Fear is a question: What are you afraid of, and why? Just as the seed of health is in illness, because illness contains information, our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them." --Marilyn Ferguson Most of us have heard the phrase: “There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” even if we have no idea who said it. But if we are able to conceptualize this phrase, then we know that we are more often not afraid of the tangible, but of the intangible creation of our very own mind. Sometimes, fear isn’t really based on something currently in front of us, but something that we imagine is going to happen in the future. For example, we may be afraid of losing a job, but unless and until it actually happens, the fear of the event lives only in our minds. We may be afraid of being abandoned by a lover, but actually have no hard evidence that the lover plans to leave. Where fear is concerned, we live in a world of duplicity- -double thinking, and as a result, apparent double- living with duplicate opportunities that really aren't duplicates. For example, fear and love are double thoughts typically occurring together, but sitting at opposite ends of the continuum. Our fear doesn't have to be real--it lies in our minds and can only become real if we allow it to. It is only in our minds that we accept things that are separated and temporary. In our very essence--our souls, we have no fear, because our souls only see the unity of the universe. Our task is to have our souls comfort our minds, which hold fear. Unity and love are higher energies, while fear is a lower energy. Bringing them together allows the higher energy to transform the lower energy. Our challenge in the human experience is to manage our fear. Some people actually seek out fear as a thrill, taking on dangerous activities that place life and/or limb in jeopardy in order to get the rush that comes from the adrenaline our body manufactures in the heat of fear. Repeated exposure to the adrenaline rush can actually cause a person to become addicted to fear, seeking greater threats to life and/or limb in order to experience a rush of adrenaline. But under normal circumstances, most humans avoid fear, and even detest it, though fear serves a real purpose. Our “fight or flight” instinct ramps up our nervous systems so that we can react quickly to defend ourselves or run, but triggering those instincts don’t necessarily feel good. And, because most of us are averse to fear, it can be used to keep us in line. For example, fear can be found at the very foundation of religion, which arguably keeps humanity from descending into chaos and disorder. While some may claim to have tangible evidence of things unseen, the fear involved in religion, much like the fear of something dangerous is an unpleasant feeling of what may occur, whether real or imagined. Fear can be used to manipulate behavior, as seen in cases of a perceived national security threat. American citizens who otherwise would not have supported George W. Bush did so following the National Disaster on 9/11/01, because of a perceived threat from “terrorists.” Fear can also limit opportunity. It is said that the most successful people in the world are people who are unafraid to take risks. Living without the limits of fear can expand the depth, breadth and quality of life. Our fear can be experienced on a range anywhere from paranoia, which is typically an awareness (perceived or otherwise) of being pursued or persecuted, to sheer terror, which is the state of fear following something horrific (perceived or otherwise) this is immediate. Someone who is paranoid may behave erratically, while someone who is terrified may behave irrational and out of character. While going through the range of fear, we may go through a range of emotional stages, such as a rat going from wilting away from attack seeking escape, to becoming violent when cornered. That is why people who commit violent crimes are generally given some consideration under the law, if they commit the crimes under duress. As a child, I was told that I should fear God, and that I should fear trying to do too much and/or trying to go too far. But I was given this information by people who had lived extremely limited lives. These were people who were frozen with fear—afraid to live because to live ultimately meant facing death. As I grew in the world, I understood that in order to live the broad and beautiful lives lead by the fearless, people had to learn to understand fear. I knew that I had to face the things I feared and question the practicality of the fear involved. According to Thomas Jefferson, we must even “question with boldness even the existence of a God, because if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.” And, according to Marianne Williamson, in a statement often misattributed to Nelson Mandela, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented or fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” This means that what we need to do is to embrace our fears, rather than running from them or trying to manage them. When we come in direct contact with our fear, we learn about the fear and about ourselves. Perhaps that is the greatest lesson of life. Darryl James is an award-winning author who is now a filmmaker. His first mini-movie, "Crack," was released in March of 2006. He is currently filming a full length documentary. James’ latest book, "Bridging The Black Gender Gap," is the basis of his lectures and seminars. Previous installments of this column can now be viewed at www.bridgecolumn.com. James can be reached at djames@theblackgendergap.com

Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri, she later took the name Baker from her second husband, Willie Baker, whom she married at age 15. Surviving the 1917 riots in East St. Louis, Illinois, where the family was living, Josephine Baker ran away a few years later at age thirteen and began dancing in vaudeville and on Broadway. In 1925, Josephine Baker went to Paris where, after the jazz revue La Revue Nègre failed, her comic ability and jazz dancing drew attention of the director of the Folies Bergère. Virtually an instant hit, Josephine Baker became one of the best-known entertainers in both France and much of Europe. Her exotic, sensual act reinforced the creative images coming out of the Harlem Renaissance in America. During World War II Josephine Baker worked with the Red Cross, gathered intelligence for the French Resistance and entertained troops in Africa and the Middle East. After the war, Josephine Baker adopted, with her second husband, twelve children from around the world, making her home a World Village, a "showplace for brotherhood." She returned to the stage in the 1950s to finance this project. In 1951 in the United States, Josephine Baker was refused service at the famous Stork Club in New York City. Yelling at columnist Walter Winchell, another patron of the club, for not coming to her assistance, she was accused by Winchell of communist and fascist sympathies. Never as popular in the US as in Europe, she found herself fighting the rumors begun by Winchell as well. Josephine Baker responded by crusading for racial equality, refusing to entertain in any club or theater that was not integrated, and thereby breaking the color bar at many establishments. In 1963, she spoke at the March on Washington at the side of Martin Luther King, jr. Josephine Baker's World Village fell apart in the 1950s and in 1969 she was evicted from her chateau which was then auctioned off to pay debts. Princess Grace of Monaco gave her a villa. In 1973 Baker married an American, Robert Brady, and began her stage comeback. In 1975, Josephine Baker's Carnegie Hall comeback performance was a success, as was her subsequent Paris performance. But two days after her last Paris performance, she died of a stroke.

