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Book Excerpt - For the Money

12/4/2020

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Book Excerpt from Chapter 2.
The back story to this chapter is that Peter is Jennifer's ex-husband. Drake is Jennifer's current husband. Drake is a shady, conniving, underhanded man who manipulated his way into Jennifer's life and sabotaged Peter's life and position in the company so that Drake could take over and gain access of the money he intends to embezzle. But, Jennifer is naïve and can't seem to see what's going on right under her nose. In this excerpt, Peter sneaks into Jennifer's office because he wants to spill the beans about Jennifer's current husband, Drake. 

BEGIN EXCERPT

“How did you get in here?” Jennifer enters her office to find her ex-husband, Peter sitting on the guest sofa at the far end of her executive suite.

“The door was open. I walked in.” He knows his pat answer is not sufficient, especially since he is a very unwelcomed guest in the building and much less welcomed in Jennifer’s office.

“How did you get past security?” Jennifer wants to know.

“Security?” Peter smirks, “If those bozos were paying attention, they would have seen me walk right past them and into the elevator.”

First thing in the morning, Jennifer is not in the mood to be confronted by her ex-husband. She glances at her watch. It is 9:05. She makes her way to her desk and asks, “Wasn’t Sheila here to stop you from entering my office?”

As Jennifer sat behind her desk, Peter answers, “No, but I can always count on your secretary to be diligently brewing coffee right about now.” He chuckles dryly. Continuing, “Look, Jennifer…”

“No. You look,” Jennifer’s interruption is stern and forthright, “I don’t appreciate you just walking into my office like this, so, you have but one second to hightail your ass straight out that door.” And she points directly toward the door. There is no mistake. Jennifer does not care to have Peter there for whatever reason he might have.

Peter makes no move to leave. He sits there as if he has not heard a word Jennifer said.

“I won’t hesitate to call security and have you thrown out,” she assures him as she reaches for the phone.
Peter knows Jennifer will call security and the thought prompts him to stand and move forward. He responds, “Jennifer, please, don’t call security. I’m sorry,” he apologizes, “I don’t have a right to be here, and I certainly don’t have a right to be arrogant about my presence. I know you don’t want me here. I’ll leave, but there’s something I need to say first.”

He pauses to get a response from Jennifer. But, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath in anticipation of the confrontation that is undoubtedly about to begin if she allows Peter to say what he is about to say.

“I know I have said this a thousand times..”

“A thousand and one,” Jennifer quips in a lighthearted tone, but, regardless, Peter knows that her mood is still as stern as ever.

He continues, “I know I sound like a broken record, but I’ve just got to do all I can to convince you to listen to me. Just hear what I have to say. I know that if you heard me out once and for all, you would see the truth about this man you call your husband.”

“I call him my husband because he is my husband, Peter, and that’s just it. He’s my husband…”

“Jennifer…”

“Peter!” Jennifer insists on continuing. “I have a new life with Drake. We’re happy, and I know that if you would go out and get a life of your own, you would be happy too.”

“Happy?” Peter asks, “How can I be happy? That man took my wife away from me, and when he did that, he also took my life. I’m here because I’m trying to get my life back together again. You need to know about this man. You need to know how he deceived you and everyone else…”

“No, Peter,” Jennifer interrupts as she rises from the leather-bound executive chair. She holds her words until she can position herself in front of her mahogany desk, placing one hand on her hip, the other pointing like a revolver at Peter’s face, “I won’t listen to what you have to say. I don’t want to hear any more of your lies.” Then, she turns abruptly so that now her back is toward Peter. Her folded arms display a posture that indicates her disinterest in continuing this conversation.

“Jennifer…”

“What?” She interrupts as she turns back around, arms still folded as she faces Peter.

Peter has to ignore the stern look on Jennifer’s face as he continues. “Darling, I know…”

“Don’t call me that!” Jennifer exclaims, “I am not your Darling. I am not anything to you anymore. Please…”

“OK.” Peter interrupts with a sigh. He knows Jennifer does not take too kindly to his endearments. It always sends her temper soaring. He should not risk upsetting her like this since it would, most likely, be the last chance he would have to get Jennifer to listen to him. “OK. I promise. I will not call you Darling anymore.”

Peter relents to the hardest thing in the world for him to do. He still loves Jennifer and always thinks of her as his wife. They had been married for twenty-one years when Jennifer asked him for a divorce. It all happened suddenly. They were happy before Drake Elliot came to town and poisoned everyone and everything in his path. Peter knows that if it were not for Drake, he and Jennifer would still be married. He doesn’t blame Jennifer. After all, he knows she was just caught in Drake’s web of lies, stung by Drake’s venom. She only didn’t realize it at the time, and she certainly doesn’t know it now.

Jennifer and Peter may not be married anymore. Still, each time Peter looks at Jennifer, his heart melts as he longs to be with her. She is the most beautiful woman in the world to him with her 5’7” stature, a rare combination of green eyes that shine like emeralds, and brunette hair that gently graces her shoulders. Being born from a Caucasian man, a European immigrant, and an African-American woman, Jennifer’s skin tone resembles the delicious coffee color with cream.

