Talking with Cameron Rascoe, Author, Creator, Poet...Servant of God... And his Book, Restless for Retribution - Getting to Know Him!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all tried to get together 

and really learn about all those who are...different?

I am sooo excited to welcome Cameron (Cam) Rascoe to Book Readers Heaven!  Cam is a relatively new connection that I've made on Facebook through his group, "Rascoe's Group of Artistic Friends." 

Cam, I'm so happy to welcome you to Book Readers Heaven, to talk in particular about your book Restless for Retribution...

It was only recently that I learned that you were also an author, so I've been checking out all that you offer! I loved this book! So decided to contact you to learn more...

One of the first things I wondered about was your choice of the site for the book--Pine Hills, Florida. Do you have a connection to the location? Or, would you share how you happened to choose Pine Hills for this particular book? 

Spotlight Author!

I appreciate your encouragement and insightful suggestions.  My interest was peaked and I would like to learn more about what you do. 

Most of the stories in Restless for Retribution were written prior to 2006. The stories are raw, I was just cutting my teeth and attempting to develop my writing techniques. That work, along with a short novel Losing Love While Longing for Lust was my first completed works of literature.

Pine Hills is a community near and dear to my heart. It was my refuge, helping me to temporarily escape the vices and abuse of my less than loving parents. Being a product of an addict and a convict made for a trying existence in my youth. Athletics saved my life. It was always a slow start, I was terrible my first year of playing baseball, football and basketball. Never owning a ball or having a father to play catch with stunted my growth as an athlete. 

By the second year in each sport I was an All Star. When the crowds started to cheer my name, I saw that had value. I no longer saw myself in my parents, I could be different from them... and I would be. Third year, MVP of the football league, starting center fielder for the state baseball team and a freshman elevated to the varsity basketball team after starting the season on the freshman team.

At fourteen I was offered an opportunity to play on a sixteen and under AAU basketball team that was traveling to Central Florida. This was my opportunity to escape my life of strife and start anew in the Sunshine State. We played tournament games all over the city of Orlando, the last being played at Robinswood Middle School in Pine Hills. I knew the school was close to my late Grandmother's home; I'd enjoyed an extended visit there a year earlier. Many tears I shed after practicing all summer with the West Orange High School football team and learning that I couldn't play because I was lacking my school and medical records. My grandmother's evil husband shipped me back to my hell the first opportunity he got. 

Now back, with my school records in my hand, I informed my AAU coaches that I would not be returning up north with the team. They protested, expressed their liability risk and threatened to call my parents. I invited them to call the prison, county jail or a rehab facility if they wanted to but I was not going back.

I worked all summer washing cars on a dealership lot to save the money for my trip. I hid my funds in a coffee can on the roof to prevent it from being smoked up. Heroine and Crack kills! It kills bodies, minds, dreams and especially childhoods of youth like Cam Rascoe--Me! Again, Pine Hills was my refuge, it saved me while helping me to find myself. I would go on to graduate from West Orange High and become the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the football team.

I still love Pine Hills for what it has offered me, unfortunately our beautiful community has deteriorated to some degree, drugs and crime. Sadly, my beloved Pine Hills is known more as “Crime Hills” these days. It breaks my heart... yet in my youth I did play my part.

Twenty-two years after becoming a resident, I penned another novel titled The Perils of The Peoples of Pine Hills, a fictional tale based on my junior year of high school. Offering encouragement and inspiration over social media provided me with a following and small fan base. Offers to speak poured in from people hosting relationship or religious conferences as well as educators requesting that I come in and speak to their classes. I gladly accepted. 

One teacher in particular struck my heart with her request. She taught at Robinswood Middle School. I met with her to go over the curriculum. Sparks flew, a family was blended and here we are twelve years later, happily married for over a decade. Just think, neither of us would have found the love of our lives if we weren't doing what we were called to do.

Doing What we are Called to do

I met the love of my life… 

doing what I was called to do.

My wife met the love of her life… 

doing what she was called to do.

Helping the children of their community

 is what brought together the two,

because they were obedient and true 

in doing what they were called to do.

A writer and an educator made a beautiful union

doing what they were called to do.

Six children gained new siblings 

to their hearts' delight

because Mommy and Daddy were… 

doing what they were called to do.

Two families fused together 

making one huge family unit only because

two of those most special people

 did what they were called to do.

A family tree was formed, 

new lineage born

 all from faithfulness to the call.

The Lord places a calling on our lives for HIS purpose and we are to comply with his wishes, in doing so you allow your blessings to flow. The love in my life is a great love that I thought I’d never find and it’s true. I never would have received such an awesome blessing if I weren’t… doing what I was called to do.

Well, readers, I hope you are beginning to see what I do and will agree when I tell you that I've asked Cam to consider being an ongoing contributor here at BRH. Cam...Keep thinking... Why don't you have a little talk with Jesus... LOL

In fact, you use many words that I've had to look up and consider how you've selected them. Take for instance, your title, Restless for Reparation... How did you arrive as that for the book title?

I am continually attempting to expand my vocabulary; the English language is a unique and beautiful tool. My most prized possession it an unabridged dictionary, gifted to me by my loving wife. I want to share what I learn in colorful yet educational ways. I don't do it often, only when necessarily beneficial to the story or lesson. No one wants to read a writer basking in his own intellectual glory. Who cares how many “big” words you know, if in the context of your writing, they have no true meaning. The title, “Restless for Retribution” came to me because I have felt the energy in urban communities after a horrible event occurs. Everyone is restless in their own way. People are confused, they are sad and inevitably mad! They don't want redemption; forgiveness is far from their angry hearts. They want revenge, retribution!