What’s your heart desire? What goals do you really want to manifest? The objective of this workshop is to assist you in setting and creating a strategy for reaching your financial goals, career goals, relationship goals, health goals, and more. So are you ready to take your life to another level? If the answer is Y-E-S, you are cordially invited to participate in our complimentary 6- week teleclass on goal setting. We know and all can agree clarity is powerful! And for artists, remember this “If you want to work on you art, work on your life,” Anton Chekhov. This is the perfect teleclass to do that in. The book we will use is Your Heart’s Desire: Instructions for Creating the Life You Really Want by Sonia Choquette, Ph.D. Time: Mondays from 9:00-10:00 pm Eastern. The teleclass will launch for take off on Monday April 2, 2007 at 9:00 pm Eastern. Please rsvp at cleopatrawrites@yahoo.com, and remember Carolyn Myss states, “We evolve at a rate consistent with the group that we are plugged into.” So get plugged in today with us!! Cleopatra Bell is a recovering Starving Artist (http://be- a-thriving-artist-now.blogspot.com) and has completed her book, Be A Thriving Artist, Not A Starving Artist (future release). She is seeking a literary agent and publishing company for her book. She received honorable mention in the Writer’s Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition for her scripts In A Year, I’ll Be Married and The Secret to Life which are for sale. The asking price of $2.1 million each is negotiable. She also enjoys facilitating her workshops Be A Thriving Artist Now and Goal Setting For The Creative Types. If you would like to participate in these popular workshops for artists, please contact www.spruillarts.org (770.394.3447) or Cleopatra directly.

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As a publisher, I always take a keen interest in new positive and culturally rich magazines. Not because I am worried about competition but because I admire that some one else has step up to the plate to disseminate sometimes crucial information. I gravitate towards those publications who are sincerely interested in teh development of our society. Most recently I had the opportunity to speak with Talia Holston, publisher of Shades of Brown Magazine. I hope we can all support her initiative. With out further delay, here is our interview. AMAG: Shades of Brown, The Magazine for Beautiful Teens of Color, sounds just like what the doctor has ordered. Where & when did the inspiration come from ? -inspiration not need. Talia Holston: When my oldest daughter became a teenager, I realized that all of the magazines that were available were not necessarily for her. I wanted my daughter to be able to read magazines that inspired her and made her proud to be herself. Not having a desire to look like or be someone else. Once I had a son, I felt that he should have access to the same. Your company overview states that you would like the publication to be a reference. What are some of the resources these teens may reference months later? Well, James, there will be detailed information on scholarships; a different college will be showcased monthly; Shades of Brown Magazine will celebrate our history every month, showcasing our history makers that our schools fail to focus on. We will also showcase events in our history, such as the Middle Passage and the Emancipation Proclamation. In addition, with the advice columns, teens may experience a situation and want to refer back to advice that was given to another teen. What is your most essential tool as you develop this magazine? Networking... In order for teens across America to come into the knowledge of Shades of Brown Magazine, I have to continue to network and meet new people to spread the word. Then hopefully they will see the true value of Shades of Brown and also feel compelled to pass the word. I understand that the magazine will have a music section. What type of music will be your focus? Will it be censored-given the age (12-22) of the reader? The Music section will not have a major roll in Shades of Brown Magazine since we already have enough magazines on this subject. With that said, there will not be just one type of music showcased since we as African Americans enjoy all types of music. However, the music that you may see showcased will be Gospel, Hip Hop, Jazz, R &B, and other genres that interest teens. Because this is a positive magazine, everything will be censored. Only musicians that express a positive message will be interviewed or featured in Shades of Brown Magazine. In addition, we will only allow advertisers that we feel have the same goal advertise with us. As we all know, the attention span for teens can sometimes wade, what new strategies are you hoping to implement so these teens will stay excited about this new publication? Shades of Brown Magazine is for our teens, about our teens, and to some extent, by our teens. Shades of Brown Magazine will give our teens a voice; they will determine a great deal where the magazine goes. Of your Columns and Departments, which one (s) do you think will be most visited (Positive Thinking, Steals and Deals, Ask a Brother, Hey Good Looking etc. ) and why? Since we are trying to reach all teens, we will divide some of our Departments into age groups. The younger audience would probably view "Hey Good Looking" and "I Am Beautiful" since