Artist Statements

My New Boyfriend Nik!

2009-09-27T20:57:00.006-05:00

I finally got my camera, the "Nikon D5000".

Happy Birthday Robbie!

2009-08-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

A special birthday shot out goes to my homie Robyn, who I've known for over 14 years...been friends since baggy jeans and timbs!

off to MIA...pics coming soon!

Get Creative With It: My "Tomboy Chic" Rendition

2009-04-28T19:41:00.017-05:00

On the pier getting ready to attend a fashion show.

This not so new trend "Tomboy Chic" was featured in the Spring Issue of H&M magazine. Although this look has recently been brought back onto the fashion scene , It's been out for quite sometime and the person I remember wearing it best was Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) from the Cosby Show. I've always admired Denise's fashion sense as child and was a huge fan of the show, but back then I could have never even thought of wearing men's clothing without my mother having her say and thinking I was even more weird than she'd already thought. Seeing this article in the magazine only took me back to when I watched the show as a child not only for the entertainment but to see the deeeecent clothing that was worn as well by all of the cast.

As you can tell by some of my previous post. I love trying new things and changing up my lookis on of my favorite things to do, so you know I had to try this look as well and you don't have to ask where I got the jacket...you guessed it the Thrift Store (can't remeber the name but it was somewhere in Germantown) for only $2.50 for that price you know I had to snag two more in grey and brown. Check it out...

H&M Spring Issue

My Rendition...

What can I say I'm an 80's baby.

Mobile Bloggin: Just Trying this Thing Out!

2009-03-30T17:56:00.002-05:00

Danng my camera phone is all that!

View from Kelly Drive in Philly!

Reflections of an Artist: You Think You Know But You Have No Idea!

2009-03-30T12:53:00.006-05:00

RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, and/or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. WRITE ONE so I can read yours while I'm bored at work.

1. I absolutely hate it when random men call me sexy... I'm so not flattered;I understand that that's a characteristic of me but in not my name so please stop.

2. I have a thing for nerdy, dorky men...their nerdism does something to me

3. I hate it when men that I percieve as nerdy or dorky turn out to be normal pigheaded men after all, it ruins everything smh.

4. I have a really bad habit that I'm trying to break right now but I never tell u what it is (wink) well maybe it's not thaat bad lol.

6. I loooove electronic music, but I can never listen to it around my peers cause they think im weird for liking it smh. (well ladies get use to it cause I'm gonna be blasting it in the car pretty soon.)

7. When angry, I play random scenes in my head of me getting revenge on the people who make me mad.

8. Umm as you can see by #7, I'm a bit of a dork!

9. I love sponatneity, it gives me a rush like no other!

10. I'd say about 75% of my day consist of me daydreaming and fantasizing about different things.

11. I have a mild case of obsseive compulsive disorder and can't sleep when things are out of place, it drives me absolutely insane (okay maybe its not that mild after all).

12. I love to be in control of almost everything most of the time; others time I can just sit back and let someone else get there hands dirty.

13. Many people don't know this by looking at me... but I be very sensitive at times. There's been times when I've broken down in cried in front of total strangers (Melissa, Robyn shut up, dont u dare bring that up.)

14. I'm a cry baby and I been this way for a long time and crying has gotten me almost everything I've wanted at the time, but I swear to you, I do not cry just to get my way; it's just something I can't control.

15. People say i'm bossy, but I honestly think that things go better when I'm in control of the situation.

16. The last couple of statements may make you think I'm a B!t@$ but I'm really a caring indiviual who carries the weight of others on my shoulders (tear).

17. I still sing in front of the mirror with a brush as a microphone and pretend I'm famous lol!

18. I can sometimes come across as serious and uptight but I'm really a child at heart.( so I was told by a 7 yr. old lol can u believe it?)

19. (Bashful) I have a bit of a crush on one of the people I've tagged in this note.

20. I talk so much trash but can only back it up 45 % of the time.

21. I'm very self-conscious about my butt and wish people would just get over the fact that it's big...it's been big for 25 years leave it alone gosh.

22. I've always wanted to travel back in time into the 70's and wear a big afro and sexy tight clothing like Pam Grier.

23. I love making people feel nervous (there goes that control issue again, sorry).

24. I would love to meet a guy who I can be buddies with and still be in a romantic relationship with too(guys are so uptight these days ugh).

25. Wish I could get in the minds of men to see what they're really thinking; sometimes I think it's all a facade, it's gotta be they can't be that complicated.

Creative Jucies: I Got my Mojo Back!

2009-03-18T11:50:00.010-05:00

So for the past couple of years I've been having this dry spell, no I'm not talking about sex but art and by dry I'm referring to the ink medium in which I use to create my lino cut prints. I've had a few ideas that I jot down every now and then but recently I've been having this strong desire to create with ideas and thoughts coming to me and cluttering my mind all at once. I was sick of being blessed with this gift and feeling helpless as to what I should do, so I asked God to guide my thoughts and make it plain as to what I want to communicate through my work. While alone in my room I begin to see visions of what of the pieces I wanted to create. I can't really describe it now, I'll probably have an actually Artist Statement up soon about it, but here are some sketches of how I want my prints to look.

This is a sketch of the center of one of my pieces, I haven't worked on the outer design yet.

Here is a sketch of another one of the pieces,

the outer design you see will be transferred to each corner of the linoleum block.

close up of outer design...

One of the references I used to draw the male figure...

now all I have to do is transfer this image...

and carve it into this linoleum block in order to print it on to paper.

Some reference I've been using. Stay Tuned.

Creative Ambition: Sweet Inspiration

2009-03-18T09:10:00.010-05:00

Seeing the work of another artist and speaking with them first hand gives me the drive to also create. With work and everything else in the way I haven't quite found the time to do so, but with a new job at hand and a flexible schedule I've definitely gotta step my game up...Check out these photos I shot at a recent Art Show I attended for some local artist.

Portrait of Basquait, this one's my favorite.

Dali.

Obaaaammaa!

Child Rebel Soldier hip hop supergroup as know as CSR.

Child (Lupe Fiasco) Rebel (Kanye West) Solider Pharrell Williams

Get Creative With It: Some Say it's Trash, I say it's Treasure!

2009-03-10T19:20:00.009-05:00

Okay so I'm a thrift store addict, and I have my reasons as to why I prefer second hand shops oppose to "regular" shops. One I feel like every year it's the same ish, different color at "regular" stores, two I can never find stuff that represents me and three, I hate wearing the same items I see everybody else wearing, I prefer to be different; and you can believe I can always accomplish that at a second hand store.

