I was so fortunate to work on this show a few years ago when the staging was just coming together. So glad to see it come into fruition on this level. Hashim treated me to a second row seat for my birthday. Yeah Yeah!
Then:
Now
Monday, December 7, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Passionate Debutant Mixtape
THE PASSIONATE DEBUTANT MIXTAPE
This is a live mix recorded at Scratch DJ Academy NY, NY
Artists Include:
Phoenix Rise-Maxwell
Higher-Theophilus London (feat. Jesse Boykins III)
Right Hand Hi- Kid Sister
Bassment Party-The Cool Kids
Supersonic-J.J. Fad
Bass on the Bottom- The Lady Tigra
Chillin- Wale (feat. Lady Gaga)
Drop It Like It's Hot-Snoop Dogg & Pharrell
C.R.E.A.M- Wu Tang Clan
Kryptonite-Big Boi
Off That- Jay-Z (feat. Drake)
See Line Woman- Nina Simone
Quiet Dog-Mos Def
My Drive Thru-Santogold, Julian Casablancas & Nerd
Celebration (Benny Benassi Remix Edit)-Madonna
ENJOY!!!
http://www.zshare.net/download/69389466d96cc074/
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I Said Yes!!!!
On Saturday night I was headed downtown best friend from Chicago, Mrs. Robyn Perry and best friend from Brooklyn Aisha Fleming, in tow, all ready for a girls hang out. We walked into the lounge and all of sudden, "Whoosh" a blind fold comes over my eyes. They lead me up the a flight of stairs in the darkness and sit me down. After what seemed like eternity the blindfold comes off and I'm told to open my eyes. I'm sitting on a couch in a room which smelled gorgeous like a garden and was full of pink roses and candles. Robyn appears and reads a beautiful poem about our friendship and the last line hints that something more is coming. Aisha appears and reads a poem about our friendship and hints that something more is coming. Then my old roommate and dear friend Linda Pepera who currently lives in Maryland appears and that's when I started weeping with excitement and overwhelming joy. She also reads a poem about our friendship and hints that there's something more.
Then the love of my life, Hashim Warren appears. He also reads a poem about our relationship. He tells me that he has a present for me. And then he pulls out a BLUE BOX. He asks me to open it and when I see that it's a ring box inside he takes it from me bending down on one knee and asks, "Will you marry me?" I said YES!!!!! He puts the ring on my finger and asks me to pray with him. Our friends appeared from behind the curtain and then we all prayed together. We go downstairs and I'm wisked away to part II of the evening. We arrive at the Hudson River Cafe where all our friends are waiting in the upstairs loft area, for our engagement celebration.
I was completely surprised and am amazed at how much my friends love me. God is constantly at work to make all his dreams for me to come true. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Then the love of my life, Hashim Warren appears. He also reads a poem about our relationship. He tells me that he has a present for me. And then he pulls out a BLUE BOX. He asks me to open it and when I see that it's a ring box inside he takes it from me bending down on one knee and asks, "Will you marry me?" I said YES!!!!! He puts the ring on my finger and asks me to pray with him. Our friends appeared from behind the curtain and then we all prayed together. We go downstairs and I'm wisked away to part II of the evening. We arrive at the Hudson River Cafe where all our friends are waiting in the upstairs loft area, for our engagement celebration.
I was completely surprised and am amazed at how much my friends love me. God is constantly at work to make all his dreams for me to come true. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Favorite Inventions of the 21st Century
10.INSPIRIT, a dance company
Sure, I'm a little biased but what other dance company do you know whose company members can twirl, get the leg up, balance the books, engage the community, write and teach cutting edge curriculum and has 5 consecutive seasons in NYC?
9. Zip Car
Cool cars, easy locations, and you pick up the car and unlock the doors with the wave of your card!
8. iPod
40,000 songs in your pocket? I'd still be carrying around my CD case to all my teaching engagements. What would I do without you?
7.Mac Book Pro
If you've never used one, I can't even explain how amazing it is to you.
6.Facebook
Connected to all the people I like. Sure it's like high school but at least you get to pick your classmates.
5. You Tube
As an indie filmmaker, who needs a film festival to launch their work anymore?
4.Pandora Radio
Who knew I would love the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's and everything that sounds like them.
