Spotlight: Melissa Leilani Roberts

To celebrate my birthday (as only I know how), I have decided to spotlight one of my personal favorite characters, Melissa Leilani Roberts. Isn't it convenient that I made her birthday the same day as mine—July 12!

Melissa Leilani Roberts is the girl next door... actually, she is the girl who lives just three houses down from the Douglas Family. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California on July 12, 1985 to Franklin and Clara Roberts, Melissa is the only child and only daughter. As a child, Melissa was a tomboy, as she constantly hung around Howard. Despite being considered as "one of the boys" per se, Melissa had a bit of a crush on young Howard, of which the latter reciprocated. But one day, Melissa grew up, and blossomed into a beautiful young lady. After graduating from Oklahoma University in 2007, Melissa moved back with her parents, and the very first individual who noticed how she blossomed was Howard. To this very day, Howard considers Melissa as one of his angels. Melissa appreciates the fact that Howard has always treated her the same.

Melissa graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, but she does not know what to do with her major as of yet. Currently, she works as a data entry clerk in Downtown Culver City, but she knows that her true passion is acting and modeling. Melissa is also the oldest of Howie's Angels-- she has been best friends with Sarah and Natalie "like, forever and stuff."

Although Melissa has openly admitted that she is not flawless, it has been unanimously agreed upon that she does not have a problem with self-confidence. Someone at her job branded her as conceited, to which she reprimanded the individual and said: "No, no, Hon-- I'm not conceited... I'm convinced!" Melissa is often misunderstood by some of her elders, just because she is a young woman with a butterfly tattoo on her shoulderblade, a shooting star tattoo on her ankle, and a navel piercing. While she admits that she was much younger when she decided to get said items, she is happy with her decision, and defies anyone to judge her just because she is not the typical "squeaky clean" girl next door. One person that she does not have to worry about judging her-- outside of Howard, of course-- is Ms. Vivian.

While Melissa enjoys being a "girlie-girl," she is admittedly still a tomboy. She loves football, basketball, and wrestling.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:I got my picture taken with OSW superstar TJ "Texas" Wiley on my 25th Birthday.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:I was thinking about an episode of The Simpsons in church, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

FAVORITE ACTOR:Reggie Hayes (the dude that played William Dent on Girlfriends)

FAVORITE ACTRESS:Nicole Ari Parker

FAVORITE SINGER:Janet Jackson

FAVORITE TV SHOW:The Cosby Show

FAVORITE MOVIE:Hancock

FAVORITE ATHLETE:Reggie Bush

FAVORITE CARTOON:Duck Tales

FAVORITE COLOR:Yellow

FAVORITE FOOD:Turkey Burger with the works

FAVORITE ICE CREAM:Mint Chocolate Chip

SECRET TALENT:I can Salsa dance.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:Hang out with Lizzie, Nattie, and Candi.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:I wouldn’t change a thing.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:My 5th Grade teacher

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:The Lord has equipped me with what I need, so that I can go out and get what I want.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:Bill Cosby (my favorite), Tracie Spencer, Milton Berle, and Kristi Yamaguchi.

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:Be an actress/model, and a producer.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:Smart, Sweet, and Spicy

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):Lizzie, Nattie, and Candi

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:Ms. Vivian’s House

IF I HAD ONE WISH:Well, I haven’t met Prince Charming just yet, so that’s still in the making.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:I had an opportunity to pose nude for Sexilicious Magazine, but I turned it down because the only guy who should see me naked is the man that I marry.

Happy 51st Birthday, Sweet Little Susie!

Hey, Y'all!

In celebration of Susie Douglas' 51st birthday, I decided to take this time out and honor her, as only I can (LOL)!

Lest I forget: Happy Birthday, Susie—and remember to celebrate it the entire month!

She's the upbeat and fiery matriarch with a heart of gold. She’s also known as Bret’s better half. She's Susan Ariel Gosinheimer, and she was born and raised in New York City, New York on June 1, 1959 to Ralph and Charlotte Gosinheimer. The youngest of two girls, Susie (as she is affectionately called) has one older sister, Angela Margaret. As a child, Susie was the “adventurous, take-charge type,” according to her parents. She attended Empire State High School, where she graduated the fifteenth of her class. After high school, Susie decided that she wanted an out-of-state college experience, so she attended South Carolina University, where she literally met Bret George Douglas. Susie often reminisces about the day that they collided in the auditorium on the way to an assembly, and despite a slight miscommunication, these two became inseparable.