I consider myself to be a very bright individual...not so much book wise lol, but personality wise I'm a very fun and exciting person which is why I adore this new fuchsia dress I pick up from the Good Will for only $8 and all I did was pair it up with a different belt to give it two different looks...oh and the hair added some effect too ;)

My New Favorite Dress

Love the ruffles...

How do you like my new bang?

That's not all I got. Check out my the other pieces I found in later post.

Get Creative With It: Young, Fly and Flashy for my B-Day

2009-02-11T10:31:00.013-05:00

Check out my Birthday outfit that I got for less than $50. Talk about a steal.

*Wish I could have taken a full length pic but that night was extremely hectic.

Okay so the dress wasn't originally the length that it is now. I cut approximately 3 inches off the bottom to make more fun and flirty. I've always imagined the previous owner to be an older woman who wore the dress to church and other gatherings in a more sophisticated manner. But me, I wasn't even tryna be sophisticated on my b-day if you know what I mean, so I had to think of a way to make the dress young, fly, and flashy without over doing. That is why I decided to go with these pieces to sexy it up a bit.

Where I Got Em:

Earrings: found them in my jewelry box; had for years now but can't remember where I got em or how much I paid for them.

Necklace: Forever 21 $10

Dress: Village Thrift Store $7

Clutch: borrowed from my mommy

Shoes: Burlington Factory $20

A night of fun at Buddakan wit my girls: Price less

I love, love, love these shoes...

You can find this shoe style in several different stores. Their reminiscent of the shoes Carrie Bradshaw wore in the "Sex in the City" movie, guess that's why they call em "Carrie's".

Here are some flick of me and my girls at Buddakan, an amazing restaurant with the most delicious food I've ever tasted hands down.

The 10 foot Buddha Statue...one day I too shall achieve a state of mind that he was said to have achieved.

Reflections of an Artist: Behind Every Great Man is an Even Greater Woman!

2009-01-19T12:45:00.004-05:00

THEN.

NOW.

Reflections of an Artist: So Long 08, Hello 09!

2009-01-12T12:16:00.026-05:00

So 2008 is officially over (sigh) I'm gonna miss you; Here are some picture of how my life went in 08...It only goes up from here, 09 watch out ...

*I turned 25...

A quarter of a century!

I took a lot more risk in life...

life of the party

My two favorite girls!

*became more outgoing, if that's at all possible considering the type f person I am LOL!

The twins!

lets get this party started!

*Got my heart broken for the first time (I Think) or maybe it was just an ego buster!

boo hoo!

*Got my first tattoo.

ouch, (tear)

before the scars!

*Found peace within myself.

Euphoric, sigh, I love me...

*Got my first car.

vroom vroom!

*Got our first black President.

yep pee!

*Got our first black First Lady.

and now I'm ready to see what 2009 has in store....I bet it's gonna be even better (wink)!

Reflections of an Artist: You Betta Sing Boy!

2008-12-29T14:29:00.011-05:00

Throwbaaaack; I was in my car the other day, jammin to this song . Somebody needs to be singin this to me right about now...

Here are a few more songs I feel someone should serenad me with lol.......

Creative Juices: The New Doo!

2008-12-10T12:54:00.040-05:00

Her hair is too cute!

I'm the type of person who gets bored from having the same look over and over again, so I'm always trying to find creative ways to change it up a bit and the best way I know how is with my hair. While looking through Essence magazine as I often do for inspiration for just about anything I was hyped to see these picture of Fatima Siad from America's Next Top Model. I loved her hair so much I just had to duplicate it; okay maybe not duplicate. I gave it my own little spin since I was not willing to cut my natural hair just to have this look for a week or two so I decide to braid mine up and sew in a few deep wave extensions to achieve this look.

Check me out...

Reflections of and Artist: Choose or Be Chosen? That is the Question.

2008-11-26T13:34:00.009-05:00

The other day while hanging with a few friends, one of my guy friends said to me "you stay tryna holla at dudes" and for a minute I had to stop and think. At first I thought to myself, really? Cause I don't want to be seen as a "manizer" or anything like that, or come across as fast because I'm definitely not, but after giving it much thought I realized that there's absolutely nothing wrong with approaching a guy that I find attractive. Believe me I wasn't always this way. It took me a while before I even got comfortable gazing into a strange man's eyes for a long time without looking away but as you get older you learn how to be a little more flirtatious and give off that come-hither look.
Think about it; you and your friend are planning a girl's night. You get your hair done, shave your legs, paint your toes, dress up in your flyest outfit, put your make-up on, and you're smelling all good and scrumptious; You've got on your best everything (ladies y'all know what I'm talking about; when you put on you good panties and bras which nobody is even going to see) but you do it just because you want to look good from head to toe, and good God you're looking fierce. You do all this because it makes you feel glamorous and vivacious but being a single woman with time to kill, you also do it to possibly attract the eye of a handsome fellow. I know that was a corny way of putting it but hey. Ladies am I right or am I wrong?
After giving it much thought I said to myself, why the heck should I have to stand around waiting on a man to approach me because he likes what he sees. Why can't I approach a man because I like what I see? If we as women stand around waiting for these men to make the first move we'll be waiting forever, and it seems like most of the time the ones who do make a move are the ones you say to yourself "please do not come over here boo" . Ladies we work to hard to look this good all to be "chosen" So I ask the question what would you prefer, to Choose or be Chosen?

Reflections of an Artist: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not!

2008-11-11T17:45:00.007-05:00

I use to hear women say "Men change like the weather" and I never fully understood or experienced it until now. One day you've got a "Nigga" all up in your face and the next he's actin new. Excuse my language but I do believe niggaism does still exist, and not only in males but others as well. I believe there are three types of males you have your men, your niggas, and your boys but that's a whole nother blog. I know a lot of you are thinking maybe that's why cause you was dealing wit a nigga, but honestly I didn't know the Nigga was a nigga til he started trippin. Now back to my story, why do men do the things that they do? One day they're feelin you extra hard, calling you 24/7, texting you little sweet messages, wanting to sit on the phone with you all night having absolutely nothing to say to the point where you both fall asleep, and you wake up to the sound of snoring realizing hours later that neither of you hung the phone up, and when you say "you still there I'm bout to hang up" he's like "no don't hang up I'm not sleeping". True story ladies and I'm not even exaggerating.

