As we prepare for Bret and Susie's 30th wedding anniversary-- which will be July 12, 2010-- I decided to make this blog a pictorial montage, simply entitled "Bret & Susie-- 30 Years in the Making."
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
If Bret Can Write A Book, Then So Can I, Baby!
I guess that old adage rings true: "Give the people what they want." Having said that, allow me to introduce to you-- Vivian Jewel Jones.
Hi, Y’all. My name is Vivian Jewel Jones, but everyone calls me “Ms. Viv,” although those who know me very well know me as Jewel.
I don’t really consider myself as a writer—some of y’all might can do it, but not Ms. Viv… well, such was the case until now.
As many of you know, Bret wrote a book on his life, called Simply Bret. He came up with the idea to write his autobiography sometime after his 50th birthday. One Saturday afternoon, I went over to deliver some food to him, and there he was, at the dining room table, deep in thought, just a-typin’ away.
“Whatcha doin, Bret—writin’ a book?” I asked him jokingly.
“Matter of fact, Viv, I am,” he said as he looked up at me, then looked back at his computer to save his current work.
That was the start of something big. Bret’s book was released in January, 2010, and I was the first person that he called… well, spoke to. He tried to get a hold of Susie, but she was in a meeting.
“We done did it, Viv!” Bret shouted. “We got published!”
“Oh my word,” I declared. “Bret-Baby, I’m so proud-a-you. You sho’ did do it!”
So, to repeat what I said earlier: If Bret can write a book, then so can I, Baby!
This is just a little sample of what to expect in my second book, which will be out sometime in 2012. Until next time, take care and God Bless.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Flashback 1992: Ultimate Warrior vs. Papa Shango
Almost 18 years ago, I had the honor and the prvilege of attending a World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) house show, in which the main event pitted the Ultimate Warrior against the mysterious Papa Shango. This match took place at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Friday, June 12, 1992.
Truth be told—Papa Shango scared the hell outta me, because in the weeks prior to his match with the Warrior—who made a shocking return at WrestleMania VIII, the mysterious voodoo preist put a wicked curse on the Warrior, so much so, that Warrior suffered severe abdominal pain, and even had evil black goo dripping from his forehead.
Shango did not stop there; he placed his evil curse on the likes of preliminary wrestlers such as Brian Brieger, Rock Warner, and Chris Hahn. Shango even placed a curse on commentator Mean Gene Okerlund. I was so scared of Papa Shango that at one point, I begged my mom not to buy tickets to the house show. I soon changed my mind when I found out that Crush was making his return that same evening, but I wanted to leave prior to the main event, because Papa Shango vowed to place a curse on all of the Ultimate Warrior’s fans. My mom’s response: “I paid over 30 dollars for those damn tickets—we’re staying for the whole event.
Admittedly, I was a Warrior fan, but when the Warrior bolted to ringside, I didn’t say “Hey,” “Cat,” “Dog,” or nothin’! I sat my ass in that chair and just looked on in sheer awe. I was afraid that if Shango heard me cheering for Warrior, then he would hex me. The fans around me were cheering for the Warrior, yet I stayed stoic. I must admit, though, that I was glad that Warrior defeated Papa Shango, but I kept it to myself. On the way home, my mom and my cousins asked me why I so silent during the main event. When I explained my reasons for being silent, they laughed at me, naturally.
Here we are in the new millennium, and looking back on it now, I must give props to Warrior and Shango, because they kept my interest high. Even though this was a storyline, Papa Shango’s character was too believable for me.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sneak Peek at "Simply Bret"
Hey, Y'all. Here is a sneak preview of what to expect from Simply Bret, in which over 30 copies have been sold. I hope you like it.
Susan Ariel Gosinheimer was her name; she stood 5’8” with long, flowing honey blonde hair and gorgeous crystal blue eyes. She was born and raised in New York City, but much like me, she left her hometown and accepted admission to South Carolina University. When she debuted as a freshman, I was entering my junior year, and Jack had already graduated. To this very day, Susan and I laugh about the first day we met on the South Cacka-Lacky campus—in more ways than one, mind you.
