. Patrick -I prayed to receive her and she hung in there with me despite some of my faults.

What was the most memorable thing about your wedding day? Chimeria - My fondest memory about my wedding day is that I was happy. As I walked down the aisle I had no doubts in my mind or heart.

What is the key to the success in your relationship? Chimeria and Patrick - The key to success in our relationship is first relying on our faith and striving to be better individuals in God’s eyes. Secondly, being a friend, this includes having a listening ear, supporting one another, and being open to many things. Lastly, having fun and enjoying one another!

 
What is it that you love most about each other? Chimeria - I love that Patrick is romantic and thoughtful. He enjoys living life to its fullest and he doesn’t mind doing what he can to help others. Patrick -I love her strength as a woman. She doesn’t take any less than what she deserves and she is driven for success. She is ambitious. She sets goals and achieves them. I also love her sexy legs.

What role does God play in your daily lives?  Chimeria and Patrick - We realize that in order for our relationship to be successful we must keep Him as the head of our lives and our relationship. Although we are far from perfect, we work constantly to build our relationship to His liking. In our own personal walks with him, we are ever considerate of His word. Together we are growing in faith.

Share one of your fondest memories in your relationship so far. Chimeria - My fondest memories are the times that we have shared traveling together so far. I look forward to many more to come.

Do you believe God is still in the marriage business?  Chimeria and Patrick - Yes we do and we believe that he lead us to one another for fulfillment in our lives.

What do you look forward to as a couple?  Chimeria and Patrick - As a couple, we look forward to many years of marital bliss, starting a family, remaining ambitious, and growing stronger in faith together.

 
What is beautiful about your spouse:  Chimeria - What is beautiful about my spouse is that he is God-fearing, hardworking, a wonderful father, remains healthy, and strives to keep me happy.

If the spirit leads, please share a testimony you may believe will bless other women, men or couples.   Keep your faith and believe that God has someone special for you. Don’t go looking, just be patient and wait on Him. Most of all, when He sends your blessing, be open to receive it.

Thank you Chimeria and Patrick!

Also: Special Thanks to Guest Contributor Kimberly West of StyleLifeFashion.com for a beautiful feature

Brunch love is to remind us that God is still in the marriage business. We love to feature “real life” couples that are spiritually grounded and have a testimony to share.  Be encouraged, love comes in all colors!

When the muse speaks...listen

Blame it on one of my Facebook friends but as soon as I saw this picture I knew a character (inspiration) was born!  A little over a week later he became a muse for my recent upcoming novella:  Love on a Budget.  A story can't live on a gorgeous character alone (but it's a good start).  I was having a conversation with a guy from L.A. and he talked about the influence of reality show divas on some women.  He was talking with a young lady who said she was looking for her "Kroy" (of the Real Housewives of Atlanta). In other words, she was looking for her sugar daddy (sigh).  So it got me to thinking of the common theme of love and money.  What if:

• You met a great guy
• He was strikingly handsome
• He was a little rough around the edges

But...

• He was living with his mother
• He was financially challenged
• His main transportation was a red truck with the words "Honey-Do-4-Hire" painted on the sides

Would you or any of your girls take a chance?  Sometimes God sends a "diamond-in-the-rough".  But there's a difference between potential with a purpose and plain old trifling.  A man's ability to take care of home is important but sometimes we have to be open to a man working his plan!  Meet my character inspiration for Love on a Budget - a novella coming February 2013! Jake Jiles honored his Dad's wish to finish his education. Never a suit and tie guy, he quits his corporate job to start his business Honey-Do-4-Hire. To make it work he's moved back home and traded his BMW for a truck. Jake's in a financially challenged season.  Nevertheless, cupid decides this is the time to deliver a potential life mate. Will there be romance without the finance? Will he and his potential dream lady find the courage to love in hard times? Will her girls talk her in to or out of a possible happily-ever-after? 

Read Love on a Budget, Book I in the "Real Love" series to find out!  

 COMING: FEBRUARY 2013!

DAVID & SHEILA HARRIS 

Alpharetta, Ga

Wedding Date: April 10, 2010

 Location: Ray’s Killer Creek

How did you and your husband meet? At work.

How did you know you’d met the one? Sheila: I can’t explain it but the first day we met and we shook hands, there was a shock transferred from him to me. I am convinced it was GOD letting me know that my prayers had been answered and he was the husband that I had been praying for.  David:  (I) prayed about it.

What was the most memorable thing about your wedding day?  David: Beautiful weather and spirit in the atmosphere.  Sheila: We were blessed to have so many friends to share in our special moment.