You go out on you first date together, nothing fancy just a little meet and greet type spot. Yall are vibing and getting a feel for each other, you like him, he's cool but your not sure that you like him in a boyfriend type of way. It's only your first date with him and you feel butterflies that you never felt for a man, especially not that soon, but you ignore them cause you know that there's a possibility that he could be just like the rest of em. He drops you off home but you don't get out the car just yet, you stay in the car wit em for a few more hours cause yall are feelin each other that much. You play it cool but you can't resist as he gazes into your eyes and caresses your hands but you say to yourself "this dude is feelin me a little too much" just to remind yourself of your "pimp status" and to keep yourself from being vulnerable. You don't even get your foot in the door (exaggerating) and he calls you, and you know you're hype that he did but you remain cool, cause again you know what they're are capable of. You answer the phone as if you're not even fazed and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is "so what's up wit me and you?" In your head your like rewind this is all kind of sudden don't you think, but you have to admit it's making you blush. You figuratively smack yourself in order to bring your self back to pimp status and reply "what do you mean?" knowing damn well what he means and he blatantly says "I mean what's up? are we dating?" This time pimp status sets in on its own and your thinking, damn this dude is feelin me hard and it's only the first date. You go ahead a wipe the dirt off your shoulders (not really) cause you really feeling like a pimp now and you composedly say " I don't know I gotta see, you know how yall are, but you cool, we'll see". He laughs it off sayin "how we are?"

Weeks go by, yall are still vibing.You're feelin like he's your #1 and he feels the same and you know this because he gets jealous when your phone rings and your hesitant to answer, or when you mention another guy around him he sucks his teeth. You talk for hours on end about nothing. He says things to make you think that he's really feeling you hard now, like how he wants you to meet his friends. You like him but you don't wanna start a relationship with him cause hes got some extra baggage if you know what I mean. You try to pray him out of your life cause you don't agree with his lifestyle, but you really really like him more than you ever liked a guy and it almost I repeat almost feels like you love him. You get a rush when you're with him and your body responds to him like its never responded for any other man before, but you put these feelings aside cause you just can't do it, you can't fall for him. You keep you "guard" up as he slides past it with much success. You use to be a tough cookie to crack, but he's got you, you do things for him you would never do for a man cause remember this is Recie we're talking about here. Next thing you know the niggaitis set in and it was over no calls no responses. I guess that's why they say "men change up like the weather". Even to this day I have no idea why his "weather" changed and it wasn't just with him this kind of thing happened with a number of guys I talked to and I never understood it. What the hell? It's like some mystery women will never fully understand or understand at all for that matter. Guess I'll just go on being a "pimp" and doing me, cause men change up like the weather.

Obama Yall!

2008-11-05T11:15:00.003-05:00

AMAZING!

CLICK HERE TO SEE REACTIONS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE!

Reflections of and Artist: President Barack Obama

2008-11-05T10:40:00.006-05:00

Yes We Can, and Yes We Did...to be continued.

Mood: speechless

Creative Ambition: I Gotta Have It!

2008-10-02T11:01:00.003-05:00

The Nikon D60 (Drool). (In my brattiest voice ever) I want this camera soooo bad. I just gotta have it. It cost a grip though...Donations anyone?

Creative Ambition: Aspiring Photographer

2008-08-24T18:07:00.022-05:00

Self-Portraits

Get Creative With It: Funky Not So Fresh Bag!

2008-08-20T11:02:00.008-05:00

Check out this bag I customized for my best friends 25th black and white birthday party. I found it at the thrift store for only $3.00. It was originally a pale white color but after years of wear and tear from whoever the original owner was it became very faded and washed out. I wanted something kind of funky, reminiscent of Betsey Johnson's pieces. I was wearing a black dress with gold shoes and other gold accessories and needed something to match. I purchased some vanilla and gold fabric spray paint (which cost more than the bag itself) to jazzy it up a bit. I would have given the step by step instructions for you all as I did here on a previous post but I didn't have the time since I created this piece only hours before the party. The "R" is for Recie which is my nickname. Tell me what you think.

Reflections of an Artist: Scarred for Life, Yikes!

2008-07-14T11:18:00.012-05:00

I got a tattoo.

Pretty, Pretty Paisleys

Okay, so yesterday I got a tattoo after hours of changing my mind back and forth, I finally went on and did it, and boy was it painful. I knew that I wanted something different that was a reflection of me and not some lame tattoo that I would regret later. I still can't believe I did it but I'm glad I did. I came up with the design myself!

Mood: Flabbergasted

When the madness began...

the pain, the horror...

more pain...

finishing touches (that's my lower back by the way lol). So what do you think?

Reflection of an Artist: The Definition of Love...

2008-07-02T10:14:00.013-05:00

I was at work the other day sitting at my desk when I heard one of the youth from the organization ask a question, "What is the definition of love?" It was weird because for some reason or another I was so moved by that question, and I started to ponder, what is the definition of love?

I believe that love has an infinite number of definitions and everyone I'm sure has their own ideas about it, but here's the dictionaries definitions of Love:

LOVE:–noun
1.a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2.a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

I believe that love is so very powerful and it's something you feel deep down inside of you. You feel like your on this high and it's hard for you to swallow because you know that love has hit you hard and it's a responsibility that your not ready to take on. It's almost like a child in a sense. You have to nurture it and be very carefull with it. It's something that matures as it grows, you won't always agree with it but it's something you kind of deal with. Love is a very difficult thing, so difficult that it's hard to truly define it. What's your definition of love?

Mood: Romantic

Eutopia Moments:Do You!

2008-06-24T10:03:00.002-05:00

Although there are some people who are absolutely content with the lives they live their are others who would perfer to live it another way. But let's face it, we all have the desire to find true love and settle down with that special person and "live happily ever after". For some of us this desire can be very strong and can become even stronger as we find ourselves at certain points and circumstances in our lives. Maybe it's at a wedding when you find yourself wishing it were you walking down the isle or at a baby shower as the happy mother to be opens up all of her little presents fit for a little baby. You begin to comtemplate how your life would be if you could too share in this joy of becoming a wife or a mother, or a husband and a father or what ever it is that you desire to be.

Some people become so driven by this desire that they rush into certain "situations" to fill this void, which wounds up becoming "more than they've bargined for" if you will. We settle for whatever saying things like "it's better than nothing" or "im getting older not younger" and we rush our lives away because we feel we have something to prove thinking things will get better with time. This ultimately set us up for failure and before we know it we're digging a bigger and bigger hole for oursleves because we thought that these were the things that would make us happy.

I'm here to say as a young women dealing with some of the same "issues" forget about all that whopla and DO YOU. Think about all the time you have for "you" that you wouldn't otherwise get having to deal with kids or a spouse. Think about this moment in which you find yourself right now putting aside all the "what ifs" and live in the now. Treat yourself to an invigorating spa treatment, plan a vacation, do all the things you couldn't possibly have done had you not been young, sexy and single no matter what age you are. Don't dwell on the things you don't have and make sure to put you as your top piority. Take the time out for you and all of your hearts desires will fall into place. It's only natural for one to feel this way. That's what make us decendents of Adam who too longed for the companionship of another being. All that's fine and dandy but for now just DO YOU!