3.Fashion Blogging
Inspiration everyday, for free!
2.Netflix
No more late fees! EVER!!!! I can watch a movie in 2 clicks!
1.Hulu
An awesome solution for someone with no cable and a very busy schedule. How else would I have watched the entire season of The Bachelorette last summer?
I can't wait to see how amazing the next decade will be. Keep the creativity coming!
Sure, I'm a little biased but what other dance company do you know whose company members can twirl, get the leg up, balance the books, engage the community, write and teach cutting edge curriculum and has 5 consecutive seasons in NYC?
9. Zip Car
Cool cars, easy locations, and you pick up the car and unlock the doors with the wave of your card!
8. iPod
40,000 songs in your pocket? I'd still be carrying around my CD case to all my teaching engagements. What would I do without you?
7.Mac Book Pro
If you've never used one, I can't even explain how amazing it is to you.
6.Facebook
Connected to all the people I like. Sure it's like high school but at least you get to pick your classmates.
5. You Tube
As an indie filmmaker, who needs a film festival to launch their work anymore?
4.Pandora Radio
Who knew I would love the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's and everything that sounds like them.
3.Fashion Blogging
Inspiration everyday, for free!
2.Netflix
No more late fees! EVER!!!! I can watch a movie in 2 clicks!
1.Hulu
An awesome solution for someone with no cable and a very busy schedule. How else would I have watched the entire season of The Bachelorette last summer?
I can't wait to see how amazing the next decade will be. Keep the creativity coming!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
An Education
I saw this tonight at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas. (Does anyone under the age of 45 go this movie theatre except for me? Every single time I go there I'm the youngest and darkest person there!)
It was EXCELLENT! I love Carey Mulligan's performance.
It was EXCELLENT! I love Carey Mulligan's performance.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ed-u-ma-cated (YouTube Premier)
Diving back into teaching in various after school programs from the Bronx to Brooklyn I am reminded daily of how poignant and relevant this piece is more and more everyday in my life. Here's the World Premier of the live performance of Section 1: Innocence at the Solar 1 Dance Festival this summer. The cast is Carlita Ector, Chevon Stewart, and Shoccara Marcus. Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Leggings- To Wear or Not to Wear...That IS the question
A few weeks ago on the Today show they did this whole segment about leggings. It made me very nervous. They were proclaiming EVERYONE could and SHOULD wear this trend. I anxiously watched them parade all very leggy models in different outfits and styles looking very stylish. However, that was television. In real life leggings are very tricky and should be given lots of thought and effort before walking out in public.
I must say that my body is not made for 80's trends. 1940's and 50's silhouettes are much more flattering on my athletically curvy shape. Keeping this in mind I think more women should consider how exactly they are rocking leggings. Especially after nearly choking and dying from disgust while walking behind a girl, down 7th Ave and 39th street, wearing a cropped top and jacket with leggings that were so sheer I could see her blue undies with little green flowers on it. YUCK!
Here's how I recommend wearing leggings:
1. Make sure they are the kind you wear as pants and not as tights. Get in front of the mirror and under the light and check yourself from all angles.
2. Balance out the look with an over sized top, tunic, or boyfriend blazer. If your bum is covered your probably fine.
3. Wear them under a mini dress with booties.
4. If you feel ridiculous just forget it. Don't be a fashion victim, style transcends trends.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Monday, October 5, 2009
Genevieve Jones...I saw you and your little pug too!
Today was one of the best days ever and one tiny part of the cascade of good times was that I spotted Genevieve Jones, socialite extraordinaire at Zara in SoHo of all places. In my New York years I've spotted many celebs (Don Cheadle, YaYa from ANTM, Madonna, etc.)but for some reason it was particularly fun to see her casually browsing. She was in a striped ribbed turtleneck with these amazing shades and leggings. Of course I let her be but I must say to see one of my fashion icons in the flesh was entertaining. I love New York.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Of course I'm so late because I don't have HBO but because of the wonders of Netflix I finally got to see the whole series. This is a masterpiece. Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, and the entire cast is PHENOMENAL. So entertaining, so uplifting and so hilarious. LOVE THIS! I wish they would continue. I almost cried after the last episode.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
My Life's True Purpose
I am so grateful that I was able to attend this conference this weekend. Artists from our sister churches from Australia to Los Angeles, California got together to learn more about how to use our gifts to bring glory to the LORD. I am forever changed, my perspective renewed, and completely inspired. Thank you Speech from Arrested Development and to ALL the people who dreamed big enough to put this together. To God be the Glory...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
INSPIRIT at the Philly Fringe
If you're in Philly this weekend check out this very hot performance with INSPIRIT. A small excerpt from Ed-u-ma-cated is in the show!