I had to attend a mandatory assembly after my Statistics class, and I was in such a rush not to be late that I was running. Unfortunately I ran too fast and I tripped. Of all the things to break my fall, it had to have been a swinging door. Apparently, Susie (as she is fondly called) opened the door, where it swung outward, and I crashed right into it. The door swung back right into Susie, knocking her into a wall. Ever the altruistic gentleman, I helped the young lady up and asked her if she was okay, to which she responded, “Oh, I’m fine, considering this is the story of my life. I’m always walking into walls and things.”
Susie had a sense of humor, and I liked it.
Well, after the impromptu head-on meeting, we got to know each other on a first name basis. I’ll never forget her cute intro: “Nice to meet you, Bret. I’m Susie Gosinheimer—well, actually, it’s Susan, but you can call me Susie.”
I noticed the look in her eyes as she said that. I thought that she was still a little dazed from colliding with the door and the wall. I never expected her to fall for me like she did. Admittedly, I thought that Susie was “the bee’s knees” when I first laid eyes on her, but I remembered what my brother Bob taught me— to play it cool when it comes to the ladies.
There was a big problem, though—at least in Susie’s mind, anyway. While Susie and I were talking and getting to know each other, Mary Ann had called my name out rather loudly, and I naturally responded; after all, we were friends. Mary Ann told me how I made her day by showing up at this particular assembly on account of she was giving a speech on behalf of her sorority. “I’m a little nervous, though,” Mary Ann stated, to which I caught her by the hand and told her that it’s natural to be nervous, but she would still do a great job. Mary Ann thanked me for the encouraging words and kissed me on the cheek, then went on her way. Upon seeing this, Susie looked at me and said, “Well, it was nice talking to you. I guess I’d better get going.” I thought nothing of it and said, “Okey-Dokey.”
This is only a sneak preview. You can draw your own conclusions, but only I know how this story ends. Take care.
Susan Ariel Gosinheimer was her name; she stood 5’8” with long, flowing honey blonde hair and gorgeous crystal blue eyes. She was born and raised in New York City, but much like me, she left her hometown and accepted admission to South Carolina University. When she debuted as a freshman, I was entering my junior year, and Jack had already graduated. To this very day, Susan and I laugh about the first day we met on the South Cacka-Lacky campus—in more ways than one, mind you.
I had to attend a mandatory assembly after my Statistics class, and I was in such a rush not to be late that I was running. Unfortunately I ran too fast and I tripped. Of all the things to break my fall, it had to have been a swinging door. Apparently, Susie (as she is fondly called) opened the door, where it swung outward, and I crashed right into it. The door swung back right into Susie, knocking her into a wall. Ever the altruistic gentleman, I helped the young lady up and asked her if she was okay, to which she responded, “Oh, I’m fine, considering this is the story of my life. I’m always walking into walls and things.”
Susie had a sense of humor, and I liked it.
Well, after the impromptu head-on meeting, we got to know each other on a first name basis. I’ll never forget her cute intro: “Nice to meet you, Bret. I’m Susie Gosinheimer—well, actually, it’s Susan, but you can call me Susie.”
I noticed the look in her eyes as she said that. I thought that she was still a little dazed from colliding with the door and the wall. I never expected her to fall for me like she did. Admittedly, I thought that Susie was “the bee’s knees” when I first laid eyes on her, but I remembered what my brother Bob taught me— to play it cool when it comes to the ladies.
There was a big problem, though—at least in Susie’s mind, anyway. While Susie and I were talking and getting to know each other, Mary Ann had called my name out rather loudly, and I naturally responded; after all, we were friends. Mary Ann told me how I made her day by showing up at this particular assembly on account of she was giving a speech on behalf of her sorority. “I’m a little nervous, though,” Mary Ann stated, to which I caught her by the hand and told her that it’s natural to be nervous, but she would still do a great job. Mary Ann thanked me for the encouraging words and kissed me on the cheek, then went on her way. Upon seeing this, Susie looked at me and said, “Well, it was nice talking to you. I guess I’d better get going.” I thought nothing of it and said, “Okey-Dokey.”
This is only a sneak preview. You can draw your own conclusions, but only I know how this story ends. Take care.
Monday, March 15, 2010
"Simply Bret" Spotlight: Nicole Yvonne Douglas
In today's blog, I would like to put the spotlight on one of the characters of my upcoming book, Nicole Yvonne Douglas.
