What It Is Right Now...

1. I'll Take These Please!!!!
Maison Martin Margiela
Cut-Out Knee-High Boot

2.So vintage, so right now...
Jenny Bird Deco Clutch


3. Petals Pendant
Ruff & Cut Jewelry -" the marriage of this beauty with recycled metals in organic shapes and distinctive silhouettes articulates and honors the singular splendor of the land and the peoples who bring these precious things into the world."

4.Toni Morrison's A Mercy
I read it in two days- beautiful...



5. Kanye's 808's and Heartbreak....
He is a visionary and willing to push himself beyond his own abilities...You can't deny the abounding passion, soul and nakedness he lays before us...

Enjoy Every Moment...

I know I am so late on this but I finally saw The Diving Bell and The Butterfly via the miracle of Netflix. I was blown away by the whole thing. (Selfishly, it's a great movie to watch if you're learning French), but just the simple idea of one day you're living your life as a successful editor of Elle Magazine and the next minute, without anyone crashing into you, or any seemingly risky circumstances you could be unable to move except to blink your eye. I know that I am particularly blessed because not only do I have full facility of my limbs but I am also a professional dancer. I am aware of how one flaw, even something temporary such as scab on my knee or ankle, a cut on my finger, any little thing can throw off my body from being at its top function for dance. Sometimes I wonder what I will be like when I'm old. I try not to push past the little old hunch backed ladies in the subways because I recognize that could be me one of these days. I'm pushing my my body to the max and sometimes I feel like I have the knees of a 60 year old at 27. But just driving down the road one day and boom paralyzed completely?! I hope I can stay in this humble moment I feel of sheer gratefulness on a regular basis...I am beautiful and richly lavished with blessings...

Santa Baby...

This year, in lieu of the recession my family and I have decided that we will be giving to our favorite charitable organizations instead of spending money on stuff. We all have more than enough stuff. On Christmas day only stocking stuffers under $25 and the announcement of which organizations we gave to. However......(glittery, sparkly fairy tale music coming in now) this is what I would really ask for from Santa:

1. A Goyard Mini-Trunk. So sturdy, so classic, so rare, and so goregous. This is what I would love to stuff my 3 oz liquids in!



2. Louboutin's!

Sooo fierce! I'd love to strut around for the evening in these. Of course if taxi cabs are involved, often and frequent.

3. A Vacation to the Cote D'Azure. Yes honey. Lounging around on the beach, eating beautiful meals, practicing my French, and staying in a Versailles inspired suite. Yes.....



4. A Tiffany Buckle Necklace.
It's ONLY 34 Carats and more than price of my NC townhouse! Every girl needs a little bling...right?


5. A New Journal for every month.
Why try to cram it all in? I can feel free to journal everyday, dream imagine, and anything else.



6. A 2009 Mercedes CLK 350 Convertible
For flitting around the good old U.S.of A. Gas prices are down. Road trip anyone???

What Are You Thankful For...

Because Thanksgiving is about so much more than food, I want to charge everyone with writing a list of the top 100 things that they are most thankful for. It can be as small as being thankful for being able to breathe everyday, the first 100 things that come to mind....Let me know how it turns out!

WE DID IT AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afraid to be happy?

Right now I'm really happy. REALLY REALLY HAPPY. And it scares me to the point of tears and weeping. Everything is going really well for me. I'm warm and well fed, carving out my own way in the world, doing what I want to do, working hard, dangerously in love, successful in my career, and surrounded by loving friendships. Yet, I am afraid to rest in my joy. I am afraid to rest in my contentment. Afraid that someone is going to pull the rug out under me. I mean look at Jennifer Hudson, she's carved out her own way, Oscar winner, new movie, new solo album, and then someone comes and kills her family! Although I've read this scripture, ..."I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12, I have always looked at it one sided. I never realized how challenging it can be to be content when you actually have everything you NEED. Our society functions mostly on people being unsatisfied. That's seems to drive capitalism. If we were content with what we actually had many many institutions would go out of business. But, anyway, I don't want to be afraid to be happy. I don't want to be driven by fear. I want to be driven by grace, compassion and love. I don't want to be great because I'm better than her over there. I want to be great because I am me. I want to be courageous in my happiness and confident that regardless of my circumstances or even if everything that is contributing to my happiness now that is outside of me and my control that if it all falls apart that I will endure. And endure in joy. Maybe that's the secret....
"When God gives people wealth and possessions, and the ABILITY TO ENJOY THEM, to accept their lot and be HAPPY in their toil-this is a gift of God" Ecclesiastes 5:19

