ALABAMA ARTIST TURNING HEADS IN THE U.K

"TOWNSEND'S TRIUMPHANT RETURN"

Mutual Love Affair, Available on CD Baby & I-Tunes May 2013

His laid back vocals and smooth, jazzy baselines have turned heads before.  Now,  after more than a decade Terry Townsend is back and in a really big way.  His new album "Mutual Love Affair" is co-produced by "Django Unchained" music producer Kelvin Wooten.  The duo is teaming up again and getting a lot of attention for the title track.  The single "Mutual Love Affair" is a duet featuring Alexandria Thomas and it's already getting a lot of attention for it's rich, flawless, "out of the box" blend of contemporary gospel and jazz.  

Wooten, who co-produced Grammy Award winning artist Anthony Hamilton's single "Freedom" featured in the movie "Django Unchained" calls Mutual Love Affair, "some of my best work with Townsend thus far!" The whole project is so contemporary it could really go either way, gospel or R&B, said Wooten.  "Honestly,  almost all of the tracks could be played on any top 40 station," declared Wooten.

Townsend says his 'love affair' with gospel is and has always been a "labor of love." The North Alabama based singer and songwriter tells VISION/VOICE/VARION,  "I learned a lot from my first project and I really wanted to take the time out to really listen to God and ask for his direction on moving forward with my second album."   I asked God to surround me with the right people for my next project, people with like minds.  "I'm happy to say he answered my prayers," Townsend said.         

Check Out Varion's Initial "Meet & Greet" with Terry Townsend in Huntsville 

                    

Ten years ago Townsend's debut CD "The Blessed Project" earned him critical acclaim in both inspirational and gospel genres.  "The Blessed Project" also earned him critical praise from music critics all over Europe, including the UK.  Cross Rhythms Magazine based in London wrote an article praising Townsend for his "unique, out of the box approach" to inspirational gospel.  Mike Rimmer, a featured entertainment reporter with Cross Rhythms wrote: The Blessed Project "contains the right blend of soulful singles, laced with enough musical spice that are sure to send shivers down your spine."  He called it "easy listening" and encouraged music lovers all over the UK to support the Alabama based artist.

A decade later,  Townsend is posed to bask in the afterglow again. Vision/Voice/Varion has learned before his May 2013 release, his title track "Mutual Love Affair" is already in heavy rotation with some jazz and gospel stations in the Huntsville area.  

Keep it here for details on the forthcoming CD "MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR," exclusively on CD BABY and ITUNES.             

     

Photos: Richie Carter-Richie Carter Photography

CLICK HERE FOR TERRY TOWNSEND'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE:  

www.terrytownsend.net

The Arrival of Spring

(Mobile, AL.)  It's been a long time coming, spring!  I cannot tell you how many "freak snow" storms I have survived in North Alabama this season. There simply have been too many to count.  I would be among the first to proclaim "I don't remember Huntsville, Alabama being this cold several years ago!"  I think with all of the super storms this season, everyone is now paying attention to former Vice President Al Gore. For years he has warned the world is in danger because of all of the damage being done to the ozone.

The "wacky winter weather is something we would all just as soon forget,except too many of us are still digging our way out. 

The Presidential Inauguration of Barak Obama was a chilly reminder of our record freezing temperatures for 2013.. Days leading up to the inauguration my family and friends from Washington, D.C. to Connecticut, to  New York City were buried under several inches of snow and they couldn't put on enough layers to counter act the frostbite forming in their fingers and toes.  

This year was truly confirmation for me,  “I am indeed a beach bunny to my heart.”  Give me the ‘sand and surf‘ any day before a hat, gloves and a Northeaster.  It simply would not survive cities like Detroit or Chicago. 

I relocated to North Alabama briefly for a number of entertainment projects and for the longest I couldn't get my day started because I woke up to temperatures of 22 or 32 degrees.  What the what?  Who wants to take a morning jog wearing four layers of clothing and an overcoat?