Ahhh, Cam, I, too, know that need, especially in the last years where hate has been so incited...yet, the same group refuses to even consider any laws to, for instance, stop the purchase of military-type assault weapons that are killing our children and citizens! What normallyh comes to mind is "Vengeance is mine, Saith the Lord..." but, I grow restless, too, as my years go by. I'm beginning to feel a little more patience since I've been able to get back to doing what I, just as you have, been called to do...and write about all of it... I KNOW God is in control; He is the Truth...and it will ultimately set us all free! But... sure wish it would happen a lot faster... Indeed many are restless...Some however, choose violence...and to me, that is so very scary that our children are being killed in schools, as you know... Let's take a moment to pray about it, can we?

Well, Readers, and Cam, you have now participated in A God Incident...(something that I had not previously meant to say...) Certainly He is listening to our cries and joins us in working toward peace and His Love!

I was interested in how you break down the book...As you indicated before, it sounds like you wrote this book in parts. Normally your books are short stories; however, even though each part could be considered a short story, did you work from the beginning to write a book...or did you write short stories, which then led you to merge as a novel?

When I wrote these stories I was just trying to find completion. Learning how to wrap a great story idea was something I was still learning. I started to bridge the stories and characters together. Geppetto: The Puppeteer Series and Restless for Retribution are certainly connected,but all of the stories are based in Pine Hills. That was the theme, tales of Pine Hills. I am a novelist but we live in a world where people have short attention spans and they certainly don't read for entertainment anymore. Ask a young person to read a paragraph and they see it as a punishment. I decided that I would always write short stories for my young readers who still loved literature. I wanted to give them adventure, a lesson and closure in less than thirty minutes of reading. I know that once I grab their attention, I can hold them through the climax and into the resolution which offers a lesson or spiritual message. Learning to shorten stories, trimming the fat has been valuable in my novel writing as well. I will always write short stories because it is such a rewarding exercise.

Crime is so high in Penn Hills that it is known for its crime, with warnings... Is this a reality, or does it have some basis for its nickname? Have you, or can you identify what the problem is and has there been any major effort to decrease the problem... Maybe even doing things like your book suggests...Musical Events? 

It hurts my heart to see the steady deterioration and decay of the once proud community of Pine Hills. Crime Hills is now the reality. Homeowners of the 1980's and late 90's have been replaced by renters and squatters who don't value the property on which they live or the neighborhood they are residents of. Property is no longer passed down to the next generation of a family, instead it is quickly sold or rented out to transient tenants. Drugs selling, use and abuse has been on the rise since the late 1990's leading to a drastic increase in crime over the past two decades. 

I have been living in a town over in Ocoee for the last dozen years and raised my family there. I don't want any of my six children to be exposed to the vile things I experienced as a youth. My decisions have been rewarded, each of my children are successful and good productive people in their own right. I write about and speak to the children of Pine Hills to offer motivation and inspiration, whether it be public speaking or one-on-one conversations. That event I wrote about is still a dream of mine. I would like it to be an annual event held in Pine Hills' own historic Barnett Park. It would be an annual event of healing and unity. It will come to fruition one day, God willing.

The book centers on music--first, by having a man that you call the Puppeteer, who promoted his ability to get them into a recording contract, and more... We might call him the villain. While Ras Cat Records, and, specifically Ras Cat is the lead character and savior of Pine Hills, even to the extent they called him the mayor, although they had no official position for him to fill. Actually what they were saying was that he was seen as the leader, and, perhaps, even savior... So, obviously, first, I figured you were playing the lead...and does that mean that you, yourself actually are a leader? In the community? In music, maybe? In church, maybe?

Yes, I am the Ras Cat. I was given that name in the early 90's by older men in the community because of the way I moved and things I did at a young age. There are many drawbacks to being born a product of an addict and a convict but there are great advantages as well. You gain independence early in life because you are forced to fend for yourself. Foresight, diligence, perseverance and patience are other attributes a difficult life can offer a young person. Life shapes and molds you into becoming a leader of your peers and sometimes your elders. I was dubbed the Mayor of Pine Hills in my twenties because I became a leader in my community, for good and bad, the youngest in charge. I formed a music group in the early 2000's named after an organization in Pine Hills. I hesitate to call them a gang, but they did some gangster things.

Mostly from one family, Double-O is what they called themselves, tattoos with a sniper's target each of them was branded with. Some of the younger members visited me and asked me to give them a ride to a studio. They were shocked when I got in the booth and spit a rhyme. The three of us stated making tracks and collaborating with other local groups and crews. We recorded a hand full of songs and prepared ourselves for the stage. One member was working on some solo projects and thought himself to be a front man that wasn't in need of a group. He went on his way, we parted amicably.

I talked to the older members of Double-O knowing that some of them possessed musical talent, not just felonies. I reshaped the group and we hit the studio and stage. We were joined by another Philadelphia native who was an extremely talented writer and vocalist. While producing beats, singing hooks and rhyming on stage with the group, I was hosting and throwing talent shows. 

I started managing comics while performing in a few sets myself. My Double-O Crew wasn't very happy about all the time I invested in the shows, but I never allowed anyone to alter my creative vision. 

Double-O started to falter because of members' extracurricular activities, drug use. Some members were influencing others and the party became all consuming. I felt like I was fathering grown men and the responsibility became too great. Booking studio time, producing every song, singing the hooks, writing the group's bio, marketing, promoting, booking travel and hotel stays got to be too much. I couldn't delegate much because I didn't trust anyone to get things done besides our youngest member whom I started the group with. We had a showcase in Atlanta, and we were rejoined by our original band mate for the shows. 

In the back of my mind, I knew it was coming to an end and I made a decision to force my group on stage for an additional set, bad move. The crowd responded but the AR's and promoters were not pleased. The representatives of major record labels in attendance weren't happy either. When we returned to Orlando, I slowly disbanded the group, producing solo songs for those who were serious but no longer holding the hands of grown men with too many felonies and vices.

