It's Our Last Day At This Location!

Soon, Alice Benton's Blog will turn one year old and we're excited! The celebration of an entire year will manifest in a cyber birthday party at our new address at AliceBenton.com. You're invited to join us there for week long celebration with great posts, discussions and giveaways!

I have to say thank you for being with me. You have helped to make this blog fantastic whether you were here from day one or just today. It's been a blast! Please know that I appreciate you and have loved sharing my posts with you.

Well, the show must go on and it will! We will begin sharing posts from AliceBenton.com, starting tomorrow, January 1, 2012. This blog will turn one on Friday, January 6th, at our new location. There will be changes, but I'm ready for them. It is my prayer that we improvement every year.

Stop by and let me know you were there! I'll be looking for you...see you soon!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Post you may enjoy:

A Prayer For My Readers
AliceBenton.com

We're Moving!

It's true! Alice Benton's Blog will continue, but we are moving to another address. Our new year kicks off with a relocation from here at blog spot to AliceBenton.com. We want you to come visit us there. So, remember to return to us in 2012 on my website. You're invited of course and we want you tell your friends too.

We are starting next year with a week long birthday party! We will be turning one year old on Friday, January 6th and want to celebrate with you. So meet us at our new address on the 1st!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

Blog Intentions
January 2012
What's Next?

The Charity: Ball Gala 2011

The Charity: Water Ball was a huge success! The 69th Regiment Armory was packed with fun-loving, donation-giving, party goers from all over. It was truly a great crowd, which translated into a party to remember.

There were wonderful speeches given by Scott Harrison, the Charity: Water founder and Jessica Biel, the evenings host. Tyler Perry also graced the stage as famed special guest auctioneer for the live auction.

There were a variety of unique activities this ball. There were sponsored water walks in the middle of the gala floor. There were also varied stations set up around the room to encourage charitable moments. Also included was an eclectic deejay and awesome eats.

I was stationed at the small donations wall where, the founder himself got the ball rolling by purchasing the first light bulb. The idea was to light up a village with clean water and by the end most of it was. This particular station represented a water project in Cambodia.

The ball was terrific! Great work Charity: Water!


*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is In Control
January 2012
Serve Humanity Through Charity Water
'Tis His Season

Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men

Autumn's Five Seasons is an exciting three book series! The first soon to be released book in the series is called The Men. This novel was inspired by my first book, Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love and I'm so happy that it's almost time to share it with you.

My book of poems, Black Love, was used as an outline, but it did not control the story. And, I think that's good because poems are wonderful, but they only represent how you feel during one moment. A novel on the other hand is continuously revisited throughout the course of time. Generally, statements and/or feelings simply deepen or become more clear.

I found the male characters surprising! That's funny to me because I created them, but it's true. They all contribute a unique view on relationships and leave you wanting much more. In fact, that's how Autumn's Five Seasons became a three book series. The story was over, but I wanted more and I know you will too.

I'll keep you posted on its progress. Watch for it because my novel, Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men, will be coming soon!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain - Now Available
The Black Love The Book Discussion
An Introduction To Upcoming Novel - Autumn's Five Seasons

Miami Book Fair International 2011

Great news! The Miami Book Fair International begins today, Sunday, November 13th! So if you're lucky enough to be in the area check it out because there are many great things to do. You have until the 20th of November to see everything, but the Street Fair is only from November18th - 20th.

There are many discussions and readings for the adults, as well as things for children. Activities for children include theater, arts-and-crafts, storytelling and readings. This annual fair is worth visiting. According the the About The Fair page, over 250 publishers, booksellers exhibit and sell books with special features.

If you would like to attend specific events visit the Schedule of Events page. The Fairgoer's Guide can also be helpful too. So head out there and buy books!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA
The Black Love Book Discussion
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

National Parks

We have all heard about the fantastic National Parks across the country. In fact, we have even seen many of them like Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks on television. Have you ever gone into one? If not, now is the time to make the trip!

National Parks are not only great to look at, they're filled with history. Visiting them can be an event for the entire family. If you still need more incentive to give it a try, the U.S. National Park Service has a list of free entrance days available.

Plan a visit because there is much to see!


Link: National Parks with Amtrak

*Posts you may enjoy:

Change Can Be Good
Free Time
Loving Life

Books & Breakfast in NYC

November will be ushering in a Beauty in Pain Event in NYC entitled, Books & Breakfast! It will be held at The Archives Restaurant & Bar located inside the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Breakfast includes a complete selection of hot buffet items.

This affair will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. There will be a brief welcome and introduction at 10:30 a.m., which leaves plenty of time to eat and mingle. Guests are encouraged to bring their previously purchased Beauty in Pain novels, although, books will also be available for purchase. Towards the end of the event there will be a book signing.

