I trust that you are doing well and that your beautiful families are safe and sound. Today, I celebrate the Life and Legacy of Bishop Dr. Barbara L. King. I’m keeping her beautiful family and the Hillside International Truth Center family in my thoughts and prayers as they commemorate and celebrate her Homegoing.
In this photo, we dined at one of her favorite restaurants near her home. We had a great time of laughter and conversation! Though my heart is heavy, I choose to remember the wonderful times. That includes her giving me a tour of her beautiful home and showing me photos with and sentimental gifts from world leaders, hosting me at her church for my book signing, and sitting down for an interview with me.
Dr. Barbara was a mighty woman of God who spoke life into every person that she met. She was an AWESOME encourager who motivated each of us to be our very best. When I greeted her, I would say, “All Hail the Queen”. I had an audience with The Queen on Saturday, August 15 when I interviewed her via Zoom for a special series for Ashro called Onward & Upward with Leslie E. Royal. We spent a little over an hour talking about her amazing life from her youth to the recent celebration of her 90th birthday.
She was such a beautiful and kind spirit. Her episode called “A Spiritual Awakening with Bishop Dr. Barbara L. King” posted on September 17, 2020. I spoke with her that day by phone as we prepared for her Watch Party premiering her interview. She quietly thanked me for the interview, and I shared with her that it was indeed my pleasure.
I will be forever grateful for the blessing that she has been in my life. Please click on this link to view our conversation in which she inspired me so. I trust that it blesses you as we remember and pay homage to one of the greatest leaders who ever lived.
Onward & Upward: Ep. 2 with Bishop Dr. Barbara King | Ashro Celebrate BlogDr. Barbara Lewis King, affectionately called “Dr. Barbara”, Founder Minister/World Spiritual Leader of Hillside International Truth Center, Inc., a New Thought, Inclusive, healing ministry open to all people, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Hillside began with a prayer group of twelve in Dr. Barbara’s home in 1971 and has members and supporters worldwide, including outreach …www.ashro.com
I’m in Savannah, Georgia writing an article on Cora Bett Thomas Vacation Rentals. This is my hometown. See the link below to the article that I wrote.
“Then what you had in the past will seem small compared with the great prosperity you’ll have in the future.” – Job 8:7
Hi Beautiful Family & Friends! 😊
How are you? I trust that you and your wonderful family are safe and sound! I wanted to reach out to you today to share my excitement about a few of my projects that are on the horizon! Also, I wanted to connect with you regarding following your dreams and pursuing your passion! As a woman of faith, I believe that God created me in His own image just to glorify Him! My prayer is that I do so in all that I say and all that I do!
Moreover, I love the Psalm 37:4 scripture, “Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Over the years, I have spoken to so many people about their dreams or desires. I have said what others say, “If money were no issue and you had all that you needed, what would you like to do?” I then go on to say that they should pursue their passion – even if they have to do so for FREE! But don’t quit your day job! You still have to pay your bills!
I speak from experience. I was working at the FBI as a clerk for nearly nine years. My daughter Antasha who was nine at the time asked, “Mommy, what will I be when I grow up?” I said what most Mommies would say, “You can be whatever you want to be.” At that moment, I had an epiphany. I was not being a good example or role model for her. While I had a good job with benefits, that’s not what I wanted to do. That’s not what I wanted to be. I was on the newspaper staff since 7th grade, a features editor from 10th – 12th grade, and had an undergrad degree in Journalism. I really wanted to be a writer!
I’m in Mr. Nesbitt’s Social Studies class at Savannah High. But I always looked forward to going to work on The Blue & White newspaper! This photo is circa 1982 – 1985. My how time flies!!!
Immediately, and while still working, I set out to follow my dreams of being a freelance journalist! I began with a wonderful local publication called The Atlanta Bulletin! Mr. David Smith, the publisher, said that he didn’t pay his writers. But I could get experience and go on to other publications. He was certainly right! I took his advice, continued to work full time with the FBI by day, and covered and wrote articles for FREE by night! A little over a year later, when I turned 30, I cut my hair, quit my job, had a big birthday party, and never looked back!
My brother Henry and sisters Natalie and Sylathia join me at my 30th Birthday Bash hosted by my hubby Tony.