Mood: Euphoric

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

~Frederick Keonig

Reflections of an Artist:Text Messaging (Sigh)

2008-06-19T11:51:00.012-05:00

Is anyone else annoyed with text messaging? Maybe it's just me but this texting thing can become way too stressful at times. Don't get me wrong I love to text (sometimes), especially when its your only means of escape from work or a boring staff meeting, or maybe you don't care to talk, yet you crave the social interaction of a friend or loved one. And I'm sure we can all agree that texting has gotten us through some crazy situations LOL, (ladies yall know what I talking about). But when did texting replace a good old fashion phone conversation. Everything seems like it's done via text and I mean everything including "text sex" yes people "text sex". I mean there's nothing wrong with that, I may or may not have partaken in a little text sex myself here and there but the problem I'm having with texting is how it can be so misconstrued.

Have you ever gotten a text from someone perhaps a potential mate/crush or someone you haven't spoken to in a while and really could not decipher or decode what the mood or tone was behind the text. You really want to call the person but your not sure if you should for fear that maybe mistaking for a nuisance. So you text back and forth making sure to keep sweet and simple and the whole time your have no idea what his or she is really thinking. Here's an example:

Step:1 Read the following text in a friendly manner from both parties.

You: Hey wassup?

Them: Hey!

You: haven't spoken to u in a while:)

Them: yeah!

You: what r u doin?

Them: Chillen, u?

You: nothin much, chillen!

5 minute pause

You: whats nu?

Them:Nothing much...whats nu wit u?

You: Nothing much...we should hang out sometime!

Them: yeah.

Step 2: Now read the same text only this time read "Thems" part in a not so friendly manner!

See what I mean? Maybe people should incorporate a mood section at the end of their text like I do my blog entries. Just kidding but thats not a bad idea now is it?

I've come to the realization that people who only use texting as a means for fraternizing are completely lame and uncomfortable with themselves. I had this guy tell me "I just prefer to text it's much easier, instead of calling and saying what's up you can text it". I spoke to him a total of ONE time, ever other technological interaction was via text message. I guess you can kind of figure out what happened with him. Fellas... from a woman to a man, here's a bit of advise, if you genuinely like a girl and want to get to know her better, pick up the phone and call her. There's no reason why after 9 o' clock when your no longer using your day time minutes and you now have free night minutes that you should be texting instead of talking, that's just wack. And another thing if you are going to text please let a sista know what's up. how your feeling; Am I bothering you? Are you busy? Adding a little (LOL) laugh out loud or smiley face (you know the colon symbol followed by the right parenthesis) at the end of your statement would suffice :). That just lets us know that you are happy to "hear" for us. I'm not saying I'm perfect or anything, lord know I can be a crude texter without the person even noticing. The whole time I'm responding I'm rolling my eyes as if to say " If this dude don't stop texting me" and sometime my (LOL) laugh out loud's weren't meant as a flirtatious giggle but meant rather in a LOL "this loser" type of way. Anyway these are just some of the thoughts that go through my mind...the mind of an artist.

Mood:Abstracted

Reflections of an Artist: Round like a C

2008-05-13T15:08:00.018-05:00

As you can probably tell from my photo I happen to be a voluptuous black women with a little extra baggage in the back, okay maybe more like a lot of luggage in the back. I love my body and the way that I am. Don't get me wrong I'm not perfect and there are several things I would love to change about myself physically and mentally, but all in all I'm happy with the skin I'm in. It wasn't always this way. As a child I got a lot of rap about my butt from my siblings and also my classmates. My sisters would call it a shelf because of how far it stuck out from the rest of my body and taunt me by saying " Can I sit this on your shelf?" and other smart remarks about my backside. As a child I went to predominately white school and all I heard day in and day out was "Your butt is so big" or "Why is your butt so big?" of course being an African-American my retort was "Cause I'm black". I remember being some what proud of my curves even then. I felt like my butt was a symbolization or representation of my blackness (because back then whites and everyone else didn't have butts).

As I grew older puberty set in along with all of the hormonal changes females go through and I got sick of being referred to as "the girl with the big butt" in High School. No one knew me by my name. I was aways referred to either as twin and when someone said which twin they replied "The one with the big butt". My name is Charece I wanted to scream. I have a name. I felt like no one took me seriously. I even went out with a guy who seemed to only like me for my butt. I vowed that when I got older I would get a but reduction to put an end to the ridicule and negative attention. I was sick of being the girl with the big butt. I was sick of being groped and grind on in the lunch lines. I dreaded walking pass a group of guys because I could feel them looking at my behind followed by remarks like "Sheesh" or" Damn". I was gonna put an end to this thing once and for all.

Later on in college I subscribed to this magazine since I love clothing and wonderful photography. One day while reading the magazine I came across a Nike ad with a poem called "My Butt" . This poem made me feel so powerful. It reminded me of the times when I was a kids and I'd lash back at my classmates and others who dare to say anything about my "hump". It made me feel proud to be a black women with curves. Proud to have all this booty, junk in the trunk, donkey, cake, whatever you wanna call it. I love my Big Ole Butt :)~

Mood: Pulchritudinous

To read this poem click on image to make larger.

"My Butt is big and thats just fine and those who might scorn it are invited to kiss it"~ Nike

Reflections of an Artist: I'm Back!

2008-05-10T10:56:00.001-05:00

Wooow I haven't done this in almost a year. But as you can probably imagine I've been very busy and yes, still going through it. Where do I began??? I "draw" a blank...It is what it is guess! So many thoughts are racing through my head right now I can't even decided what to talk about first. Not that much has changed for me other than the fact that I've gotten a new job. I'm still single and not that thrilled with that(more stories to come about that in later post)but what can I say? Wow and I had so much to tell you guys too. Sorry I'll be sure to have something for you guys Monday. I'm just glad I finally got the chance to write something on here after all this time.Stay tuned!

Mood:Perplexed

Watch Out for the Big Girls!

2007-05-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to blog about this phenomenal woman Kendra C. Johnson for weeks now after noticing her for the first time on the season premiere of "The Game" starring Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall. For those of you who haven't seen the last episode of the season here's a recap.

