princess takeover - day 152 (project 365)

My bed and the princesses take over.   I was left a little corner to sleep on......oh my.   One day I will look back and smile when she is all grown up.

feeling light/throwback thurs- day 151 (project 365)

Here it is throw back Thursdays......an image from one of my walks and just appreciating nature and its simple beauty.


Although at the moment I am sleepy and ready to lay my head on the pillow, I will say this day has been good to me.    My spirit is lifted and I see bright , colorful days ahead of me.   I shine.

wouldn't it be lovely- day 150 (project 365)

Wouldn't this be absolutely lovely for this reality of Justice, Freedom, Equality, Liberty ?   The one reality is that we can do this for ourselves.  

.....Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.....  The Prophet  Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley )

city slickers - day 149 (project 365)

I have been helping out my son Jai and his classmates with their senior externship...this is were they create a business venture and/or spend time at an employer or business to find out how they operate , etc.    These young men have decided to create a clothing line.  I have been teaching them about different printing(actually printing and doing the whole process)  other items they can create , design, and the industry.   They have  great creative energy , (when they can harness it) and have had some great ideas .  It's been fun and I could really see them launching a line if they really follow through.  

Good job young men.  Much success in all your endeavors and in your college education.

tourist in my own town- day 148 (project 365)

Today for a few hours acted as a tourist in my own town.   I had never in all the years living here gone to the San Diego Mission.   I had really been talking about heading out there for the past month and made it there today.  Having some basic knowledge of the history ,  I and actually learned a lot about the missions here and up and down the state.   Spain and the Catholic church and it's influx here to gain control of Northern California and it's people (natives). ...  San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Francisco and so forth and so on.     I surely didn't know that Spain was making sure that Russia didn't gain control of the northern part of California.   I will say that I can always appreciate the artistry, and the gardens were quite beautiful as well.   Cactus probably close to 100 years old , bells and excavated items from the site .   A great few hours and will have to be that tourist in my own town again soon. 

grandmother willow- day 146 (project 365)

Was adventurous today and went for a 3 hour walk all around North Park, South Park, Golden Hills.... found myself on one of the trails near the golf course and in my meditation asked for protection being alone in such an area.   It was a fantastic walk.    I stopped and took an  image as it was feeling very peaceful and beautiful...very dreamlike.   It wasn't until I got home and looking at the image I was pleasantly surprised to see a face in the bottom of one of the trees.   I felt I was being protected and guided by Grandmother Willow as Mahlia would say

. 

post it - day 145 (365 project)

My love for post it's .   I am sure this is not going to be my last photo with use of these handy little things.   I have some decisions to make that I am not so sure about right now.   I need to really weigh out some things in my head  and figure out what is best for me and no one to talk to.  UUUggghhhh  to much right now. 

youths free spirit- day 144 (project 365)

My little groupie is so fashion forward.     Ahhh her little free spirit and using the whole color pallet in her fabulous expression of dress with dots, flowers, fruit, butterflies, and hot pink sandles.   Love it!  She told me that her mom would love it, don't think she loved it as much as me.    She may be the next top fashion designer  or just that free spirit and does what makes her happy.  I can only hope that she will continue to allow herself this self expression for years to come.   ...Bravo Mahlia. 

beach & flags- throw back thurs - day 143 (project 365)

My throwback Thursday is my little groupie and one of her first times trying to be in the waves on her own a few years back.  It is summer soon  my people and this weekend is the kickoff for most.

This weekend is a time when most kick off the beginning of summer months and the remembrance of those who have fought and lost their lives for this country.   I am not a big fan of the military truth be  told but I will say that the loss of life among anyone is such a travesty.  I do respect peoples choices although I may not agree why they may do what they do.   We all , regardless of our political or social beliefs , know someone and/or  many in the armed forces and I don't love my dear friends or family  any less.   I just pray for them , their safety and lives.   My friend Peter just came to mind and his family ( in Germany right now?).  I adore them , they are wonderful people and I think about him often and his loyalty to his country and the love for his family and friends.   I ask for his safety often.      Again a double edge sword, for better lack of words.  In the case of the need of protection from negative forces for citizens I truly am grateful.  I just don't believe in the poli-tricks of the world and reasons that we send ours troops or any others elsewhere.   Only one person's opinion, feelings, and truth.   May all of you enjoy the long weekend in any scope you may.  