319 market street
philadelphia, pa 19106
215.574.8880
"...there could be no better platform or venue for INSPIRIT to make our Philadelphia debut. The series speaks to the commonality of visions between INSPIRIT and Choreographic Sketches, thus expressing ancestral truths... building a rapport with audiences through concert dance and being authentic to the process as while as the product." Christal Brown, Founder & Artistic Director of INSPIRIT
Choreographic Sketches Series IV
Champagne
After Glow
Come to the after glow...
FRI. SEPT. 18TH @ 9:30 PM $18
lela aisha jones
david p. france
william oaks IV
duane Lee
katherine richardson
TICKETS CLICK HERE
SAT. SEPT. 19TH @ 9:30 PM $18
zane booker
christal brown
shani nwando ikerioha collins
vincent thomas
TICKETS CLICK HERE
Gratitude and Service
Choreographic Sketches
www.csketches.org
319 market street
philadelphia, pa 19106
215.574.8880
"...there could be no better platform or venue for INSPIRIT to make our Philadelphia debut. The series speaks to the commonality of visions between INSPIRIT and Choreographic Sketches, thus expressing ancestral truths... building a rapport with audiences through concert dance and being authentic to the process as while as the product." Christal Brown, Founder & Artistic Director of INSPIRIT
Choreographic Sketches Series IV
Champagne
After Glow
Come to the after glow...
FRI. SEPT. 18TH @ 9:30 PM $18
lela aisha jones
david p. france
william oaks IV
duane Lee
katherine richardson
TICKETS CLICK HERE
SAT. SEPT. 19TH @ 9:30 PM $18
zane booker
christal brown
shani nwando ikerioha collins
vincent thomas
TICKETS CLICK HERE
Gratitude and Service
Choreographic Sketches
www.csketches.org
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fashion Week Favorites
Monday, September 14, 2009
Shopping is my hobby...
After reading article after article in the NY Times this weekend about the nation's economic crisis my heart was stricken. It's not because of the empathy I feel for the couple from my hometown Prince George's County, MD almost loosing their home because of a $500 dining room set at Levitz or the mother who ended up in a homeless shelter after putting her daughters through college, it's because I realized that in a few missteps I could end up like them.
All people don't end up in hardship because they're not intelligent, its because our whole AMERICAN mindset is messed up. We buy stuff that we can't afford all the time, stuff that we need to get "ahead" but we do it. We eat cheap food and our bodies bear the brunt of it. If I don't take care of my health at some point YOU are going to have to pay for it.
So in order to start taking some personal responsibility my first step is to put my shopping habit on hold once again. I have to admit shopping is my HOBBY. If I've got time to kill between rehearsals or meetings I usually go browsing through my favorite stores. I live in NYC, the fashion capitol of the world. We have EVERYTHING here. It's so hard.