After Susie and Bret were wed in 1980, they moved to Culver City, California, where they raised three children, all of whom are working young adults. Self-confidence has never been Susie’s weakness, as she worked her way to the top of the ladder; she has worked at DGI Enterprises for over 25 years, yet she has been the HR Director for eleven years. Everyone at DGI Enterprises appreciates Susie for her great managerial experience, as she thinks with her head and her heart, and she knows how to smooth out a situation.

Susie's motto is: “I am truly blessed beyond all recognition." She is a true believer that all things do work together for good. A dedicated mother and wife with a remarkable sense of humor, Susie feels humbled and honored to have been blessed with her wonderful husband of 30 years, her three crazy children, and a job that she knows within her heart that she was born to do. Much like her husband, Susie is a member of First Baptist Church, where she mentors the Young Lilies every second Saturday. She also admits that she loves costume parties; she has dressed up as Marge Simpson, ThunderCat Cheetara, and a hippie chick.

Although Susie is a soft-hearted sweetie, she has admitted that she has a touch of a temper. Such was the case when she grabbed a rude receptionist by her throat and hurled her across a desk. Susie later explained that she only acted out in anger because she was informed that Bret was in the hospital, and this receptionist did not help matters at all. Susie has been told time and time again that her temper might wind up getting her into trouble, to which Susie has stated: "That's quite alright—I've got enough ass to back up my temper!"

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
The day I ran into Bret… literally!

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
Only one stands out— when I unknowingly slammed a door in Bret’s face.

FAVORITE ACTOR:
John Ritter

FAVORITE ACTRESS:
Mary Tyler Moore

FAVORITE SINGER:
Luther Vandross

FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Small Wonder

FAVORITE MOVIE:
Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow

FAVORITE ATHLETE(S):
Venus & Serena Williams

FAVORITE CARTOON:
The Simpsons (but that’s only because Bret reminds me so much of Ned Flanders)

FAVORITE COLOR: Fuchsia

FAVORITE FOOD:
Steak & French Fries, with Broccoli and Cauliflower

FAVORITE ICE CREAM:
Strawberry

SECRET TALENT:
I am a fairly decent singer.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Help out at church on every 2nd Saturday with the Young Lilies.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I wouldn’t have jumped to so many wrong conclusions when I was in my teens.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:
My big sister Angela.

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:
Remember to count all your many, many blessings.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
Andy Griffith, Marilyn Monroe, Morgan Freeman, and Alanis Morissette.

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Retire the same time as Bret.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Sweet, Soft, & Fiery

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):
Mary Ann Marcellia

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Atlanta, GA

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
I would relive my first date with Bret.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
This relates to my temper—I must’ve blanked out and grabbed a rude receptionist by her throat, and hurled her over her desk. I betcha she won’t try to mess with me again.

My Marketing Research Plan for Bret & Susie's 30th Anniversary

To quote my best friend Big Chris: "You can't make this stuff up!"

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, I decided to follow through with my plan, which was to begin working on my second venue for my next book signing. I decided that I would make my next book signing a double event; not only would I sell and sign copies of Simply Bret, but I would also celebrate the 30th wedding anniversary of the main characters, Bret & Susie Douglas.

In order to fully follow through with this plan, I acted as though I was Bret (this is the mark of a true author). I found myself ring shopping-- not for any reason in particular other than for marketing research. The first jewelry store I stopped by, I perused around until I saw the ladies' rings; they all looked sparkly. "Susie would love a ring like this," I thought to myself. At that moment, one of the employees of this particular jewelry story asked if I needed help. I told her that I was in the process of writing my second book, and that one of the chapters was dedicated to Bret and Susie. As I spoke, I noticed how this woman looked at me as though I was crazy, yet she continued to listen to me. Once I explained that I was feeling the role of Bret as he went ring shopping for his wife of 30 years, the woman looked at me and said, "Oh... well, good luck with that."

I simply thanked her and left for another jewelry store.

I started to check out the rings in JC Penney when I noticed a second jewelry store-- Kevin Jewelers. Once I entered said store, I was greeted warmly and asked for whom I was shopping for. Much like I did at the first store, I explained that I was an author who was in the process of writing a story about Bret and Susie's 30th anniversary...

Now, this is the part where we come around in full circle.