Malik played by Hosesa Chanchez runs into Renee who is the character played by Kendra, an old flame who wants to show the world that their a couple. Behind closed doors he's loving ever inch of her body from her head to her toes and can't get enough. But Malik gets cold feet and is not sure if he can be seen in public with an "overweight"(yeah right) female. In the end Malik realizes that he's ready and willing to let the whole world know that he loves him some voluptuous Renee. Kendra C. Johnson performance on "The Game" has given the show an amazing twist on what is to come in the following seasons. Some of you may have already seen it but if you haven't you can see Kendra amazing performance again and again here.

As a size 14, which is the average women's size, Kendra is representing for all the real women out there like myself who have been waiting to see a real women on the screen doing her thing. Kendra has been in the industry for a while now working as a stand in for Queen Latifah in “Last Holiday,” “Taxi,” “Beauty Shop” and even Cover Girl commercials. She has also co-starred on shows like“Bones,” “The Shield,” and Strong Medicine. Many of you probably recognize Kendra from the movie "Phat Girlz" where she played the role of a mousy, plus size department store manager who learns to appreciate her assets after meeting a Nigerian doctor. Kendra C. Johnson is an amazing performer who is taking the world by storm and representing for the Big Girls!

Mood:Anticipation!

Kendra C. Johns with Hosea Chanchez and Mara Brock Akil, creator of "Girl Friends"and "The Game"

“The most important thing in life is to persist in your passion”~Kendra C. Johnson

Get Em' Jazz!

2007-05-17T18:24:00.000-05:00

Yeaaa! Jaslene has proven herself worthy of the title Americas Next Top Model. A girl who didn't give up and tried out for ANTM not once but twice and because she didn't give up she has become America's Next Top Model. Go head girl!

Mood: Satisfied

Here are some of my favorite photos of Jaslene from Cycle 8.

Who Will Be America's Next Top Model!

2007-05-16T17:44:00.000-05:00

Renee

Natasha
Jaslene

Who will be America's Next Top Model. Three beautiful girls remain to finish the competition. It's gonna be a tough choice we have Renee who take great pictures, but does she have what it take to the next Top Model, then we have Natasha who no one understands and who just so happens to get a great shot week after week, but is her mind really in it? To me she seem lost, and then there's my girl Jaslene aka Jazz who screams ANTM all over. She's the jack of all trades when it comes to this competition, the girls got major skills. Great shots week after week, never a dull shot. So who will it be Renee, Natasha, or Jaslene. I guess we just have to wait for tonight's show but, you all know who I routing for Jaslene all the way.

Get 'em JAZZ!

Mood: Anxious

Niggers, Niggas, Niggaz by Julian Curry

2007-05-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Check out this clip from Def Jam that my sister introduced to me! Thanx Netta! We need more men like Curry that will stand up and speak the truth.You'll think twice before you ever use the N word again!

Reflections of an Artist: Nappy is Not a Negative Word!

2007-05-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

The other day at work, one of my high school students, a black girl that I teach brought up a question, "Why is black people's hair so short and nappy? Why doesn't our hair grow long and white people and everyone else's hair is automatically longer and more "manageable" than ours"? I tried to answer her question to the best of my ability, telling her what I had learned in college as a psych major! I begin to tell her how as decedents from Africa which is very hot we didn't "evolve" with longer hair because the climate in Africa was much hotter than the climates from which other races evolved and then I went on to tell her that Europeans who lived in colder climates "evolved" with extra hair to keep warm which is why they are hairier than others. Can you imagine how hot we would have been with longer hair on our heads and bodies I asked, She stopped to think about it, and then she went on to say how she hates black hair and how's it's short, kinky and nappy as if it where something to despise! I was stuck on stupid for a while, I didn't really know what to say to her. As the conversation got heavier it was time to go, so I ended the discussion by saying "there's no such thing as good or bad hair, hair comes in all different textures and lengths who's to say which is better than the other. Hair is hair and that's just the way it is".

On the ride home from work I couldn't stop thinking about some of the statements made in class and I how much I wanted to say more, and I begin to ask myself why does she feel that way about herself and and other black people. Then it hit me that everyone you see in the media who's viewed as gorgeous or beautiful has long flowing hair. So people who don't know any better can't help but to think that the person on the magazine or in the videos or movies hair is what is perceived as "good" hair or the hair to be desire. Then I asked myself, what if where the other way around and natural hair or kinky, and nappy hair was the hair that everyone who was viewed as gorgeous or beautiful on T.V., on the cover of magazines, or in the movies had, would her and others attitude change about what is quote on quote "good" hair or "bad" hair? and would she still hate black peoples hair?

Creative Juices: Not Much of a Painter!

2007-04-17T07:49:00.000-05:00

Here is a painting from a series I did a while back for an AIDS benefit. I was trying to stress the importance of safe sex which is why I displayed the figures in black and white and the condoms in a bold bright colors and also the background in color to set the mood. My professor actually love the idea but I thought I could have done them a little better maybe next time.

Mood: Reflective

Reflections of an Artist:More Blogs to Come!

2007-04-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

Boy, I haven't blog in a minute. I've just been so busy with work and everything else in my life that I just hadn't had the time, but next week I'll definately have some more fun creative blogs for your viewing pleasure.

Get Creative With It : African Inspired Shirt Dress!

2007-03-01T21:10:00.000-05:00

Every year for black history month my church has an African-American luncheon where we dress up in our African garbs, feast on the most delicious African, Caribbean, and Soul foods, (yummy) and celebrate our African heritage. With nothing to wear and little money to spend, I decided to create my own African inspired garb for under $20.
I've gotten so many compliments that I've decided to make a step by step guide on how to create this one of a kind shirt dress. So you too can recreate this fun loose fitting dress with waist definition and butterfly sleeves given by belt which creates a flattering look for all shapes and sizes, and the best part of it is, there's NO stitching required.

Things You'll Need:

Funky Afro-centric fabric (choose length based on your individual size.)
Scissors
Ruler
Chalk
Waist Belt

Step 1: Fold Fabric into one large square.

Step 2: Find the center of the fabric from left to right.

Step 3: With the chalk, draw an 8" line horizontally in the center at the very top of the folded piece of fabric being sure to leave an even amount of space on either side of the line.

Step 4: Cut at the line to create and opening for the head.

Step5: On the front of the fabric draw a triangle starting from each end of the cut in Step 4.

Step 6: Cut out triangle to create a V-Neck. Step7: Place fabric over the head like a smock, bringing arms out at sides. Pull each side of the fabric front and back together and quickly place belt around your waist to in order to keep the fabric in place.

TA DA!
Pair it up with your favorite pair of jeans or some funky leggings, whatever you do just GET CREATIVE WITH IT!

A Dream Come True!