I think my family and I collective exhaled at the first sign of a "budding" azalea  in my parents front yard last week. The brightly colored petals are a "vivid reminder" of the explosion of color yet to come.

I cannot wait until it is warm enough to take a run in the park; enjoy a bike ride or perhaps enjoy an occasional swim.

If you haven't guessed yet, spring is my favorite time of the year.  It brings forth my favorite flowers tulips and magnolias. Tulips, like the Magnolia are prized for their form and color, but also for their fragrance.  Though allergy sufferers will strongly disagree, I feel both flowers are a Gulf Coast treasure and a mental cue of the “rebirth”and "new" opportunities that come with the new season. 

Here's to all the "winter weary warriors" out there that are willing to join me in my quest of not waiting until overnight Saturday to “spring” our clocks ahead one hour.  If I had my way, we would turn the clocks back on what I have affectionately dubbed as “Friday Eve.”  If you haven’t figured that one out, that folks is Thursday.  Ah spring!  Gotta love it!  We lose an hour of sleep, but its a worthwhile trade off for an additional hour of daylight.   

Teen Pregnancy Epidemic Hits Memphis High School

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Teen Pregnancy Epidemic Hits Memphis High School 

By Varion Walton

(MEMPHIS, TN) –It’s a story that’s had tongues wagging for days; 90 girls reportedly pregnant at Frayser High School. Since this story broke school administrators have been filtering calls from everyone from Oprah to Doctor Oz. 

Everyone wants to know how in the world so many girls ended up pregnant at this one Memphis School alone. Babies making babies is not the kind of attention getting headline this embattled high school needs. 

90 girls, about one-in five enrolled at Frayser High School, reportedly pregnant or have already given birth. That’s approximately 11 percent of the female student population. Only 800 kids enrolled here. 

Frayser is located in the 38127 zip code. A mailing address that is seeing so many “special deliveries” that it has mailed in one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Shelby County, Tennessee alone. 

Alarming stats that has the nation focused on the “so called baby making machine” known as Frayser High School.  But some people simply refuse to believe that so many girls from one school got pregnant. “When I first heard that it was hard to believe. You’ve got young men and young women there, but I don’t believe there were 90 girls in one year, no I don’t believe that”, proclaimed Robert Adams a Frayser Resident. 

One of the reasons people question the number is that it’s reportedly forbidden for a teacher to question a student about what appears to be a baby bump. To do so school officials say would be an invasion of privacy. “My daughter was so little you couldn’t tell she was pregnant.  They don’t know who is pregnant and who is pregnant unless they are truly showing,” said Christine Jordan. 

Christine Jordan says her daughter Jessica was not only taught abstinence at Frayser High School, but in their home! Unfortunately that strategy didn’t work. Jessica Woodard became pregnant at the end of her sophomore year. “Yes, she has a baby too. I honestly trusted Jessica to do what I asked of her, but when you don’t have anyone here to watch her, what can you do? I’m a single parent and she’s the baby, my youngest daughter and when I work she is here alone,” Jordan explained. 

Unfortunately, that’s the same story for many teens in this poverty stricken neighborhood. They have too much time on their hands and no one around to supervise them. The community of Frayser is also plagued with gang violence and unemployment.  The lack of economic opportunities lives a lot of struggling mothers like Christine Jordan without fathers around to help pick up the slack. “I’m not the only single parent; you have a lot of single parents trying to do the best they can in this community with what they make with their incomes,” noted Jordan. 

The glare of national cameras has brought about a new focus on an old problem.  Teen pregnancy has been a plague on this community for years. The pregnancy rate in the City of Memphis is around 15-to 25 percent.  That’s twice the national average. 