While doing all of this I started writing. A poem of mine was published in a book “Quicksilver Under the Moon”. The poem was about my faith and deliverance prior to death “Yearning for the Light”. It was just an exercise, I wanted to give something to God, write something good. I was writing erotic stories and partnering with young female writers to write companion pieces to mine. I realized that everything I was using my talents for was serving this world and not the Lord. Writing that poem was a start to me serving God with my talents. I went on to promote, write, host and perform in a variety show featuring many artists I discovered or managed.

Hey, Cam! Interested in sharing your winning poem(s) here? BRH has hosted poetry from a lot of different people already...you're welcome to contribute!

My grandmother fell ill and for three years I was dedicated to her health, care and finances. It was a very difficult yet rewarding time for me. The time spent alone with her was invaluable, lessons, wisdom, family recipes. The responsibility fell on my shoulders because my mother struggled to stay sober and most of our family lived up north. During this time of hardship and reflection I became more spiritual. I looked to God, and he offered me answers. I promised my grandmother that I would become a novelist and serve the Lord with my talents. When she passed and I took care of her final expenses I started my Quest to find my true voice.

Years later now, I understand that all that I did when I was younger prepared me for the valuable work God has for me to do today. I am proud to say that I am a leader at my home church, Quest Church! I attended, then was asked to become a member, later my wife and I became a Deacon and deaconess. I have since been elevated to Elder. Proud member of the Outreach Team, Mission Team, Event Team, I sit in on our Session Meetings and Council Meetings to help decide the direction of the church. I am heavily involved in our Food Distribution Ministry, loading and serving. We had a huge food drive yesterday, what a Blessing it was! Oh, the joy we receive when we give and serve. 

I will be taking to the podium in an hour at church to offer announcements about a celebration we are hosting next week to celebrate all of our first responders, law enforcement, fire fighters and medical professionals. Planning and organizing this event has truly been a joy. Our pastor trusts me to write, direct and usually perform in all of our skits and plays for Black History Month. 

I also play Peter in our Good Friday Presentation of “The Way of The Cross” depicting the crucifixion of Jesus and the events that surrounded it. As well, I am writing and directing our Christmas program and play this holiday season. It is a joy and a Blessing. It is a must that I serve God with what HE has Blessed me with. So grateful am I for the grace and mercy on my life, for the discernment the Lord has given me through my trials and the opportunity to serve HIM and HIS people. Now that I am doing what I am called to do, the Lord will grant me a greater platform.

Today's music industry is more cookie-cutter than ever and it is sad because the type of music they recycle over and over is filled with negative images and destructive behaviors. There is no more diversity and if you choose to offer a constructive message or heartfelt story in your music, you are not marketed or promoted the same. 

This is especially true with Urban Music. The “Conscious Rapper” offering his heart in his music is buried while the artist who follows the trend of negativity is elevated. This has been the case for decades now. When was the last time you heard a Hip Hop song on the radio offering a positive message or something we can grow from? There are many talented female artist that wish to share their life story or struggles but if she isn't talking about her body and all of the lewd things she can do with it, her record won't see the light of day. 

A young man sharing his struggles and solutions to his shared problems is no match for the tidal wave of “artists” encouraging kids to indulge in an immoral lifestyle, wasting every dime they earn (or take) and ingesting any and every substance that might get them high. Dreamville is a label that features many artists creating alternative urban music that feels good, offers lessons and provokes deep thought. Not all of their records are positive, sometimes they sing or rap about some of the same things, but they offer diversity in their music, and it is heartfelt. 

Instead of bombarding young people with the worst messages, why not allow them some variety in their chosen genre of music? Negativity sells and the bottom line is that it is always about the bottom line not the poison we serve to our youth.

Your words reminds me of a burden I have felt for a number of years--about the time that all of these reality shows started! It seems to me that there is no real guidance in promoting all of these programs that offer big bucks to the winner, while leaving out all of the wonderful talent that we had all seen. It has always seemed to me that this has created a false goal that should never really gather so many into thinking they can earn a spot in entertainment for any length of time... How I wish that the prizes would include scholarships to SCHOOLS or some other type of educational support...Being Rich really is not what I would want any child to strive for... Hey, I think you've written about that! Too!

And, in line with that, but also related to various stories in your other books, can you talk, I hope, freely and truthfully about how you feel about justice for Blacks as continuing to be spotlighted for anything and everything that could be called criminal in order to come after them--just because of race...

Things that bring you accolades and praise in youth often cause suffering in your adult life. Sex, a wonder filled joyous activity that you engage in as often and with as many partners preferably at the same time in youth, can be viewed as lewd and obscene acts in late adolescents. A childhood indiscretion is often an adult felony. 

Short and succinct...but I believe when you are talking to those young people you mention--for surely we are all children of the King--that you can tell it like it is...in real words... Like in your books! Intriguing, but getting the point across...

From a reviewing standpoint, I've never been a fan of short stories. It is difficult to provide enough content to entice readers, while not covering the many topics that can be included in each story. I was therefore intrigued that you actually develop a theme under which your stories fit. I've already read A Mocking Tree... Each of the stories were fun to read--once I realized the title of the book... What I did was to include a definition of "mocking" to help explore the range of stories. So I was especially happy to see that in your latest book about irony, that you've added the definition up front to prepare your reader to read based upon your goal... Can you share about how you started "grouping" your stories. Was this your plan right from the beginning to publish topical stories?

Your suggestions and insight are invaluable to me; you always “get it”. 