2007-02-27T10:13:00.000-05:00

Yea! Jennifer Hudson takes home an Oscar for "best supporting actress",what a dream this must be for this very talented young women. Sunday night Jennifer Hudson became the 4th African-American woman to receive an Oscar and she deserves every bit of it. Go head Jennifer! Maybe it wasn't the couple of Oscars I spoke about in a previous post Dream Girls but it was just as satisfying!

Mood: Elated

Check out this amazing photograph I came across while searching for pictures of Jennifer Hudson. I thought this picture showed off Jennifer's true essence and beauty so I decided to post it.

Creative Juices: No Excuses!

2007-02-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to go down town to the art supply store to purchase some more art supply. I've been having this burning desire to create, but haven't had the time. With work, the gym, and some classes I've been taking my art has kind of been put on the back burner. But last night I was restless thinking about some really great ideas for some of my future works of art, so today I went out and bought all the necessary supplies I need to produce my linocut prints. Now I have no excuses, I don't have to worry about going out to the art studio to use their supply because now I have my own and I can be in the comfort of my own home. I can't wait to put my ideas on paper or linoleum rather LOL. Look for more of my work at a blog near you LOL!

Mood: Anxious!

Happy Singles Day!

2007-02-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

If your single like me, Valentine's Day can be a real drag. You know February 14th is coming and you've have yet to find a Valentine or significant other to share it with. You do everything you possibly can to avoid the fact that Valentines Day even exist. Well not anymore cause today I'm celebrating Singles Day and you can too. Singles Day is a day to show yourself how much you care for you. A day to treat yourself to a few of those items you've been eyeing for months. A day to pamper yourself and sit back an enjoy you. So what will you do on Singles Day?

Happy Singles Day

Reflections of an Artist: My B-Day

2007-02-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Today I turned 24yrs old. Thank God for yet another year of life. Seems like just the other day I was so hype to be 21 and before that 18 and before that 16. They say "your only as old as you feel", well I still feel like I did when I was 18. It seem like when you where younger, you lived free, and the world was in the plam of your hands. You could relax take you time and do whatever it was you wanted to do, no rush, no pressure. Umh, but all that changes when you get further up in age. Now it's a "race to the finish line." It's like you have to get all these things accomplished, like get married, or have kids, by a house etc. etc. and you only have a limited time to get it all done. You hear the older folks say when I was you age I was pregnant with my third child, and I was married at this time, and so forth and so on. Well today I'm going to take the time out and thank God for all the many years he's blessed me with. Today I'm going to reflect on the things I have accomplished and keep in mind the things that I hope to accomplish in the furture but for now I'm enjoying me, because "I'm in no rush"!
Mood: Relaxed

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Reflections of an Artist: Black Doll, White Doll, which do you prefer?

2007-01-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

A while ago I came across this short film directed by a young 17 year old girl named Kiri Davis called "A Girl Like Me" produced by Reel Work Teen Filmmaking a free after school program supported by HBO that Kiri attended. In this film Kiri reconducted the "doll test" which is and experiment originally done by famous husband and wife psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark which was used in the desegregation case Brown vs. Board of Education. The Clark's Doll experiment, found that black children often preferred to play with white dolls over black dolls, and when ask to fill in a human figure with the color of their own skin they frequently chose a lighter shade than was accurate. The Clarks saw that the black children viewed white as good and pretty, but black as bad and ugly. The Clarks viewed this as evidence of internalized racism caused by stigmatization. Now over a half a century later the outcome remains the same. Black children are still prefer the white dolls over the black Dolls and we are still seeing the same color issue as we did before.

After viewing this documentary I for one was a little confused about the whole thing. I guess I never really knew how serious this color issue was in our very own race this day and age. I mean, is that whole brown bag theory still going on today?Am I missing something here? What is going on in the minds of our youth and what are we as a society doing wrong to make them fell this way about themselves? Now we must ask ourselves what can we do to change it and actually stand up and do something about it? Mood: Ruminative

Reflections of an Artist: In Honor of Dr. King

2007-01-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

Today I wanted to take the time out to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicated this blog in his honor. As a child I can remember every year around this time, in honor of Dr. King, a special would come on television and me and my family would sit and watch it for what seemed like hours on end. I can remember seeing this kind of small man who spoke with a mighty and powerful voice that made him larger than life. A voice with a spirit of triumph and determination, like no one could ever make him loss his ground. A voice so profound that when you heard it, you couldn't help but to sit quiet and listen because you knew that what he was about to say was important. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has had a major impact on this country and still does today and for that he will never be forgotten. Thank You Dr. King Mood:Stirred

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Creative Ambition: Nikki Chu

2007-01-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

While reading an article in Jewel Magazine, (like always) I notice the most beautiful interior designed by a women named Nikki Chu. After reading the article I decided to google Nikki Chu and stumbled across her website at http://www.nikkichu.com/ and was inspired by her Bio.
Nikki Chu first arrived on the scene as a fashion designer, designing everything from men's ties to vintage clothing. Some of her design can be seen on some of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood like Hillary Duff, Mischa Barton and Kelly Osbourne, and more. You've also probably seen her appear on the Tyra Banks show sharing some of her fashion expertise.

After seeing how well Nikki had taken on the fashion industry with her designs, her celebrity clients not only asked her to design their clothes but their interior spaces as well. Nikki Chu has designed interiors for celebrities like Tyra Banks which was featured on one of my favorite reality show America's Next Top Model, Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin, Boris Kodjoe, Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique and more. Some of Nikki Chu's interior designs can be viewed every month in the Luxe section of Jewel Magazine. You can also catch her on "Mail Order Make-over on the Fine Living Channel and on "Mobile Home Disasters" produce by Steve Harvey on the WB network.

Nikki Chu has taken on both the fashion industry and the world of interior and exterior design, but she didn't stop there. Nikki Chu recently launched her new lifestyle collection called none other than "Nikki Chu" providing both Accessories that includes watches, belts, purses, jewelry, make-up bags and luggage and a Home line creating things like candles, and skin care products. To learn more about Nikki Chu's designs and products and to see more of her work visit http://www.nikkichu.com/ Mood: Inspired

"Each product I create is a true reflection of my personal style."

"My philosophy and mission is to create an affordable luxury brand that combines fashion and lifestyle into one. This is the Nikki Collection" ~ Nikki Chu

Colors For Color!

2007-01-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

I've decided to display some of my favorite cosmetics for all my sistas out there who have the slightest idea of what make-up to choose, and have made the mistake of choosing the wrong colored foundation only to come out looking like a pumpkin with that horrible orange glow, this blog is for you. After all your face is like a canvas. What will you paint?