On Materialism, I mean fashion....

Last October 19th in 2007 I decided to do an extreme fast. No buying of any clothes, shoes, or accessories for myself unless it was of absolute need or a replacement. For example if my jeans ripped I could buy a new pair or if I needed a new leotard for a performance. Other than that nothing, zip, zilch, nada. I knew it would be challenging but I had hoped that I would learn to be grateful for all that I had and not be so quick to buy buy buy. Since I looove fashion I knew it would be a great sacrifice.
Well I made it! It wasn't easy. I learned so much about myself and I wanted to share it with you.

1. You don't need a lot of clothes to be fashionable.
I had a lot of clothes with a continual thirst for more. Inspired by this article of this fashion designer who only wore gray and her closet was half the size of mine, I began to purge. Not only did I not buy anything that wasn't a necessity but I also I gave away at least 4-6 large shopping bags of clothes and shoes over the course of this year. I began to put my creativity to work and focused on accessorizing.

2. Do your laundry often.
I realized when I wanted to shop the most it was when my clothes were in the dirty clothes hamper! I had forgotten all about them and I was tempted to shop. Also, carrying 3-4 large bundles of laundry down the three flights of my Brownstone apt building made me not want ANY more clothes.

3. Know your body type.
Understanding what looks best on your silhouette makes a world of difference and will save you a lot of time. For my athletically curvy figure, dresses and skirts, especially A line or vintage always looks great and modest.

4. You can wear the same thing over again.
It's not the end of the world. Change up your shoes, add a belt, wear a sweater over it. No one will notice. And if they do, WHO CARES!!!!

5. When you buy, buy quality.
It's better to have a few favorite quality pieces than a whole bunch of cheaply made things. Cheaply made things fall apart. You also can not always know the quality based on the price. Just because a pair of shoes costs $200 doesn't mean that its well made. You can find QUALITY items at a boutique or at the Salvation Army. You must examine where it's made and what it's made out of. ( Most things made before the 1990's are much better quality. That was before outsourcing and when people actually cared about the quality of their work) Only invest in timeless pieces. Unless you're Rihanna don't buy a military print Louis Vuitton bag. If you're going to invest in something like a Christian Louboutin pump or a Dior coat make sure it's something that can be worn season after season.

Overall, I believe I have a more discerning eye and appreciation for what I already have. I am also not afraid now to give away. If it doesn't fit quite right, or I haven't worn it in a year or I just don't NEED it I will sell it at Beacon's Closet or donate it to the Goodwill. While it's fun to look fabulous, this challenge also helped me to grow in my confidence of my inner beauty which is more valuable to God. With the recession looming over us, I am sure we'll all have to cut corners wherever we can.

Trouble the Water

This afternoon after a hectic day at work I decided to go see Trouble the Water. I wasn't looking for a pick me up and it certainly wasn't that but I just needed to be shaken out of my own world for a bit.
Because I am a Black Woman living in America I ultimately somehow identify with all the struggles of all Black people period. But it was jarring to see how vastly different my coming up and the upbringing of the couple in the 9th ward in New Orleans was.

I had two parents in my household. Both of my parents went to college. Even though they had their issues and we weren't the richest family on the block we never went with out food, running water, school supplies, or anything we needed for that matter. My parents tried to protect me from negative media images and kept me in constant dialogue. I got to go to college and graduate school and I get to live my artist life in NY because of their sacrifices. Not because I'm just oh so smart or oh so talented or oh so cute. I was set up to win.