these sections focus on fashion and appearance. The middle age group is probably going to view the advice columns more because they are full of questions while trying to find themselves. The older audience will be more interested in the "College" and "Scholarship" information. However, since Shades of Brown Magazine will celebrate Black History every month; during February, students will probably view "Our History" and "Our History Makers" more than any other Department. Are there any special words or announcements you want to convey to our readers? If you've ever wanted your voice heard and felt that no one was listening, Shades of Brown Magazine is for you. If you've ever felt as though you needed to talk and was uncomfortable speaking to those close to you; Shades of Brown Magazine is for you. And if ever in your life, you've wanted to read a magazine that was for you, about you and by you, Shades of Brown Magazine is for you, and we can't wait to hear from you. James, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to tell more teens about Shades of Brown Magazine. I thank you Talia and welcome to the wonderful world of publishing

Azarel is a native of North Carolina who currently resides in Maryland. She received her BS degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Bowie State University in 1999. Her love for writing sparked a career change. She resigned from her teaching tenure in the Prince George's County public school system to fulfill her dream of becoming an author. She was inspired to write her first novel, 'A Life to Remember" in an attempt to help change the lives of those who find themselves in unfortunate situations. As a wife, mother of two and CEO of Life Changing Books, Azarel enjoys spending time with family and friends and lending support to those in need. By mentoring teens and speaking at shelters for abused women she continues to achieve that goal. She is currently publishing other authors work including "Teenage Bluez" an urban series of books for teens. AMAG: How long has Life Changing Books been in existence? Azarel: LCB was started with my first publication "A Life To Remember" in 2003 which I published through Life Changing Books. What do you enjoy most about running Life- Changing Books? Everyday is a challenge but don't get me wrong. I love seeing projects go from start to finish and making a way for those to get published who normally would not know where to begin. Bruised 1 and Bruised 2 have made an historic impact on the literary world. What lead you to write about such a sensitive subject? Both books came from the heart. I experienced physical abuse at the hands of a old boyfriend when I was younger. I wanted to pen a story that would be heartfelt and reach out to women in order empower them to speak about what happens in abusive relationships and get help. Speaking and mentoring teens is also a passion of yours. What are some of the questions and or dialogue that takes place during these meetings? Honestly alot of times they just want to know how I got started and if I can help them get going. The Teenage Bluez project that I published is very dear to me. It allows kids to express themselves and share what they created with everyone. They are able to travel to different states, conduct interviews and do booksignings. I enjoy making their dreams of becoming published authors come true. Do you ever think you will go back to teaching on a structured level, so that certain information is mandatory learning in our school systems? Probably not, but I do enjoy enjoy wearing the publisher hat. Thru my foundation , "Spreading Literacy & Love" I plan to continue to work with teens and offer mentors and financial assistance to teens in need for their education and general living expenses. This program caters to those teens who are looking for areers in writing or publishing. Wow that is certainly something to be proud of. How many authors are under Life Changing Books and what are their genre's? We currently have 10 authors total. 8 of which are published currently and 2 have upcoming releases due out this spring. Our genre lists consist of Urban/Street Lit, Comtemporary Fiction, Teen Fiction and Erotica titles. How do you select authors to publish-what is the process to distinguish an okay author from a great author? I would have to say we look for stories that are outside the box. Alot of times folks are good storytellers and that is what we focus on. We have a great team of editors who can assist authors with the technical issues. Speak a little about the merge between Life Changing Books and Power Play Media? Sure, actually it was not a merge but the start up of a new organization that markets and distributes not only our titles but others who need assistance. Smart. What are some of the best events/symposiums.forums/fairs that you have attended in terms of your works not only being seen by many but also profitable-that you would recommend to aspiring and debut authors? Harlem Book Fair in NYC always does well for us. We travel all over the country promoting and selling at black expos, hair shows, sporting events. We always try to take our products non-traditonal outlets along with marketing within bookstores. What is on the horizon for Life Changing Books in 2007? Books Books and More Books :)We have a few new ideas > on the table but we can't discuss them just yet. Ineed. Thanks for your time!