Come out & meet the author, but hurry and secure your ticket because space is limited. Send an email if you are interesting in attending to avbenton@gmail.com or visit AliceBenton.com


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

AliceBenton.com
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

DJ Jimmy Love & The News Room

Throughout the years, I have mellowed to say the least. While one or two spots exist that I consider pretty good, that's all. Recently, I went to The News Room, which is located at 141 East 149th in the Bronx, NY and it was great. It's what I would call a neighborhood bar. Generally, I don't frequent them, but this night out was special.

I went on a Thursday night and the place was jumpin! DJ Jimmy Love, who is featured on both Wednesday and Thursday nights weekly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., kept the News Room packed. Their dance floor was filled from the time I arrived until closing. DJ Jimmy Love played it all, there was a little of everything, both new and old, but in my opinion, he was a master of the old jams; not to be mistaken for the oldies. That along with an 'about the dance' crowd and some drinks was fantastic.

I had a blast!


*Posts you may enjoy:

B-Hive Lounge
Cafe Lou's
Who Is Gwyneth Paltrow?

The 67th Annual Columbus Day Parade NYC 2011

According to about.com, the Columbus Day Parade will be held on Monday, October 10th from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. It begins on 5th Avenue at 44th Street and continues along 5th Avenue to 79th Street. This parade is one of the largest celebrations of Italian-American culture.

The Columbus Day Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, which is at 50th Street and 5th Avenue starts at 9:30 a.m. Make sure you join in on the fun and festivities! Be sure to arrive early because many are expected to crowd the streets. If you're not into large crowds, please remember you can also view this wonderful parade live online at abc7.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Big Dreamer
Saint Michael - Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn
Spa Week NYC 2011

Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn

I have long missed the days of what I consider the old style Catholic Church Activities. When I was growing up Saint Fortunata on Linden Blvd held many things for their church goers to do. Well, I found a place of worship that does things like I remember it. Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church has two events coming up: a flea market and a carnival.

The Church is located at 225 Jerome Street in Brooklyn, NY. The Flea Market is on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the St. Michael Parish parking lot on the corner of Liberty Avenue and Warwick Street. There will be food and beverages sold too. Come out and show support! You might even find a few deals.

The carnival will be held from October 7 – 12, 2001. There will games and rides for everyone. So, bring the entire family. Please remember it is a church event; volunteers and donations are welcome!

*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is In Control
God's Gift
Serve Humanity Through Charity Water

Good Bye Pine Valley

It finally happened, the long anticipated finale of All My Children. Some of you spent over 40 years tuning in to all the love and drama, which came to end this past Friday, September 23rd. After all of that time it's hard to imagine daytime soap operas without it.

Fans tuned in to find out how this beloved show would tie up its loose ends. They also watched to catch a glimpse of the actors and actresses that have become a part of their families. And what a glimpse it was! It seemed as if almost every character that had ever existed had been resurrected to take part in Pine Valley's farewell.

When All My Children's on scene queen, Erica Kane, announced that this wasn't the ending she wanted, a questioned was raised. What's the answer? According to an article on msnbc.com, the answer is that it may not be over, but only time will tell.

My perfect ending would have consisted of a grand ball, after all, Pine Valley was known for having them. All past and present cast members would have been in the crowd and Erica and Jackson would be dancing in the middle. Erica would look around and say, 'This is just perfect.' Then the camera would show Agnes Nixon, the creator, and she would say 'yes this is perfect with all my children.'

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the finale. Once again, All My Children supplied their fans with entertainment, drama and of course the desire for more.


For information about fan events visit www.atributetopinevalley.com


*Posts you may enjoy:


AliceBenton.com
Lost
Star Trek

B-Hive Lounge

Tonight was girls night out on the town. A couple of girlfriends and I were looking for a good spot to just chill and be happy. Well, we lucked out! The girls and I settled at a great spot, the B-Hive Lounge in Brooklyn, NY.

This spot is conveniently located on Atlantic Avenue near the corner of Grand Avenue and has much to offer its patrons. There are Reggae Mondays, Time Out Tuesdays, Caribbean Spice Wednesdays, After Work Thursdays, Blazin Hot Fridays, Sophisticated Saturdays and Soul Food Sundays plus much more to look forward to experiencing. The B-Hive's ambiance is wonderful. It consist of  a bar area in the front and huge dance floor in the back. The music kept people jumping to their feet and running to the dance floor.

They have also recently added food to this locale. The menu included a variety of choices which includes fried shrimp, salmon cakes and honey mustard wings to name a few delightful items. I tasted the fried shrimp, salmon cakes and french fries. The entire meal was scrumptious!

The night was fantastic & we will return!



Visit my website AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

AliceBenton.com
Chef Yu
It's Not Just Wii

Labor Day Celebrations

I was looking for information for the upcoming holiday celebrations. The best information I found was at about.com. The information includes several celebrations. So look it up for yourself and plan out your fun!

AliceBenton.com

I am excited to announce that AliceBenton.com is now available! My website is a place created to showcase my creativity. It will keep you up to date on what's going on with me.