Nicole is the youngest child and youngest daughter of Bret and Susan Douglas. Born in Culver City, California, Nikki (as she is often called) is known as the bubbly, energetic firecracker. Bret nicknamed her "Firefly" on account of she illuminated the room when she was born. Nikki is a recent graduate of Tennessee State University, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education. Much like her great-grandfather, her grandmother, and her father, Nikki's dream is to be a teacher. She has yet to decide if she wants to teach elementary or high school, but she knows that she wants to teach... actually, she would like nothing more than to be her dad's successor and teach Kindergarten-- a passing of the torch, if you will! Nikki is known to show great leadership skills, despite being the youngest, and she does not have a problem with sharing the spotlight, much less stepping out completely in order for someone else to have their moment in the sun. Nikki has also been blessed with four best friends that she has known since Kindergarten-- Anna-Jane Overton, Barbara Louise Zuckerman, Diane Yvette Porterson, and Andrea Michelle Cornette. Together this cute quintet is known as the Chickadees. They received this cute little nickname from their former Kindergarten teacher, the late Clark Kenneth Jones. Nikki admittedly is a big kid at heart; she considers it a compliment when someone refers to her as a "little girl," given the fact that she is 5'1" and she has the sweetest little voice.
Nicole is the youngest child and youngest daughter of Bret and Susan Douglas. Born in Culver City, California, Nikki (as she is often called) is known as the bubbly, energetic firecracker. Bret nicknamed her "Firefly" on account of she illuminated the room when she was born. Nikki is a recent graduate of Tennessee State University, where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education. Much like her great-grandfather, her grandmother, and her father, Nikki's dream is to be a teacher. She has yet to decide if she wants to teach elementary or high school, but she knows that she wants to teach... actually, she would like nothing more than to be her dad's successor and teach Kindergarten-- a passing of the torch, if you will! Nikki is known to show great leadership skills, despite being the youngest, and she does not have a problem with sharing the spotlight, much less stepping out completely in order for someone else to have their moment in the sun. Nikki has also been blessed with four best friends that she has known since Kindergarten-- Anna-Jane Overton, Barbara Louise Zuckerman, Diane Yvette Porterson, and Andrea Michelle Cornette. Together this cute quintet is known as the Chickadees. They received this cute little nickname from their former Kindergarten teacher, the late Clark Kenneth Jones. Nikki admittedly is a big kid at heart; she considers it a compliment when someone refers to her as a "little girl," given the fact that she is 5'1" and she has the sweetest little voice.
NIKKI'S PERSONALITY PROFILE
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
When the Chickadees surprised me at my graduation from TSU.
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
In high school, I referred to my Algebra teacher as Uncle Dave for some reason.
FAVORITE ACTOR:
Bronson Pinchot (Balki from "Perfect Strangers")
FAVORITE ACTRESS:
Tempestt Bledsoe
FAVORITE SINGER:
Babyface
FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Perfect Strangers
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Transformers
FAVORITE ATHLETE:
Derek Fisher
FAVORITE CARTOON:
Darkwing Duck
FAVORITE COLOR:
Purple
FAVORITE FOOD:
Chili Cheese Dogs and Chili Cheese Fries
FAVORITE ICE CREAM:
Orange Sherbet
SECRET TALENT:
I can play the piano.
IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Chill out with my fellow Chickadees.
IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I would be at least 5’5”.
MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:
My 1st, 4th, and 8th Grade teachers, respectively.
THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:
Life is a theatre— choose your audience carefully.
SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
David Schwimmer and Sammy Sosa.
MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Be my dad’s successor after he retires from teaching.
THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Bubbly, Optimistic, and Ambitious
MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):
Anna-Jane, Barbara, Diane, & Andrea— the Chickadees, if you will!
MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Atlanta and Minneapolis.
IF I HAD ONE WISH:
I would be a superhero— a gal can dream, can’t she? LOL.
SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
Everyone still thinks that I’m a kid on account of my height and voice. In addition to that, I am a soon-to-be fourth generation teacher in my family.
