REST IN PEACE, BELOVED JAMES INGRAM: MY IDOL

Dear Readers,



Tonight my heart just hurts SO MUCH.

My idol James Ingram has passed away at age 66 from brain cancer.

This is just horrible.

I was just playing his music the other day. I ADORE James Ingram. His music was a MASSIVE part of my noveling career "back in the day." Especially when I was 16 and I discovered his song "Someone Like You" in the summer of 1993. Produced by Keith Thomas, it's a lush, beautiful masterpiece of longing and devotion. This one gave me ALL the right vibes and feelings of sensuality and curiosity as a young ingenue on the brink of being a woman. I can't ever forget the wonderful, transformative emotions that coursed all through my body and illuminated every cell of me. James just had that beautiful baritone vocal that made the ladies swoon. He could take a song and interpret it with the most POWER, the most PASSION and MAGNITUDE ever imagined. James could sing a love song and make the hairs stand on the back of your neck. He gave me GOOSEBUMPS whenever he belted out a passionate love song from the heart. His way of taking a lyric and making it his own...wow...there are no words. He's simply...breathtaking.

He had EXQUISITE vocals that poured over a song like fine bourbon with a golden shimmer that captured you and rendered you speechless. I still remember everytime he came on the radio and my world would just pause for 4 minutes while I let myself become IMMERSED in his rich, smoldering vocals. Oh God. The ache. To know I will never see him perform his songs live and in the flesh.

James, I miss you!!

This is just SO WRONG!!

I am in shock. I will probably break into tears tomorrow on my way to work. When the fog lifts and I realize that the news is REAL. That you really are GONE. I remember telling my loving Trent when he was alive..."if I ever get the chance...I want to see James in concert." It meant so much for me to share these things with my soulmate Trent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U0eLNzoTjk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KxA4GVt-aw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_hV0uk4jU

Though I may not know you personally, James, I feel like I "knew" you somehow, if that makes sense?

Quincy Jones was a GENIUS when he produced your love songs. He knew a masterpiece when he saw it. I am grateful for his discovery of you.

You will be forever loved and always missed.

James,

Your music, your legacy, your presence, has deeply moved me to the core of my being. I hope you're up there in the heavenly choir making music with all the legends...including my Trent.

Sleep well.

Your fan and admirer,

Rochelle xo

ENTER TO WIN!!! GIVEAWAY FOR THE RE-ISSUE OF MY NOVEL PASSION

Dear Readers,

I'm hosting a giveaway for 5 lucky readers to win a FREE copy of my sensational romance novel "PASSION."

To celebrate the 7th year anniversary since its conception, the giveaway starts February 5th til Feb 12th.

You can enter here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8ace7b7d1/?

You will love my romantic comedy "starring" a wonderful, lovable, comedic cast of characters such as the hunky heart throb Keane Mitchell, and the irrepressible Rhiannon Rose, along with her witty daughter Paige, and Rhiannon's hilarious best friends, Lizzi Morgan and Susan, the feisty redhead always up for a good time.

To find out more on this book, please go to Goodreads or Amazon. The original book and blurb is posted there.
https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Rochelle-Renee/dp/1501014323/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548619327&sr=1-3&keywords=passion+rochelle+renee

Thanks for all your support over the years!

Stay Passionate!

RR xo

IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE, LET THEM SLEEP!!!!

For the love of God...

If you love someone, let them SLEEP!!!

Sorry for the rant, but it must be said. I cannot stress enough or emphasize how important a good night's rest is for the mind, body and soul.

I'm hypothyroid and I can survive on about 5 or 6 hours sleep, but that is pushing it. I feel optimal at around 8 hours sleep (broken sleep, mind you) but that rarely happens. The work week is stressful, there are biological issues going on or brain chemistry problems (amped after 9:00 p.m.) since we creative types get a second wind in the evening, when our brains JUST DON'T SHUT DOWN!!

I chose to write this post not out of need for pity, but rather to shed some light on the medical issues one's body must endure. According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 per cent of these people will be unaware of their condition. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/

That noisy neighbor above me has NO IDEA what she is doing. Moving furniture and grinding/slamming/dropping objects in her bedroom above me, all hours of the night. Just for God's sake...let me SLEEP!!!! You can move stuff later. Let the working person sleep!! This maniac has no idea how to be considerate of others. She smokes her dope, coughs, hacks and chokes all night and then makes the most amount of noise humanly possible because of her OCD and mental issues. It is Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and there is NO NEED of this racket and disturbance.

Those with a form of thyroid disease called Hashimoto's will understand what I am talking about. Sleep is the ultimate therapy in maintaining or recovering our health. I've suffered for years now, and with sleep and supplements, some of my ailments (Restless Leg Syndrome) can be remedied. Magnesium is key for that. Vitamin D. Zinc. Sunshine. Water. Gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, etc. The list goes on. I'm no doctor, but there's a wonderful thyroid pharmacist whom I rely on for the best knowledge available and that is Izabella Wentz.https://thyroidpharmacist.com/

Without her knowledge, I think life would be living hell for my thyroid disease.