  

in the now - day 142 (project 365)

Was having a reasoning session with someone today about living in the now.    To often we don't let go of what has happened in the past and work so hard and worry about what the future holds, and yet we don't live enough in the now!!!!    The past we can not change , it is done and hopefully good or bad we learn from it.   The future is just that....the future and no guarantees.    We can do only our best to prepare ourselves for the future, by doing our best today and now.   I was  in a little meditation enjoying the now and thankful.  

family - day 141 (project 365)

Tonight  visiting with the extended family from Toronto .   A great time indeed.    It got me to thinking about family.   We have the bonds of blood with some and others just the bonds of love and friendship .  They are all family.  

where are we runnin' -day 140 (project 365)

It has been a beautiful day yet long day at work and lots on my mind and need to clear my head . Tired of feeling stressed from a days work and have it go on for weeks over nonsense.   I need to take control  and stop runnin' from myself.
 Was listening to music and my man Lenny Kravitz....Where are we runnin???????     I don't want to be that person that doesn't enjoy life as I have it.   Working so hard to get old and retire and not be able to enjoy it.    The greatest thing is to love what you do no matter what it may be , and enjoy the moments now , as often as possible, and hope to be blessed to see those golden years and enjoy it then too.   Mañana es ahora !!!!!!!





Lenny sings ...

'Fast lane
 High speed
On the grind
24/7
No time
Always runnin' here and there
Chasin' the money
So much jibber jabbers
Cloggin' up our soul

Where are we runnin'
We need some time to clear our heads
Where are we runnin'
Keep on working 'til we're dead
Where are we runnin'
Oo wee oo wee oo
Where are we runnin' now...................................................

not what i intended day 138-139- project 365

This is not what I intended it to be , but have to post .   I missed yesterday and had this vision and  just didn't happen...... and that is alright. 

eyes that sing- day 137 (project 365)

Yes....in continuation of Womanifesto-  " ...i am eyes that sing- smile that brightens- touch that rings- and supplies euphoric release- I am a Grand Dame Queen Beast..."  (Jill Scott - Womanifesto)

Grand Dame Queen Beast-  def.   a most often middle aged or older woman , with style , grace, flair, experience......The Grand Lady!!!

I must embrace this time in my life!  I am the Grand Dame Queen Beast! 

Lip Smacking peach deep - (throw back thursday ) day 136 - project 365

In continuing inspiration of Womanifesto.   "....and lip smacking peach deep- sometimes too aggressive in its honesty and heart sweet- that loves whoe-ly and completely- whom it may choose- whom ever it may choose.... "  (Jill Scott)

So I am guessing that when Jill Scott was talking about  "lip smacking peach deep" that she was probably talking about not being superficial and that woman has deep thoughts and feelings and maybe  not .   I would read this line and every time this image that I took right before the New Year  came to mind.     I have my own interpretation and feelings about this image and not going to share them because I really want others to have their own .  Just for a moment be that sometimes pretentious  person/people that stand around a  piece of art and say" I really feel what the artist is trying to convey.....she is speaking about societies view of woman..." etc. etc. etc.  and the others are nodding in agreement ,  etc. etc. etc.  (huge smile!) .  

Would love to hear what it is.   

Knees that bend - day 135 (project 365)

In continuation  inspiration of Womanifesto... "knees that bend to pray-clean from Ajax washings"..... (Jill Scott)


These knees
 that clean these  floors
 have bent for others
to many times
to often
to many ways
are the same that kneel to pray
every morning
when I wake
and evening
before rest
the same
that find the strength
to lift
and pull me up
to walk tall
everyday


(ghia dulcia larkins)

 

diamond mind - day 134 (project 365)

Printed up some shirts for Dawud today to promote his Diamond Minds project/cd.   A conscious hip hop artist ( http://dawudhasan.jux.com/) ,believe me they are out there.    



