An Update On Howie & Jessica

Happy Wednesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

So much has been going on that even I can’t keep up with everything. As you all know, Ms. Viv’s book Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake has just been published, and I have been so busy marketing and planning book signings that I haven’t had time to update my blog… that is, until this very moment.

We broke the news to you all on January 9, 2012 about Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres. In case you missed it, these two are engaged to be married, and despite my busy schedule, the happy couple are planning to wed on June 16, 2012.

It all began in a grocery store in April 2009 when Howard and Jessica met. While waiting their respective turns in line, the two killed time by singing—of all things—a theme song from a professional wrestling show. One thing led to another, and they exchanged phone numbers that very day. Three days after that, they had their very first date, and here we are, planning a wedding.

We will have more on this story as it develops in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, stay tuned for tomorrow, as the blushing bride-to-be gives her thoughts and feelings about becoming Mrs. Howard Douglas.

Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake Has Arrived!

Hey there, Ms. Viv 'Nim Fanatics!


Vivian Jewel Jones has finally arrived!  I am happy to introduce her autobiography, Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake.

“No matter what life throws at’cha, you just keep on in spite of, Baby!”

These are words to live by from everyone’s favorite senior citizen, Vivian Jewel Jones—a.k.a. Ms. Viv.

A native of the Mississippi Delta, Ms. Viv is known for her beautiful spirit and her delicious strawberry seven-up cake. She is a strong down-to-earth Christian woman who loves professional wrestling, rap music, and get even boogie on the dance floor.

A rock of stability with a genuine love for others, Ms. Viv is always willing to give words of encouragement and prayers, but when an unexpected tragedy hits home, it’s up to Ms. Viv to practice what she has preached.

Life, Love, and Strawberry Seven-Up Cake is an uplifting and inspirational story that will make you laugh, touch your heart, and encourage you to think about what is most important in life.  Through Ms. Viv’s testimony, we are reminded that nothing is ever promised, so it is best to find joy in life, live for the moment, and most importantly of all, trust in The Lord.

Just as a reminder: Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake is available in paperback for $22.00, and hardcover for $32.00.

A New Year, A New Blossoming Romance

Happy New Year, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

It’s been only one week into the year 2012, and already we have something to talk about.

When we last left you in 2011, we made mention that congratulations were in order for Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres.  Here is the official announcement:

Antonio and Valerie Torres of Los Angeles, California, are honored to announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Jessica Dawn Torres, to Mr. Howard Allen Douglas, son of Bret and Susan Douglas, of Culver City, California.  The June wedding is in the making.

Jessica, a 2004 graduate of UC Irvine, is a First Grade teacher at Wiley L. Sapp Elementary School.

Howard, a 2003 graduate of UC San Diego, is a photojournalist at the Culver City Gazette.

Stay tuned, as we will keep you all posted regarding 2012's cutest couple.

Ms. Viv 'Nim Ends 2011 With Great News!

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

First of all, I humbly apologize for the unexpected one-month hiatus, but I have a good reason.  For one thing, my second book, Vivian Jewel Jones: Life, Love, and Strawberry Seven-Up Cake, is due to make its debut sometime in the upcoming new year.  In preparing for the release my second book, I have also been working  on my third book.

In light of the excitement, I have some great news involving Ms. Viv ‘Nim.  See if you can keep up with it all… LOL!

• Duane & Sarah Anoai are expecting… that’s right!  Our little princess-turned-queen is an expectant mother.  Even bigger news from the Anoai household: Sarah is expecting twins!  You could imagine the reaction from both of their families, as they revealed the exciting news on Christmas Day. Congratulations to the Anoai Family on their additions.  Also important to point out: the due date is sometime in September 2012.
• Sarah Elizabeth is not the only one who is expecting.  Her best friend Amy Rochelle Newhart is also pregnant.  Amy and her husband Travis received the news around the Thanksgiving  holiday, with the due date expected sometime in May 2012.  Congratulations to Travis & Amy Newhart.
• And yet, more congratulations go out to Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres (pictured above).  It was on Saturday, December 17, 2011, that Howard proposed to Jessica in a uniquely creative way, and Jessica lovingly said yes.  Both Mr. Douglas and Miss Torres are scheduled to wed in June 2012.  Once again, congratulations to the future newlyweds.