With so many people talking about the embarrassing pregnancy rate at this school, officials and parents fear any newly suspected teen mom won’t come forward, afraid of being labeled Frayser High School’s 91^st pregnancy. Folks living in this community are hoping the negative press will stop. “It’s extremely frustrating because you’ve got all these kids dropping out of school.  Half of the children their don’t want to go to school anyway and for you to continue to just put a negative spin on the school it impacts those young ladies. Many of the girls including my daughter are angry”, exclaimed Jordon. 

Having a baby at such a young age is not the avenue this working mother wanted for her daughter or any of the other girls at the school. But, she thinks the spotlight on this issue might be a wakeup call to everyone!  “My daughter didn’t drop out of school.  She is still hanging in there trying to finish. She is in the 11^th grade and she’s doing great right now and hopefully she will keep her head on straight and not get a second baby,” Jordan said. 

School officials trying to pin down the exact number of pregnancies here and they’re working a solution. Right now school and city leaders are teaming up with Girls, Incorporated; a non profit group launching a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of teen pregnancies.  The organization has strategically placed more than 17 billboards throughout the Frayser community that calls for “no baby” until you are of age. 

Christine Jordan says what would really help is for the community to continue to “rally around these young people.” Right now her daughter Jessica and about 70 others attend Frayser’s “Prep Academy”; it’s a school within the school- where discussions of sex education are forbidden however they are given more flexible hours and plenty of tutoring. 

The prep academy as designed to get overage students back in the classroom.  It’s a board approved program providing these struggling new moms and their boyfriends what they need to finally become high school graduates. “My daughter has a lot of teachers who are trying to help her out.  She’s got the support at the school and here at home.  A lot of her teachers are helping her out because they know she’s got a baby.  It’s all kind of working out because her grades are up and she has a positive attitude. 

Something that is in short supply in a community struggling for answers to a lot of life’s questions.

Chrisette Michele - “Its Only Hair”

Chrisette Michele 

“Its Only Hair”

"The Gifted Singer Opens up About Her Hectic, Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle" 

Her voice, unforgettable! Her retro, soulful style, sexy!  Since the release of her first CD, "I Am" in 2007, Chrisette Michele has delighted fans all over the world. Her success has brought about comparisons with big names that came before her like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. But lately, it's not her voice, but her hair that's making headlines.
    During her short time in the spotlight, fans have watched her go from short, to curly to coiffed with just about every color in between--depending on the music awards show and/or her music videos. . 

    I got an opportunity to catch up with the R & B singer/songwriter during her performance at Bayfest in Mobile, Alabama. She didn't disappoint, entering the room casual-chic. Chrisette was wearing a denim jacket with a tight black and blue mini skirt. Right off you couldn't help but notice her make-up was flawless, her full red lips colored to perfection; her smoky colored eyes signaling that "come hither" look.  But, the one thing you could definitely not ignore, Chrisette Michele's "new" super short, natural hair-do. 

 
GOLDEN PIPES, GOLDEN TRANSITION:     The golden transition for this singer with the golden pipes came when she was totally fed up with her tresses. "One day while on tour I decided to cut all of my hair off," said Chrisette. "I was tired of my hair being burned and over processed; yanked and pulled.  "I knew it was over for me when a small piece of bonded hair would not come out right before a performance," laughed Chrisette. "So by the end of the tour, I stepped off the tour bus, went straight to the barber shop and I got a hair cut, all the way down to the roots."
    It's not the first time she's decided to loose the locks. "I've been experimenting with different hair styles since I was in the seventh grade." The first time I went natural was when I was in high school. But, I cut my hair this time because I wanted to take control of my body and my body image. "I wanted to apologize to myself for all the things I did to ruin my hair while on the road, explained Michele. "I wanted a new relationship with myself, beginning with my hair." 


