by Philana Marie Boles... UPDATE

The publishing world is wonderful. Books are everywhere, aren't they? So often, books are the framework - if not topic - of political round tables, talk shows, girl-talk, peer talk, amongst colleagues and even on dates.

As an author, I am often inspired to see so many people - despite all of our wonderful choices for entertainment and ways to feed our brains - are still picking up books. And reading them ;)

And I'm blessed to have had Random House and Harper Collins publish three that I've written: Blame It on Eve, In the Paint and Little Divas.

That being said, I have publication news :)

My sophomore effort, In the Paint, was just re-released as an "e-book" for all you Sony Reader and Kindle enthusiasts. (Disclaimer: I have no idea how to use either but then I am also still hopelessly in love with the crackle sound that an LP makes and I have just finally fully upgraded from film that has to be developed to a digital camera, but only because it was given to me by my dad as a gift!).

I appreciate technology but let's just say I'm a little slow about embracing it. Working. On. That. :)

So anyhow, you can now order In the Paint officially as something called an e-book. Yeah!!! {{{{{{{{ applause and confetti }}}}}}}}

:)

And guess what else? Little Divas, my debut for young readers (tweens in particular) - after success in hardback -was just released today in paperback. With a new cover and an economy friendly price ($5.99) I hope you'll consider it the next time you're shopping online or at your favorite bookstore.

Otherwise, to update (because it's been a year since I pulled my blog) I'm still ghostwriting memoirs and non-fiction projects and freelancing as a journalist. I am also working on more offerings of my own. Blessings to count. Optimism worth beholding. And I'm thankful.

I don't know what the future holds. But I know who holds my future. :) To God be the glory!

xoxo... and LOVE!


P. Marie

Fashion WEEK? Fashion FOREVER... (an ode to Oscar de la Renta)

Oscar de la Renta’s name is synonymous with authentic grace and true sophistication and his spring 2009 RTW prevailed as evidence sustained.

In what is the ongoing subliminal conversation in our society regarding fashion—it's place in history, whether or not it is art, it's contribution to popular culture—de la Renta's is perhaps the brand relied upon for the tried, the true, and the proven.

When I was a little girl and my mother spoke of glamour, so often it was the work of Oscar de la Renta that we discussed. As a young woman now, I truly understand his gift of elegance.

Oscar de la Renta's spring 2009 collection, showcased during Fashion Week, was a show void of all the ballyhoos we see with so many rising fashion stars/artists. There was no evidence that de la Renta may in any way be surrendering to the budding competition amongst designers for artistic expressionism.

Even the makeup exuded sophistication—eyes in smoked out glamour, cheeks shimmering in subtle pink and lips in a color described as “antique gold”!

And the palate of the fabrics—black, camel brown, Kelly green, blush pink and true red—proved that there remains in fashion the presence of classic refinement.

Not to worry. Oscar de la Renta offered hints of his brilliant innovation as well--the classic pantsuit with it's relaxed-structure for example.

The show was Jackie O’s glamour defined (her sister Lee Radizwell was on the front row) and Vogue's Anna Wintour’s sophistication explained (she too sat immediate to the stage.)

But also, as proof to Oscar’s appeal to us in younger generations who are sometimes less impressed by what’s hot and more by what is timeless, so sat Genevieve Jones and even Jennifer "J-Lo" Lopez (one of my personal style icons) up close.

Remember how Jenna Bush requested de la Renta to design her wedding gown this past spring? How evidence was that?

If grace were given a scent and elegance a smell, that would describe the imagined aroma present during Oscar de la Renta's show. It was—as is his legacy—pure, refreshing, timeless and beautiful.

Love!

P. Marie

On Presidents... (with a note to Howard University!)

Somewhere, I still have in my memoirs a signed letter from our beloved late president, Ronald Wilson Reagan. I was in the third grade when I received it, a congratulatory note for making the honor roll which encouraged me to keep it up.

In my child's mind, I truly believed that sitting in his oval office with Nancy one day, President Reagan had really read my grade card and actually knew who I was, a young and spunky child living in Toledo, Ohio. That motivated me for years. And, no, I do not mind at all if you think that's corny. I was a kid, okay? :)

Years later, I was a long-term substitute teacher and--in Regis & Kelly fashion--I'd start every day with my mug (of Gatorade) and we'd discuss the newspaper or what they'd seen on the news that morning (a daily extra credit assignment). One day I had them all write letters to our president (George W. Bush) and, together, we walked up the street from the school and each of us mailed our letter.

There swelled the same pride in the hearts of my students that--many years ago--had grown in my own upon reading Ronald Reagan's letter. They, too, believed that they mattered to the president, that he might actually care that they existed. That means something to a child, you know?