Defining and setting a consistent theme are important when presenting a group of writings. There has to be a clear topic or purpose for them being published in the same book. With the “Mocking Tree” the focus was suspense, in each of the stories. A definition of mocking or to mock would have been helpful. That is why I offered the definition of irony for “Ironies”. “Restless for Retribution” was a series of Tales of Pine Hills. Writing short stories offers me great challenges when trying to offer a lesson or instructional tale in a limited space. It has helped me develop as a writer, saying more with less words. The goal is always to increase readership and help people to rediscover their love for literature. Everyone loves a great story, unfortunately people usually don't want to read it anymore, they want it spoon fed to them audibly and visually. My greatest joy is when someone tells me that they never read for enjoyment but one of my stories captured their interest and held it to the end of the story. This is why I write short stories of several pages and then others that are no more than a page or two. If I offer them a moving experience in less than twenty minutes of reading, it is highly likely that they will read another story that appeals to them in theme and tone. 

Cam will be visiting one more day, tomorrow, with his thoughts on writing... Do plan on stopping by!

God Bless,

Gabbie

A Short Story Set in Pine Hills from Ironies; Music Score and Quotes sharing Second Festival from Restless For Retribution by Spotlight Author, Cam Rascoe!

 

Ras Cat believed that enjoying good food was a part of being southern and he loved a southern woman with a great love for food. After a second glass of sparkling water they discussed film and literature. They settled on the “Outsiders” and the feeling it gave them when they first read the book and then viewed the movie as teens. The theme song was timeless and no less than eight mega stars, young in their careers, were featured in the film. The film’s legendary director captured the book better than any director had ever captured the true essence of a novel, agreed the two lovers... From Restless for Retribution

(Black Bigotry)

Ignorance of Iesha 

It had been a long time since I saw my homeboys in the hood. We were separated by life choices, decisions and responsibilities. Living only nine miles away from one another, it may as well have been light years. Church, many different youth sporting events, work, gym, community gatherings and backyard BBQ’s is how I spend my time. Being a father of six, most of that time is spent at youth sporting events and activities. Life for my homies was spent drastically different from mine. (From Ironies)

Cat never took offense in losing to a woman in anything, he recognized that we are all blessed with different talents and abilities. The key is to utilize your particular ability in the most effective way possible.

There were more performers at the Second Annual Pine Hills Day Celebration; The Rush Tree* rocked the crowd...

We shared our life and times with different types of people doing very different things. Nonetheless the love was still there; I would always have their back and they would always have mine. So from my suburban home in Ocoee I traveled east to my old stomping grounds of Pine Hills. Thirty years prior Pine Hills was my sanctuary as I escaped from life of torment utilizing my talents and athletic abilities. This fourteen year old product of and addict and a convict had grown tired of the burdens of his parents addictions, poor choices and criminal behaviors. 

The dance studios’s three groups and six routines left the crowd in awe...

After a basketball season in which I rose from the ninth grade team all the way to varsity, I was offered the opportunity to play on an AAU U16 Basketball team that would be traveling to Florida for a tournament in which they would be playing teams from all over Orange country. Our last game was in Pine Hills at Robinswood Middle School. 

I knew my grandmother lived in the area so when the final buzzer rang I told my coaches that I would not be traveling back with the team. They protested but couldn’t stop this head strong young man determined to find a better life for him self. Ironically, twenty years later I would be asked to speak to the students of the school and meet my wife who taught there for nineteen years. 

Doing what we were called to do brought us together and created this busy loving life we now share. When I arrived in Pine Hills in the late 1980’s it was a much different place filled with optimism and ambition. The community was diversely dignified filled with home owners who took pride in their property and the developmental prosperity of their families. Pine Hills birthed or nurtured many a talented artist, musician, scholar, soldier, athlete, politician and pastor. 

The sounds her keys made brought tears to some eyes, surprised that a child so young could play so well; the crowd began to root for her. “Go on girl, you better play it baby!”*

The crime rate was minuscule compared to today. The place that saved my life is now called “Crime Hills” more often than by its given name. Still I love the area for all it has given to me, but the community has drastically changed. I’m grateful to still have roots and ties, so on this day I was going back. The love was in the air. When I stepped out of my vehicle I was greeted with cheer. Sipping on a few beers, we caught up; I told a few jokes, just like old times. 

Jill led into her favorite jazz tune “He’s Funny Like That” by Billie Holiday. The band backed her up perfectly...

Forever the comedian, I rehashed a few funny stories from our shared past that I hadn’t thought about in years. Again, I had ’em in stitches. I settled in a bedroom at the side of the house that had been converted from a garage with one of my homeboys and a chick he had been wasting time with over the years. I never quite understood why he was drawn to her but to each his own. I sat quiet as they engaged in banter about how they planned to spend their evening. 

Hey, Ras Cat! I dropped by to sing with you! This is one of my favorite songs (and singers) that I sing in my head at the beginning of summer each year...and on through... Gabbie...LOL

Iesha wanted to make a call to secure more of her favorite narcotic and hangout at their favorite watering hole. Eventually their conversation changed and focused on race. Iesha had some strong feelings on Caucasian People and her distrust of them. “I ain’t never known no good White People. Man shit you can’t trust them Crackers for nothin’. I don’t fool wit White folks.” 

 ...imitating Little Richard. her favorite performer of all time. (With a shout-out WOW to "Shut Up and Kiss Me" who seeks sharing of their songs on UTube... I loved it...so check them out!)

I was dumbfounded; I didn’t know how we got on to this and I couldn’t believe she was serious. So I asked her. “Iesha, you have never known a good White Person in your life? You think all White People are bad?” 

Rhonda and Jill started in with a duet of “Boy is mine” and the crowd swayed...

She sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes before answering aggressively. “Hell to the naw! I don’t trust ’em and I don’t want them around me. They smell like wet dog anyway.”