What is the key to the success in your relationship?  David: Keeping God and His word first and foremost.  Sheila: Honesty and trusting Him and each other.

What is it that you love most about each other? Sheila: I love the fact that he is and wants to be the provider and also that he loves the lord.  I also, love the fact that he is a GREAT cook.  David: Her energy and her spirit when she truly lets her guard down.  (The Brunch Ladies: A man who cooks?  We’re all about it!)

What role does God play in your daily lives?  David: He is first and who I rest everything on.  Sheila: He plays a huge role in our lives, we rely on Him with every decision and every problem that we have.  (The Brunch Ladies: Amen!)

Share one of your fondest memories in your relationship so far.   David: Thanksgiving, for me.  Sheila: It was our trip to Playa Mujeres, Mexico; we had such a great time just relaxing and talking to one another.

Do you believe God is still in the marriage business?  Explain.  David: Always.  It is when we are not willing to do what it takes according to God’s word that causes the problems.  Sheila: I definitely believe that GOD is still in the marriage business, He does not want us to be alone that is why He created Eve for Adam, but what He wants us to do is come to Him and spend time with Him before making any decisions about the individual that we have chosen to spend the rest of our life with.  God already knows who He has charged to seek us out and unite with us in holy matrimony.  I thank GOD that He allowed me to get it right the second time and He has blessed me with one of His soldiers. (The Brunch Ladies – PREACH!!!! The doors of the church are open!)

What do you look forward to as a couple?  David: Growing stronger in the Lord.   Sheila: Growing old together and hopefully we will have some grand kids one day that we can love on and spoil since we don’t have any small children in the house.

What is beautiful about your spouse:  David: Her smile.  Sheila: His confidence and love for Lord. (The Brunch Ladies – nothing like a man who is confident and loves the Lord – get it, confident NOT cocky!).

If the spirit leads, please share a testimony you may believe will bless other women, men or couples.  Sheila: I would just like to say to those that are single and feel like GOD has forgotten about you, please don’t believe that He is just waiting for you to seek him for guidance and answers.  Once you take your request to Him trust me, He will bless you more than you would have ever imagined.  Exactly two months prior to me meeting my husband I was engaged to someone else and I thought that I had it all figured out and was planning to spend the rest of my life with this person.  Well I moved to be with him thinking that we were going to be planning or future together but little did I know that GOD had other plans.  You see GOD began to reveal all the things about him that he had been hiding from me and needless to say I was disappointed and unhappy.  I started to spend more time with GOD and writing down my every thought and prayer request and within 3 weeks GOD had revealed to me where I needed to be and he assured me that everything would be OK.  Well long story short when I returned back to Atlanta, GA on October 9^, 2009, I had no idea that in exactly one month later, November 9, 2009 that I would meet the man of my dreams. The rest is history in less than 6 months we stood before the eyes of GOD and all those that love us and vowed to spend he rest of our lives together.  I thank Him everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful and loving husband.

Engagement and wedding pictures - Jerome Osborne at HowardJeromephotography.com

Thank you to David and Sheila for sharing. We wish you many years of favor and blessings…The Brunch Ladies.
 

Christmas Beau by Norma L. Jarrett - An Excerpt

AVAILABLE NOW!  A HOLIDAY READ BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 

NORMA L. JARRETT

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD!

EXCERPT - CHRISTMAS BEAU

"God, you have until 11:59 p.m. December 31st to deliver my '+ one'.  I'm not spending another holiday single!"  When Haven's sister Harper joined forces Project + One went in full affect!  

Chapter 6 - Betty Knows Best  

            “Omigod.  Did he really say Michele and Barack kinda love?  That is hilarious!” Harper fell back on her bed laughing hysterically, while Haven stood there with her arms folded.

            “I’m glad you find this all so amusing, but your little Project + One experiment and advice thus far are a fail!”  Haven turned around and stormed out.

            “Wait, wait girl!”  Harper jumped up and grabbed her sister by the arm.  “When you are trying to change something, of course forces at work are going to discourage you at the onset. You can’t give up. We’ve done a lot of prep for this.”

            Haven stood there and rolled her eyes.

            “C’mon, sissy.” Harper grabbed her sister’s arms and shook her slightly. 

            Haven sighed.  “I guess I can’t let one bad experience discourage me.”

            “Now what was that affirmation?” Harper waited for her to speak.

            “I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I thank God in advance that my husband will recognize me.  The beauty and light that is within me has now been released and I attract whatever God has for me.” Haven mimicked like a parrot.

            “Okay, you really need to take this seriously.”

            “After Jungle Fever on crack, how can I?”