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH
Choosing the wrong color foundation is something we've all experienced before I'm sure. To bad at the time you probably thought you looked HOTT, and later discovered, in a old photo that you looked a HOTT MESS. With L'OREAL's true match you can't possibly go wrong. It's supper blendable foundation literally( not literally but it seems like it ) changes to match your skin tone.

MAYBELLINE

Mabybelline XXL one of my favorite cosmetics, give you the added length and volume without the clumps or the pricey cost you'd pay for false eyelashes. I never leave home without it.

L'OREAL H.I.P.
L'OREAL H.I.P. which stands for high intensity pigments is the perfect item for those of you who enjoy that bold look you get from MAC eye-shadow but for less than half the price. The intense color stays on all day long.

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH BLUSH
Who said black people don't blush. Well now you can with L'Oreal's super bendable blush. Use to add a rosy finish to your face.

L'OREAL H.I.P BRONZER
To achieve that luminous glow that you've seen on some of the hottest celebrities, L'OREAL H.I.P Bronzer is a must have. I absolutely love this product. It gives me a sun kissed glow all year round.

CLINIQUE LIP GLOSS
Clinique's beach bunny(which is the name of the color I use) lip gloss is the perfect item to top everything off. I was introduced to this product by my lovely sister- in-law who gave it to me as a gift and it has been the a part of my life ever since. Although Clinique is a bit on the pricey side it's well worth it. One tube can last over a year, believe me I use it almost everyday.

Creative Juices: My Lino's

2007-01-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

I've decided to start showcasing more of my work in my blogs. After all my site is called "Artist Statement" and I 'm an Artist. So look for more of my work to come in the near future.Here are a few pictures of my linoleum-cut prints that I did two years ago. Hope you enjoy 'em as much as I enjoy creating them!

Reflections of an Artist: HAPPY NEW YEAR?

2007-01-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year?...my New Year happened to be a little bitter sweet. I mean don't get me wrong I had a great time on New Year's Eve. One of my girlfriends had a get together at her house which was a lot of fun I must say, but watching that ball drop to start off a new year was a little sad for me. Didn't 2006 just get here, and there it went. I felt like I didn't get anything accomplished in 06 like I thought I would. I had so many resolutions and goals set for myself and probably only got maybe two accomplished. This year went by so quick... I just got accustomed with writing 2006 behind every date and now 2007 is here. As a kid I use to get so excited about the New Year, and I'd here my mom say "This year I'm gonna do X,Y,and Z, last year I got nothing accomplished" and now I singing the same song. I guess I'm just getting older. This year I'll just have to pick up the pace! Mood: Bitter Sweet

Happy New Year!

Creative Juices: Work in Progress!

2006-12-31T18:53:00.000-05:00

In a previous post called "Using My Creative Abilities", one of the things I decided to do was use my creative skills to write and illustrate children's books. Below is an illustration of a book I'm working on now called "I Hate Being A Kid" which is inspired by my niece Khylah! Enjoy, and look for more illustrations on some of my later blogs! Mood: Proud

Dream Girls!

2006-12-25T17:17:00.000-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to see the movie/musical Dream Girls with my sister and a few of my friends and I LOVED IT. The music was great, the acting was great, and their costumes where off the hook. Jennifer Hudson gave a phenomenal performance playing the part of Effie. She was the character you kind of hated in the beginning and fell in love with in the end. Not only can she sing but the girl can act. She brought me to tears, especially when she sung that song "You're Gonna Love Me" (I think that's what it's called). She was hands down the best actor in that film. I mean she was so good the whole movie audience clapped for her on numerous occasions during the film. If you ask me and probably everyone else who's seen the film, she deserves to walk away with a few Oscars, not one, but a few.

Jamie Foxx's role was a little different from what we're use to seeing him portray on screen. His character was the most hated character. Eddie Murphy was hilarious as usual. Beyonce was okay. She didn't give anything extra that we haven't already seen her do in her other films like Gold Member and Pink Panther. I was little disappointed with her performance since she was nominated for best actor and we saw her on almost every show possible promoting the movie as if she was gonna give this outstanding performance.

I must say I was a little apprehensive about the film at first, thinking that maybe the media gave it a little too much credit and hyped it up, but it was fantastic. There weren't any moments in the movie where all the action kind of died down and you where left wanting more. It was great from beginning to end. I'm not gonna go into detail about everything for those of you who haven't seen it yet( shame on you!) but all I can say is that I've waited so long for this movie and it was all that and more. Go see this movie! Mood: Excited

Runaway Love

2006-12-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

All of my friends and family know that I'm an emotional basket case. I get emotional about anything. If I'm happy I get extremely happy if I'm sad I get extremely sad and it's hard for me to hide the two. For the first time last week I saw the "Runaway Love" video by Ludacris featuring Mary J. Blige. The young girls in this video gave such an outstanding performance. Among those young girls is the amazingly talented young actress Keke Palmer who plays a girl living in an emotionally disturbed home who looks for love in the wrong places and gets pregnant.

I was so moved by the music and performances in this video that I begin to cry. It was so hard for me to hold back the tears after seeing the tales of these young girls being raped, beaten, molested, taking advantage of and living in emotional disturbed homes. This video made me realize how these things happen everyday. Sometimes in our own families, in our neighborhoods, to the children we teach, to people we pass by in our day to day lives. Sometimes we sit and we past judgments on everybody we see in the streets actin a fool but never stop to think about what they're going through or what they went through. So next time, instead of passing judgement, stop to think about their situation and what they may be going through and what you can do to help them and others who may be going through the samething. Mood: Moved!

True Beauties!

2006-12-14T12:46:00.000-05:00

Ever since I was a kid I loved watching old African-American motion pictures from the 50's 60's and 70's. Films starring people like Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Lena Horne, Lola Falana, Tamara Dobson etc. I enjoyed hearing them sing, watching them act, and the seeing their hair styles and the clothes they wore back then. Clothes so inspiring that even the most noted fashion designers can't help but to recreate them all over again today. Sometimes I hardly ever knew what the movie was about back then. All I knew was that I loved seeing all the beautiful faces that looked like me and the way these movies capture their true essence and undeniable beauty. Back then you saw "True Beauty" not some airbrused, nip tucked faces, but genuine beauty. Even now as an adult I'll curl up on the sofa and watch an old film to recapture the inspiration I recieved as a child. Mood:Elated!

Camilla's Roses

2006-12-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows that I love to find great bargains everywhere I go. No matter what store it is I always find various hidden treasures for inexpensive prices. Well, one day while browsing through the dollar store on my quest to find yet another hidden treasure, I came across a novel called "Camilla's Roses" by Bernice L. McFadden. I absolutely love this book and the way the author tells this story of a woman name Camilla Rose who must look back over her life and the lives of all the women in her family which she tried so hard to leave behind but can't escape after learning that she may have cancer. I am so very pleased to have had the pleasure of reading this book and even more pleased to find out that the Author Bernice L. McFadden also has a blog on this site called
"Naki" at http://www.firstborngirl.blogspot.com/ to learn more about this very talented woman and to see more of her books visit http://www.bernicemcfadden.com/.