No, most times I don't buy but I have to admit I am really influenced by trends. I LOVE fashion! But as I learned in 2007-2008 I could go an entire year without buying anything new and no one would notice. I could probably come up with new combinations of outfits for three years straight without repeating the same combination. So, I will resist the urge to buy any new clothing items (yes that includes shoes and accessories, MAN!) until January and then reassess a new plan. Sure, sure I'm sure the economists will not be happy with my plan but I rather save my money for other things and buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. When you see me ask me how this venture is going...I'm going to need help!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Big Black Women Are Scary
Oh Serena....I am sure you've already gotten enough flack about this one but I'm so disappointed. Unfortunately as black women, we don't have the luxury of ever loosing our cool. You can't BE human. You can't get upset in public and especially not at the US Open. If you don't know this by now let me remind you that people are TERRIFIED of you. I've had three separate conversations with close friends and strangers who all happened to be white who describe you as some kind of mythical animal like creature. Meanwhile, I am wishing they would just appreciate your beauty and your talent. Sure every one deserves to be able to express the full range of human emotion at times but not you Serena. You are a big, black woman. And people shudder in your presence. So please, put on your mask and just be a pretty lady who plays tennis...do it for all black women. Please?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Fashion's Night Out and INSPIRIT
INSPIRIT will be performing and and wearing the Spring collection of Callalilai Boutique at 827 Broadway - New York, NY 10003 from 6-9. Here's a little about the designer:
"AOYAMA ITCHOME may be a name for a bustling train station in Japan, but it is also a name synonymous for a collection of whimsical, cheery dresses with bold prints and understated detail. After spending many years freelancing at Japanese fashion magazines, the designer, Hogo Natsuwa began designing for an embroidery house, which led him to rediscover creation and design; his greatest passion. Upon relocating from Japan to France, Natsuwa launched his first AOYAMA ITCHOME collection in 2001 and continues to expand the label with the opening of two stores in New York: Callalilai Brooklyn, in Boerum Hill and Callalilai Nolita on Spring street."
I will be studying all my glossy mags today for inspiration. Our show will be a mixture of snipets of INSPIRIT repertory and improvisational posing. Whoohooo! See you there.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cornerstone, YEEAAAHH!!!!
Great news folks...This fall I will be representing Cornerstone Promotions as a new member of the F.A.R.M team. I am looking forward to this experience. Never heard of Cornerstone? They are responsible for the likes of The Fader Magazine, Faderlabel, Cornerstone mixtapes, and sooo much more. This should be fun!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Matt & Kim
Ummm, I kind of love this song....actually I listened to their whole album on MySpace and it's really entertaining....
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tiny & Toya
As all of you already know I don't have cable so I just caught the first season of Tiny & Toya via the web. No, this type of show doesn't usually interest me but after reading Michael Arceneaux's article about it on TheRoot.com I became curious. After watching the first episode I was hooked! Even though, judging by the outside (tatoos galore, teen pregnancies, not properly speaking the King's English) they are definitely the kind of girls some of my family members would think to be a bad influence. I love the fact that they are portrayed as fully dimensional human beings, such a rarity in Black television. These girls are down to earth, intelligent, and sincere. Unlike the Housewives of Wherever, they actually have a true friendship and the show is about them realizing their short comings and overcoming fears, insecurities and trying to be a great example for their children. It's actually really positive and by the end I was sad because I wanted to see more of what these girls were up to. How is Toya's book coming along? What's going on with the OMG girls? What did everyone think of the showcase? We need more shows like this. BET, ya done good...
Grey Gardens
Okay, y'all I don't have cable so I'm probably extra late but I just got Grey Gardens through the magic of Netflix.
TRAUMATIZING!!!!! I mean it was a wonderfully sad film and with amazing performances by Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange but oh the dirt. The glamour and the dirt! After watching it I frantically got up and started sweeping and organizing. Oh the dirt. If you want to make the transition from tolerator of clutter to absolute paranoid neat freak watch this movie. I'm sure there were deeper lessons here but oh...the dirt!
TRAUMATIZING!!!!! I mean it was a wonderfully sad film and with amazing performances by Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange but oh the dirt. The glamour and the dirt! After watching it I frantically got up and started sweeping and organizing. Oh the dirt. If you want to make the transition from tolerator of clutter to absolute paranoid neat freak watch this movie. I'm sure there were deeper lessons here but oh...the dirt!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
I Just Want to Have Fun
This was probably my favorite song when I was 5 or 6. And seriously people, I really really just want to have fun. Cyndi was my style icon at that age. I'm thinking about just putting on my shades and a poufy skirt and skipping around the city. What else are you gonna do in a recession?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
INSPIRIT launches new site!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Doctor Atomic
I am reading Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers and totally enthralled and inspired. Robert Oppenheimer is mentioned in it which reminded me of Doctor Atomic the opera by John Adams. I saw this performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music's live transmission of The Met's performance in HD last fall and I loooooved it. Here's one of my favorite parts:
Monday, August 3, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
(500) Days of Summer
On Saturday morning I woke up at 6:15am! (By now you should know that I'm not a morning person.) Instead of lolling around as I thought I might I got up and took free Sunshine Yoga at Lululemon in Union Square, skipped over the Jeffrey's for a little window drooling over the Christian Louboutin fall 09 booties and went to $6.00, A.M Matinee of (500) Days of Summer. The critics are on point. This film is incredible. One of the few arty films that actually leaves you feeling hopeful. I loved it!!!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
One Wild Thing
Monday, July 27, 2009
Solar 1 Dance Festival World Premier!