The couple in the film had the complete opposite experience. Their schooling was sub-par, their neighborhood was dilapidated, parents on drugs and dying from HIV no money to go to college. They were set up for failure. Yet this couple was able to prevail in spite of the government spitting in their faces. They might have been "uneducated" but they sure were not stupid. They are acutely aware of what's going on in this world and why.
My whole concept of poverty has changed. See the movie; let me know what you think.

Meditations on The Democratic National Convention 2008

My stream of consciousness from 4 evenings glued to the tube:
1. Michelle Obama is so gorgeous, but wait a minute, look at her HAIR. Her hair is so shiny and look how it moves! She needs her own Pantene commercial. Weaves are so last year!

2. Those kids are so cute! I can tell Sasha's the feisty one.

3. I am so sleepy, but I must must stay up for Hillary's speech. I like these regular citizens. I can't believe my brother just said that the poor elderly woman from Eden, NC looks like a White Medea. He's TERRIBLE! I'm so so sleepy. Oh there she goes! Hillary did her job and she looks fierce in her creamcicle pantsuit. Didn't Chelsea use to be a red head? She looks great too. I'm not sure how I feel about the Harriet Tubman reference but it is effective.

4. Biden was definitely the right choice! What a great story Beau shared about their lives. He was a smart choice. I feel reassured that they are on the same page. And I guess Obama is "clean"??? But we forgive him for those strange comments.

5. Whohoo! They're in the big house now. I wish they showed John Legend's performance. I like these Generals. Oh, I can't believe I missed the Al Gore speech. I guess I will catch it on You Tube. Blurry Blurry, Oh here he is! He looks so well rested and so comfortable up there. His shape up looks real fresh too. Yes! He's being so specific and he's talking about McCain! Thoughts shifting to my own personal responsibility....I am so inspired! America is going to turn around!

6. Okay, my brain is clearly fried after 4 days of oratory and commentary, which probably is why all I can remember is how people looked and if they said something good or if it stunk up the place. If you really want to hear this speeches listen for yourself at NPR.org!

Beautiful like Sarah/Sexy with my clothes on

Last night I decided to catch up my non-cable having self on music videos. I work a lot with teen girls and young people so I feel that I should from time to time make an effort to know what's really going on outside of my interests. Watching the latest videos I felt like the little girl on the latest Dove commercial where they flash all these ads of women and at the end of the commercial the little girl is sitting on the couch taking it all in.
Since I have been walking with the Lord I have had to change my look. Those of you who know me pre-2002, remember me as the one with the stretch jeans and the backless shirt, or in the low back mini-dress. I was so excited when I graduated from High School. No more dress codes! There was not too many a day I wasn't strutting around the Atlanta University Center with out some kind of short short or mid-drift top. Although I was a cheerleader in High School and a dance major I never really felt like I was in the "in-crowd". In college I loved the attention my figure showing outfits provided. As I was going through my bible studies that really made me examine my life we came to the dreaded topic. Modesty.
The loving sisters that studied the Bible with me told me that I would have to change. I remember mumbling with teary eyes, "I can't be cute anymore?"

I couldn't even imagine a world without plunging necklines and tube dresses.

Years have passed and I have figured out how to dress my curvy figure in a way that is flattering and still Godly. But being a woman in this world is still a struggle. Someone once shared with me, something like "Men struggle with looking at pornography but women struggle with committing pornography".
It takes a lot of spiritual effort to live like this. It's easy to base how fine I am on how many hollers at I get walking down the street. Of course I want my boyfriend to be attracted to me. Thank God he's attracted to me for so much more than how I look.
Janelle Monae's performance at Summerstage this afternoon was so inspiring. She's a gorgeous woman not resorting to dropping it and popping it to get ahead. It encouraged me to keep on keeping on. When I get ahead it probably won't be the easy or most obvious route but at least my soul will still be attached.