We would also like to acknowledge some December birthdays:

• Happy Birthday to Olivia Denise Parker, who turned 33 years old on December 3.
• Happy Birthday to Barbara Louise Zuckerman, who turned 25 years old on December 7.
• Happy Birthday to Thelma Jean Davis, who turned 81 years old on December 8.
• Happy Birthday to Theodore Marvin Drozdowski, who turned 46 years old on December 17.

This is all of the news that we have for you today.  Consider this the last blog of 2011.  Until New Year 2012, take care, love you all, and God Bless.

All About Andrea

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

Before we get on to today’s blog, I want to thank you for the feedback regarding last week’s blog series entitled “Susie’s Testimony.” It was a special blog that I had a lot of fun writing, in addition to joining the rest of the world in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And you know, it is so apropos that today’s blog features a character whose favorite color is pink.

With that said, I would like to introduce to you: Andrea Michelle Cornette.

Born an only child on October 5, 1986 in Los Angeles, California to Joseph and Rachel Cornette, Andrea made her Sapp Elementary debut in the Third Grade, and immediately made friends with the Chickadees.

Andrea graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2008, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She currently works as a secretary, but her goal in life is to be a “singing tennis player.”

It should come as no surprise that Andrea’s favorite color is pink, considering that she wears it almost always. She is also known as “Bubblegum Blondie” by her fellow Chickadees.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
After the Chickadees and I graduated from Eighth Grade, we all went to celebrate at Disneyland.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
I was giving a speech in class, and I broke out with a case of the hiccups.

FAVORITE ACTOR: Dave Coulier

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Tisha Campbell

FAVORITE SINGER: Ne-Yo

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Full House

FAVORITE MOVIE: Miracle On 34th Street

FAVORITE ATHLETE: The Williams Sisters

FAVORITE CARTOON: Sleeping Beauty

FAVORITE COLOR: Pink

FAVORITE FOOD: Chili Cheeseburger

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Strawberry

SECRET TALENT: I absolutely love karaoke—just give me a mic and I’m on!

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO: Play tennis and hang out with my fellow Chickadees.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:

I would have convinced my mom and dad to get my a younger brother or sister.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:

My college professor, Mrs. Linda Cole

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:

The time to plan for a rainy day is when the sun is shining.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:

Bernie Mac, Terri Runnels, Grant Hill, Heather Headley, and Kate Winslet

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:

Be a singer or a tennis player—maybe both.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:

Bright, Beautiful, and Bubbly

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):

Nikki, A.J., Barbie, and Di

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:

My old elementary school, just to show my appreciation to my teachers.

IF I HAD ONE WISH:

I would be Derek Fisher’s girlfriend.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:

Since I was born in the 80s, I consider myself an 80s child. I love the music, the ponytails… everything. I am like, so totally an 80s girl!

Susie's Testimony, The Conclusion

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

When we last left you on yesterday, we saw that Susie had been inspired by a terminally ill yet very optimistic woman named Eileen. After hearing Eileen’s testimony, Susie went in to have her lump removed from her breast. Not only was the surgery a success, but the tumor was benign. Susie was all smiles obviously, but her joy soon became overshadowed by her grief when she received news that Eileen had passed away.

And now, the conclusion of Susie’s Testimony.

Susie’s heart sank, as a brief but awkward silence filled the phone between her and a grief-stricken Gary.

“She couldn’t have died,” Susie wept. “I only met her right before my surgery, and she had so much life and vigor. She’s really gone?”

“Yes, Mrs. Douglas—last night, in my arms,” Gary answered, fighting back tears. “The ironic thing was that we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.”

Gary went on to tell Susie that around two in the morning, Eileen woke up and complained that she was cold. Thinking nothing of it, Gary gave her an extra blanket, but Eileen still felt cold. Naturally, Gary decided to wrap Eileen up in his arms and cradle her. After a sweet kiss on the lips, Eileen thanked Gary for tending to her need, and closed her eyes. Maybe fifteen seconds later, she passed away peacefully.

When Susie hung up, she sat in her recliner, placing her hand over her left breast. There was a scar from her surgery, but there was also a scar upon her heart. Susie felt that it was meant for her to meet Eileen, and only after hearing about Eileen’s transition made it more affirmative. Susie always believed in guardian angels, so it should be no surprise that she considered Eileen to be one of them.

“Thank you, Eileen,” Susie whispered softly, looking up to the heavens.