You are invited to the World Premier of my new work:
Ed-u-ma-cated
at the
Solar-Powered Dance Series Program B
July 30, 2009 6:00 pm to August 1, 2009 6:00 pm
JULY 30th- AUGUST 1: The Fifth Annual Solar-Powered Dance Series features 14 emerging choreographers in a diverse variety of styles, from African/hiphop to circus to vaudeville/burlesque and beyond.
Performances are accessible to a general audience and are appropriate for all ages!
This week’s dances will include choreography by: Adelka Polak & Larry Hunt, Faye Lim, Julie Troost, Catch Me Bird, Sharon Mansur, Gabriel Forestieri, and Alexandra Joye Houston.
Dances begin at 6 PM!
Check out an excerpt of the piece in the rehearsal process (courtesy of the Outer/Space grant from Dance Theatre Workshop) :
http://alexandrajhouston.blogspot.com/2009/03/ed-u-ma-cated.html
Directions to Solar One:
Solar One is about a 10 minute walk from the closest subway stations, but the area is also serviced by several bus lines.
By Subway & Bus: take the (6) to 23rd St. and the M23 east to Avenue C *or* take the (L) to 1st Ave and walk about 10 minutes to the site or take the M15 north to 23rd St. and walk along East 23rd St. The M16 and M21 buses also stops near E. 23rd St. and Avenue C.
Ed-u-ma-cated
at the
Solar-Powered Dance Series Program B
July 30, 2009 6:00 pm to August 1, 2009 6:00 pm
JULY 30th- AUGUST 1: The Fifth Annual Solar-Powered Dance Series features 14 emerging choreographers in a diverse variety of styles, from African/hiphop to circus to vaudeville/burlesque and beyond.
Performances are accessible to a general audience and are appropriate for all ages!
This week’s dances will include choreography by: Adelka Polak & Larry Hunt, Faye Lim, Julie Troost, Catch Me Bird, Sharon Mansur, Gabriel Forestieri, and Alexandra Joye Houston.
Dances begin at 6 PM!
Check out an excerpt of the piece in the rehearsal process (courtesy of the Outer/Space grant from Dance Theatre Workshop) :
http://alexandrajhouston.blogspot.com/2009/03/ed-u-ma-cated.html
Directions to Solar One:
Solar One is about a 10 minute walk from the closest subway stations, but the area is also serviced by several bus lines.
By Subway & Bus: take the (6) to 23rd St. and the M23 east to Avenue C *or* take the (L) to 1st Ave and walk about 10 minutes to the site or take the M15 north to 23rd St. and walk along East 23rd St. The M16 and M21 buses also stops near E. 23rd St. and Avenue C.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Julie&Julia
I randomly stumbled upon a free advanced screening of this movie tonight! No literally, meeting up with a co-worker on 63rd and 2nd Ave, needed to go to the bathroom and decided to go in the movie theater where people were heading in for a free screening. They gave me a ticket and boom, a lovely evening! (This is another reason why I love NY). It was a very sweet and uplifting film. If you're feeling doubtful about yourself or your life this film will lift your spirits. And, of course, Meryl Streep's performance is phenomenal.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Kid Sister...I'm a little obsessed
Once upon a time my boyfriend asked, how do you find out new music(especially because I don't really listen to the radio). I replied, "I read about it!"
I read about Kid Sister in Elle magazine and decided to check her out on MySpace. I am such a fan of her music. She's like 80's female rap (WHERE ARE ALL THE FEMALE EMCEE's????) meets 2009 down south beats. I can't wait until her full album comes out. I am so inspired by her that I might entirely change the genre of music that I'm practicing to spin. (By the way, DJ Phoenix is scheduled to enter the scene early 2010, you heard it hear first. Shhhh!)