THE BIG CHOP:  "IT'S ONLY HAIR"    She's not alone, other singers and performers like Janet Jackson, Solange Knowles and India Arie are "turning heads" as Hollywood goes healthy. Hollywood celebrities who are now free of hair weave. They are making the choice to wear their hair natural, free of chemical relaxers or treatments. "Going natural is so much healthier for my hair. I don't have the stress of chemicals and the flat irons. Today, the balance of my well being is so much easier now that the total focus is not my hair, "confessed Chrisette.
      Let's face it black women are the queens of self-expression. We have an insatiable appetite when it comes to hair and make-up. It's a billion dollar industry, however, Chrisette Michele is not phased by the "need to please." "I don't think about the industry when I'm thinking about changing my look, my hair or lip color, it has nothing to do with what anyone else is doing, so I don't have to make up a reason for doing it. "Its more about what I'm feeling at the moment, I worry about the repercussions later," Michele adds.
 

 YOUR BODY IS YOUR TEMPLE:    Though she gets a good workout vocally during her high energy performances, Chrisette Michele says diet and exercise is something she simply can't afford to ignore. Right after cutting her hair, she enlisted the help of "The Hollywood Trainer", Janette Jenkins! "Initially Janette was training me 5 days a week and I took 3 months from performing and stayed in Los Angeles. I worked with Janette, went to the gym and ate correctly. "Cutting my hair for me was just the beginning of me saying to my body, I'm ready to take care of you and treat you kindly," said Chrisette.  
     One of the biggest benefits following the big chop has been her hair is now easier to maintain. "I simply wash and condition it', says Chrisette. "  But, a lot of black women exercise less than they should because of hair care worries.  "They don't want to work out because they don't want to mess up their hair." If you sweat, you can wash your hair and not worry about getting it styled or straighten if it's natural. "It not that serious, it's just hair, it will grow back".
 

EATING ON THE RUN:     Maintaining a healthy diet on the road is her biggest challenge yet! "It can really get scary when you are touring and you don't have a lot of time. Almost everything in the airports and in the convenience stores is processed. "There's so much salt, everything is high in sugar. There's so much out there you can get for 4 or 5-dollars to satisfy your hunger, but you end up paying the ultimate price with your health," cautioned Chrisette. 
    "One thing I do as an alternative to fast food is make a stop in whole food stores and make a stop at Trader Joe's. "I stock up the bus and make sure we've gotten lots of nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables and things you don't have to cook. "I stick to fish and chicken. I eat a lot of vegetables and I buy things with lots of antioxidants so that my skin looks good and I feel good on stage." 
 
YOUR GRANDMOTHER WAS RIGHT:    "I'm so serious about taking my vitamins. I also take cod liver oil.  My grandmother says cod liver oil heals everything."  I add it to a smoothie-shake here and there in the morning and surprisingly you can't taste it because it's overpowered by the fruits and the milk. While I only occasionally drink milk, I try to avoid a lot of dairy because it helps to limit the amount of mucus build-up in my voice".  I also don't do a lot of foods high in acid; that helps with things like acid reflux so that nothing is coming up to mess with my vocal cords when I'm performing. "I've also cut down on red meats," revealed Michele.
  
NATURAL BORN SINGER:      Family influence and family values have been instrumental in her meteoric rise to the top.  Born Chrisette Michele Payne in 1982, God and gospel were always instrumental in the Payne household.  Chrisette's father served as deacon and played organ in the church, while her mother served as the church's choir director. Together they helped the young aspiring starlet discover her unique vocal instrument with one of her very first performances in church at the tender age of four.

   Once described as a "soulful songbird" by Entertainment Weekly, the Long Island native proved she could live up to the hype.  In addition to being one of Def Jam's most promising talents, Chrisette Michele was nominated for a BET Award for Best New Artist as well as two Grammy's.  Her CD entitled "I Am," was both a critical success and a fan's delight. Two years later, she followed that up with "Epiphany. " 
     With the help of songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, Chrisette's single "I'm Leaving" from her aptly titled sophomore project--"Epiphany" the singer had another hit.
This time though she raised the bar and stepped out of her comfort zone. "I wanted to make songs on my second CD more edgy, youthful and urban," Chrisette told Hulabloufest.com <http://hulabloufest.com/> <http://hulabloufest.com/>  during an interview.