My first paid article was for a publisher by the name of Jennifer Parker who would become a dear friend. When I received my first check for $50 from CrossRoadsNews, I cashed it at my local bank and asked for at least five $1 bills. When the teller placed the first dollar in my hand, I took it and placed it in my wallet for framing. I never framed it.
Now, 25 years later, it stays in my wallet behind my drivers license to remind me that following your dreams will yield tangible results. I’ve changed wallets several times, but that neatly folded $1 remains. It reminds me that dreams do come true! I share it with others from time to time. Over the years, I have written for ESSENCE, The Wall Street Journal, FORTUNE, Black Enterprise, Upscale Living, The Ashro Blog, Chron.com, and numerous publications! Please see these links to view articles in my Leslie’s Lane Muck Rack Portfolio and my Leslie’s Lane site.
Everyone has a life story. What is yours? Are you ready to follow your dream whatever it may be? Your age doesn’t matter. Your circumstances don’t matter. As 2021 emerges over the horizon, this is a great time to pursue your passion with great intensity! You can still work while you do so. I did! Many people tell me that they would like to write their first book! That’s a wonderful place to start! Please check out my book called How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book with Amazon’s KDP.
Do you know of family members, friends, church members, sorority sisters, colleagues, or coworkers who would like to write a book and just don’t know where to start? Feel free to host me for a VIRTUAL “How to Become an Author” Workshop! You can check out the flyer below! Prior to COVID-19, I presented in-person workshops at churches, conferences, and events. I feel that there is an author in each of us! Everyone has a story to tell and no two stories are the same!
Have you always wanted to be an actor? Check out these websites below! You can certainly be an extra too! As an extra, you would get paid by the hour or daily. That would be so much fun! Give it a try! I have several friends and relatives who have been featured in movies, and they loved it! Danielle’s son Alex Riley Hughes appeared in the blockbuster Black Panther movie! I love that movie and watch it often! Well Alex was one of the kids on the playground towards the beginning of the movie! He’s also got a lot of other exciting things going on such as playing young Gucci Mane! Check out his video clip on his IMDb page. Feel free to Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Recognize this scene from the blockbuster Black Panther movie? Alex Riley Hughes was one of the kids on the playground. His Mom is my sister’s good friend! Click on the links above to follow him. He’s appeared in several movies and plays young Gucci Mane in his latest venture.
Seven Websites to Check Out for Working Actors and Aspiring Actors!
That brings me to my next topic. I was honored to interview a beautiful woman who is following her dreams in life! The super great news for you is that she shows everyone else how to do so as well! Angela Marie Hutchinson of Breaking into Hollywood is a celebrity journalist, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. She has worked with Warner Brothers, MGM, and the Grammys. She also covered the Red Carpet at The Oscar Awards for BBC! She turned her TEDx Talk, “Create Your Own Yes, When You Keep Hearing No”, into a book called Create Your Yes! Please click on this link, “Create Your Yes with Angela Marie Hutchinson”, to learn more about her and view our interview.
GREAT NEWS ALERT AND PRAISE REPORT!
I am so excited about sharing my great news with you! I just learned that Ashro has approved Season 2 of Onward & Upward with Leslie E. Royal! Big Yay! I am so very EXCITED! This is AWESOME news! Special thanks to The Ashro Team! You are simply AMAZING!
By way of background, I am a brand ambassador for Ashro. Ashro is an exceptional company that specializes in beautiful clothing for African American women. I model their clothing, write articles for the blog, work with the Faith & Fashion Facebook Group, and host their newest video series! For Onward & Upward with Leslie E. Royal, I interview accomplished, nationally renowned African American women who are making a difference in the global and local community. If you or extraordinary black women that you know would like to be featured, you can email your bios and contact info to AshroWomen@gmail.com.
Please click on the links below to view the videos, photos, and bios of the first five of ten AMAZING women featured in Season 1! They have inspired many. I was honored and humbled that they took time to speak with me and share their insightful stories of trials and triumphs.
Introduction to Onward and Upward with Leslie E. Royal
Thank you for taking time to celebrate with me today! It was fun going down Memory Lane! I hope that this info is helpful to you! If it is, please feel free to forward it to your family and friends! Please have a wonderful holiday season and know that the best is yet to come in 2021! In the words of Mary Mary, Go Get that Blessing!
Most Sincerely,
Leslie E. Royal
BTW, have you planned your holiday getaway? Please check out my latest travel stories below! You can follow me @LesliesLane for info on articles and projects!
