User:Denise L Baker/sandbox

Author: Denise L Baker (Writer) Published Author LIVING IN THE HOUSE OF BLUES

Overview:

This is what author Denise L. Baker has to say about her book Living in the House of Blues, a first-person view of the life and times of her father, blues legend Lonnie Brooks: “[This book is all about] my dad’s calm spirit, gentle soul…his nine children [and more.] This is my story of growing up in the house with a blues legend, how I witnessed his career excel, witnessing the good times as well as the bad. [It is of memories of] when we didn’t have much to eat and remembering the spelling on the bottles of generic ketchup and Mayo we [put in sandwiches in lieu of] eating steaks and vegetables. [It is about] remembering dad having to comb my hair for school, giving me two extremely tight braids that wouldn’t lay down, that got me chased home and beat up by classmates.

[This book records] my dad’s first trip to Europe, his first televised appearance on “Hee Haw” hosted by Roy Clark, while my siblings and I sat on the floor watching the show waiting for him to come back home with the paycheck, and with haste so that we can eat. He even appeared on “Soul Train” hosted by Don Cornelius in Chicago. [My cousins] and I, at an early age, choreographed dance moves to a song dad wrote called “The Flip” based from “The Flip Wilson Comedy Show” in the early seventies. [I lay witness to the] countless times…my dad’s music [was] being used without his permission. Often a happy man, we all knew [that] when someone had upset dad, it had to be really bad for him to get very angry. I could always tell when he was hurt about something because his heart would definitely rise on his sleeve. Through it all I just want to express my point of view of the love my dad has for his music, his song writing, his guitar, his dignity, his Dream and his family.

Growing up with Blues Legend "Lonnie Brooks" Blues Hall of Fame, Award winning song writer, Master Guitarist.

Writing this book I have learned to be true to myself and trust that I will not regret the chances I take for my reputation among my family members or anyone else or [my] thoughts of my father’s blues…world. To follow my heart’s desire…I turned away to make a clean sweep [of] everything I held inside of me.

There was hardship from not being [accepted] in the ghetto community by some neighbors, peers and so-called friends. [It was an experience] growing up in the ghetto, with a mother with white skin, and a black father that came to Chicago from Louisiana to explore, find his destiny, and shape his era of music that was so deeply inside him. Sitting here frozen in the same place knowing this, is a challenge I must face. Venturing into territory that was way too sensitive, [I am sharing] possessions like the Love and guidance of my parents [that I knew] best. Life paths and soul direction [is a process I trust] now. I know [that the] time of separation from social situations and events…were probably necessary in my life, maybe I wouldn’t be right here this moment if these things had not occurred.

Born a mixed kid, not being [accepted] on both sides of the fence of color, keeping the smile on my face also hid inner turmoil most my life. My thoughts were, “How could the world be so cruel and unscrupulous?” In addition to unstable growth, there was badness at a point of my life growing up from uninvited events. I just wanted attention and protection from both my parents. Deep beyond my smile was a small frail soul that was really in pain.

Today, I am empowered by my conscience and my gift is forgiveness of evidently [seeped] into [my] character. My values that were taught by my mom and dad no matter what they were going through or facing, it [was] all to give my siblings and I asset[s] and…personal validation [in] being children of a blues legend. Which is why after passing forty-something, I’m responsible for my own fate. I released [myself from] the rut of so many regrets and fears of yesterday and I made room for pleasure, beauty and hope.

Thank goodness for the liberation of free will and I trust that denial can’t hide truth forever. Justification is part of my virtue, [and] letting go of despair. I choose to make peace with myself and protect my emotional vulnerabilities. I never knew i could do it myself until I tried. My hope and faith recommend my course. [It involves putting into this book all my] unwritten conclusions [from]…unguarded depths of experience.

During the process of writing my book it was a hard and long journey recognizing that I came face to face with my fears, conquering my demons. I felt God sat me down to finish what I started years ago. That is when I realized he had full control over this project and he intended on [my] finishing [it]. I knew it was him. And I thank you, God. – Denise L. Baker ISBN 13 (SOFT): 9781466966321 ISBN 13 (HARD): 9781466966345 ISBN 13 (eBook): 9781466966338

This Book has been Published under Trafford Publishing Company. www.trafford.com