Monday, July 28, 2014

The Sound of Ice Cream


I miss the carefree summer days of growing up in New York. And sadly, I regret our children no longer play with the freedom that we once knew. That freedom comes with the fellowship of playing with the neighborhood kids. Of course being in the presence of so many children bought about conflict. Occasionally we’d have a scuffle, but a couple hours later, we’d forgive and forget and play some more.


The highlight of our days involved Mister Softee – the ice cream truck. Hearing the familiar melody serenading our block, summoned us into a panic. We’d run back to our house, call for money from the ground floor of our fort-like built homes. And where was mom? She was always on the top floor at the back of the house. “Ma! Ma! The ice cream truck, can we have some money?”

Sure enough on the days she had a few coins to spare, she’d put them in a paper bag and throw them out of the window. Ah, ghetto style Brooklyn living. I’m not ashamed. Living it built character and taught me that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. You find conveniences and work with what you have.

Certainly, we are not perfect, and neither are our relationships. I believe that is what I learned most about living in our community with so many friends. Not all of us are going to get along at the same time. However, for the most part, no one is going to hold a grudge. For when Mister Softee summons, it means lay it all aside. Run, get your money, chase the truck, enjoy your ice cream and gather with your friends.

Yes, that was the best part. We’d come into a circle of fellowship and cherish our ice cream moments together. Togetherness is what I miss.

In the spirit of summer, I pray we hear the sound of the ice cream truck summoning us to lay aside the differences, accept our imperfections, gather together with family and friends and cherish the ice cream moments. Oh, how sweet it is!

Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Inspirational Speaker
Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
Missing the Mark (Novel One)
Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)
Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three - Summer 2014)
(Novel Four - Coming 2014)
Spirit Over Will (Devotional)
Why Not...Read for Love

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Why the Racy Novel?

Uh-oh! I know you’re wondering what this piece is all about. For one, it is not to promote or judge the racy novel. It is to address the question, why are they so popular? It is true, sex sells. As sexual beings, we are so drawn to sex, even when we’re not physically involved, we can mentally engage.

With novels of this genre, the reader knows how the story will mostly likely end…man meets woman; they connect sexually, and live happily ever after. With such a predictable outcome, why bother?  

For some, maybe they read them just for the uninhibited sexual encounters, for others, perhaps they are looking for the romance in it all.

I believe whatever the reason, it has something to do with the prelude of the outcome. Anticipation is excitement, and excitement can be very fulfilling. In other words, I know how this ends, but I want to be actively involved in the process – even if it is mentally.

Can we be as mentally engaged in our personal lives? Are we excited about the journey as well as the destination? For many years, I was not. I focused on the outcome, not the process.

In college I spent many hours considering how long it would take to graduate. I did enjoy learning, but sometimes I forgot about that. With my children, I wanted to take care of them physically, cook and keep the house clean, instead of at times, put that all on hold, and simply play with them. And with my husband, many times I did the same.

I’m a firm believer; if we work hard, we’ll see the goal come to pass. We know how the story will end. But what will we miss along the way? We are writing the stories of our lives. 

I want excitement to reflect in the story of my daily everyday life. I want to go walking, yet stop and marvel at the incredible blue sky, smell the life in the grass, hear the buzz of living things and beings around me. I want to take a moment, laugh at myself, and with those characters in my novel. I don’t want to be just physically involved, but mentally and emotionally. I want to find a breath of fresh air on every page of my life. How exciting...


Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Inspirational Speaker
Founder: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
Missing the Mark (Novel One)
Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)
Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three - Summer 2014)
(Novel Four - Coming 2014)
Spirit Over Will (Devotional)
Why Not...Read for Love