I had a third grade student--Diamonte was his name--who, on my first day as their long-term substitute, told me that he wanted to someday become the first Black president of the United States. Gifted with intelligence, I didn't doubt that he could. Hopelessly affected by inspiration, I called him "Mr. President" for the entire school year, as did his classmates follow suit.

Long before we were inspired today to "Barock the Vote", I, and thousands of other college students, exerienced a similar "Change" worth believing in :)

I was a freshman when Dr. Sidney A . Ribeau became the first Black president at Bowling Green State University, a big college in a small rural town in Ohio. It was an inspiring period of history and a milestone in my collegiate memories.

Under Dr. Ribeau's leadership, we--as his student body--were stimulated to believe in our own voices. I became a two-term senator in the Undergraduate Student Government, Coordinator of Multi-Cultural Affairs on the cabinet for three terms and for two years in a row served on the Student-Faculty Advisory Committee. A desire to make a difference inspired me to want to dedicate myself in this way but it was Dr. Ribeau's leadership that propelled me--and the many others who served--to believe our actions worthwhile.

I remember a group of us college kids campaigning, once in the rain even, for President Bill Clinton's re-election and also for the election of local politicians.

All because of an innate American desire, to have a leader in office who we felt truly cared.

During my years at BGSU, it was not unusual to see Dr. Ribeau on campus and have him ask, "How are things going?" and, upon answering him, to feel in your heart and see in his eyes that he really cared. He didn't have to know your name and you didn't have to be doing anything special to make him say hello. It was evident in his presence that Dr. Ribeau just wanted each of us to be our personal best.

I will never forget it, my senior year at BGSU, when Dr. Ribeau invited some of us who'd served as student leaders over to his home for dinner... just as an effort to say to us, "Job well done."

I will never forget it, the tears welling in my eyes on graduation day and the flood gates that opened for them when Dr. Ribeau--who gave our commencement address--mentioned my name. Something ignited inside of me. I would, I decided then, take with me and hold dearly his encouragement to be our best in society.

Nor, will I ever forget it, just four years after graduating, returning to BGSU as an alumni to give the keynote commencement address. I walked in with Dr. Ribeau and sat beside him on stage. And, though a budding novelist, I was still his starry eyed student inspired by a president who led in a way that validated all of our endeavors. I thanked him then and I will always be grateful for having studied under Dr. Ribeau's leadership.

This is Dr. Ribeau's first year at his new home, Howard University, and I pray that the lovely people in D.C. are good to him. RIbeau's is a leadership in which to truly cherish.

And ours, The United States, a country in which to remember that our leader can--and should--be the someone that even those not yet old enough to vote truly believe cares. May we all, no matter if you vote Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama for president, remember this on November 4th! Here's to presidents who not only represent, but also inspire us to be the change we want to see in the world.

Love!

P. Marie

Guess who's back in BLOG effect!

Welcome to "The Love Spot", previously known as the "It's All Love Spot".

It's been a year (can you believe it) since I've blogged. And a lot has changed.

For one, I returned (full time) to my beloved NYC, a place that holds the best of the world and also the worst; and is yet beautifully harmonious. What's good in NYC remains humbled by what isn't and what isn't remains inspired by what is. You can feel it in the atmosphere.

And, as an artist, NYC is an everflowing fountain of inspiration from which to drink. Born thirsty, I can appreciate that.

That being said, no matter where you live, always find a way to water your own grass. What's truly green, emerald even, is always usually right under your own feet.

And so, in noticing my absence, some of you have emailed me over the last twelve months just to say "Hello." or even "Um... helloooo?" I appreciate you all. I truly do. It's a blessing to be thought of and I am glad to be back blogging!

During my period of blog (and Myspace) disconnect, I've missed so many of you.

I look forward to hearing from my loyal (are you still?) readers. Roddy, Rome, Margarite (aka TV Nista), Sunny, Rocky to name a few... are you still out there????

There are many others, including my loyal "anonymous" people (who inspired me to disallow comments), but with whom I've missed as well. I hope you're still around, too.

Or, maybe you're new to my blog? Welcome! To recap:

In a world oversaturated with harsh critics and gratuitious haterism, "The Love Spot" is a place to lounge in fabulousness. The air inside this area of the blogosphere is a little different, you'll see. Not better, per se, but an alternative to gossip and criticism, which rightfully has it's place in the world as well.

If you have good news, a "must buy" or "must hear" or "must read" or "must see" fashion item, cd, book or movie that you think should be celebrated, hit me up! (And, no, I do not accept payment to promote anything in this blog. Never have.)

But together, let's get lifted. Life is too fly and too fabulous to waste time on things we don't enjoy. Let's celebrate what we do. The only rule in this house is love. Sound good?

Love you! Miss you. Mean it!

P. Marie