    And her fans can't get enough. For more than three years heartbroken females everywhere have united in dubbing her the "the voice" of bad breakups. Others praise Michele for her uplifting lyrics that express the joy associated with finding a new love.  


 LET FREEDOM REIGN:     As if the big transition to her health and wellness weren't enough, Chrisette spent a lot of time shooting a new video -"I'm a Star", a new single that's being released on her third CD-"Let Freedom Reign".  "I'm a Star" is already resonating with teen girl organizations around the country who have adopted the song as a way to help young girls with self-esteem and abusive boyfriends.
     "Let Freedom Reign" is also about self discovery. "I've learned people are not as scary as they were in the beginning of my career.  I was petrified of people when I first started this journey because as I heard all of this scary stuff about blogs, website and gossip columns, it had me really scared." It was important to shield myself in the beginning until I got my feet wet. My feet are wet and now I'm in waste deep. My latest CD reflects where I am right now in my life. "I've learned to be myself, period".  It's about being completely honest, free to love yourself and getting excited about those liberties.
     "My voice is so very important to me." The more I find out things about myself, the more I can bring to the creative process. So if I'm constantly attentive to my health and my voice, the creative process becomes more fun for me and I simply don't have to worry about limitations."
 

NO LIMITATIONS:    No limitations for a rising young star who reigns supreme in an industry of mindless compositions and one hit wonders. Chrisette Michele, America's gifted singer and songwriter exercising the freedom to "keep it real" in and out of the studio. 

  

Beyonce Essence Fest

(NEW ORLEANS, LA.) -- If you haven't heard, The 19th Annual Essence Music Festival is going to be off the meter.  Here's hoping "Mrs. Carter" doesn't have an encore performance of "blowing out" the lights in the Super Dome for a second time at Essence!  Start making your plans now, it promises to be a "mind blowing" weekend!


CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE AND ESSENCE FEST 2013 LINE-UP
Beyonce Essence Fest

BACKSTAGE WITH ALEXIS SPIGHT

ALEXIS SPIGHT---"BREAKING THE MOLD!"

Alexis Spight and Varion Walton-The 28th Annual Stellar Awards- Photo: "E" Elpwe Ray

(NASHVILLE, TN.)---Her sound, her music and her style are nothing like your grandmother's "Rock of Ages!"  The first thing you notice about Alexis Spight is her spirit.  Of course you're going to notice her "trademark red Mohawk" that's a given, but I've discovered there is something more authentic about this young lady than the color of her hair.

Over the years I've interviewed many recording artists: secular, gospel and contemporary Christian alike.  I found it absolutely refreshing to meet a young woman, barely out of high school who is determined to stay strong in her faith.  She is clearly bringing her strong Christian values to her new found celebrity status.  Throughout the weekend, I can't tell you how many times I heard Alexis Spight say "please and thank you." This is one teenager who gets it; good manners and being polite will take you a long way in this industry.

Though relatively new to the game, 19 year old Spight has become something of an "old pro" when it comes to "red carpet" arrivals and the glare of the cameras. We met recently at The 28th Annual Stellar Awards in Nashville and instantly Alexis' "personality," not her crimson-colored hair drew me into her aura.

Last year the Buffalo, New York native became insanely popular on BET's "Sunday Best," though she didn't win the covenant title.  Just the same, the "runner-up" walked into The Stellar Awards a real winner. Alexis Spight is staying true to her "Pentecostal" roots and she knows 'it takes more than just hitting the right notes to make it in the music business.'
  

I caught up with her backstage minutes after she participated in an impromptu tribute to Andrae' Crouch during ASCAP'S 4th Annual "Morning Glory Breakfast." Alexis stood stage left, surrounded by other   Gospel icons like Andrae' Crouch, The Williams Brothers and Maurette Clark-Brown.