She is feminine yet sensuous. The V-line cut of her grey silk blouse exposes her neck, and just a hint of skin left bare above her breasts. Peter can imagine her firm breasts held by a white laced demi-bra. She always wears matching laced panties next to her round, proportioned derriere. Her black wool skirt is elegantly tailored with a three-inch slit on the sides so that when she sits down, the fabric falls open ever-so-slightly to expose a slither of her slender but toned thighs. Oh, how he would enjoy holding her right now, remembering her soft skin and how her perfume always lingers after a long embrace, her essence remaining with him throughout the rest of the day.

“Jennifer,” Peter calls, coming out of his thoughts about her. “I know the things I’m saying sound a little far-fetch, but they’re not lies.”

“Then, what are they?” Jennifer wants to know. She unfolds her arms, and now both hands are placed on her hips as she is more perturbed than ever. “What are they, Peter? Why do you keep trying to convince me that my husband is trying to sabotage the company? She emphasizes the word husband for Peter’s sake.

“Because it’s true.”

“So far, you’ve never been able to prove anything you’ve said.”

“I know that Jennifer, but I have proof now.”

Then, Jennifer gives a fake laugh to show her disbelief. “You expect me to believe that after two years, you finally have proof?”

“Yes.” Peter signs, “I swear. As God is my witness, I swear.” He emphasizes God, as he knows Jennifer is a God-fearing woman, and he feels that bringing God into the conversation might help strengthen his position.

For a split second, their eyes connect. There is a lingering pause as they experience a moment of truth and realization. Since the divorce, Jennifer could never look at Peter directly, at least, not straight into his eyes. Perhaps she is afraid of what she might see.

END EXCERPT
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New Release - The Little Treasure of Prayers

10/28/2018

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Prayer is a big part of the Christian lifestyle. It is a way of communicating, talking one-on-one with God; and when talking with God, we must be honest and open with Him, letting Him hear what is in our heart.

Today, I read an article titled, Don't Dismiss the Incredible Power of Prayer by Billy Hallowell, a Fox News opinion writer. In this beautiful article, Hallowell shares an emotional experience in his life where he ultimately leaves the reader with the following statement, "God's there for us, even in our times of suffering; all we have to do is ask."
I just released my most recent ebook titled,The Little Treasure of Prayers: Translated. This ebook is a compilation of prayers from a book written in the 19th Century. The language in the 19th Century is sometimes difficult to understand. The prayers are magnificent, but in order to gain a full understanding of the prayers, I spent a good length of time looking up many of the words. After much thought, I decided to translate the book into the common-day language of the 21st Century, making these glorious prayers easy to read and enjoy.
​This ebook is meant to be read for joy and in the process, it is my hope that you will develop an appreciation for prayer and enjoy the concept of incorporating prayer into your daily life.

Find this ebook in the Kindle Store at Amazon.

The Little Treasure of Prayers: Translated
Note: I am in the process of formatting the paperback version of this book and will announce the completion of the paperback version in the near future.
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Be the Better Person

4/17/2017

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On Being the Better Person
I say it often, “Be the better person!” In fact, people are probably sick of hearing me say that every time they come to me with a struggle they are having with another person. I admit, I do say be the better person a lot.

But look, there is more to being the better person than mere words. I like being the better person. The truth is… being the better person is one of my most useful life tools for survival.
I never thought I would quote Bill Clinton but I like what he said about being a better person:

“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit."
--William J. Clinton
How can I be the better person?
Listen, when I say be the better person, I don’t mean that you should be full of yourself and act like you are all that and a bag of chips. I also don’t mean that you should roll over and let people beat you up or belittle you in any way. No, being the better person has a lot to do with how you analyze and respond to things that happen in life.

For example, it is good to try to see things from other people’s perspective. Think… “How would I feel if X was happening to me?” "How would I feel if someone said X to me?" Consider the other person’s point of view before responding. When you do this, you will see that your reaction becomes more well-rounded and appropriate for the situation.

Don’t be a target!
Another tactic about being the better person is to never react to things people say or do. Don’t put your feelings out there - on a platter for people to squash you down to the ground. Many people love to put other people down, especially if they think you are an easy target. You’re the better person when you are not jumping up and down, yelling and screaming at people. When you are yelling and screaming at people, it only makes YOU appear to look like a child throwing a temper tantrum. If there is any yelling and screaming going on, let it be the OTHER person. Let THEM look childish instead of you. Granted, you don’t deserve to get yelled at, but neither do other people. Let them act like the out of control child with a temper tantrum. In doing this, you will appear to be the more mature person that you are. You will, essentially be the better person.

In today's society, people can be ultra-mean. But, you do not have to stoop down to their level. Be the better person at all times and you will find it easier to handle the ups and downs of other people and their meanness.

