Reblogged from K*Chele Magazine:

OSCARS® APP IS NOW LIVE ON THE APP STORE FOR IPAD, IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH, AND IT’S FREE Award-Winning Second Screen Experience Launches With Key Enhancements: Even More Video, the Oscar® My Picks Game, And New Watching And Sharing Features This year’s official Oscars App is now live on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, providing fans unparalleled access to the 84th Academy Awards®. Developed by the Academy and Disney/ABC Television Group’s Digital Media Team, the Oscars App is designed to …

Reblogged from K*Chele Magazine:

“The Battle Isn’t Over Because They’re Home… It’s Just The Beginning Of Victory” – Understanding the Impact a Returning War Deployed Soldier Has on the Family – (North Carolina – December 8, 2011) Self-Published Author, Kimberly Michele Durham, answers what’s next in her book “The Battle Isn’t Over Because They’re Home… It’s Just The Beginning Of Victory.” This quick, easy read, is packed with information and will stir discussion between those faced with deployment.  …

- Understanding the Impact a Returning War Deployed Soldier Has on the Family -

Reblogged from K*Chele Magazine:

Contest starts this Wednesday, the 25th. If you like Def Leppard, you’ll love Summers. Don’t miss your chance to win their yet to be released debut album!

Reblogged from K*Chele Magazine:

]]> http://kchelesblog.com/2012/01/24/262/feed/ 0 KChele http://kchelesblog.com/2011/12/24/military-family-christmas/ http://kchelesblog.com/2011/12/24/military-family-christmas/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:36:28 +0000 Kimberly Michele Durham http://kchelesblog.com/?p=221 ]]> Twas the night before Christmas

I’ve remained true to who I am, held on to the values of my upbringing and it’s served me well; and makes up what I call Southern~ality. Some of these traits have impressed, shocked and at times left some looking for a false-hood, only to learn that they are as real as I am.

It took years of soul searching to realize these things about myself and it was quite liberating once I took hold of who I was, and with confidence in tow, doors began to open that I once thought were impossible.

If I could only give you one piece of advice going into 2012 it would be, always stay true to yourself and if you’re not sure, search yourself until you learn. Pretending to be anyone else is an insult to the phenomenal person that is you.

We cannot please everyone nor convince some to give us a chance, but if we do what’s right and be ourselves, when we reach the end there’ll be no regrets.

So many people have asked me what my tagline: Southern~ality at its finest means…

• Southern~ality [suhth-ern-al-i-tee] inhabitant, character, distinctive/unique qualities, attitude, and dialect of one from the south (southern US states); socially appealing, determined, unwavering, one from the country.

As this year comes to a close, reflect and let go. Don’t let worries and those who don’t believe in you hitch a ride into the New Year. Hold on to those who support and love you, and have proven so by their actions.

I’ve spent over half of my life freely giving, caring for and loving others; which has increased significantly the past few years. With it have come knowledge, disappointment and opportunities. Learning from this makes it all worthwhile and allows me to head into 2012 armed with what each has taught me.

Those who only want you in their life to better themselves are dead weight. Fill your circle with the ones who are willing to work with you; it’s about helping each other.

Drop the dead weight! Walk in to the New Year with confidence, a list of goals, supportive people and follow your dream.

Thank you to all my fans, supporters, promoters and advertisers! Because of you, K*Chele magazine is circulating in 31 countries and has been accepted by: CMA on 10/25 * OSCARS on 10/31 * GRAMMYS on 11/30 * GOLDEN GLOBES on 12/15 * BET on 12/16. It has grown far beyond my expectations in its first year and a half and I know more exciting things are to come.

K*Chele Designs has also grown and has been through some changes, with more coming in 2012. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with so many talented folks and am excited about our future.

As always, you can keep up with me throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, KCheleDesigns.com and the brand new KCheleMagazine.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, may all your dreams come true! Southernly, K*Chele

Theatre: Grand 18 – Winston-Salem, NC

Sold out like many others. Oddly the long lines expected weren’t present and we quickly discovered why upon entering the theatre. It was full an hour before Showtime, leaving several of us sitting down front. These have got to be the worst seats I’ve ever sat in and with a cramp in my neck; I now have to go back so I can watch the movie on the entire screen. If you’ve sat in these seats you know what I’m referring to, if you haven’t… you’re looking up and left to right the entire time, with the added dizziness when things on the screen are moving fast. Needless to say, every seat may have been sold, but were not occupied.