Spight was the literally "the new kid on the block," but she didn't appear to be intimidated in the least.  In fact she was very humbled and respectful to those who paved the way for her. "My family will  never let me forget I am standing on some giant shoulders, said Spight.

Her much-anticipated debut CD, "L.O.L (LIVING OUT LOUD)" features the new single "STEADY!"  Fans can also look for Alexis' amazing rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Imagine Me."

So here's to the bold, "out of the box" thinking, non-traditional newcomer who is turning Gospel on it's ear. Alexis, your strong faith and humble spirit will always be "the perfect melody" to ensure you'll transcend Gospel for many generations to come.

             
                        (ASCAP's "Morning Glory Breakfast" honoring The Legendary Andrae Crouch)

                                 On Stage: Alexis Spight, Maurette Clark-Brown, The Williams Brothers and More

FOLLOW ALEXIS ON TWITTER:

ORDER HER NEW CD: "L.O.L"

https://twitter.com/lyrically_lexi

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

"REMEMBERING WHITNEY"

It's hard to believe it's been a year.  Time has done little to heal the hole in our hearts. You'll forever be young and you'll forever be remembered as "one of the greatest voices of our time!" Rest in Peace Whitney, the world was a better place because you were here, if only for a little while!

BREAKING NEWS: HISTORY AS IT UNFOLDS!

POPE BENEDICT XVI TO RESIGN

(Vatican City)-- Wow, I thought I was dreaming overnight when this came in as breaking news.  This morning, I discover it's true, Pope Benedict has announced he is resigning February 28th.  The Pope points to his failing health.  He says he no longer feels he is strong enough to be the "top leader"of the Catholic church. 

This is stunning news for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike.  It has happened before, but not in our lifetime.  The last time a Pope resigned or left his post was more than 600 years ago.  I'm not Catholic, but I'm intrigued!  It's going to be interesting to see how colleagues at the networks will cover or "UNCOVER" this one.  One things for sure, this will be the most talked about story of the day.  

THE 2013 GRAMMY AWARDS

"MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT!"

(Los Angeles, CA.)--Tonight the champagne and the music will flow as we celebrate "MUSIC'S BEST"--nominees for the 2013 Grammy Awards!  Congratulations go out tonight to Anthony Hamilton who picked up two Grammy nods this year for "Best R&B Song"-Pray for Me and "Best R&B Album" Back to Love.

Photo: "E" aka Elpwe Ray--Essence Music Fest

Anthony's longtime writing partner and producer Kelvin Wooten is also nominated in the same category for his work on the CD entitled "Back to Love." Hands down Back to Love is some of this dynamic duo's best work. VISION/VOICE/VARION was the first to tell you a large part of the writing, producing, arrangement of this critically acclaimed project came together in North Alabama where Kelvin Wooten calls home.

Kelvin Wooten  Photo: Special Assignment Operations, Inc.

Join me in wishing "two of the coolest cats" in the industry well tonight at "The Grammy Awards," LIVE TONIGHT on CBS at 9pm EST. Don't forget to check out "Huntsville's Influence on Hollywood" and the national music scene with my story on Kelvin and Anthony Hamilton on my official website: www.varionwalton.com

COUNTDOWN TO "THE GRAMMY AWARDS 2013"

http://www.grammy.com

VARION'S VIEW: DYING TO BE FASHIONABLE!

SUICIDE SHOCKS NEW YORK'S FASHION SOCIETY! 

Ashley Riggitano-"Dying to Live The Life"

(New York, New York) --This story disturbs me on so many levels and it echoes a real problem in this country; "everything that glitters ain't gold!"  This doe-eyed beauty had the face of an angel, but behind these dark, mahogany eyes lays an even darker secret.   Ashley Riggitano was a tortured soul.

