MONEY AIN'T EVERYTHANG! (Don't Let Money Be Your Motivation)

I was reading an article about Mr. Nguyen, the creator of the game "Flappy Birds" and his decision to take the game off of the market. Some reports say that the game was making the creator as much as $50,0000 A DAY! He stated that he decided to stop selling the game, because he "couldn't take it anymore" and he wanted his "simple life" back. How many times have we wished, dreamed and hoped that we could hit the lottery or get a 6 figure job or sell a Million Books (well, maybe that's just my dream - lol). Yes, all of these things would be nice, but none of these things can truly make you happy. As in the case of the "Flappy Birds" creator, it's just another reminder to us all, who are in the "pursuit of our happiness", whatever that pursit is, that MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU HAPPINESS. Happiness is a choice and it is not contingent on dollar signs. So I challenge myself and all who read these words - "Don't let MONEY, be your MOTIVATION!". At least, that's the way that I see it - but who knows, maybe it's just me! ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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<---QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Why work so hard to have a life...But kill ourselves to earn a living?" ~ Idris Elba

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DAY 44 thru DAY 63: UNPACKING - ORGANIZING - GRINDING - UPDATING & FOLLOWING UP!

I'M BACK - It has been a couple of weeks since I've posted a Blog and an EASIER SAID THAN DONE! UPDATE. But I'm getting back on track now. The Conclave ended weeks ago and yes I am still unpacking...lol. Over the course of the past couple of weeks I have been organizing, grinding, updating and following-up on leads and contacts that I made in New Orleans. I'm still going through all of the emails that were in my inbox when I returned home(Who knew that you could get so much spam in a week..lol. delete...delete...delete...).

After New Orleans, I hit the ground running and resumed my daily grind. I've hit the Beauty Shops, Barber Shops, Sports Bars, Nite Clubs, Happy Hours and even crashed a Family Reunion(Okay, I was invited, but you get the point.). Personally, I have been devastated by 2 deaths in my family in the past 3 weeks(Prayer strengthens and joy truly comes in the morning.) "Life is what happens while you're busy doing other things. Life is fragile; handle with prayer!" My goal has been a welcomed distraction from my sadness, so my mission to sell ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA continues and now so will my regular Blogs....AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 43 - I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU!

PICTURED ABOVE: brburns.com at The Sheraton Hotel for The 95th Anniversary Conclave of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. 2009

I'M JUST A LITTLE CLOSER TO MY GOAL of selling ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA - Because of EACH OF YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! - I would like to send a very Special Thank You to all of my Fraternity Brothers, The Wives of Sigma, Sorority Sisters, Friends of Sigma and the other Greeks who purchased a copy of my Novel - EASIER SAID THAN DONE! and my Poetry CDs at The Phi Beta Sigma Conclave in New Orleans. Your kindness and generousity will never be forgotten. I would like to Thank Bro. Theo Woodard, The Host Chapter and The Other memebers of the Planning Committee for allowing me to be a part of the Conclave programs. And last but certainly not least, I would like to Thank my AMAZING "DREAM TEAM" for all of their hardwork and sacrifices this week and every week. "A kind word is better than a handout!"...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 36 - I GOT THE BLUES - AND I COULDN'T BE ANY HAPPIER!

I arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans(The host hotel for our Conclave) around 10:00 a.m. and it was Blue and White EVERYWHERE! I quickly made my way to the first registration post - A - something... (I don't remember, but that's where the "B"''s where located.) I showed my ID and registration letter and received all of my "sigma stuff". With two members of my DREAM TEAM in tow, I mingled and mixed, always finding a way to talk about ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA (Hey, a Brotha is on a mission!). I started promoting my mission and my book - EASIER SAID THAN DONE! within 2 minutes of my arrival(And it only took me that long, because I had to get out of the car and go inside - I'M ON IT! ) I located my vendors table, unloaded the boxes of books and CDs, did a quick walk through of the ballroom in which I would be performing on Tuesday night(I had to put my energy in the room early), grabbed me some Arby's, networked a little more and hit the sack early(Who new having the Blues could be so exhausting.) ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 35 - ON MY WAY TO SIGMALAND - BY WAY OF NEW ORLEANS!

As I cross the "burning sands" - sorry wrong flashback... lol. As I make the trek from Houston to New Orleans for the 95th Anniversary Conclave of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I am excited about meeting and networking with my fraternity Brothers from all over the country and world. I am filled with the hope and promise that this will be a productive/prosperous trip. The week will be filled with information, fun and reflections. I have loaded up the hoopty with tons of books and cds and I intend to sell everyone(I know, I know that's EASIER SAID THAN DONE!) but PRAY FOR ME - I'M READY! ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 32 - A DEFINING PROCESS!