INSPIRIT Summer Performances

WANNA SEE ME DANCE?

INSPIRIT is performing at several venues this summer...Here's the run down:

Sunday July 27-The Dance Place, 8th Street, N.E. Washington, D.C., Call 202-269-1600 for Tickets
Thursday July 31-Saturday Aug. 1- Solar 1 Festival, Stuyvesant Cove Park, 23rd Street and the FDR, NYC, FREE!!!!
August 10- Summerstage, St. Mary's Park, Bronx, NY, FREE!!!!

Hope to see you there!

Doug Varone and Dancers are sweet vanilla pudding...a review of LUX

I've just returned home from the American Dance Festival performance of Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Doug Varone and Dancers. Slightly delirious from teaching at The Governor's School this morning and taking class this afternoon, humming while consuming a late night dosage of Veggie Chips and Pomegranate Blueberry Juice, my brother yelling GO TO BED!, I am so inspired I HAVE to write.
For years I have been a hard core fan of Evidence and have great respect for what Cleo Parker Robinson has done, but tonight I am gushing over Varone's piece LUX.
This piece is a delicious swirling delight. The choreography never stops and his dancers move like pudding. They move with such ease and precision; they are soft, circular, gallant and direct. The work is so complex, so layered, the timing of the dancers demands perfection, otherwise it would all fall apart. Not only are they working hard but they are loving it. I love to watch dancers who are eating up the moment, reveling in it, so inside of the process, and present with every breath. Doug Varone and Dancers where have you been all my life?

The Audacity of Hope...New Work Coming Your Way

Whoooo hooo! I just received notification that I will be a recipient of the Outer/Space Creative Residency Grant for the 2008-2009 season! What that means is that Dance Theater Workshop is giving me 100 hours of rehearsal space to analyze my creative process and to create a new work!
I have to cheer about this because this spring I have applied to SO many programs like this getting rejection, rejection after rejection. Just wanted to share this with you because there is ALWAYS hope...

Michelle Obama: An American Girl

Michelle Obama. Strong, Intelligent, Educated, Feminine, Witty, Outspoken, Daring, a Dreamer, and American in every sense of the word.

When Anderson Cooper asks is America ready for a Black first lady I have to step back and think for a minute. Sometimes I forget that some people in this country would like to think I do not exist.
I grew up in a middle class Black neighborhood, went to 85% Black magnet schools in the Prince George’s County Public School System and went to a top ranked Historical Black College.
Going to college in Atlanta, living in an affluent city with Black people who were down to earth, friendly and intelligent, going to school where most of my friends graduated with high honors and went on to become published journalists, doctors, lawyers, investment bankers, and engineers, I was fully immersed in an environment where greatness is expected.
So the question, is America ready for Michelle Obama, is like asking is America ready for me?
Is it truly uncomfortable for people to see a Black woman going after her dreams with a strong mind, as a great wife and a mother?
Why does it feel better to characterize her “Obama’s Baby Mama?”

Do Americans feel more comfortable seeing Black women as sexual deviants locked up for their own fantasies?

Who are these unready or unprepared Americans that we are talking about anyway?

Love poems...

Love For Hashim#1

Your love is sweeter than honeysuckle/or ripe mango ready to be devoured under a Senegalese sun/patient like the moon wating for a new days kiss/everlasting like a northeast winter/ gentle like the end of a summer night's rain/peaceful like an ocean's song/a full and powerful deluge/ tender like the breeze on my arm/deeper than the unknown/brighter than the starlight/constant/the pull between me and you...
A.L.E.X.