Hi Beautiful Family and Friends! I trust that you are well and that your family is safe and sound. I am so very excited to share that Ashro, the AMAZING nationally renowned clothing brand for African American women, is presenting a 10-part video series called Onward & Upward with Leslie E. Royal. I was honored to interview accomplished Black women who are making a notable difference in the local and global community.
Each Thursday, beginning September 10, 2020, I will be hosting a Watch Party on the Ashro Facebook page to premiere the inspiring and empowering episodes. Please like the Ashro Facebook page today. You can follow the company @ShopAshro and me @LesliesLane in order to receive your reminders to tune in at 12:00 noon EST every Thursday for the next 10 weeks. Please click on the link below to view a brief video clip.
Learn all about the beautiful guests by visiting the Ashro blog on the week their episodes premiere: https://www.ashro.com/blog/.
Janet McCloud Montgomery, Creator of From My Big Eyes, released a DIY T-Shirt Design Video that Leslie used to spice up her family reunion t-shirt. The directions are quite easy. @FromMyBigEyes
By Leslie E. Royal
Hi Beautiful Family and Friends!
How are you? I trust that you are having a great day! I love t-shirts! I buy them for myself and many people give them to me as gifts! When I go on press trips, I am given tees from different cities, states, islands, and countries! If you are like me an have one serious collection of t-shirts, you want to do something creative or special with them!
Enter Janet McCloud Montgomery! She is a nationally renowned celebrity journalist and creator of From My Big Eyes! Several years back, she had a t-shirt contest in which she encouraged her followers to think of creative designs for her tees! This past week, she created a How-To video to show her viewers how to accent our shirts in our own special way! She gave great directions and after following her instructions, I added my own accents to my t-shirt! Click on this link to view her video called “DIY T-Shirt Designs”!
Please follow her on social media @FromMyBigEyes. You’ll enjoy all of her great tips on style, design, and saving money. You can also check out previous videos in which she interviewed many celebrities as she covered red carpet events over the past several years! Thanks so much and have a great week!
Susana and I had an EXCLUSIVE discussion via Zoom regarding summer products that ChicExecs represents. Prior to our chat, I set up some of the items that she sent to me in my home office.
Hi Beautiful Family and Friends! 😊
How are you? I trust that you are having a great day! As many of you know, I write product reviews or product profiles on a regular basis. Typically, publicists email me to gauge my interest in receiving products in order to consider including them in my articles. This week, I experienced a first.
A lovely young woman by the name of Susana reached out to me with a great idea! She is a senior public relations account executive and lifestyle expert for ChicExecs Retail Marketing Agency. Susana asked if I would be willing to join her for an EXCLUSIVE “Summer Must-Haves” Zoom Deskside in which she could share great products coming on the market. I accepted and we had a wonderful conversation.
What I really liked is that we had a real time Q & A session that allowed me to ask questions and get responses that would be of interest to you and the readers of my various publications. Susana sent many of the products ahead of time and that allowed me to sample them prior to our discussion. I learned so much from our in-depth chat. I look forward to many more of these Zoom Desksides.
It is my pleasure to give you a sneak peek at some of the products that will be featured in upcoming articles. Feel free to click on the links below to check out some of the products that Susana and I discussed. Also, I have included several articles that I’ve written in the past several months. Please follow me on social media @LesliesLane so that you can see the articles as soon as they are published. Thanks so much for your support and enjoy your week!
Please feel free to take a look at a few of my past product profiles. The links are below and include items such as home decor, baby gifts, electronics, clothing, cuisine, beauty, and so much more.
The Dazzling Dozen: 12 Modern Father’s Day Gifts the Coolest Dads will Love
How are you? I trust that you are having a good day. My prayer is that your family is safe and sound. As an Ashro Ambassador, I was honored to interview four AMAZING African American ladies for the Ashro Women @ Home Series. Our engaging discussion focused on “Keeping the Faith During COVID-19”.
Please join me in watching this “Inaugural Ashro Women @ Home Trailer” below. We’re giving you a Sneak Peek into the lives of these ladies who have remained encouraged, inspired, and grounded in their faith as we all experience one of the most challenging times in America’s history.
Also, please find the link to each of the full-length interviews. Travel with me into the homes of Yvette, Carla, Alysha, and Lynn as we witness them have peace in the midst of this storm. Please feel free to share this blog post with your network! Thanks so much for your kindness and consideration. Please have a blessed week!