Planning my work and working my plan! According to Edison Montgomery: "Clear definitions of goals is the key to success!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 31 - SIXTY MORE DAYS TO GO!

PICTURED ABOVE: Boxes of the Novel / Poetry Book - EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

It has been 30 days since I started on my quest to sell ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA. At this point I thought for sure that I would be well beyond the half-way point. I've sold 190 Books as of today and I have 60 more days to go until my August 31st deadline. I know what you're thinking - "He's never gonna make it". Henry David Thoreau said - "In the long run you hit only what you aim at. Therefore, though you should fail immediately, you had better aim at something high!" So the next 60 days will be busy, busy, busy! I'm going to reach out to everyone I can to join the movement(Yes, get ready for the ultimate email campaign - lol). I'm going to reach out and touch at least a million people, the more the merrier. I'm like the little engine that could - I KNOW I CAN! I KNOW I CAN! ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 30 - NO REST FOR THE WEARY!

After an exhausting trip to Mobile, Alabama, I am mentally and physically exhausted. Today I just took a moment to return some phone calls, send out some emails and blog. At some point I'm going to get some sleep and then unpack. I still have 2 speeches to write for The Sigma Conclave next week and then it's time to pack again and hit the road. "The road to success runs uphill, so don't expect to break any speed records!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 29 - BROTHERS AND BOOKS!

PICTURED ABOVE: Rob Darrett, brburns.com, Quincy Cole, Will Curtis & The Booksss

"United WE stand, divided WE fall!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 28 - I'M A DREAMER! - THERE'S ONE IN EVERY FAMILY!

PICTURED ABOVE: Shirley Murdock & brburns.com

Tonight as I sat backstage at The Sanger Theater in Mobile, Alabama, waiting on my cue to take the stage in the stage play - THERE'S ONE IN EVERY FAMILY(Heaven Ain't That Hard To Find!), I started thinking about how much I LOVE THE THEATER! Thanks to Curtis Von, for allowing me to be a part of his production. And thanks to all of the wonderful people that I had the opportunity to work with on the play: Shirley Murdock, George Ukomadu, Bobbi Faye Yarbrough, Eve L. Wills Tate, Derrick Keener, Drew Williams, Cydni, Bri, Portia, Quincy, Will, Rob and anybody else that I failed to mention.

It has always been my dream to take MY STAGE PLAYS on tours around the world. As I walked around the theater earlier that day, I saw the sold-out crowd sitting there patiently waiting on MY PLAY to start. I heard the thunderous rounds of applause as MY PLAY ended. I saw the long lines of fans standing patiently to get the autographs of the cast of MY PLAY. I've always been a dreamer and because I know God has given me the ability to make those dreams come true - I DREAM IN COLOR! "We create our future by what we dream today!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 27 - LOYALTY IS PRICELESS!

Today I paused my book tour to travel to Mobile, Alabama. A friend asked me to be a part of a stage play that he was directing. "Loyalty in little things is a great thing!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 24 - IN THE "PLAY" - BUT I'M NOT PLAYING!

Today I hit the streets again in 104 degree Houston heat(Having a vision is an automatic cooler). Tonight I attended rehearsals for the Stage Play that I am in - THERE'S ONE IN EVERY FAMILY"(Heaven Ain't That Hard To Find!). When I am "onstage" - I am focused on the task at hand, but when I am "offstage" - I AM STILL FOCUSED ON MY GOAL! In between scenes and on the breaks - I'm promoting/selling - EASIER SAID THAN DONE! Is this multi-tasking? Whatever it is - I'M DOING IT! I have 1,000,000 Books to sell across America and everybody that I come in contact with is a potential "BELIEVER!" - And... END SCENE(LOL!) "You don't have to lay awake nights to succeed - just stay awake days!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 23 - I WAS DROWNING IN A SEA OF "NO's" - UNTIL SOMEONE THREW ME A "YES" LIFE-LINE!

My morning was spent in "Rejection City". It seemed like everywhere I went and everyone that I asked to buy my book(EASIER SAID THAN DONE), see my vision and support the movement - said NO. Disappointed, but not discouraged - I was down for a minute, but not out for a second! I kept pounding the pavement and then the YESSSS started echoing like an Appalachian yodeler! YES! YES! YES! YES! - "It's often the last key on the ring that opens the door!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 22 - I WILL BLAME IT ON THE GOOSE and THE HENNEY!