The crowd really got excited when they were joined on stage by the rest of 407 as the quartet sang “That’s What Friends Are For.” The crowd sang along… “Keep smiling’, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure that’s what friends are for.”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “You mean to tell me…” Just then two of my boys who heard I was kickin’ it in the hood bust into the room interrupting my rebuttal. I followed them back outside where more people were waiting. Iesha and I never got to finish our conversation but her disturbing words stayed with me. 

Jill again covered the hit “Fallin’” and it’s challenging vocal pitch and playing; she nailed it,..

The rest of that night was a fun, full of reminiscing and laughter. Before leaving to return back to my stable, sober, plain vanilla life; I promised the homeboys I would return in a couple of days with disks of music I produced for our group years prior. Many of us were in a band together fifteen years earlier; I was the front man/ producer. 

The last song she performed was “The Greatest Love of All” and again the crowd sang. “I believe the children are the future…”

As I drove home Iesha’s words ran through my head. I couldn’t believe the ignorance she spewed. I knew some people still thought that way but to actually hear it was shocking. I just had to share with my wife; she was equally appalled. Days later there I was in my minivan heading back to Pine Hills with music in hand. It was enjoyable to take a walk down memory lane listening to myself singing and rapping about things I would never say out loud now in my forties. 

The crowd continued to sway as the band extended the song; another beautiful beautiful day was had in Pine Hills filled with love, art, culture and peace.

As an artist I could respect how brazen and unapologetic the lyrics and beats were. The subject matter left something to be desired, oh to be in my twenties again. Oh, my how my art has changed since then. I pulled up to the house and rang the door bell. I was greeted by the elder women of the family. I’ve loved them since I was a teen. These women sometimes mothered me when there was no maternal presence in my life. Hot plates and words of wisdom were offered and accepted. 

Hi, Iesha, Gabbie here Girlfriend... Yeah, I know, I know, you are thinkin' I ain't no girlfriend of yours... But, then, that can change, right? Like me, you may not have been around too many white girls...and some of them can be real...bitches, you know....?

Before I knew it an hour had passed as we caught up about our lives, our children’s and their grandchildren’s lives. I still have no grandchildren because our children are more focused on earning diplomas before birthing dependents. These women, still in their sixties had been great grandmothers for years. Unfortunately our children had different goals and focuses for their lives. I realized sitting there chatting that this is where I belonged. I had much more in common with grandmothers than men my own age trying to recapture their youth or hold on to the past. 

For me, it was not until the 7th grade that I had ever even talked to a Black girl...Her name was Marian and she was best friends with Carolyn... Both of those girls were on the school bus when I was first driven to school!

Eventually I was summoned by one of my homeboys to leave the presence of my new peers and join them in the garage. We started listening to our youthful voices saying some outlandish things harmonizing and rapping over low budget beats. Listening reminded me of my true calling in life. I was born an artist but God intended for me to utilize my talents in a different and more productive way. A silent prayer I said to myself thanking the Lord for the talents He had Blessed me with. The music was good but it was local, not major. We could move crowds here in the south but we were never going to create a new movement or rise to the level of our favorite recording artists. 

Iesha, those two girls made the first move to me, welcoming me... I learned, later, that Carolyn was a Catholic... Well, in my house, we were told that we couldn't date catholic boys, so I figured that Carolyn really shouldn't be my friend, according to my directions from home... You know what, though, I really didn't think it was the right thing to do... After all, I had learned differently in Sunday School...

Well, we all three became best friends... And whatever differences that adults seemed to have about people different from us, I just couldn't see it... Race? Religion? Marian and Carolyn were my friends, and any differences didn't matter...

Now when I place my fingertips on a different type of keyboard I leave my heart on the page, inspiring, motivating, educating and entertaining. Evoking deep feelings from my readers is my new goal giving them thoughts and sensations they never new could be received through the written word. After an hour or so of a listening session we started talking about this and that. Iesha sat in the corner sniffling from time to time with white residue around her nose. 

One day, Marian taught me a special lesson about her background...and maybe yours? The three of us had gone over to a bakery that was across the street from the junior high school in Masontown, PA... They had sputnuts (and if you've never had one, well, you've missed a great treat--it is a doughnut made with potatoes...Wow, really can't describe the taste, but I always got one of those). Marian had gotten a brownie... She wrapped the paper around the brownie and asked me if I wanted a bite. I said no, that's alright. I'm good... But, then, she added...You can have the first bite..."

We greeted one another when I entered the room but said nothing to one another since then. She seemed to enjoy our greatest hits as we talked about the times traveling, recording and performing. People started inquiring about my family and when I intended to release my next novel. I shared freely and honestly about the pros and cons of my new life. 

I had learned a little about race relations by that age...and suddenly Marian was presenting me with a "living" example. Were all children taught to fell some type of subservience, even as from their historical stories, gave their best to their "masters".... Often, much more than they should have been. But, I remembr when Marian offered me the first bite, I realized that she must have been taught to present her best offer of herself to "white" people... And, even if she was just being kind...it was I who learned just how patient and...impatient...those who are Black must be at any given time or part of their lives...

There is a lot of love in my life but very little time for self or artistic creation. I figure you have to take the good with the bad and I must admit that fathering six children never leaves you with a lack of material to write about. 

When I started working, I found that I was working with many who were Black... I remember, one day, I learned another life lesson, when, within Affirmative Action, I had been required to hire John. If there were no laws at that time, I would have promoted internally as I have always tried to do, knowing that I would have to train anybody hired, due to the specialized tasks of the job... John was doing a fine job... and he was easily working within the usually busy office. One day, he was off at lunch when a male student came in... I was the only one covering lunch that day, so I went out to see if I could help the young man. He had asked for Mr. Brown and when I explained he wasn't there... He said that he should probably come back to speak with Mr. Brown... I quickly realizd another type of bias... He expected John to be in the higher position in the office than I.  I calmly responded, "Well, John is one of my employees, but I am sure that I can help you with anything that is his job..." He had the grace to hesitate with a red face, and we went on to work on his request...