That's why I immerse myself in my writing, in my coffee, in my VAST music library of good music. Rest equals better quality of life. Nourishment is key. Vitamins are key. Serenity is key.

On this snowy Sunday morning, minus 15c windchill, I am watching the snow blowing outside my window and the computer is fired up, ready for the final rewrites of the re-issue of my PASSION novel. Coffee is hot and fresh. The wheels of my brain are turning. This woman is stoked and ready ;)

I stand in GRATITUDE for everything good in my life. Including sleep.

Stay rested,

RR xo

GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! The Courage of a Lion and the Heart of a Saint

This one here is just a simple post of gratitude to show appreciation for a special person in my life who INSPIRES me SO MUCH, that I want to shout it from the rooftops!!

Yeah yeah...I've thanked this person before quite a few times on the blog in the last year. But what harm is there in doing "just one more" post? (hehehe)

To that Leo man whom I revere so much:
Your friendship and connection is a BLESSING from the heavens that I hold close to my heart on a daily basis.

I love how you show up AUTHENTIC and wear your heart on your shirt...showing me that you are UNAFRAID to go after your big dreams. In turn, your COURAGE bolsters my own spirit and jump-starts my heart into divine action. It makes ME want to chase those lofty goals too!!

I hope you know, that the moment I was aware of your presence on this planet, I KNEW right then and there, we had a soul connection from a past lifetime, perhaps more than a FEW lifetimes.

I just want to thank you for having the courage of a lion and the heart of a saint. For caring the way you do about people, humanity and the whole collective.

I want to honor you...the deepest parts of you that you hide away and shelter from the world. I SEE YOU --I mean REALLY SEE YOU-- behind the big barricade that you have put around your heart. Don't keep that wall up for very long. Please let someone in at some point, because I feel you're going to miss out on the GREATEST CONNECTION OF YOUR LIFE.

I love the way you exude HEART & SOUL when you show up. Keep bringing that PASSION to the forefront.

I am aware of how much you've gone through...the way you lost your little girl. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I wish I could reach up to heaven and bring her back down here for you. She loves you beyond measure and is now your Guardian Angel in the afterlife. What a blessing, to have her take care of you, guiding you along life's trials and triumphs.

I'll close this letter by saying "I love you, kindred spirit" and please don't ever change.

Sincerely,
Your friend and ally,

RR xo

The ULTIMATE SLOW JAMS PLAYLIST For Lovers

Dear Readers,

Since this blog is dedicated to all things "PASSIONATE"...I wanted to share with you some of my favorite slow jams (or songs to "get down" with) :)

First off, the music of the 1970's is PRIME for lovemaking! There, I said it! I have thrown in some 1980's and 1990's love songs because...James Ingram!! and a few other wonderful artists I love.

My heart swoons over a good horn section or string arrangement, a romantic lyric, a smoldering vocal...

Here's some that I use for my noveling playlist when I'm "in the mood" to create some good loving between the pages (and the sheets!!). I will be adding to this list as I go through my library...stay tuned!!!

P.S. These are all on You Tube!!

***The Originals (1970) I'll Wait For You*** (produced by Marvin Gaye)

***The Originals (1970) The Bells***(another Marvin Gaye production)

***The Originals (1969) You're The One***

***The Whispers (1977) I'm Gonna Make You My Wife***

***Major Harris (1975) Love Won't Let Me Wait***(I suspect a whole lot of baby-making happened
when this song came out!!)