Anyway, check out this adorable video: Kid Sister - Pro Nails ft. Kanye West
I read about Kid Sister in Elle magazine and decided to check her out on MySpace. I am such a fan of her music. She's like 80's female rap (WHERE ARE ALL THE FEMALE EMCEE's????) meets 2009 down south beats. I can't wait until her full album comes out. I am so inspired by her that I might entirely change the genre of music that I'm practicing to spin. (By the way, DJ Phoenix is scheduled to enter the scene early 2010, you heard it hear first. Shhhh!)
Anyway, check out this adorable video: Kid Sister - Pro Nails ft. Kanye West
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Blood Dazzler Preview!
Blood Dazzler - an exploration of Hurricane Katrina through the convergence of verse, dance, theatre and multimedia. In development over the last three years, and direct from a recent Voice & Vision residency at Bard College, we invite you again to experience the artistic evolution of this dynamic and important issue. Your presence is vital to our process!
Please join us for a private work-in-progress showing
Monday, July 20th at 7:00pm
@ Classic Stage Company
136 East 13th Street
[4, 5, 6, N, R or L trains to 14th Street/Union Square]
Seating is limited. RSVP to blood.dazzler.09@gmail.com by Sunday, July 19th
Blood Dazzler
Based on poems by Patricia Smith
Adapted & Directed by Patricia McGregor
Choreography by Paloma McGregor
Performers
Cristal Albornoz
Eddie Brown
Alexandra Joye Houston
Lizan Mitchell
Sarita Louise Moore
Rhea Patterson
Tiffany Stewart
Set: Scott Dougan
Costumes: Katherine O’Neill
Lights: Ji-Youn Chang
Sound: Keith Obadike
Education/Community Engagement: Mendi Obadike & Nicole A. Watson
Associate Producers: Martha Jurczak, Abigail Katz & David Roberts
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Thing Around Your Neck
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of my favorite author's EVER. I read her first novel Purple Hibiscus years ago and was hooked. Her new book of short stories is a good combination of that raw straight forward African way of storytelling with beauty, grace, and emotion. This is a MUST read. Favorite stories in this book, "Jumping Monkey Hill", "The Shivering", "The Arrangers of Marriage" and my favorite favorite favorite "The Headstrong Historian"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Revel in the blessings
I think everyone from time to time struggles with enjoying the moment that you're presently in. It's a BEAUTIFUL summer day, perfect breeze and gentle sunshine and you find yourself dreaming about Fall '09 boots with zippers and long slouchy cardigans. Or you have the best boyfriend in the world, you're totally in love and you both see a future together but you can't stop thinking about how great it would be to married to him RIGHT now. Or you're doing the work that you love and enjoying the process but you can't wait until the next step. I know if I don't learn to enjoy the moment I will miss my fantastic life. I want to savor everything, I want revel in my blessings. A few things I am meditating on from the Scriptures: Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy; it is promised when you focus on things such as these you will have peace.
(Paraphrased from Philippians 4:8) Cheers!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Got to be there"
I went to the Jumbotron in front of the Adam Clayton Powell building to watch the memorial service on 125th street. The air was heavy. Then a saw a lady wearing a Thriller jacket who was beginning to weep. I knew I couldn't handle it and I went home. I am watching it alone. Good-bye Michael. We love you.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Afro-Punk Festival 2009: Radically Delicious!
Tonight, the LORD blessed with me with the most incredible evening. By a miracle I made it to the Afro-Punk festival just in time to get up right in the front to see Janelle Monae. This girl is amazing. She is so intelligent, so beautiful, so wierdly awkward and so fun to watch. She is my reminder that you don't have to be conventional to make it. I met up with my homegirl Kim, saw my fellow INSPIRIT dancer Krystal B., Fatima Robinson (!!!!), my cuz Jazzy (thejazzeha.blogspot.com), Sahr (That OBIE winning Fela!)and my Kalakuti sisters Jill and Adepero.