Iesha spoke up asking me about meeting my wife. “When are you going to bring your wife around?” 

I gave her a curious look. “Around who, you?” She laughed it off before restating it. “Yes, around me, us.” 

“I’m not.”

So Iesha, I know how you feel... I've seen how some of the world is about anything or anybody and It's sometime been an effort to follow the words from God... "Be the world a better place..." (BTW, this last video is a true God Incident...it sure fits what we must do today!) Think simple... Cam Rascoe does that often...even writes about it.  I've found him, even as a Black man, you know...LOL... that he has become my friend in God...and in life... How Cool is That?!

You see, Iesha, most of us have at least a basic fear of anybody who is different, looks different, talks different, or these days, even those who vote differently... I know...right now, I seem to be a black sheep in my own family... I voted for Biden!

“Why?” “Because you’re a bigot.” Chuckles went around the room but Iesha didn’t find it very funny. 

“What do you mean I’m a bigot?” I shook my head then looked over to my long time friend before answering. He shrugged, inviting me to continue on. 

“The last time I talked to you, you told me you don’t trust White people. No White people. My wife is half German, half Norwegian with blonde hair and blue eyes. You don’t get much whiter than that and you told me that you don’t deal with “crackers” as you say.” I could tell that she was put off after learning that my wife was a Caucasian woman but she tried to save face. 

Iesha, girlfriend, I've been feeling a lot like you during the last four years...even evangelical christians, who I once trusted, seem to be corrupted by this insane need for power...Yeah, you're right, just like the Masters that your race had to serve as slaves... Yes, we do owe you...But, don't think that everybody is ever going to feel the same way that many of us do...We care! I hope, though, you are seeing some differences in the last months as a new president is in...who cares about all of us, no matter what color...

“I know but if she is your wife I’m sure she is alright. She’s probably one of the few good ones.” 

I was once again dumbfounded. I repeated her words. “One of the good ones. You know that is a phrase that many racist White people have used to describe me over the years because I am well read and understand much of their American Pop Culture. They feel safe around me, see me as nonthreatening. In other words they see me as an anomaly because in their eyes Black people shouldn’t be intelligent or well spoken. What you said the other day is just as bad. You haven’t met every White person in the world but because of your ignorance of them you allow yourself to vilify them all.” 

We are reaching a point, sometimes, when we don't feel that we can even talk to those we love--family, people who were supposed to be our friends-- But, really, I have also learned that it takes each of us to take a step. Anothet step. And another step... But I've also learned that we've each got to have good vibes coming back to us, don't you think?

But, girl, I just have to tell you...that nothing is going to change if you don't get off those drugs... Nothing, no world in which we live, should be enough for you to feel so badly about yourself... Yeah, you heard right. Go out there and find out what is something that interests you--like I did, when I had to leave my job, which I loved... I turned to books! Books can take you away...and you don't need to get high on anything but life...and how good it can be...

I could see light bulbs turning on in peoples’ heads around the room but she was still unrelenting. 

“But you know that bad shit they do trying to keep us down. If it was up to them, they would make us slaves again.” 

I decided that it was time I made my final point and exit this din of the dimwitted. “Again, that’s all White people?” 

“Most of them.”

Yeah, I'm gettin' there...Maybe you even were hoping to hear about an answer... You see, in case you didn't know, there's a friend I'd like to have you meet... His name is...Jesus...

 “Do you know that my wife and her two sisters have taught here in Crime Hills for almost two decades? Do you realize that we only met because she wanted me to come in and speak to her class to inspire them? She reached out to me because she was investing in the children of this community. We both met the love of our lives doing what we were called to do in service of our people.” Iesha’s face was still sour. “Everywhere we go in this county we are approached by some young adult or teen that my wife has taught and inspired to be something greater. She has used her vocation to elevate three generations of our Black and Brown children and Lord knows she doesn’t get paid a lot for it. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, politicians, professional athletes and future scholars have passed through her classroom and left with the desire to be greater. Her only reward is their development and growth as productive citizens and the praise they offer her for her efforts. My wife is a compassionate professional who doesn’t judge people by the color of their skin yet by the content of their character.” Iesha kind of sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. With her lack of response or rebuttal I continued on. “While she is helping to raise the Black children of the Hills you sit in here in this garage getting high everyday and you have three children of your own, home at your mama’s house that you are neglecting. 

You know, Iesha, it's been a wonderful life knowing that Jesus is always there for me, maybe even to just hold my hand, but, more, to know and be secure in His love... Wanna talk more about it, just let me or Cam know... Yeah, Cam is the best guy to talk to--he's been around your neighborhood for quite a while and knows just what you might want to talk about... and He's been given a special gift of wisdom to tell it like it is, just like he's already spoken to you... But, believe me, he's one of the good guys! If you're not ready to talk, you can read some of his words of wisdom...there are words that you just might find to be written just for you! Yes! Just take that first step... Put your hand out...

Now tell me again how all White people are wicked and evil.” I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was a friend letting me know that I had made my point. But I had one more thing to say. “If a White person wanted to generalize about or stereotype all Black people by your actions they would say that we are all lazy, slothful drug addicts who neglect their children. That’s the example you show to White people giving them what they believe is credence to assume we are all like that. Thank you sister!” 

With that I stood up and starting saying my goodbyes. I had enough of the hood for a little while. Catching up and reminiscing was cool but I had more important things to be doing with my time. 

Our history I will never forget, I will always love them but some of the people that hold such ignorant views of the world I cannot surround myself with. It just shows that racist come in all sizes, shapes and colors.

 (Black Bigotry) Ignorance of Iesha

*Substitute musicians used

Believe!

