Kirjahaku

Lessons On Virtually Everything (LOVE): A Collection of Words and Thoughts, Volume IV is Ms. Whitted's fourth book of poetry. Pulling from past and present experiences, this collection is a reminder that everything in life comes down to one important word - love. In Ms Whitted's own words: "Somewhere along the line, we placed limits on what love truly means. Love is so much more than romantic relationships or the feeling we get when we "fall in love". It should be the root of all that we do. "Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:7). When given to self first, love can't help but flow into each life we touch. The poems in this book are reflections of that love. They are things that I've seen, felt, and learned up to this point. It is my birthday gift to myself in celebration of how far I have come while acknowledging all that I have yet to see. " Enjoy an excerpt from "Shrink" So, this is me.I've done the work to heal the hurtand improve my state of mind.Not everyone is worthy of my essence, my wisdom, my touchor my time.I will carry myselfas a woman in high demand.If this is too much for you, I understand, but I will not apologize.I will not take my eyes off my prize.I'll still root for youbut not at the expense of my soul.Call me cocky.Call me brash.Call me arrogant.Call me bold.Whatever boosts your ego is not my concern.I'm certain that this directionis one that I have earned.Through falling, I've learned.Through self-love, I've gotten up, dusted myself off, filled my own cupand made the changes to securemy physical and spiritual wealth. Allow me to reintroduce myself.I'm a woman no longer interested in shrinkingbecause it is bad for my health.

2019 Silver Medal Winner - Feathered Quill Book Awards Rated 5-Stars - Readers' Favorite Book Review Perfectly Imperfect: A Collection of Words and Thoughts, Volume 3 is Ms. Whitted's third book of poetry. By highlighting shared experiences of life, this collection of heartfelt words defines what it truly means to be human. In this work, Ms. Whitted touches on the subjects of love, life, society, race, and femininity. Each of piece is written from a place of rawness and transparency, using poetic art as the tie that binds instead of pulling us apart. Enjoy an excerpt from "Skeletons": Do you know whyI don't like being alone?It's too quietand putting pen to paperdoesn't always give resolve.Life's math gets harder to solveand tears won't wash difficulty away.Being surroundedwith souls seeking solacehides the malice presented each day.But still, they stay.Skeletons don't take vacations.They're patient.They'll wait for you to returnso they can remind you of everythingthat you refused to learn while hiding.I'm backsliding, but I think I'm moving forward.I'm masking avoidanceas handling my business.Truth is, I can't move onuntil old debts are settled.Running is easy if the ground is level.What happens when the roadgets bumpy?My pace slows to a trotuntil I'm forced to stopbecause the painis not worth the destinationI'm running to.I still end up cut and bruised.Bloody shoesmatch the bloody handsthat I'm forced to faceas I standin front of the skeletonsthat demand answers. (c)2018 - Amber Whitted - all rights reserved

As a follow-up to her 5-star debut book "Things I've Been Meaning to Say", When She Speaks: A Collection of Words and Thoughts (Volume 2) is Ms. Whitted's second collection of poetry. This work dives deeper into views of life, culture, and faith. It is a testament to the importance of communication, the necessity of the truth, and the power of our words. In this work, Ms. Whitted uses her poetic wit to view the world from a woman's perspective. Keeping in mind that life and death lie in the power of the tongue, A review of When She Speaks "While the focus of the book is partly on what it is to live in a black skin, there are universal pieces and much of general interest. You will learn something from the experiences in this work...For a scary piece, turn to Jungles. Then, Black Mother's Plea, which should be required reading in grade school. We (myself, that is) don't always get it: how difficult it can be to be visibly different." (Jim Bennett - The Kindle Review) Enjoy a piece from this collection, entitled "A Recipie For Pound Cake" "You said that I hooked you with my sweetness. It was Mama's tradition passed down to me. She said, "Sweeten it with soul, sift it with spirit, then again for good measure from the heart. Add your wisdom slowly, keeping it warm for consistency, then blend it with skill and experience. Make it special with your sass. Purify it with a prayer. Line your pan with passion and fill it with care. Be patient as the fire turns it into what it should be, and be vigilant so that you time it perfectly." So shortcuts weren't an option, at least not for me. Homemade in the kitchen - thick and sweet. Maybe you were right. I hooked you with my sweetness. It was Mama's tradition passed down to me. But to tell the truth, I wouldn't have done it differently." (c) 2015 - Amber Whitted, all rights reserved