So radically delicious...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
PRICELESS
U-Haul truck from Brooklyn to Harlem: $99.00
Double layer linen curtains from West Elm for my very tall windows: $150
A prayer walk through Harlem with Hashim on a week night: PRICELESS
Double layer linen curtains from West Elm for my very tall windows: $150
A prayer walk through Harlem with Hashim on a week night: PRICELESS
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Personal Favor with Global Impact
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Supporters,
As many of you know my dance company INSPIRIT created a community engagement project called Project: BECOMING in the Bronx in 2005. Since the programs inception we have expanded to the five boroughs of NYC and Charlotte, NC; targeting young women on the brink of womanhood and expanding their notions of self and reality.
Project: BECOMING began as an outgrowth of INSPIRIT’s 2004 performance season entitled BECOMING. At the conclusion of the concert series the company decided to further our investigation into the evolution of the modern day woman. Womanhood in the twenty-first century is a complicated issue; how it is played out in our everyday lives is even more complex. Spirituality, mental and physical health, personal and professional relationships, formal education, beauty and careers are just some of the isolated yet interrelated aspects of a woman’s life that deeply influence how she makes her decisions.
The Project: BECOMING curriculum uses yoga, creative writing, dance, meditation, capoeira and other expressive modalities; thus taking our participants on an invaluable journey into womanhood. All of our activities are discussion-based and designed to encourage an outgrowth of limitless possibilities and equip each and every young woman with the tools necessary to take independent steps towards her life goals.
Currently, we have entered the application process for our 2009 Summer intensives. Although we have not received support from any of our normal funding sources due to the nations economic climate and the state of arts funding we are determined to make the program work for the sake of the participants.
Therefore, I am asking everyone I know on in the virtual and real world to make a $20 tax deductible donation to INSPIRIT earmarked Project: BECOMING so that we can continue to create safe spaces for young women in NY, NC and beyond. Your contribution will go towards purchasing program supplies such as yoga mats, food, transportation vouchers and clothing in addition to space rental.
It is my hope that you deem this cause worthy of your financial donation and that you understand that by nourishing the young women of the world we are making a positive investment in the lives of all future generations.
Donations can me mailed to INSPIRIT at P.O. Box 555, Bronx, NY 10451 or made online through Paypal by visiting www.inspiritdance.com and clicking on the make a donation button on the support page.
The link below will give you a sneak peek inside Project: BECOMING, a safe space for girls BECOMING women. (for application materials please email Alexandra Houston at Projectbecoming@gmail.com)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFIndPvpKw
Monday, May 18, 2009
Moving on Up(Town)
It's official. The Brooklyn Transplant goes to Harlem. No I didn't find the PERFECT APARTMENT but I found one that suits me just fine for now. So Brooklyn here's my ode to you.
Brooklyn, you wooed me here to New York with your summer block parties and red velvet cake. Your wined and dined me at Solomon's Porch, Food for Thought, Mo Bay (when it used to be in Ft. Greene), Choice Market and Joya. You dressed me in fine clothes from Little Red Boutique, Harriet's Alter Ego, and Addy and Ferro. You entertained me with Opera, Indie Films and cutting edge dance at BAM. You kept me peaceful with Saturday morning yoga class at Embora and bike rides through beautiful Prospect Park. You kept me spiritually fed at the Brooklyn Region of the New York City Church of Christ. And you made sure that there was never ever a dull moment.
Brooklyn, its not you its me.
Harlem came along and swept me off my feet. I'm looking forward to much cheaper cab rides, same day delivery at Barnes and Nobles and Bed, Bath and Beyond and who knows what else! Just kidding... I'll miss you Brooklyn. You were good to me but it's time for a new thing.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Perfect Apartment
Okay everyone, I am rallying the troops! I need to find the perfect apartment for move in by June 1st. I know that it can be just as difficult in NYC as finding the perfect boyfriend, but I have faith that it can be done.
My dream apartment would be for no more than $1400 in Harlem proper, off of the ABCD trains. Below 155th, 1.5 bedroom, brownstone apartment with ample closets, great lighting, on a quiet and friendly block, and original details. It would look a little something like this....
EMAIL ME with any leads!!!!! Love y'all!
My dream apartment would be for no more than $1400 in Harlem proper, off of the ABCD trains. Below 155th, 1.5 bedroom, brownstone apartment with ample closets, great lighting, on a quiet and friendly block, and original details. It would look a little something like this....
EMAIL ME with any leads!!!!! Love y'all!
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