Tonight I had a Book Signing at CLAYTON'S Restaurant & Bar(I told you, I will sign books anywhere - MANY THANKS to Kim and her GREAT Staff!). I spoke with a lot of people about MY BOOK(Easier Said Than Done), ITS' PURPOSE(Inspiring Others To Live Their Dream, THE MOVEMENT(Initiate A Breakthrough)and MY MISSION(To Sell 1,000,000 Books Across America). During one of those many conversations, I came across a Brotha, who shall remain nameless, but we will refer to him as "Mr. Negative Pants" - (LOL... I can't even type that without laughing). Anyway, "Mr. N. Pants"...lol... (see I told you)... he gave me every excuse under the sun, why he wouldn't purchase my book or support my movement - "I don't read!" - "I haven't read a book since Curious George!" - "I start reading a book and I just get bored and go uuuggghhh!" - "I don't believe in movements!" - "It's a lot of people at my job that read, but I don't read!" - "All I read are e-Books!" - HOLD UP WAIT A MINUTE: I thought he said he didn't read?...hmmm...

ONE IMPORTANT DETAIL: I forgot to mention that in between all of these excuses given by "Mr. Pants"(lol) he was gulping drinks down like a fish(Do fish drink alcohol? hmmm). OH WELL THAT EXPLAINS IT...LOL... Although, I know that EVERYONE is not going to buy my book, for whatever reason, it still doesn't stop me from asking. So "Mr. Negative Pants", I know you probably don't even remember meeting me or ever hearing anything about my book or movement, I'm sure you can "blame it on the goose and the henney - LOL. But whenever our paths cross again(And oh they will cross again.) - I WILL explain my mission to you and ask you to purchase my book again and that my friend you can blame it on PERSISTANCE! Thomas Edison said - "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to always try one more time!" ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 21 - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

When you make a baby, take care of a baby, love and nourish a baby, teach a baby, reach a baby, spoil a baby, spank a baby, advise a baby, admire a baby, play with a baby, pray with and for a baby, do homework with a baby, work to support a baby - YOU ARE A FATHER - And, when you're doing what you're supposed to do - EVERYDAY IS FATHER'S DAY!...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 20 - THE BOOK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF! People Are Talking!

Today I did some backtracking. After I signed books at a Garage Sale(Yes I will sign books anywhere! - Big ups to my girl RAE at Front Cover.), I went back to a Beauty Salon that I had previously sold books to. When I got to the shop, a couple of the people that I had tried to sell books to on my original visit, were excitedly anxious to purchase their copy of my book.

REWIND A WEEK EARLIER... "I don't want the book!" - "No Thank You!" - "I'm not interested!" But today, they couldn't get their copies fast enough. I had to know why they had changed their minds. One of them told me - Plain and Simple - "IT WAS THE BOOK!". They informed me that the other people that I had sold the books to in the Salon, were carrying on and on about the book: "Ooo girl, this book is good!" - "I can't put it down!" - "You gotta get you a copy!" - Etc. etc. etc. Note to self: WORD OF MOUTH is the best form of advertisement. So THANK YOU to all of the "Believers" who have become "Advertising Executives" for EASIER SAID THAN DONE! Please keep talking about and promoting the book and I know we will sell ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA! "One person lights the fire - The other person fans it!"...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 19 - BUILDING A DREAM - STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF OTHERS!

Today as I take time to celebrate - JUNETEENTH(The day that the slaves were notified of their freedom in Texas.) I can't help but reflect on how mentally enslaved a lot of people that I know still are. Although, the physical chains of slavery no longer exist, so many people are still living in slavery. Whether they are a slave to a job they hate. A slave to a bad relationship that they refuse to end. Or a slave to a dream that they are afraid to go after. The chains that bind the mind and heart, still exist. "Are you still a slave?" I THANK GOD EVERYDAY THAT - I HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO EMANCIPATE MYSELF AND PURSUE MY PASSION AND FOLLOW MY DREAM!!! ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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DAY 18 - LIVE YOUR DREAM - LEAVE YOUR LEGACY!

PICTURED ABOVE: Eric(My Nephew), brburns.com, Travis(My Nephew) & The Bookss

Victor Hugo said - "There is nothing like a dream to create a future." One of the motivators for me to get up everyday and get on my grind to sell ONE MILLION BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA is my Family. I strive for excellence in everything that I do, so that they can be proud to call me Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend(The Family that I chose.) I am committed to making my dreams a reality, in order to solify a legacy, that will long out-live my time here on earth. "What is your motivation?" - "What will be your legacy?" - Make It Happen!!! ...AND THAT'S THE WAY I SEE IT... But Who knows - Maybe it's just me!

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