Movie: Overall disappointing, but don’t let that discourage you. The movie fills in and builds up to the finale with a lot of the scenes being necessary.

The movie begins with Jacob ripping off his shirt as he phases into his wolf alter ego, angry over Edward and Bella’s upcoming wedding. You’re swept up in the magic and emotions of the wedding, honeymoon and that which follows, to be left wanting more action and scenes.

As they attempt to let you in on what it’s like to hear the wolf pack thoughts, the word cheesy instantly pops in your mind. This scene was overdone and would have served the film better left out or at least kept to a minimum.

Unexpected comedy is welcome and appreciated throughout when you’re not really looking for it, as is the realism of Bella with child and the death that follows birth. The long awaited sex scene will leave a mark and a mess (lol).

Jacob remains faithful to his character, but there’s quite a bond between him and the Cullen’s not seen before. True to character, Edward has a moment of Bella desertion, but the apology from his action leads to a special bonding moment adding to the romance of the film.

Did you stay after the credits? Well if you didn’t, you missed it. As the movie ends with excitement, the after credits surprise gives you a taste of what’s to come and lets you ponder what you think it means. Who exactly is he referring to… could be one of two people, but you’ll have to wait until part 2 comes out to see. While on the subject of exciting cliffhangers and questions answered, Jacob imprints and it’s a very interesting choice; one that will definitely lead to some challenges.

Should you go see the movie, absolutely! Just be sure to go when you can get a good seat.

Written By: K*Chele

Life has been rather eventful lately and sparked the writer within, yet again. There are times when the world seems to be coming down on you, people leaving you, others taking more than they give and on and on. For the most part, there’s not much you can do… but you can always control YOU! 

Ask yourself this question… Am I looking into the rear view or the one being looked at?

If you’re someone who puts others before yourself, you’re the one being looked at in the rear view and if you’re someone concerned more about yourself, you’re the one looking into the rear view.

Most people would never admit out loud, that they’re looking in the rear view and some are so caught up in their own world that they don’t realize it. While looking through the rear view you miss the important things, the fun things, the people who really matter and often find yourself losing the very people you need the most.

Just because everyone else is in a hurry, doesn’t mean you have to be and being in a hurry doesn’t mean you’re going to reach your destination faster. Think of all the big and exciting things that have happened in your life and career this year. Do you believe those happened because of what you did? Or was it the help of others that allowed those moments to enter your life?

Were you in such a hurry that you missed a friend’s tears, a family member in need, maybe you forgot those who helped you obtain the achievement you were rushing to or simply missed the scenery on the way. The world we live in today is all about me – me – me and how quickly another can do for you and people are so quick to speak that they don’t realize they are being caught in their own lies and telling others to do, what they fail to do themselves.

Are you looking in the rear view? If you are, I challenge you to come from behind it and see the world the way those standing in the rear view see it. You may learn to be a better you, realize it’s not all about you, but those who believe in you. You’ll discover the beauty in helping others when everyone else passes them by and hopefully, see what others seen in you all along.

Would you rather be surrounded by those who are using you or those who truly care about you? Don’t let life or career dictate who you become. Don’t be the one looking in the rear view watching everything and everyone fade in the distance; be the one taking it all in.

We’ve all been the one looking in the rear view at some point in our lives and I’m grateful for the struggles that have taught me there’s always someone who needs help, and that sometimes that someone is YOU!

With Love: Kimberly Michele Durham

Many ask when seeing me what happened and I try to explain as briefly as I can, due to my being so private.
For those unaware of why I walk with a cane, please read on as I do my best to explain.

While following my normal routine on a job I’d had for several years, I was getting lunch orders for the guys when a coworker asked for my help.
Standing at what was a safe distance he proceeded to pick up the axle he was working on, to place it on jack stands. This axle, with hub assembly attached, weighed more than he could hold and he dropped it.
It landed on my left foot where the big toe and foot join, with incredible force and an estimated weight of 250lbs.
Rushed to the hospital, on crutches 15 months and now a cane, I still cannot put weight on that part of my foot. After being up on my feet for more than 20-30min it begins to swell.
Why didn’t it heal? I was diagnosed with a rare dystrophy caused by trauma, CRPS and as a result, deal with a multitude of problems and pain.