Leggins are Back!

2006-12-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to read magazines. Not just for the sheer enjoyment I get from seeing great photography and reading interesting articles, but to catch up on the latest trends. The other night I had the pleasure of attending a comedy show with some of my good friends. I showed up in a green dress and black leggings and a pair of flat round toes shoes. One of my friends who obviously hasn't been reading up on the latest fashions, had the nerve to say "You got on tights, no one wears tights those are like pajamas". So of course I begged to differ and decided to set the record straight. Leggings are back! See for yourself : )~

Mood: Haughty

Creative Ambition: Lauren Clayton

2006-12-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

Recently while reading an article in a magazine (Jewel Magazine) I had the pleasure of learning about a very talented woman named Lauren Clayton who started her own company creating heirlooms. But not just any kind of heirlooms. Lauren Clayton came up with a new innovative way of documenting and preserving your families history. Lauren creates some of the most magnificent heirlooms in the form of books using pictures, documents, postcards, articles and more. To learn more about Lauren Clayton and her wonderful creations or to have your life preserved visit www.studio162.com Mood:Enthused!

"Documenting your history helps you stay connected to yourself." ~ Lauren Clayton

Creative Juices: Using My Creative Abilities!

2006-12-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

I am the only artist in my immediate family. Whenever a creative project comes up, whether it's for school, decorating there homes or some other occasion, I am the first person they ask for help. Recently I sketched some illustrations as a favor and had so much fun doing it (as I am anytime I'm creating works of art) that I've decided that I am going to start writing and illustrating my very own books. I don't have any pictures of my own illustrations up yet due to technical problems, but I do have some illustrations from one of my favorite artist Kadir Nelson. Kadir Nelson has done illustrations for several famous authors and actors like Debbie Allen, Will Smith, Spike and Tonya Lee, Micheal Jordan and his wife etc. One of the reasons I find so much pleasure in viewing his work is because he has doesn't limit himself in one genre of art. You've probably seen his work decorating the set of some of your favorite television show and movies like "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air", "Jamie Foxx", "Set It Off", and "Friday just to name a few. He was also the Conceptual Artist for Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" and "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron". Keep up the good work Kadir! See more of his work here Mood: Inspired!

And the Winner is...

2006-12-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

CariDee

Last night after much anticipation CariDee was chosen to be America's Next Top Model. I have to give it up for the girl she did her thing and has obviously proven herself worthy of the title. Mood: Content!

Reflections of an Artist: I Am Art and Art is Me!

2006-12-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

As an artist I sometimes feel lost in it all! Sometimes I don't always believe in myself as an artist and I see all these wonderful artists out there who know how to market themselves a go for what they want. Me on the other hand..., Sometimes I ask God why wasn't I born with a different gift something where I could make a ton of money, but then I realize I could never truly be happy doing something that I wasn't passionate about and that's art. How could I ever deny that. I've been and artist since the day I picked up a pencil, or when I got sick of the clothes my dolls wore and starting making them new ones. I am art and art is me point blank period. Mood: Inspired!

"I've aways been an artist it's apart of my DNA." ~ Kadir Nelson

Carol's Daughter

2006-12-05T19:36:00.000-05:00

This is my "must have" for this holiday season. Carol's Daughter are products you can use from head to toe. Lisa Price, a beautiful woman of color, has created a multi-million dollar franchise in her very own kitchen. She has appeared on numerous television shows such as The Tyra Show, The View, The Today Show and Oprah. Lisa Price has created over 300 products for hair, (for all my sistas who like to wear their hair natural) face, body, and the home. Tons of celebrities are now using Carol's Daughter products. Including Brad Pitt who uses Lisa's haircare products on his daughter Z,Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett Smith are spokespersons for Lisa's products. I must say I haven't tried out these products yet, but you better believe they're on my Christmas list right now. I can wait to lather myself in her famous "Almond Cookie Butter" ummmm!
Mood: Anxious!

ANTM

2006-12-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know what ANTM is, it stands for America's Next Top Model, one of my favorite reality television shows. Tomorrow is the season's finale to see who will become America's Next Top Model of Cycle 7. I must say this season has been a little disappointing. A lot of the girls were really bad this year. No one took really good pictures that stood out from the rest, so it's kind of hard to say who will win. Whoever it is,they'll never top Ms. Eva Pigford, the best contestant on ANTM to win. So who will it be?...

Melrose

CariDee
Eugena

Mood: Anticipation

Reflections of an Artist: Romeo, Romeo...

2006-12-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a questions I'm sure a lot of single women ask themselves day in and day out, "Where are all the good brothers?" This was one of the many questions that arose in my head this morning when I woke up. Whatever happened to the guy who held the door open for you, who helped you carry your shopping bags, who took you out on a real date, and who enjoyed sharing intimate moments with you that didn't involve sex?

Being single has its perks but it also has its difficulties. I feel I'm at a time in my life when I'm ready for love-- maybe not marriage but love. A one on one committed monogamous relationship. But how can I find love in a world where men avoid old fashioned commitment? What happened? What went wrong? Most of my friends are single and some are okay with that and some aren't. We're constantly asking each other where are all the good men. None of us seem to have a clue. Is there anyone out there who can answer this seemingly unanswerable question?

Recently I read an article in Jewel Magazine (a cute new urban magazine) called "The Hitch Doctor Improving Your Odds of Snagging a Great Mate" by relationship expert LaDawn Black who has written several books on relationship, and her article gave excellent advice from"knowing your the ish" and "changing your criteria" to "learning to listen" and I agreed with everything she had to say but the only question I have is how do you find a good man to snag? It's certainly not at the clubs where most guys only go after the girl they feel will give it up the first night and if he is trying to talk you, you best believe you probably weren't the only one and not only that most clubs the male to female ratio is like 1 guy to every 5 girls. Is it church cause the only thing those guys seem to be interested in are other guys. Someone please point me in the direction of the Goooood men and not just any old body, been there done that. One of the things LaDawn Black mentions in her article that I didn't particular agree with is "changing criteria" like what you expect in a man. I mean some women do go overboard, but am I wrong for wanting a guy the share the same character traits as I do. I'm beautiful, intelligent, smart, educated, talented, some what independent, etc. etc. the list goes on and on. Is there something wrong for wanting more? Mood: Dazed and Confused!