            “You know God has a sense of humor.  Okay, we need to step this up.  So you’re going to come with me to the Jingle Ball next weekend, right?  We went through all that trouble to pick out that cute sequin dress at H & M.  You got great legs and you can’t let this dress go to waste! Project Glam is in full effect.”

            Oh brother.  Haven stood there with her hand on her hip.

            “Shake your head yes with me. I will go to the Jingle Ball.  It’s for a great cause – a pet charity.”

            “Okay, okay, I’m going.”

            “And you can’t close your online dating account.”

            Haven poked her lip out, folded her arms and shook her head. “I’m glad you have enough faith and enthusiasm for the both of us.  Excuse me while I head to my second job, where I have the luxury of waiting on materialistic, snobby, and cranky shoppers.” She walked off in disgust.

                        “Haven?”

                        “Yes, Harper.”

                        “You look cute!”

~~~~~ 

            “Ma’am, these are not on sale. They’re two different shoes.” Haven raised her voice.  Patience was definitely not her best attribute.  Why on earth did I let Harper talk me into wearing these heels?  I don’t care what color the bottom is, in a minute they’re coming off and a pair of flats from the shelf are going on! These are going right back in her closet.

            “Well, you don’t have to be so rude about it. You know, never mind.  Where’s Betty? She always gives me superb service,”  the tanned, blinged out and bleached-haired woman said.  

            Betty overheard and was there before Haven could call her.  “Mrs. Culbertson, let me see if we have a promo for that shoe. I’m sure there’s some type of discount.  At least 10%.”

            Haven put her hand on her hip. She knew there was no such discount, but that’s what Betty did for lifetime customers.  After she rung up the lady, she walked over to Haven.

            “You okay?” 

            Haven was straightening up the shelves.  “I’m fine.” She uttered, then rubbed her temples.  She turned to face Betty.  “I’m sorry. I’m just a little tired and maybe I’m not feeling this holiday season.  Just got a little touch of the blues, I guess.”

            “Well, happens to the best of us.” Betty helped her put up some of the other shoes. She started humming and singing, which usually irritated Haven, but for some reason tonight it soothed her.

            “Betty?”
            “Yeah, sugar.”
            “Why are you always so cheerful?  I mean do you ever get upset?  Does life ever get the best of you?  Life can’t be great every day, can it?”

            Betty looked Haven in the face. “Sweetie, when you get to be my age, every day is a gift. You think I’m going to sit here and let these rich, condescending women ruin my day? Uh-uh, no way.  The joy of the Lord is my strength, and the Lord of the strength is my life.  I’ve seen tragedy…almost died myself.  I’m a breast cancer survivor two times over, you know.”

            “I didn’t know.”

            “How could you? You are too wrapped up in yourself. You young people kill me.  You don’t have it as hard as the generations before you.  Especially the people of your generational bloodline.  Are you picking cotton? No.  Are you living on the street? No.  You can be and have whatever you want in this life.”

            “You make it sound so simple.  I mean Betty, look at me. I’m young and attractive and I can’t keep a man to save my life.”

            “A mate is a reflection of you.  Just maybe if you change your attitude, you might attract somebody. You act like you’re a hundred years old.  Positive energy is contagious.  Nobody wants to be around an old stick in the mud. I’ve learned to dance and sing and not worry about who’s lookin’.  I like to wear bright colors and yes, I know sometimes it’s a little much, but I don’t care.  I own it!”  She said, pretending to model.

            “Wow, am I really that bad?”

            “Um, maybe not. But if you’re not careful, you will be.  Promise me something.”
            “What?”

            She slapped Haven on the arm. “That you will get out there and have some fun this holiday season! Just because Mr. Right hasn’t shown up, doesn’t mean you have to live like a corpse.  Besides, God’s not gonna just send anybody.  The man God has set apart for you is looking for you, too.  God’s getting him ready.  In the meantime, you got to make sure you got it together when he finds you.  Take my Harry.  He knows he has a good thing.  Took me to his church last Sunday and I tell you that choir tore the roof off.  We got down, honey! I was dancin’ and shoutin’.  It was a good time.”

            Haven smiled at the visual of Betty in full on praise and worship at a Black church.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.  And I hear you, Betty…loud and clear.”  She could not believe she was taking advice from a person with a big mistletoe barrette clipped to starched hair, but since Betty was getting more action than she was, she had to know something.