Sincerely,
Leslie
Leslie E. Royal is an Ashro Ambassador, Author, and Global Journalist – She has spent more than 25 years interviewing and connecting with African American women as a writer for international publications such as ESSENCE, Black Enterprise, Upscale, Medium.com, and The Ashro Blog. A micro-social media influencer, Leslie is the creator of Leslie’s Lane, a consumer brand, and author of two self-help books on Amazon. She is the author of How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book for FREE with Amazon’s KDP ($9.95) and Leslie’s Lane The Book! Your One Stop Internet Resource Guide to Links for Jobs, Inspiration, Discounts, FREE Stuff, Scholarships, Travel & More! ($14.95) Both are distributed in more than 15 countries. Please click on this link. https://www.amazon.com/Leslie-E.-Royal/e/B00JJFMGO0%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share– Please view her articles by clicking this link –https://muckrack.com/leslieslane/articles – Follow her @LesliesLane.
How are you? I trust that you are having a really good day. Most importantly, I trust that you and your beautiful family are well and safe. While you are sheltering in at home, why not pen the book you have always dreamed of writing? Please feel free to click on the link below to order the book. Also, click on the other link to read my article on Medium.com. Thanks so much and have a great week!
How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book for FREE with Amazon's KDP: An Easy Way to Complete Your Manuscript in Seven Stress-Free Steps (Leslie's Lane Inc.) [Royal, Leslie E] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How to Write and Self-Publish Your Book for FREE with Amazon's KDP: An Easy Way to Complete Your Manuscript in Seven Stress-Free Steps (Leslie's Lane Inc.)
Happy New Year! How are you? I trust that you are having a great day! I’m sitting here typing this post and looking at the Sunday edition of The AJC. You know. It’s almost surreal. It seems like just a short time ago (more than 30 years), I would sit in our apartment in Southwest Atlanta or later in our DeKalb County home and read the wonderful wedding announcements in the society pages of The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. This publication is the premiere newspaper of the South and parents of all cultures made their children’s engagement official in it.
Antasha and her brother Jay in 1990.
Antasha was a child walking about or sitting and playing with her toys as I was totally engrossed in this popular section of the newspaper. Maybe it was my youth (I was in my early 20s), but I didn’t consider that, soon enough, Antasha would be getting married. At that time, I didn’t imagine that Tony and I would be joining this special group of parents who had completed this rite of passage that has gone on for centuries!
My basket full of newspapers announcing my daughter’s wedding!
The AJC Wedding Announcement
But in the blink of an eye, time has flown by and my Baby (she’ll always be my baby) is getting married. I went to my local Kroger this morning and bought up more than half of the copies. I opened the newspaper to page E15 and saw that she and her fiancé, whom I affectionately nicknamed Jules, have taken their place on the pages of this ICONIC publication. And wow! The AJC was kind enough to place it in full color! Even better, her announcement is right next to the Dear Abby and Miss Manners columns! Nostalgia swept over me! I loved reading those columns and now Antasha’s announcement is next to it! Please click on this link to view the article.
Jules is reading his wedding announcement in On Common Ground.
On Common Ground News Wedding Announcement
A wonderful new African American owned publication was founded when Antasha was seven or eight years old. On Common GroundNews publishes exceptional content weekly to benefit the entire metro Atlanta area. I was pleasantly surprised to see their print publication from this past Friday, January 10 which featured a beautifully designed and creative presentation of my daughter’s wedding announcement! I am so very grateful that they shared our great news in such a lovely way! Please click on this link to view the article. http://ocgnews.com/royal-wedding-2020/?fbclid=IwAR31PiGMuxaN4CZ5zyBKJeCouTC6MeS6Gz3ANtSsmpcCUEVzIY1_Car7hDY
Tony, Antasha, Jules, and I, as well as our families, are simply amazed by the outpouring of love, encouragement, and support that we have received from so many people! We are blessed beyond measure and thank God for each of you! I will be posting to social media and blogging about this amazing experience as well as writing a seven-part wedding series for the 2020 Wedding Season! Feel free to follow me @LesliesLane as I will often post to social media in real time! Also, I want to send a few shoutouts to some very special ladies!
