Happy Birthday o Feliz Cumpleaños!!! Trying to catch up and get in front of all the well wishes coming to me. Let me clarify... I celebrate my birthday September 30 but learned at the age of 12 it was technically the 29th. Mother said 3 mins after 12 midnight , father proved it was 3 mins before 12 midnight. No matter, I continued to celebrate September 30th supporting my mother to the end. I share this Essence cover in memory of the support of many who believed in my image at that time. As I was not a print girl or top model per se. I was modeling and had rose to the top of those important runway girls, I who so happen to have a full time job, as the showroom model and then design assistant to Stephen Burrows, that was the 70’s. But the editor Marcia Gillespie, of Essence was determined to have that dark skin girl, name Bethann on the cover. She shot it 3 different times until they were satisfied with it. Determined was she. I share it now because yesterday September 29th...my publisher One World/Roc.Lit, a Random House imprint announced our book deal. It’s stories like this I will remember to share and then some. I am proud of my time on earth with all and especially this moment now as I live and breathe strongly and continue to achieve. An example of what I want you all to see and know, “it ain’t over til it’s over”. Live consciously. And be kind to all others as you travel your life journey. Compassion is key. Doing things to be recognized is one way to get attention. But its not my way. Putting in earnest seeds in the ground of a global society, would be me. Perhaps that’s what’s replenishing me, at this age, at this stage. The book that all of you has been hankering for I will deliver in Spring 2022 to the publisher...In sha Allah. It’s a good time. Recently we lost a few very good souls, from Richard Buckley to Sarah Dash to George Malkemus to Melvin Van Peebles. Surely there are more, but those were mine in the last week. Reminds me of my blessings of strength and clarity, to not take for granted. I owe you my story to add to your better selves and grateful that I am still healthy to share. The clock is ticking. Always keep that in mind.