Bret, Howie, Sarah, and Nikki came home from church that afternoon, just as cheery as they could be. Susie tried to hide the fact that she was crying, but it was all in vain. Just as Bret and the kids walked into the house, they saw Susie weeping something terrible and asked what was wrong. Through her sobs, Susie told them the story about Eileen’s passing. Bret gave Susie a comforting hug and told her that it may have been providentially planned for Eileen to come into Susie’s life, if only for that moment.

Later on during the week, Gary called the Douglases’ household, leaving a message regarding Eileen’s homegoing celebration. Susie vowed to be there and pay her respects, even if she had to work a half day. Susie not only showed up, but she also gave a reflection about her fifteen-minute conversation with “such an optimistic, upbeat woman.” Susie pointed out that the name Eileen meant “light,” and she had no doubt that Eileen let her light shine, up until The Lord took her home.

The following week, Susie was able to go back to work. She happened to be working on a project when her assistant walked in and said that someone in the office needed to speak with her right away. Susie accepted, and in walked Gary and his two daughters with a thank-you gift basket for Susie. Attached to the gift basket was a thank-you card and a silver pin shaped like a dove. Gary and his daughters thanked Susie by trapping her in a big group hug, to which Susie said, “If anything, I should be thanking you all for allowing me to meet Eileen. It’s through her strength that my spirit became rejuvenated. With that said, I thank you all so much.”

Susie's Testimony, Part Four

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

When we last left you, Susie made an appointment to have the lump on her left breast removed as soon as possible. While she awaited her surgery, she met Eileen, a woman who had battled breast cancer for three years, yet had a very cheery personality. Listening to Eileen’s testimony took away all fear and doubt from Susie’s mind, and Susie was willing to go into surgery with great faith.

And now, Part Four of Susie’s Testimony.


“Mrs. Douglas, we’re ready for you,” the doctor said.

Just before Susie walked in with the doctor, Eileen said, “Lemme give you my phone number before you go in. I already know that it’s already done, but I want you to call me and tell me the good news. But look, you get your rest first after you’ve had your surgery, then you call me and tell me all about it.”

Susie took Eileen’s phone number and promised that she would call.

Well, Susie had a very successful surgery, but aside from that, she received some great news: the lump on her breast was benign. Susie was so excited that she shouted “Thank You, Jesus!” over and over again. And the good news kept on coming—she was able to go home whenever she felt up to it. Susie wasted no time in calling Bret and telling him all of the good news. She chuckled when she heard Bret, Howie, Sarah, and Nikki cheering in the background.

Susie was discharged that Saturday afternoon, but before she left, she thanked her doctor and the nursing staff for taking such good care of her. The doctor was quick to inform Susie that the surgery was a success because he prayed that all would go well, and it did. He further commended Susie for her early detection and quick mindset to go have her lump checked out.

Later that evening, Susie was queen for a day when she got home. Bret cooked her favorite dinner—sirloin steak with french fries and a broccoli/cauliflower medley, Sarah and Nikki tended to her every wish (fluffing her pillows and giving her a manicure), and Ms. Vivian made a special strawberry seven-up cake with Susie’s name spelled out with sliced strawberries and pineapples. In light of the celebration, Susie was still sore from her surgery, and she was advised to take a few days of rest and not do anything strenuous. She hated that she would have to miss church, but she asked Bret and the Jr. Douglases to say a prayer for her while she recuperated.

This was the very first Sunday that Susie ever missed, but she understood the ramifications and consequences if she did not adhere to the doctor’s orders. Then again, Bret would tell her about the sermon when he got home from church. Susie laughed at her “duh moment” and went into the living room to watch television.

As soon as she sat down, Eileen crossed her mind. Susie remembered the promise that she made, so she went ahead and called Eileen to tell her the good news.

“Hello?” a man said with a very somber tone.

“Hi. May I speak with Eileen Smith, please?”

“Whom may I ask is calling?”

“I’m Susie Douglas. I met your wife at the doctor’s office just a few days ago. She asked me to call her and tell her about my surgery. I wanted her to know that my tumor was benign and my surgery was a great success.”

“That’s good to know—congratulations to you,” the man said, still somber. “I’m Eileen’s husband, Gary. I’m sure Eileen would love to hear that, if she was still here.”

“Well, I trust that you’ll give her the message when she gets back,” Susie chuckled.

“She won’t be back for a while, Mrs. Douglas—Eileen died last night.”

TO BE CONTINUED ON OCTOBER 7, 2011