Please Welcome to Book Readers Heaven, Cameron Rascoe, Spotlight Author/Creator, Featuring Restless for Retribution, The Next Sister Act III - PH Block Party!?!

 

“Damn, when are you knuckleheads gonna get it right? Now take it again from the top! On me! One, two, three and pop. Yeah, that’s what I’m talking’ bout.” Chandler’s chastising turned to praise as he attempted to whip his latest boy band into shape. In his mind this group was no better or worse than any of the bands he’d created in the past. Chandler was convinced that if a group had the least bit of talent varied with vocal ability, he could groom them into stars. Very demanding Chandler was of his talent and often the protracted hours of form design wore him thin. Creating was overrated in Chandler’s mind; invariable persistent duplication is the key. Churning out the same with a little twist was Chandler’s greatest talent. “I’m the star! The music industry is filled with my puppets. I am the ultimate Geppetto; he had one dishonest puppet with a long wooden nose. Me on the other hand; my puppets deceive the whole world and entice them to join in the lie. They all sing a song and dance a dance of deception. This all, hatched from my brilliant mind, one mimics the other. Yes, I am a genius.” He would proclaim to anyone in the music industry who’d the misfortune of spending time in his presence fell upon. Overly impressed was Chandler with his own talent which caused him to be very persistent in his attempts to immerse them all in his superficial greatness.

Ras Cat grew to be a leader not only in the streets but also in community activism. He led a few boycotts and held town hall meetings in his twenties in protest of one injustice or another. Not much happened in Pine Hills without it being filtered through the “Mayor” at some point or another. He was dubbed the “Mayor” by some street rivals in an attempt to bring him disrespect for being so involved positively in community projects. The thug sentiment was that he was a hypocrite for getting money in the streets and then standing in front of the cameras and telling folks what to do. Ras Cat reasoned that we all have good and bad in us so why should we let the bad disallow us from utilizing the good we hold within us. “We all sin but doesn’t the Lord want us to go to church and repent if we do wrong. Are we to refuse to do good because we’ve done bad?” Ras Cat announced to an audience at a Pine Hills council meeting. The community latched on to the title of “Mayor” so the title was used by all when referring to the Ras Cat... He was a leader in music with the label Ras Cat Records. The label was owned by Ras Cat, a real Pine Hills G. A man in his mid thirties who knew the streets backwards and forwards; never committed a heinous crime, but been on the grind for decades. He’d done some of everything and never spent one day in the pen. Ras Cat was an intelligent man but he just decided to play the cards he was dealt. Smart enough to own three local profitable businesses but still had a real passion for Music, the one thing besides athletic competition he had to hold on to during his own painful childhood.

~~~

They called him the Mayor since there wasn't anybody in the position, but Ras Cat "earned" the title by doing anything and everything to help the people in the community of Pine Hills, also called Crime Hills by the rich and famous; but, a place where people of all races seemed to find a home, perhaps because of the atmosphere that was brought about by Ras Cat? Of course, there were still guns and drugs to be had and; based upon the family, sometimes, it depended how the teens would look forward to their future lives. If they favored a special uncle, who happened to find easy money through the sale of drugs, then they might wind up either hooked or in jail. While, others might recognize that they had to act on their own to get to the place where they wanted to be. And, if you were that type of boy or girl, and happened to have music in your blood, then Ras Cat just might be the role model they followed!

For surely  Ras Cat was the person to whom, when a group who was hoping to make a career in music, they came when they realized that they might have been "screwed royally" by their present manager. And, yes, they were under contract. The thing was that, the group wanted to go one way, even recording a song that they'd put together on their own; but their manager didn't even want to consider changing his routine method of dealing with groups... He saw himself as the puppet master and all of those he represented were to do exactly what he said, no matter what...

Ras Cat changed that... PH BOYZ were soon under Cat's wing and singing on tour and more! Of course, that change did not come easy and much of the behind-the-scene actions that both music fans and the rest of us never see (readers), are spelled out in the fantastic drama of Restless for Retribution!

And one scene was growing steadily toward eruption when a young boy, Ronnie, just 14, picked up a gun, and more, from his uncle who allowed his illegal activities to be seen and discussed with whoever happened to be visiting...

Ron was soon being mourned as still another Black boy was murdered...

Calls of warning were made to young Ronnie to no avail. He was engulfed in the embraces of his adolescent love, Tina. As the fall winds gently blew the pink white trimmed curtains in her bedroom window, the teens made sweet puppy love to the sounds of Chris Brown. After receiving one last dose of sugar from his number one girl, Ronnie exited her home and walked tall down Hastings Street. The cool winds blended perfectly with his mood of contentment and wooziness. Upon reaching the corner corner he took a right on Silver Star and made his way east to the Mc Donald’s. Damn this been a good night. He thought to himself as he entered the fast food establishment. After ordering a number three combo and saying hello to his Auntie Rhonda and her companion; he made his way out onto the patio to enjoy his meal by the beautiful Florida moonlight. Before the door closed behind him, booming gun shots rang out from the double barrels of a sawed off shotgun. Out of the front driver’s window of a black late model Impala leaned Tank taking aim once again at the youngster. With rims still spinning under the blaring lights in the restaurant’s parking lot, Tank pulled the trigger causing fatal wounds to the youngster’s head and face.

~~~

Of course, Ras Cat was soon in the mess of things as cries of family were heard in the streets, combined with police sirens and talk of...revenge... Ras Cat knew it could get worse...quick!

Among all that was to happen, music became a part of it, so here's a little of the major event that Cat brought to life... after...death...