There you have it, folks-- Miss Nicole Yvonne Douglas.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Celebrating Tea & Dallin
With the celebration of Simply Bret, I must acknowledge two inspirational people behind the scenes-- Cecil & Rosie Quinn, otherwise known to my family and friends as Aunt Tea and Uncle Dallin'.
Most of you know that Simply Bret is dedicated to their loving memory. I've talked about them so much that some of you who never met them act as though you have met them. They were so influential to me that only after their transition to Glory, I was informed that they were my godparents; now they are my guardian angels, smiling down on me from Heaven. Even now, I cannot help but to think about how far I've come in this journey. It seemed like yesterday I was just writing this book, and here it is, March 2, 2010, and my dream has finally come true. You would think that I would be glad-- and I am-- but I must admit: if I'm not reaching for the phone, I'm shedding some tears, because Aunt Tea and Uncle Cecil cross my mind. I know that they're looking down from Heaven, just a-smilin' away, as happy for me as you all are. At the same time, though, I still miss their physical presence. I miss hearing their voice. I miss hearing Uncle Cecil shout out: "Hot Damn!" everytime something good happens to me. I miss hearing Aunt Tea say in her sweet, loving voice: "I'm so proud of you, Baby!"
Call me selfish, but this is how I feel. I know that I'll see them again in Glory, but I just miss them so much. I know that no one can ever take the place of Aunt Tea and Uncle Cecil, but even now, I can still hear their voices so clearly, as though they never left me.
Rest assured, at my first book signing, I will look up to the heavens and say: Aunt Tea & Uncle Cecil-- this is for y'all!
Most of you know that Simply Bret is dedicated to their loving memory. I've talked about them so much that some of you who never met them act as though you have met them. They were so influential to me that only after their transition to Glory, I was informed that they were my godparents; now they are my guardian angels, smiling down on me from Heaven. Even now, I cannot help but to think about how far I've come in this journey. It seemed like yesterday I was just writing this book, and here it is, March 2, 2010, and my dream has finally come true. You would think that I would be glad-- and I am-- but I must admit: if I'm not reaching for the phone, I'm shedding some tears, because Aunt Tea and Uncle Cecil cross my mind. I know that they're looking down from Heaven, just a-smilin' away, as happy for me as you all are. At the same time, though, I still miss their physical presence. I miss hearing their voice. I miss hearing Uncle Cecil shout out: "Hot Damn!" everytime something good happens to me. I miss hearing Aunt Tea say in her sweet, loving voice: "I'm so proud of you, Baby!"
Call me selfish, but this is how I feel. I know that I'll see them again in Glory, but I just miss them so much. I know that no one can ever take the place of Aunt Tea and Uncle Cecil, but even now, I can still hear their voices so clearly, as though they never left me.
Rest assured, at my first book signing, I will look up to the heavens and say: Aunt Tea & Uncle Cecil-- this is for y'all!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Excited & Thrilled, Yet Still Humble
Before I get into my subject, I just want to express how truly grateful I am to God for helping me turn my dream into reality. Mark 9:23 says that "all things are possible to them that believe," and I am a living witness to this particular scripture.
Now that Simply Bret has finally arrived, the real work begins-- so I have been told. As I was finalizing everything with my publishing consultant, she expressed how thrilled and how happy she was for me that my first book was finally published. I told her, "It truly has been a long time coming, but yes-- we have finally arrived." Upon hearing my comments, my publishing consultant said to me, "Oh, Nicholas-- stop being so humble! Jump up and down! Scream to the heavens-- this is your moment; you've earned it!"
My publishing consultant has a point-- I truly have earned this moment, but at the same time, I know that I have to keep a cool, calm and collected attitude towards the whole ordeal. Don't get me wrong-- I am very excited that the world will get to know Bret, Susie, Howard, Sarah, Nikki, and Ms. Vivian... and let me apologize if I am not as excited as everyone would like me to be, but the reason for my current attitude is simple: I know that I didn't do all of this by myself. The thought of writing Simply Bret is a blessing from God, and without Him, I am nothing. Notwithstanding The Lord's grace and mercy, I know that my family, friends, church, and my alma mater Rust College have given me the love, support, and encouragement since before I created Simply Bret. Y'all just don't know how good a feeling that is to me.