Video: Motivation Monday #1 - Be a Better Person
This guy, Stu Crompton, says all the things I say on a regular basis. In this short video (3:37), he talks about how we should:
  • Stop judging people – He says, “If you’re going to judge somebody, make sure you’re dammed perfect yourself.”
  • Surround yourself with positive people.
  • Rid yourself of all toxic people.
  • Stop with indirect insults.
  • Don’t try to make everybody happy. You can’t please everybody. Do what makes you happy.
  • Set lifetime goals.
  • “Always be looking forward, don’t dwell on the past.”
I just watched Stu's video today and enjoyed it so much I subscribed to his channel. I want to catch all of his Monday Motivations.
We only have one life to live. Live it to the best level you can. I hope this message helps you be the best person you can be.

Copyright Marlene C. Bertrand 2017
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My Book About How I Conquered Being Suddenly Unemployed

9/6/2016

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ITT Tech Closing Down - Massive Job Loss for 8,000 Employees
I read in the news today that ITT Tech is closing all 130 campuses in 38 states. They are eliminating 8,000 employees. That’s what my book, “Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living: The Simple Life – The New American Dream” is all about - how people are let go from being employed and all of a sudden they are unemployed. In the book, I share my personal story of how I dealt with being unexpectedly unemployed. I hope that by reading my story, someone is able to come out of sudden unemployment with a different and possibly better lifestyle.

Book Description (On Amazon and Kindle):
On August 25, 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that from January 2013 through December 2015, there were 3.2 million workers displaced from jobs they had held for at least 3 years.
 
Losing a job is distressing. Not being able to find a replacement job can be devastating and there is no comfort in knowing the number of people who share in your job loss position. The possibility of poverty becomes a “real” alternative and managing the transition is your only solution.

This is a memoir. It is a true story that recalls the journey of Marlene Bertrand, a woman who once owned a small business, who once earned a six-figure income and lived the lifestyle of the American Dream. But, then in the year 2008 a new presidential regime was voted in. This new Commander-in-Chief charged in and changed the way of the world, making decisions without regard for the citizens who would be affected. These presidential decisions wrought havoc on the economy; consequently, these decisions destroyed the very lifestyle to which Marlene had become accustomed.

After losing her job due to “Right-Sizing,” Marlene was unable to find gainful employment and rapidly went from living an upper-middle class lifestyle to living in poverty. It wasn’t easy, but Marlene is a positive thinker. When life gives her lemons, she makes lemonade. After making some adjustments in her mindset and behavior she is now living a simple life, sharing her struggles and solutions to help others transition to living a simple, yet sustainable lifestyle.

Marlene not only talks about living with less income, she is living with less income. In “From Riches to Rags to Right-Sized Living,” Marlene shows you how to live with less money, yet still live a more abundant lifestyle.

Marlene says,
“As I was writing this book I feared I might be sharing too much of my life with the world. But, the more I wrote, the more I realized that sharing my story might help others know that they are not alone in their financial and lifestyle struggles. Being terminated from employment can happen to anyone."

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The Best Tips I Ever Read About How to Write Flash Fiction

4/6/2015

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PicturePencils for writing.
I am a true fan of flash fiction. I enjoy reading. I also like reading a story from start to finish in one sitting. In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Philosophy of Composition,” Poe said that a short story should be read in one sitting. He further indicated that one sitting is considered from a half hour to two hours.

Flash Fiction Satisfies My Joy of Reading
The short reading session of flash fiction coincides with my reading preference. I’m a person who doesn’t like to leave things undone. Flash fiction matches my joy of reading with my desire to be finished with something without leaving it on the table to finish later. When I finish reading a flash fiction story, my mind is left feeling fulfilled. I can relax, knowing I have completed something. I don’t have to come back to finish reading it later.

Accomplished Writer Shares Flash Writing Tips

As a writer, I also enjoy writing flash fiction because I get to tell a quick and meaningful story that anyone, including busy readers, can enjoy in a moment's time.

Writer, Linda Crampton (AliciaC on HubPages) has a solid handle on what it takes to write flash fiction. Her article Flash Fiction – Genre Facts, Writing Tips and Stories is filled with helpful information on the various types of flash fiction known as short fiction, short short fiction, and micro-fiction.

Make sure you watch the accompanying video titled, “Flash Fiction: A Quick Snapshot.” This video gives you a quick and entertaining overview of flash fiction and what a flash fiction should do in order to leave your reader feeling satisfied with your flash fiction work of art.

Learn How to Write Flash Fiction
If you are considering writing flash fiction, I highly recommend that you read Flash Fiction – Genre Facts, Writing Tips and Stories to learn the ins and outs of flash fiction.


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    Marlene C. Bertrand declared "Independent Writer" status in 2013. This blog shares her journey as a writer. Visit Marlene's  My Books page for recently published books.

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    Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links.
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    Recommended Recources

    When I need answers to my writing questions, I refer to resources that have served me well as a technical writer in the past and as a freelance writer now. The following books sit on my bookshelf ready for use at my demand. When working with clients, you will need to adhere to the client’s style guide for how they want their documents to be formatted. As a freelance writer, you have the liberty of setting up your own style guide. The following resources offer excellent information on grammar and punctuation styles that are most common to writing for United States publishing standards.

    Any one or all of the following books are valuable books to have on your bookshelf at all times:

    Strunk and White's Elements of Style

    The Chicago Manual of Style

    Associated Press Stylebook


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