I’ve decided it’s time I share a little of my story to give hope to others and explain what my determination and love for what I do really is.
By now you know what I do and are aware of my company and magazine. What you don’t know is that it’s all done from my recliner with my foot propped on pillows and that I am my team; there’s only me, I have no employees.
My health insurance is outrageous and my responsibility. Why? I was fired from the company I ran for years and so was my husband, who ran this business with me everyday.
We’ve faced and continue to face hardships from all this, but I refuse to give up! This is why I’m sharing this with you…
To let you know every time you book one of my clients, buy a magazine issue, refer me to others, book me for your event and support K*Chele, it’s REALLY appreciated.
Though this tragedy turned my life upside down, it allowed me to do what I love full-time. I had started my company long before any of this happened, but couldn’t afford to lose my income. When you’ve got no income and given no choice, you either give up or fight and I am and will continue to fight.

Around 11:45am on 9.9.09, two years ago today, my life changed forever and I’m thankful for everyone of YOU!

With Love: K*Chele

When one receives a Jury Summons that calls them into court, they don’t have a choice to not serve. If they don’t go once instructed to do so, they are held in contempt and/or fined. In “my opinion” it’s a shame that ‘we’ do not reserve the right to remain unknown if we choose to do so, especially when safety is a concern. It’s even more disturbing to me that a juror would even be at risk.

When certain media outlets over-expose a trial while injecting their own take, as was done with the Casey Anthony trial, conditions arise that at times become uncontrollable; even placing a security risk on those involved. If Casey Anthony had been found Guilty the public would have been happy, shouting justice was served, however the jury would’ve disregarded court instruction and ignored the law to have reached that verdict and would have reached the verdict based on feeling rather than evidence.

Truth is the public tends to become too attached to issues outside their own lives. Having an interest can be healthy when allowed to watch our justice system at work, but it becomes ridiculous when one becomes so involved that outrage and threats towards another are engaged.

As a citizen of the United States of America we all have the right to the freedom of speech, as we do the right to a fair trial; weather we agree or disagree with the outcome. What if America didn’t hold a trial and simply hung their people based on the feelings of the people? How many innocent people would be dead? There are people found guilty though they were innocent, just ask someone who has spent most of their life behind bars only to be released with an apology years later.

The public does not know what happened at the Anthony home; only those who were there know and the Lord above. It’s not anyone’s business either; like it or not, being a liar doesn’t make her a murderer… it makes her a liar. Casey Anthony was given a fair trial and based on the evidence, the jury delivered their verdict and the public needs to spend their energy being productive in their own lives and/or volunteering for a cause they can be as passionate about, and respect their decision.

It’s amazing how many people have gotten on TV and acted as if they know the Anthony family and use that as reasoning for their actions; just as some of the media and legal professionals have done. Screaming on air, claims of will/should or will not/should not happen, statements based on their feelings and speaking on behalf of everybody as though they know how everybody feels; simply ridiculous.

When did we become a nation so nosey, so angry, so spoiled, that if things don’t go the way believed they should, we act in an outrageous manner. What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Why insist on dragging up older trials and comparing? The media compared the Casey Anthony trial to the trials of Michael Jackson, OJ Simpson and John Gotti. What happened to responsible Journalism?

Read (ex Homicide Detective) George Anthony’s Suicide Letter…

Cynthia Marie,

As you get this letter, this should be no surprise that I have decided to leave the earth, because I need to be with Caylee Marie. I cannot keep on going because it should be me that is gone from this earth, not her. I have lived many years. I am satisfied with my decision because I have never been the man you, Lee, Casey and & especially Caylee Marie deserved. I have never been the man any of you could count on. I have always let each of you down in more ways than I can remember. I do not feel sorry for myself. I am just sorry I burden all of you the way I have. My loss of life is meaningless. Cynthia Marie, you have always worked the hardest, given the most to me, and I have never “Thanked you.” 28+ years ago, you corrected me, a man who has now found his identity in life. What I mean is, you always challenged me the right way , and I always could never live up to your expectations. You have always been smarter, more knowledgeable & thought things thru & I love you for that.