This week all over the country, pain and heartache give way to this young woman taken too soon. Ashley Riggitano only lived 22 short years. Unfortunately, it isn't her LIFE, but HER DEATH that's worthy of national headlines.  This week, on her 22nd birthday Ashley decided she didn't want to celebrate the milestone of coming into her "womanhood" with her friends; apparently she hated most of them and found them fake.  Ashley was also not  interested in a birthday cake, noisemakers or sharing a toast with her family.  Instead, her birthday was the day she decided to end it all and become yet another statistic.  

With one "unthinkable" move this budding New York driven fashionista decided to end "the competition" and the endlessly "need to please" by jumping to her death.  Authorities found her body after she laid down her designer handbag on the sidewalk, scaled The George Washington Bridge and plunged hundreds of feet into the Hudson River to her death.

I cannot imagine the pain and desperation in her final moments. Ashley Riggitano was torched, but cleverly got in one final  jab when she took the time out to write a suicide note detailing who should and should not attend her funeral.  Apparently suicide was her permanent solution to end her pain with her "so called frenemies;" girlfriends she identified as "fake" and "never being there."  The New York Post details Ashley "beefing" with her estranged business partner and other friends on Facebook earlier in the day.

AMERICA WAKE UP!   This is a "teachable moment!"   We have to embrace our girls and let them know life isn't about "15 minutes of fame."  We cannot all be Carrie Bradshaw or Kim Kardashian.  We've lost the essence of our morals.  We've become a nation obsessed with "who are you wearing and how much did it cost?"  Why? Things don't make the woman, the essence of your soul and character make you unique. You'll never find happiness in the bottom of a bottle or someone else's name written on your bottom!  Seriously!  Too many of us are literally "dying to live the dream."  We'll spend hundreds of dollars on our hair when we don't have a home to call our own.  WAKE UP, OUR PRIORITIES ARE TRULY SKEWED!

Ashley Rigatoni's history of depression and attempted suicide in the past have also been well documented this week. This tragic suicide leaves me sad asking were the warning signs there?  Did anybody take a minute to notice, "Something simply wasn't right?"   We must wake up as a nation and realize bullying in any form is never acceptable. The airwaves are saturated with "women behaving badly." The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Miami and Beverly Hills are a "sad and tragic" sign of our times. We've become totally comfortable watching women rip each other apart.

Ashley's death echoes a problem VISION/VOICE/VARION INVESTIGATES: ALL NEW THIS SEASON. Don't miss my exclusive story with a mother who watched helplessly as her 15 year old daughter was repeatedly kicked in the head by an angry mob of teenage girls. Her daughter's crime; she dared to smile at one of the boyfriends of one of her former friends. What if this unbelievable incident had ended with a death of a young girl too?  Switch now for a preview: http://www.varionwalton.com

Bullying is real and it comes in all forms and affects all ages.  My exclusive story comes with shocking, images of a "fight to the finished" where a young woman so hell bent on striking out--she literally fights her way out of her own clothes.  Why?  WAKE UP! IT'S NOT CUTE! What happened to Ashley wasn't cute either. Hopefully no one would dare show footage of this young woman plunging to her death, but her demise is a reminder--"words mean something and they can leave an impression; good or bad." Some people are strong enough to ignore "mean girls," but others like Ashley are too damaged and too frail to know "that joy comes in the morning." Your love for God will see you through anything and in any season. If only I could have embraced this young woman and personally told her "you are beautiful and the people torching you don't have a thimble full to do with you are or who you are destined to become.

Though it's too late for Ashley Riggitano, it's not too late for the other fashionistas still looking to take New York City by storm. Always remember Ashley's story and hopefully her short life will include a legacy that will be full of teachable moments. Her demise reminds us of the lingering pain of hateful words. Her death also serves as a sobering reminder, “we have got to do better as a nation.”

  

CLICK HERE TO READ JEZBEL'S POST ON "FABULOUSNESS AND FRENEMIES"

http://jezebel.com/5982803/fabulousness-and-frenemies-why-the-so+called-fashionista-suicide-made-headlines