This event named “THE FIRST ANNUAL PINE HILLS DAY - A DAY OF HEALING” by its creator and financer was to be like none other experienced in Pine Hills. The occasion would be part memorial service, part town hall meeting, motivational speaking, and concert. Accumulating into a joyous celebration of the tumultuous yet beautiful community embedded in the heart of Central Florida. Justly coaxed to take part in the event was a minister of Ras Cat’s home church in historic Eatonville Florida, the oldest black municipality in America. Minister Hunter, a long time friend and spiritual supporter of Ras Cat’s small dysfunctional family, was more than happy to speak at such a blissful and positive occasion. It was explained to him that it would be a secular event and there would be a lot of emotion in the air because of the recent tragic events occurring in their beloved Pine Hills. The minister replied. “You know I always go where I’m called to go and the Lord is telling me to come with you to spread this message of forgiveness, peace and love throughout this place that needs it so much right now...

Many beautiful women of all races and ages graced Barnett Park that day adding splendor to the festive fall morning. By 10:00 a.m. the park held more than six thousand people; light R&B played throughout the park from remote speakers. Students working with Ras Cat presented their own works... Then... DJ Chamber played Frankie Beverly and Maze, Earth Wind and Fire and Patty Labelle to the audience’s delight. Ras Cat greeted Reverend Hunter as people continued to pour onto the park grounds.

There's a lot more in this first book, actually it's set into different parts, which focuses on the "retribution" of the individuals in the book... But, as I was working to finish what I'd be sharing about this book, Ras Cat asked one of his former lovers, who was also a music star a number of years ago, if she would sing a song for the memorial part of the day. She was hesitant since she hadn't song publicly for years, but Ras Cat had written a song for the service and he thought when she heard it, she would want to help bring it to the event. Which she did. 

Now, for me, there wasn't a song for me to find...but as soon as I thought about it, another God Incident happened... I hope the following choice, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, will represent Cam's words that needed to be said, and heard, by those mourning the young boy...and moving on from their horrible loss... Besides the one I found by Beyonce, I wanted to also use Aretha...as well as others that are the greats that we all love to hear, don't we?

Gabbie's Thoughts: Spend some time as you listen to the songs presented as a part of the memorial. Book Readers Heaven cries out for all those Black men who are chased down the streets by vigilantes, by corrupt police officers and by those who hate because they are incited to hate... One thing I have realized since I've met so many writers and read their books, we are lucky that the majority of Americans who are not white, not christian, do not rise up like the white "christian" nationalists have done! I have watched and seen that, especially those who are Black have been held down for so long--hundreds of years--that they are, sadly, "almost" acceptive of it. Still it hurts. It enrages all those who follow our goal of loving our neighbors... And even, men who are leaders have not brought about such turmoil as the white nationalists have wrought on our nation. I am ashamed... I pray to God for reparation. (the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged.)

And Then It Hit Me as I was reading about preparations on the 2nd Annual Event...and remembered what had been said about Pine Hills being referred to as "Crime Hill!" Now, that's a location for...Whoopie Goldberg to set her Sister Act III location - PH Block Party! Pine Hills is a widely diversified community that, according to the story, is both a high crime area...but one in which a local non-political individual has pulled the community together to work toward improvement, and, emphasizing the youth living there! In fact, Cam Roscoe has already told the story in Restless for Retribution... including a grand finale such as we saw in Sister Act II 

I meet men creators like Cam, or poets like Manny Moreno, an indigenous citizen and see no anger strong enough to reek of the smell of hate sufficient to go out and murder... Doesn't that tell us something about just "who" is acting politically as opposed to Godly?

In one of the videos from Cam, there was a comment about individuals on Facebook who join groups and/or just speak in a nasty way to whoever and whatever they feel is their right to do. There is no decency, no moral code, no common sense--no feeling of Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. In fact, this is one of the reasons I stopped doing book reviews, per se. because I have read some of those who share their opinion, without regard to the overall effort of the writer. I would rather share God's Truth, here...and it will be read by those God wants to share it with...

Cam's books I consider in the urban fiction genre. That is important. If you do not know what that means, then you, in my opinion, have no right to "review" these books. The only negative thing I could say is to  highly encourage Cam to get a proofreader... For me, that was the only problem I had with the three books of his I have read, so far. Having worked with hundreds of authors over the years, I know that many find it hard to read their own stories from an editing/proofreading standpoint. Kinda like me, when I read the words of a song, I automatically start singing them... So that, I have been told, when a writer goes back and rereads...it is his final words that are remember and, actually, read, rather than the true content that appears in the page. Yet, many do not have the money to pay for those services. I would not normally even write about this issue these days, except that Cam did a little public feedback for those who have felt the need to negatively respond to his work. 

Frankly I have found the words from Cam Rascoe more real, more open, more sincere than many of the books/public posts I've read. You can certainly tell, when you read as many books as I do, whether the writer is writing to "present" their words to the public, either for political or personal reasons, or whether the writer wants to share his words so much that he will overlook those tedious tasks of ensuring that errors are corrected... And, for some, like Cam, I also overlook them, because I have been captured by what he is saying--and why he is saying them... And, besides, errors can always be corrected...not so, the meaning of words...

And I believe that Cam is a writer that will speak to many of his race. I just wish that more white people would choose to read the words of Black writers... instead of banning those books that speak of the historical and present violence wrought against the Black and other non-white races in America. Thank you Cam, for continuing to speak...and write, even when some will see only errors rather than...words...

God Bless

Gabbie

Held within every problem in life there is an opportunity. Sometimes we focus so much on the troubles that we are going through that we miss the prospect of growth and development that comes attached to it. On the occasion that adversity enters your life, find what greatness you can achieve by overcoming it. A brighter day is on the other side of each storm; we just have to make our way through it. Our most trying tribulations can become our greatest triumphs if we only take the time to recognize the opportunity

--Cam Rascoe

Find him almost daily with words of wisdom and...more...

Coming...more book discussions, individual stories...talking with Cam...!!!