Three Layers and a Brassierre

By Michelle E. Brown

On a frigid November weekend in 2012, I took a trip to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My plan had been to catch a train, hit the city and just wander about taking in the sights. I wanted a lost weekend, to wander around to find somethingjust what I really didnt know. But these uncertain plans took an unexpected turn when, instead, I hitched a ride with a friend.

I met an amazing woman named Gwen who was in her eighties, and over the course of the weekend, she shared stories of her remarkable life. One afternoon, we were heading out, and her family, being protective as families can be, gathered sweaters, scarves, and jackets and proceeded to try to convince Gwen to put them all on. Her response: Ive got three layers and a brassiere, thats enough to keep me warm.

On the ride back to Detroit, I thought about Gwen her life and the three stages of lifechildhood, adulthood, and those final days. Maybe all we need are those three layers, not all those mountains of things, just to see us through to warm our hearts, our spirits, and a brassiere to hold the memories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496939678

Michelle E. Brown

The Author Michelle E. Brown was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. A public speaker, activist and artist she is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city and our times. She has used these human stories as a backdrop for her essays, poetry, children’s books and the focus of her weekly blog radio podcast. Ms. Brown has been recognized locally and nationally for her efforts in promoting social justice and human rights. Her essays on social justice issues have been published in many publications. She has written/published two books of poetry – “Wild Fruit Hidden in Open Spaces” and “Three Layers and a Brassiere” and is one of the co-authors of “UPWARD: Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise.” She hosts a weekly blog radio podcast highlighting individuals/organizations that are creating change. The Illustrator Sanghamitra Dasgupta is a promising and versatile artist based in India who works worldwide. Dasgupta is an artist who puts herself out there. She is deeply committed to different techniques. She has worked on over 600 books. Her interests range from digital arts to acrylic painting.

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© 2014 Michelle E. Brown. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   10/01/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3968-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3967-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014916283

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prelude

3 Layers and a Brassiere

Intersections

Las Palabras Caesar

Slippery When Wet

Vampire rock star

Wage love (for Charity Hicks)

Love, Loved, Loving

Desire Self Woman

Junkyard Love (for Dorothy)

Back to My Future

GIRL BYE

La Cantina Seduccion

Love

Love Me Like a Woman

Loving Me 4 Me

If I Were to Marry

Rewind 2014

Fear of Intimacy (Rewind 2014)

Love changes (Rewind 2014)

Postlude

3 Layers