Ten years ago, when I was an immature youngster, I gloated big time and stated that it was "all about me," but here it is-- a full decade later, and not only do I have a little experience under my belt, but I am also a lot more humble. Again, I am very excited that Simply Bret is here, and I do admit that being "broke-off rich" would be great, but I understand that The Lord requires of me to handle my "celebrity status" in a mature and humble manner.
This is just my perception, but I contend that most celebrities are so messed up on account of they have let the fame and fortune go to their head; they have forgotten how to be humble, and dare I say: They have also forgotten about "once upon a time." Most of today's celebrities feel that it's all about them and no one else. I made a promise to myself that, in the event Simply Bret becomes a #1 best seller, I would still be the same Nicholas Semaj Johnson. Besides, I know for a fact that when I first started writing Simply Bret, it was nothing more than therapy to help me deal with the sudden passing of my Aunt Rosie, and the thought of becoming a best-selling author never really crossed my mind. All I knew was that I had a dream to write and publish my very first book. Well, lo and behold-- my dream has come true before my very eyes. When you all expressed how excited you are for me, I just humbly smile and give God the glory. Sometimes, I do jump around and shout a bit, but deep down, I just know that for the most part, I am living out my dream. I still stand behind what I said earlier: In the event I do become a celebrity, or if I have a book signing... even if I am a guest on Oprah or Live with Regis & Kelly, I will make sure that my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is in the picture, closely seconded by those of you who encouraged me to keep reaching for those stars.
Simply put: Thank you all-- a million times, thank you!
Now that Simply Bret has finally arrived, the real work begins-- so I have been told. As I was finalizing everything with my publishing consultant, she expressed how thrilled and how happy she was for me that my first book was finally published. I told her, "It truly has been a long time coming, but yes-- we have finally arrived." Upon hearing my comments, my publishing consultant said to me, "Oh, Nicholas-- stop being so humble! Jump up and down! Scream to the heavens-- this is your moment; you've earned it!"
My publishing consultant has a point-- I truly have earned this moment, but at the same time, I know that I have to keep a cool, calm and collected attitude towards the whole ordeal. Don't get me wrong-- I am very excited that the world will get to know Bret, Susie, Howard, Sarah, Nikki, and Ms. Vivian... and let me apologize if I am not as excited as everyone would like me to be, but the reason for my current attitude is simple: I know that I didn't do all of this by myself. The thought of writing Simply Bret is a blessing from God, and without Him, I am nothing. Notwithstanding The Lord's grace and mercy, I know that my family, friends, church, and my alma mater Rust College have given me the love, support, and encouragement since before I created Simply Bret. Y'all just don't know how good a feeling that is to me.
Ten years ago, when I was an immature youngster, I gloated big time and stated that it was "all about me," but here it is-- a full decade later, and not only do I have a little experience under my belt, but I am also a lot more humble. Again, I am very excited that Simply Bret is here, and I do admit that being "broke-off rich" would be great, but I understand that The Lord requires of me to handle my "celebrity status" in a mature and humble manner.
This is just my perception, but I contend that most celebrities are so messed up on account of they have let the fame and fortune go to their head; they have forgotten how to be humble, and dare I say: They have also forgotten about "once upon a time." Most of today's celebrities feel that it's all about them and no one else. I made a promise to myself that, in the event Simply Bret becomes a #1 best seller, I would still be the same Nicholas Semaj Johnson. Besides, I know for a fact that when I first started writing Simply Bret, it was nothing more than therapy to help me deal with the sudden passing of my Aunt Rosie, and the thought of becoming a best-selling author never really crossed my mind. All I knew was that I had a dream to write and publish my very first book. Well, lo and behold-- my dream has come true before my very eyes. When you all expressed how excited you are for me, I just humbly smile and give God the glory. Sometimes, I do jump around and shout a bit, but deep down, I just know that for the most part, I am living out my dream. I still stand behind what I said earlier: In the event I do become a celebrity, or if I have a book signing... even if I am a guest on Oprah or Live with Regis & Kelly, I will make sure that my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is in the picture, closely seconded by those of you who encouraged me to keep reaching for those stars.
Simply put: Thank you all-- a million times, thank you!
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