Ida Kroell of Georgia Palms & Gardens – The Amazing Venue
Antasha and I visited several prospective venues. She would ask me, “Mommy, what do you think?” I would tell her, “It’s really nice. But is this the place?” That is… until we went to visit Georgia Palms & Gardens. When I got out of the car and starting walking, I was just struck and had to stand in place. I just began turning around and looking in all directions. I said, “Antasha, this is the place. It is absolutely beautiful.” This tranquil, rustic, upscale, all-inclusive wedding venue features 6.5 acres of beauty, two gazebos, an elegant outdoor ballroom, a regal B & B Inn, full-scale wedding planning and coordination, stylish décor, and so much more!
Ida handles everything from start to finish! You can select the package of your choice and let her take care of the rest! If you don’t have a wedding coordinator, she can include it in your package and will handle everything on the day of the wedding. If you have a coordinator, she will work side by side with the person to make your vision a reality! I’ll be talking a lot more about this wonderful venue in the weeks to come! I don’t want to give away all of the magical surprises Ida and her exceptional team have in store for us!
Bernadette Birch of Over & B’yond Event Planning – The Wonderful Coordinator
Bernadette is my sorority sister and she is so creative and kind. Her amazing boutique company creates blissful memories for the bride groom that can range from complete planning and curated services to month of or week of coordination. I’ll share more about Bernadette over the next several weeks as she goes over and beyond! Please stay tuned!
Special thanks to The Jewel Tone Innovation Squad! I’m going to introduce these lovely ladies to you during the month of the wedding! Thank you so very much for allowing me to express the joy in my heart! Have a great week!
How are you? I trust that you are having a great day! I’ve just published my article on Medium entitled “26 Last Minute Luxury Father’s Day Gifts You Can Give Dad Well After the Holiday’s Over!” Feel free to click on the link below and check it out! Thanks and enjoy your week!
How are you? I trust that you are having a great day! As many of you know, I am a global travel journalist and I love traveling the world! But did you know that I have never been on Amtrak? My hubby Tony and I have always said that we wanted to take a train ride! Well… we will do so quite soon!
Amtrak has just offered a limited-time summer sale! If you buy one sleeping accommodation such as a roomette or bedroom, your companion rides with you for FREE! How cool is that? Well… my hubby and I took advantage of this offer! He bought the ticket and I’m his plus one! This just keeps getting better! Meals are included in the price of the ticket!
In your private room, you’ll relax in your seats by day as you behold the beautiful landscapes of America. Late into the evening, your chairs convert into beds for a night of calming rest. You can purchase your tickets between June 4 – 10, 2019 on Amtrak.com . It is valid for travel from August 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020.
“We believe that the journey is part of the adventure. Recognizing the need to get more out of every moment, we wanted to offer our customers a truly unique way to experience the country this summer,” said Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson. “With our sleeper sale, customers can share the experience while taking in some of the best views and sightseeing opportunities the United States has to offer.”
For more info on the newest state-of-the-art lines, exclusive lounges, special perks, the New Generation Acela Express, a romantic getaway, exciting landscapes, the most scenic routes, and things of that nature, please check out the links below! Thanks, and enjoy your week!
One experience that belongs on every travel bucket list is a scenic train ride. Avoid the stress of flight security checks or crazy drivers by taking the scenic route. Relax and watch the world with
One of the great advantages of American rail travel is the opportunity to see the breathtaking beauty and sweep of the land as you pass through it. Buy yourself a ticket and park yourself in one …
Cascade Canyon in San Juan National Forest is a popular hiking trail in the summer, but in the winter and spring, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the area by train. This quick, two-hour …
About Amtrak Vacations. With train vacation packages connecting some of the most beautiful and popular destinations across the United States and Canada, Amtrak Vacations offers an eco-friendly, flexible, and fun way to discover America.
Love birds looking to reconnect should take a break from it all by planning a couples getaway by train. Whether near or far, romantic weekend getaways are sure to make sparks fly.
One of the main perks of long-distance train travel is the ability to get a good night’s sleep in Amtrak’s onboard sleeping accommodation, whether it be a roomette or a bedroom.
The official Amtrak operator of cross country rail experiences. Train trips, rail vacations, and train holidays in the United States & Canada – National Parks and Popular Cities.
Amtrak map. The exquisite Dome Car, which includes a lounge, dining area, staffed kitchen and bedrooms. The Lounge, with seating arrangement around tables and some easy chairs; the Sleeper car with bedrooms, private rest rooms and table seating.