Every Brunch Lady has...

A signature item 

Something that represents your taste, style, personal touch.  They are so signature, when your best girls see one of them when shopping they immediately say that's so "_________" (fill in the blank with your name).  In the spirit of the shopping season, I thought I'd share a few of my personal signature items with the rest of my Brunch Ladies!  

Bows 

Who doesn't love a little touch of femininity?  

This short sleeve sweater from Ann Taylor is perfect!

    

Monograms

Shirts, linen, stationary, monograms are so classy.  But I fell in with these felt clutches and the price is just as delicious.  These adorable accessories and more monogram items are available at monogram lane.

Drop earrings.  

These easy on the eyes and the purse "gems" from the Bauble Bar are gorgeous!

Beautiful Journals...

Every writer keeps them in their purse, on a nightstand,  in the bathroom.

Shh!  You never know where inspiration is going to show up!  This floral find is from Rifle Paper Co.

 

 

Pretty (but inexpensive) ink pins! 

This one by Michael Kors is an irresistible "steal" and it's scented!

 

and...I'm a pearl girl (of course) 

This Kate Spade necklace adds a little "Brunch" flavor with a cute bow

Signature read?    

CLICK FOR ALL BOOKS IN THE SERIES!!!!

The Brunch Series (of course)

Don't have your own signature items? Get inspired by the Brunch Lady Pinterest Board :)

7 Books that Bless

Okay, so I'm a little biased.  For your bookshelf.  Brunch Lady approved reading from members of 

the 

Anointed Authors on Tour!

                        

 

 

                                                           

Who is this Proverbs 31 Chick?

Perhaps you are like me. You’ve read all about the Proverbs 31 woman. You’ve probably even sat in on a Bible study or two. You've dissected every line. Over a period of time you painstakingly checked off every attribute: strong, noble, virtuous, wise, kind; works willingly with her hands; brings food from afar; rises early to prepare meals (not just for her husband but her maidens?); plants a vineyard; gives to the needy, makes fine linen and sells it …okay, okay! We get it. She's a goddess! Exhausted? Have no fear…Brunch Lady is here! You've probably figured it out by now - The Proverbs 31 Woman is a model, a person to emulate; but we don’t have to BE exactly like her. We strive to embrace her attributes as part of our journey to become our best selves.  Brunch Lady is partly about that journey. And we can't do it alone!

Brunch Lady was born out of the spirit of my first faith based fiction book Sunday Brunch, a novel about five ladies on the way to self-discovery. The characters Lexi, Jewel, Jermane, Capri and Angel are besties that meet for weekly brunch to share everything inspirational at the girlfriend table. Sunday Brunch and the sequel The Sunday Brunch Diaries are faith-based fiction fan favorites (Voted Best Girlfriend book - Upscale magazine/Rawsistaz Book Club). Each “girlfriend” is  at a different place professionally, personallyand spiritually and they are all a work in progress. Brunchspiration: A Quotable Devotional, a non-fiction book (devotional) is inspired by the Brunch fiction series. Brunchspiration gives readers uplifting, witty wisdom to satisfy their spiritual appetite.

BRUNCH FASHION

Brunch Lady is a natural extension of my books. As I prayed about what God had for me in the recent season of my life, he led me to Proverbs 31. Many of us aspire to be the Proverbs 31 woman. However if we study the Proverbs 31 woman we realize we have some tough stilettos to fill! Brunch Lady reminds us that we are all Proverbs 31 women in progress and we all need encouragement. The official mission of Brunch Lady is to encourage women to lead passionate, purposeful and prosperous lives with grace character and style. It is a timely message. Many would agree we need a “ladylike” movement. Our images have taken a beating and some of the wounds have been self-inflicted. In that spirit, Brunch Lady is all about the girlfriend journey; A journey where positivity and encouragement are abundant and “iron sharpens iron”. It extends to every area of our lives! So, Brunch Ladies...get ready for everything inspirational at the girlfriend table:

BRUNCH MERCHANDISE

• Brunch Books (The Brunch Series: Sunday Brunch, The Sunday Brunch Diaries, Brunchspiration, D.C. Brunch - upcoming)
• Brunch Media - (Facebook, Twitter, Website, Youtube, and others)
• Brunch Life (Brunch Fashion, Brunch Table, Brunch Bride and others)
• Brunch Merchandise (The Brunch Boutique)
• And however else God plans to take the Brunch Lady Brand!

The Brunch Lady understands she must shine from the inside out, but both are important! Brunch Lady is more than books, merchandise and media...it’s a lifestyle. Brunch Lady is to remind us to the think and act like a lady and....“Pearl Girls Rule the World!”


Always keep it “Brunch” (Classy),
Norma L. Jarrett Author, Blogger & Lifestyle Entrepreneur (C.E.O. - Brunch Lady)