(Apparently there were 2 pages that couldn’t be read, making it an 8pg letter)

Page:

I cannot be strong anymore. Caylee Marie, our grand-daughter I miss her. I miss her so much. I know you do too. You were always the one that provided for her. What did I provide? I blame myself for her being gone! You know for months, as a matter of fact, for a year or so, I brought stuff up, only to be told not to be negative. Caylee Marie I miss her. I miss her.. I want my family back. I sit here, falling apart, because I should have done more. She was so close to home, why was she there? Who placed her there? Why is she gone? Why? For months, you & I, especially you always questioned, why? I want this to go away for Casey! What happened? Why could she not come to us? Especially you, why not Lee? Who is involved with this stuff for Caylee? I am going crazy because I want to

Page:

Go after these people Casey hung with prior to Caylee being gone. That is why I got that gun. I wanted to scare these people. You know. They know more than they have stated. You cannot – sugar coat, kid glove these people. They need hard knocks to get info from. Sure that will not bring Caylee Marie back, but was Casey threatened? You know, Casey does not deserve to be where she is! I miss her. I miss her so much. I am worried for her. Her personal safety is always on my mind. Stay to deal with so-so much, as I do you also! I have never wanted to my family for sorrow in any way. I realize families have ups & downs, but we have suffered our share & then some. Cynthia Marie, you have always deserved more &with me being gone you will. I have always brought you down. You know that. You are better off. Lee will be there for you. Mallory is such a great women. I see how you are with her. She is a Keeper. Future

Page:

Daughter-InLaw. I smile when I say her name. Mallory, please take care of yourself, Lee &Cindy. Someday you will be a great wife to Lee, and a fantastic mom. Cindy is a great “Grammy,” & will love you forever. Getting back to why I cannot live anymore: I cannot function knowing our granddaughter is gone. Caylee Marie never had a chance to grow. I wanted to help her in so many ways. Shoot the 1st Basket! I could go on & on. I sit here empty inside for her. For you, for us. Jose’ keeps calling. Yes, you deserved more & you will have freedom to enjoy what you deserve. I have taken what meds was given to me with alcohol & I am ready to give up. As I can tell by my writing & thinking I am getting very stupid. Wow, what a word STUPID. Yes, I am. Again, I do not feel sorry for myself, but yes I am STUPID. I cannot deal with stuff anymore.

Page:

The loss of Caylee Marie. The loss of Casey. The loss of us, Cynthia Marie, the meds, I am ready. Saying Good Bye, please understand it is for the best. I do not deserve life anymore. Anymore us. You are the best, you always have been. I am sorry for all that I have done to us. You know I never got to say good Bye. I am at this place & all is getting foggy & my unity is all over the place. I love you, I love you, I hope you get to see Casey soon. All the people we met, wow the writing is getting weird, I love you, I am sorry – I will take care of Caylee- once I get to God “Hopefully”

Page:

I want to hold her hand again, I miss her, I will always Love us, I am Sorry Cynthia Marie, I called my mom today, Sonnie, Kathy, Ruthie (I lost her #), I am so tired, at least I shaved today, wow – I’m tripping out, I am sorry,

I Love You – Cynthia Marie

Caylee Here I come

Lee, I am sorry

Casey –

Upon reading the above suicide letter I’d like to point out a few red flags… The length, statements in bold and the failed attempt.

I’ve been asked what I believe and/or think about the trial and verdict, but it really doesn’t matter what I believe or think. Though I have an opinion, as everyone else, I wasn’t a Juror; I respect the Constitution and refuse to disagree with the decision the Jury made. All the threats and talk of vigilante justice is absurd and needs to stop.

What is the obsession with where Casey Anthony will exit the jail and where she will live?! Quite frankly, it’s none of anyone’s business. Why is it okay for those opposed to use their voice, but not okay for those unopposed?

In closing I ask that if you want to hound, judge or camp out on a lawn… that it be your own.

Kimberly Michele Durham

July 7^th, 2011