Lest We Forget

Sometimes, when I begin to feel run down I hear God's voice whispering for me to open my eyes, take everything and remember. Last week I devoured James McBrides's Song Yet Sung. The language flows like music, the plot gripping and layered. It is powerful. lovely and though-provoking. It took me back to the feeling I had when I stood at the Point of No Return, in L'Maison Des Esclaves at Goree Island in Senegal. I was reminded of the strength of the blood that runs through me. My ancestors SURVIVED so that I could do what I am doing now. In the book, there are details about how a code is passed for slaves to escape to freedom. Black people worked together and risked their lives daily for others to live a better life than they would ever see. It's also filled with bittersweet prophesy. This story, based on true events takes place right in Eastern Shore, MD just across the bay from where I grew up. If you've read it, post a comment and share with me how it made you feel. If you plan to read it, please let me know what you think.

Reasons Why I "Love" NY

This month's edition of why you can't hate the playa, hate the game:

5. The Confidence of a NY Brotha
It doesn't matter if you have chapped lips, a scarf tied around your head, the dowdiest XXL t-shirt or sweatpant capris on, everday, without fail some brotha is going to step to you. They are going to proclaim to the high heavens how fine you are or probably holler out a date invitation on your way home from the bodega, the laundromat, or your neighborhood banking center. I'd like to think it's because I have an unshakeable beauty but it happens to EVERY sister I know rain or shine.

4. Radio Raheem's Free Music Therapy Sessions
If you live on my block, every day from about 2:30-5:30 pm, you can receive a taste of a variety of explicit hip-hop tunes blasting from Radio Raheem's stoop across the street.

3. The Subway
In one train ride you can give money to the homeless, be entertained by a 6 year old flipping through the subway car, have a young White British man ask you for one of the Oreo cookies your eating, help a foreigner find Bed-Stuy("WHERE BIGGIE GREW UP!") on the map, have a group of preteens chuck NERDS candy at you and reach your destination in 30-45min.

2. Crackheads, Starving Artists, and Million Dollar Home owners live in harmony.
Yes, in my neighborhood you can see them all within a 3 block radius.

1. Endless Possibility
Despite everything this is the place where my career dreams can become a reality and where I have met the man that has shown me the deepest love I have ever known.

What It Is Right Now...

Here's a list of the coolest things swirling around in my head...



1. Deceptacon by Le Tigre
I can not get this song out of my head...

2.Angela Nissel's Mixed
Halle Berry said it right, it really is a hilarious must read.




3. Sunshine. Rain, rain go away come again another day? Please? Pretty Please, with sugar on top?





4. The new indy film Reprise.
A Norwegian film about two young writers,psychosis, punk rock, love, growing up, beautifully directed.
(It is rated R so you may want to cover your eyes on some parts. Just keepin' it real...)
Oh and I can not get number 1. out of my head because it was in this movie.




5. This scripture: "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
John 17:22-23

Pimp My Bike Helmet

As I was preparing for my 12 mile bike ride from Bed-Stuy through Prospect Park and back this morning I realized why I hardly ever see Black girls over the age of 13 on bicycles. It took me an extra 10 min. to figure out this whole Bike helmet situation. Here's my confession, since I purchased my bike last year I have only worn my helmet 2 times, this morning included. I know I should be a lot more concerned about busting my head open, especially since I don't have any health insurance but last spring and summer I was wearing a kinky twist hair style which could not be contained under the helmet. So I just said a prayer everytime I went out and stayed off the main roads.
Two weeks ago I tried out the helmet for the first time and it was a disaster. Luckily I was only going to teach my class for elders which is only 10 min. away. My hair was just blown out straight and had wispy curls on the side. I noticed that only one guy instead of the usual 10-12 asked to ride in my basket. When I got home I could understand why. I looked straight out of a scene from Dumb and Dumber. So today, since my hair is in conrows I thought I try this helmet thing again. Safety First! Right? So I thought I tie a vintage Geoffrey Beene scarf over my braids, throw on my aviator sun glasses and then the helmet. I kept adjusting the helmet slightly to the front and then to the back, then I tried to tuck the neck strap behind my ears! After 5 min of still looking dorky I just said forget it. But really, how is the helmet supposed to look cool?
As I began my ride I started meditating on this. No wonder you don't see Black women riding their bikes to work. By the time they got to the office they would be fired for looking "unprofessional and unkempt" I mean, out of all the hairstyles we've got I really can't see one that wouldn't be totally ruined after putting on a bike helmet. Can somebody please give me any suggestions? What's a Black girl to do?