Earlier on in this blog, I quoted my best friend Big Chris: "You can't make this stuff up!" Well, just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the employees at Kevin Jewelers asked me if I had a picture of Bret and Susie. Naturally, I did, and I presented the drawing of the 30-year couple. After complimenting how cute Bret and Susie looked, the employees asked me questions as though they were speaking to Bret. In the midst of the conversation, the employees mentioned how they thought Susie adored diamonds... which is ironic, because she does. Well, after my experience at Kevin Jewelers, the employees thanked me for choosing them for doing my research at their store, and wished me well in my second book.

Now, all I have to do, is draw a picture of Susie's anniversary diamond ring, which will be debuted at the 30th wedding anniversary/book signing. Until next time, take care and God Bless.

From Dream To Reality: My First Book Signing

The apostle Paul reminds us in II Timothy 1:6 that we “stir up the gift of God” that is within us. Well, I must be adhering to this particular scripture, because ever since Simply Bret was published, I’ve noticed how The Lord is helping me get closer and closer to my dream. Since enrolling in graduate school at the University of Phoenix, my dream to become a producer has seemingly sparked something in my creativity.


As many of you know, my very first book signing took place on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at my church home, True Vine Baptist Church in Inglewood, California, where Dr. Austin F. Williams is my pastor. I would once again like to thank Pastor Williams and my True Vine family for their love, support, encouragement, and prayers. I also would like to thank my mom, who I affectionately have nicknamed "Momillennium." I stated to her publicly that her present was well on its way. "It's gonna take a little time getting there, but trust me, Mom-- it's on its way," I said as she smiled.


Of course, I know two other individuals who would've looooooooooooooved to have been there in attendance... but then again, they were there in spirit.

Aunt Tea & Uncle Cecil-- this was for you: I LOVE YOU!!!

In Memory of Clark Kenneth Jones

In today's blog, I would like to talk about the very first character that I created when I was nine years old--Clark Kenneth Jones. I hope that you enjoy his story.

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLARK KENNETH JONES

Clark Kenneth Jones was born August 13, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Harold and Patricia Jones. He was the fourth of six children, and even at such a young age, he dreamt of becoming a teacher, as he himself was a big kid at heart, and younger children seemed to gravitate toward him.

Clark was an active member in church, dating all the way to when he was four years old. He was quoted as saying: "And when I say active, I mean cotton-pickin' active!" Clark was a member of the choir, on both the junior and senior Usher Board, and was even chosen to be put on trial as a deacon—the latter of which did not work out so well. "Oh, well—two out of three ain't bad," Clark joked.

After high school, Clark attended Fisk University, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He worked as a substitute Fourth Grade teacher in his hometown of Memphis, until he moved to Los Angeles, California three years later and met Vivian Jewel Coleman. The two wed in 1962 and raised five children.

Clark ultimately found a job as a Kindergarten teacher at Wiley L. Sapp Elementary School in 1977. He admitted that he was apprehensive on his first day at work, but after a great approval rating from his "little kiddies," Clark knew that he had indeed fulfilled his true calling. Often known as one of the pillars of Sapp Elementary, Clark founded the school's motto: "Shaping the kids of today for tomorrow." Clark continued to teach at Sapp Elementary until his retirement in June, 1993; he was succeeded by next door neighbor and best friend Bret Douglas.

Clark was such a joy to be around, be it at school, or at home. He loved and lived life, up to the fullest and beyond. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and he was a huge wrestling fan. Clark also loved to host Christmas parties, costume parties, and Fourth of July celebrations. It should be well documented that Clark just loved people—period. If he liked you, he would give you a nickname... and sometimes he would mispronounce names on purpose.

On August 31, 1996, Heaven dispatched its angels to take Clark on up a little higher, and at the age of 62, Clark accepted. His parents, one brother, and one sister preceded him.

Clark leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 34 years, Vivian; three sons, Anthony Thomas, Ronald Louis, and Steven Joseph; two daughters, Cheryl Yvette and Danielle Renee; two brothers, Louis Ulysses and Franklin Virgil; two sisters Donna Nicole and Tanya Michelle; two son-in-laws, William LaBon and Philip Turner; three daughter-in-laws, Stephanie Brianne, Brenda Louise, and Monica Chantel; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

And of course, Mr. Jones is mentioned in Simply Bret.

Bret & Susie-- 30 Years in the Making

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."

These photos are also in my book Simply Bret.

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.