Diamond Minds .   What does that mean to me?   We all have potential,to be that raw stone and turn into that brilliant gem, to shine. 

I am active brain......  another part of the poem Womanifesto .   Need to be that active brain with a Diamond Mind.    Wake up!!!!

Two hands that fist- day 133 (project 365)

Jill Scott was an inspiration for me today .....what a powerful poet and songtress she is. Oh to express in such a way.  Check it....empowering!!!!   I will have to do an image with the whole poem...yep that's it.    So I will do that with my images and be raw about that expression.   This series when completed will be fierce...Thank you miss J I L L S C O T T-eeeee....

Womanifesto

Clearly I am not a fat ass
I am active brain
and lip smacking peach deep
sometimes too aggressive in its honesty
and heart sweet
that loves whole-ly and completely
whom it may choose
whom ever it may choose

I am not gonna lie and pacify
I am arms to hold
I am lips to speak
I am a muthafucking "G"

Strong legs that stroll off the 33 bus
or out of a money green Phantom confortably
Knees that bend to pray
clean from Ajax washings
hair that is thick and soft
Thighs that be-twixt
an amazing all expense grand prize

I am eyes that sing
smile that brightens
touch that rings
and supplies euphoric release
I am a Grand Dame Queen Beast

I am warm
I am peace
From the roads of Botswana to 23rd Street
From the inside third eye
ever watching this wicked wicked system of things
I do see

I am friend to pen
and a lover of strong women
A Diamond to men
I am curious and interested like children
I welcome the wise to teach
appreciator of my culture
Thick not just from bone dense and eat

I have a rhythm in my ways
and a practice in my seek
and yes I do crave the rhythm of my space
with a man that rejoices in God's Grace

with faith I do hear to listen
two hands that fist
when forced pushes to shove
and your ego won't submit

I am gifted
I am all of this
and indeed the Shit

Clearly I am not just an ass

babies, mothers and grandmothers -day 131 & 132

Posting two days in a row...
Helped out with watching little Ashlin Saturday , what a cutie. 

It is Mothers Day today and Mahlia and I went for a walk to get her mommy a flower. 

Wow, being a mom..... how time has seemed to pass so quickly.  I can only hope that one day my children will know that I did the best job that I could at different times in my life.   I surely wasn't perfect and never will be and there is  no manual out there to be a parent, regardless if people think so.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mommy's, grandmothers, aunties and daddy's who are mommy too!  

  

porch views- day 130 (project 365)

Another evening sitting on my porch after a work day and waiting for my daughter for a night out together for my birthday .   I loved the shadow my hanging mask was casting.   I am always so amazed by the beauty in the simple things.

letting go- throwback thursdays (365 project0

Going through some photos and finding some images that reflect what place I want to be right now again.......feeling free , just to be and enjoy and let go  ----- not a captive to the outside forces but my own.   To Just Live!!!!

sunset- day 128 (project 365)

Sunset at  Sunset Cliffs.  Releasing.... emotional baggage and more junk that was weighing me down  represented by a bag of sand and sending the positive blessings for a new into  the wind to the east.   Much thanks for the thoughtfulness of a true gift , salud.

i am a Taurus- day 127 (project 365)

Today is the day I was born into this life.  

 I am a Taurus, the Bull.    True to the characteristics of a person born in this astrological sign I am stubborn, sensitive, like fine things, artistic/creative (at least I think so ), colorful,  earth sign,  excessive at times, calm and loving , ruled by Venus (aah ha),  but when angered the snorting and charging begin. 

I was going to write more tonight but I am to sensitive , stubborn and getting ready to snort and kick like hell.   Happy Birthday to me.....another year and asking to be blessed with many more.  

To my mother and father...I give thanks .  Daddy , I truly hope to make that difference that you said I was brought in the world to do.

home sweet home- day 126 (project 365)

A few more images of the neighborhood and the lovely art garden that always intrigues me.   I walk and look at all the homes and know one day I just may own a place with character and life.    We never know what life has in store for us, so I will keep on dreaming and manifesting the possibilities.