AliceBenton.com offers quick updates about products, photos, upcoming events and more. Please continue to check the site for updates because this is just the beginning. I'm happy about it and feel inspired and I hope you will be too. AliceBenton.com acts as an all access pass! You can see my latest tweets, as well as updates from my Facebook Fan Page. You can even get to Myspace from there.                                       

Do not hesitate to check out my website and please share it with family and friends. Also, sign the Guestbook and let me know you were there. Blessings always...

*Posts you may enjoy:

A Weekend in Maryland!
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
The Black Love Book Discussion

The Philly Market Street Book Expo

Today was great! The Philly Market Street Book Expo (PMSBE) was amazing to attend. I'm glad I participated.

I saw many familiar and non-familiar faces and of course all were welcome. My novel, Beauty in Pain was well received!

I personally thank PMSBE for having me, as well as all those who came to get an autographed copy of Beauty in Pain. I look forward to many more events. For now, my next stop is in Baltimore, MD...see you there!


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Weekend In Maryland
God Is In Control
Positivity
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain


Beauty in Pain

A Weekend in Maryland!

The last weekend in August, I'll be headed to the great state of Maryland. I'm already feeling the love! I'm excited about this upcoming weekend.

It will begin on the radio, at 11:15 a.m. Friday morning on August 26th, I will have the privilege of being interviewed by "Cool Vibes" host Sandi Mallory on WEAA - 88.9 FM: The Voice of the Community. We'll be discussing my newly released novel, Beauty in Pain. Make sure to listen in on the conversation.

Saturday afternoon on August 27th, I'm headed to Hunt Valley, MD. Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley will be hosting a Beauty in Pain book signing from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please stop by for an autographed copy!  If you have already purchased your book, which we encourage, pop in to meet me and get it signed.

I'm looking forward to this beautiful Beauty in Pain weekend in Maryland. I hope to see you there! Now, I have to find something to do on Sunday!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - MD
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
Reasons to Love Beauty in Pain

Block Party!

Today was a day that many blocks celebrated annual block parties. And, my block was no different. There were barbeques, music, a pool for the children and good times all around.

It didn't even slightly resemble the old versions. Back in the day, block parties were held separate, unlike the all-in-one cluster of present day. People from all over the neighborhood would fill the streets & party until early in the morning. It was a party of the year.

While things have changed, it was still all good. We danced, ate and enjoyed each others company. I'm not a porch person, yet tonight I was out and had real fun.

Here's to next year!

*Posts you may enjoy:
Evening Thoughts
Extended Family
It's Not Just Wii

Oprah

This day finally came, the last Oprah Winfrey Show.  It had been a long time coming, but it still sort of took us by surprise.  It was an unbelievable ride.  It was filled with great shows and changing platforms...we loved it!

The final season was phenomenal. Oprah out did herself. These shows were befitting the ending season. Show-after-show the guest or giveaway was fabulous and they kept coming.  This was truly one of Oprah's best seasons.

Your satisfaction of the last show depends on why you watched. Some complained that there was no hoopla! No cars.  No houses.  I loved it...just Oprah.  I thought it was the perfect good-bye "until we meet again," as Ms. Winfrey said.

We could have easily enjoyed another season with Lady O, but I support her decision.  It's time for Oprah to spread her wings even further and deeper into the world.  What I know for sure is that this shift will equal blessings for many throughout the world and OWNniverse.

May God continue to bless Oprah Winfrey and all the lives she has touched, including mine.


*Posts you may enjoy are Faith, Finding Passion, Iyanla Vanzant and Let Nothing Stand in Your Way and When Good Things Come to an End.

Fleet Week New York 2011

Fleet Week is a big deal in New York City!  It officially begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 25th - 30th, 2011. Festivities include everything from the Parade of Ships, and Broadway Performances to extended museum hours.  There will also be a ceremony held on Memorial Day at 11 A.M., as well as much more.

For more information on the activities for the week there are many sources.  The New York Daily News provided great information both online and by creating a Fleet Week pullout for this past Sundays paper.  About.com also supplied invaluable information.  The Intrepid Museum site is also fantastic.

Come out and celebrate our military as they visit the Harbor!  It will be a fantastic time with plenty to enjoy.


*Posts you may enjoy are Carefully Measure Your Success, Help Our World and It's Not Just Wii.

Mother's Day Weekend

It's Mother's Day Weekend. The big day arrives this Sunday. It's time to shop for the perfect gift and make plans with mom. Those with extra blessings will be including grandmothers.

Mother's Day makes an appearance only once a year.  So it's nice to expand the personal festivities for the weekend.  Look for things to do that might make your mom happy like New York Gallery Week. There are many events to attend this weekend.

Remember, this weekend isn't about you.  Try your best to make mom happy, but that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. Overall, the shared sentiment should be love.  Offer it willingly and the law of reciprocity will undoubtedly send it back.


*Posts you may enjoy are Buying the Perfect Gift, One Mother's Letter to Her Children, Rose Hester-Lavenburg & Poems for Benjamin.