***Earl Klugh (1976)  The April Fools (written by Burt Bacharach!)

***Four Tops (1970) Still Water (Love)***

***Heatwave (1976) Always & Forever***

***Three Degrees (1975) Distant Lover***

***Three Degrees (1975) Long Lost Lover***

***Smokey Robinson (1979) ***Cruisin'***

***Smokey Robinson (1973) ***Baby Come Close***

***Marvin Gaye (1976) ***I Want You***

***Norman Connors & Phyllis Hyman (1976) Betcha By Golly Wow***

***Phyllis Hyman (1977) No One Can Love You More***

***Phyllis Hyman (1986) What You Won't Do For Love***

***Angela Bofill (1983) Tonight I Give In***

***The Commodores (1981)***Oh No***

***Smokey Robinson (1980) Let Me Be The Clock***(1980 -- a FAB year for quite a few reasons!! wink wink Mr. Giberson ;)

***Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle (1982) ***You & I***(a crossover chart hit! pop and country.)

***Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack (1983) Tonight I Celebrate My Love***

***Whitney Houston & Teddy Pendergrass***(1985) Hold Me

***Herb Alpert featuring Janet Jackson & Lisa Keith (1987)***Making Love In The Rain***

***Atlantic Starr (1987) ***All In The Name of Love***

***The Incredibles (1966) Heart and Soul***(remake of the Cleftones! so GOOD!!)

***James Ingram (1993)***Someone Like You***(amazing production by Keith Thomas!!)

***Gloria Estefan (1993) ***If We Were Lovers***

***Chante Moore (1994) ***Old School Lovin'***

***James Ingram and Sally Yeh (1994)***I Believe in Love***

***Dan Hill & Rique Franks (1992) ***Hold Me Now***(goosebumps!!)

***SADE***(1992) ***No Ordinary Love***

***SADE***(1992) ***Kiss of Life***

***Duran Duran (1992) ***Come Undone***

***Aaliyah (1994) ***At Your Best (You Are Love)

***Luther Vandross & Mariah (1994) ***Endless Love***

***Lauryn Hill (1998) ***Can't Take My Eyes Off You***

***Miguel (2012) ***How Many Drinks?***

LOVE IS THE FLAME THAT LIGHTS THE WORLD

L.O.V.E. is the flame that lights up the world. In the heart of humanity burns a longing for a connection so blazing and bright, it cannot be denied. So take a chance and open your heart. LOVE someone as hard as you can. Take risks. Laugh out loud. And for God's sake, forge a new frontier. Because courage is at the heart of love. Embrace fear as the biggest prompting to get you on the path to your Brave New World. (R. Renee)

HOLD OUT FOR A CONSCIOUS MAN

Dear Readers,

Especially the ladies in the room here.

Yes, YOU...divine feminine creatures.

How is your love life treating you? I can hear Valentine's Day chanting down your door. Maybe you don't want to hear this from me. Sorry. But I have to say it. This little topic is eating away at me today.

***GROANS all around the room now***

Before you say "Rochelle, just gag me."

I know that some of you have been badly burned by love. Perhaps you lost hope in it. Maybe you've turned away from the opposite sex and you ran for the hills. Whatever your protest entails now. PLEASE, HEAR ME OUT.

If you've been following this blog for the last 6 years since its inception, then you must know of all the changes I have gone through in the love department.
I've had my heart broken, stomped on, my beauty and talents overlooked, and my entire conquest and identity discarded by "guys" or boys who thought they knew better.

But this post is NOT about male bashing. Rather, it's a celebration of the male species. I know, I know, you would rather hear me say all this feminism bullshit about women's lib and "girl power" and "sisters are doing it for themselves" yada yada yada.

I hate to break it to you. I'm a hetero in a mixed up world of chaos and beliefs pulling us all right, left and center. Media trying to preach to us to stay single, pull up our big girl pants and "do it all alone." I am fiercely independent on one hand and yet...there is a vulnerable little girl in me that CRAVES the security, warmth and heroism of a MASCULINE MAN. I don't need a man to complete me. I just want and crave the PRESENCE (fully present) of a masculine, EVOLVED, CONSCIOUS man. A Renaissance Man, a game-changer, a leader for the masses, and one who has the conviction and ACCOUNTABILITY to show up in the space...fully AUTHENTIC. Unafraid to show me his heart and his realness. I believe I DESERVE what I DESIRE.

At the end of the day, I LOVE MEN!!!

Maybe us females don't understand them. Perhaps they speak a different language altogether. Oscar Wilde said "Women were meant to be loved, not understood." Wise words from the famous writer, and I'd have to agree with him. The same goes for men. We might not understand them, but let us hold space for them and be patient and accommodating, if men and women have a fighting chance to co-exist in harmony.
After all, it is that EXQUISITE polarity of the sexes that brings us together to mate, in the first place. Is it not true, that your Divine Feminine loves the opposite yet wonderful energy of the Divine Masculine?

If you are single, lonely, hurting, bitter, confused, etc this Valentine's season...hold onto hope and do not give up in your quest for love. GOOD MEN are out there. Trust me. I had one. He passed away, but he was the love of my life, and I took a chance. I don't regret one single moment I spent with my Loving Trent when he was alive on this earth. I feel blessed beyond measure that he chose ME...little ole me...from a small town....a humble writer. When there were scores of glamorous babes in sunny California he could have chosen!!

The sweetest thing he ever said to me ( and this has stuck with me since November 2015) "Rochelle, you're the most loving, open and sensual woman I've ever met in my life."
That profound statement really hit me in the heart. It meant I'd grown and evolved. I'd finally understood what it meant to give love freely and RECEIVE IT, the way a conscious woman should.

To be CONSCIOUS is more than just about breathing. It is about growing together, exploring what is, and overcoming challenges in a healthy way. It is about holding space for your partner and loving them even when they are not that lovable. It's about being accountable and growing up and not dumping your issues on your mate. It's about finding someone who can love you no matter what the season. It's about being patient when they irk you or push your buttons. It's also about showing unconditional love without tying them down to some impossible image you have in your head. Healthy boundaries yes, and please don't make your partner a slave.

Hold out for a CONSCIOUS MAN. Do not settle for just anything that comes your way. Even scant attention or breadcrumbs thrown at you. Those random late-night texts because someone is bored or lonely. Block their number! You're a QUEEN and you deserve the entire KINGDOM. Put your own self on a pedestal. You're number one! Do the internal work necessary to attract this ideal mate. Work on becoming the best possible version of you. Whatever it takes, do it.

I pray that 2019 will be your year for attracting the conscious relationship you deserve!

Cheering for you always,

RR xo