On Purity

Since I started my relationship with the love of my life the number 1 question from my friends who are also Christians is "How's your purity?" a surprisingly invasive, yet a justifiable question. If you're dating God's way the Bible says that in our relationship "there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Ephesians 5:3. My love and I are constantly discussing what that means for us. As far as physical intimacy our relationship looks pretty much like this: We hold hands, we kiss on the cheek, we hug briefly. We're never in each other’s houses alone. EVER. If we decide to get married our first kiss will be at the altar.
The idea of it can seem daunting, overwhelmingly restricted, frustrating to the point of death, seemingly impossible even. I am writing this because I have to give a shout out to God on this one. He should receive all the glory for our everyday victories. I feel confident that we can continue on like this because I have dozens of friends who are happily married and had a physical relationship that looked just like ours. They didn't explode or rush into marriage. They prayed through their struggles and waited on God's timing.
Beyond the physical we also choose our words carefully, as not to try to seduce each other in our discussions. We are making every effort to be glorifying to God by keeping our relationship pure.
It really feels funny to brag on this but I have to. It seems so ridiculous to most people to even try this kind of relationship in this day and age.
6 years ago when I got baptized I too was in disbelief that it could be possible to live like this.
There are a few reasons I believe that this is working so far:
A. Before we even got together we both had strong convictions that we wanted our relationship to be like this. I didn’t have to convince him, nor did he have to convince me.
B. God is our number one. We both strive to love our creator exponentially beyond our love for one another
C. We are equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). Before we got together we learned that we share the same faith and enjoy worshiping together, had similar values and goals.

Honestly, I feel so close to this guy because the smoke screen of physical intimacy is not in the way. He really hears me, I feel safe, deeply loved and protected. Don’t get it twisted, by no means am I the relationship guru but I’m excited to see how my faith is bearing beautiful gorgeous fruit. Friends, Family, anyone who takes the time to read this, I invite you to help me to be the woman I want to be by asking me about how it's going. If you’re trying a similar thing let me know. Despite being in the Beyonce’ and Jay-Z era of don't ask, don't tell, I invite you to ask me about it. Be a part of the journey, so we can give God the glory. Amen.

VENUS

Sneak Preview....
This summer my piece VENUS will be shown at the Solar 1, Solar Powered Dance Festival, July 31-Aug.2 at 6pm.
A little background:
Christal Brown, director of the company I currently perform with INSPIRIT, believes so much in her dancers that she has developed a program that allows company members to apply for an opportunity to set a new work on the company. This is unique because most dance companies outsource their choreographers. As one of the CCCP (Company Choreographic Commissioning Project) recipients this year, I created VENUS. This work is heavily influenced by the work of visual artist Kara Walker and the story of Sarah Baartman.

What I'm Drinking on....

In January as part of an extreme experiment trying to jolt my body back in order,(two months previously in Senegal eating mostly rice, white bread, Fanta, and black tea with 3-4 sugar cubes everyday was not doing my body good) I gave up coffee. Now, what I was drinking was beyond coffee, it was like a liquidized honey bun. Grande, White Chocolate Mocha with Soy for breakfast and dinner is no way to live. I can proudly say that giving it up has really made a huge difference(DUH!) and I feel much better consistently. All that sugar and caffiene was really doing a number on me. However, my newest obsession is Perrier. I know. I know. Perrier?
I don't even know when I started drinking it and it totally reminds me of a '70's movie for some reason. I feel so bourgeois. But it's sooo good. It's definitely an acquired taste but it's the best of both worlds. The crispy burn of soda, but the health benefits of water. San Pellingrino works and so does Poland Spring's Sparkling Water. It's not quite as expensive as the Starbucks but in NY that stuff can run up to $2 for a small bottle. Someone help me please....

In Anticipation of November 5th

Yes, November 5th is the day after Election Day and I'm nervous about how things are going to pan out. I've already threatened my close friends and family that if McCain gets in office I will have to take it to the streets, rioting and looting, in my own neighborhood and then yours. Following that fit of rage I'm supposed to pack up and move to the Left Bank in Paris, where I'll enjoy free health care and evening strolls along the Seine River. ("If I wasn't SAVED!" Black Church Lady Voice).
But seriously though, what am I going to do?
Back in 2000, with my 19-year old prowess, I cast my democratic vote in the messiest election ever; only to be dejected weeks later that Bush had somehow squeezed himself into office. In 2004, I stood back and watched my Christian friends explain to me that they HAD to vote for Bush because he was the only one who would stand up for God by not letting Gays marry. Tears flowed readily and I remember calling my Mom the day after the election proclaiming "I don't think I can go to school today". (Grad school mind you).
Even though I'm 0-2 in my voting the next president in I, like many other democrats in their 20s, am bright-eyed and full of hope. When, Obama won Iowa I started walking around with my head held high thinking this country might not go to hell in a hand basket after all! Back then I was still cool with Hillary, thinking either way I win. But as this race for the democratic nomination has dragged on the magic is starting to fade. As each day passes I'm beginning to trust Hillary less and less, I just see a cloud of lies and negativity buzzing around her.
Of course Barak is far from perfection but at this point I feel like he's the only man that could turn this country around. Being so passionate about this comes fearfulness of becoming numb. If people like me lose in this election one more time I fear that we will just check out of life or take to self inflicted exile.
We need to be alert; we've got a lot to pay attention to:
A declining economy, millions of orphans in Africa due to HIV/AIDS, dilapidated New Orleans, and global warming, millions without any kind of health insurance, drugs in the water, steroids in the food....
Whoa.
Sean Bell was unarmed and shot 50 times and somehow the police officers were acquitted. It's not in the least bit shocking. Nobody is taking to the streets because we see that it DOESN'T MATTER. It seems like this same scenario has happened a billion times. And if justice no longer matters in this country and we don't have someone in office is who dedicated and ready to change that, how can I live here?

All I can do is pray that whatever happens God will have his hand on it. Despite all of this, I'm not ready leave NY yet. I like hot showers everyday, taking the subway, riding my bike in Prospect Park, dancing with INSPIRIT, seeing Broadway shows, speaking English, unlimited minutes with Sprint, constant flows of electricity, Brooklyn Academy of Music and hanging out with my Harlemite boyfriend.
I'm having too much fun.
So I'm taking deep yoga breaths and crying out to God. Something must be done.

What It Is Right Now...

Here's a list the coolest things swirling around in my head:

1. I just downloaded my newest ear candy, The Roots latest album Rising Down. Favorite tracks so far...
Criminal, Rising Up, I Will Not Apologize, Birthday Girl, I Can't Help It


2. The return of Ray-Ban's Original Wayfarer's for the summer....

3. "I am because we are" Madonna's documentary about Malawi...that night at Tribeca Film Festival last week I will never forget


www.iambecauseweare.com

4. This adorable doll at Henri Bendel. I mean I put away my Barbie's at age 9 but she's just sooo cute...


5. This scripture:
"Humble yourselves,therefore,under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Greetings!

Welcome and thank you for stopping by!
On a wim, today I've decided to join the rest of my generation and get on the band wagon with this whole Blog thing. It's probably partly influenced by my most famous boyfriend Hashim Warren and his career as Hip-Hop Blogger. Any who, as an artist I ask myself, what do I have to say that's going to really be different than anything else anyone else is saying? Well, I myself am not too sure but I love to share the crazy happenings in my life and maybe you'll enjoy reading them. I pledge to only share the interesting stuff and do my best not to bore you. I cannot promise that I won't disappoint you, discourage you or always be the most kind but I promise to keep it real in a way that glorifies God. So come along with me on this journey. I welcome you, officially.