summer solstice- day 173 (project 365)

Today is the summer solstice- longest day of the year.

I love the long full of light days and sadly this will mean that each day will get continually shorter eventually.    
In Egypt the pyramids are aligned that during the summer solstice the sun sets in between two pyramids as if life returns to the womb or the womb creating light.    Life.   It is a powerful time full of energy with the summer solstice and full moon in a few days.   Giving thanks for life.....enjoy the summer.

let the concrete flowers grow- day 170(project 365)

life pushes through the cold hard concrete and black tar asphalt
a universal reminder - don't  give in or give up
for all things are possible
I am that concrete flower - let the concrete flowers grow

  

tishomingo blues- day 156 (project 365)

Music.  It can be so many things.  Relaxing, stress reliever, bring back memories, mood altering and inspirational.
 I was listening to Louis Armstrong, Ella  and  Geroge Lewis and his Tishomingo Blues.   I had to have had a life before this one during the time period of the 30's and 40's.   I can totally see myself during the Harlem Renaissance and New Orleans with the great jazz singers, and artist.   Although not the best of times for anyone of color but there was so many people expressing themselves and finding freedom through art and a powerful movement of civil rights ...writing, painting, photography, acting, dancing with the likes of photographer James Van Der Zee, Gordon Parks, Count Bassie, Countee Cullen,  Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker, Zora Neale Hurston , and lets not forget the UNIA and  Marcus Garvey and the list can go on.

 Oh to dance,to march, to love ,to feel freedom through expression, power and strength.


Now without getting to far off base I am a fashion whore at heart.  Women wore dresses , skirts and fabulous shoes, while the men most often had a suit jacket or vest and a hat looking sharp and when that night was over .....draped over a chair  just waiting to be put on again another night.

check out George Lewis-

creative juices flowing- day 155 (project 365)

I will not miss a day for a photograph and am very tired. So o.k.  not so creative for a photograph ( I will call it a product shot :)  ...but my design side is flowing again as well.....simple, colorful and graphic,   I love these bags.   I will be selling these and making one for myself.  

At least I posted a photo....and hopefully more inspired tomorrow .

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.  

  

stars and stripes ( well, my own) -day 113 (project 365)

morning 5:30 am ...meditation of thanks, work out, shower.....feeling fabulous...stripes it is with boots, jean jacket, turquoise, cowry shells (my stars) ....  

It is a fantastic feeling to wake up and start the day on such a positive vibration and make the decision that no one will or has the power to make it anything less.
I totally get it now when I see certain elders just wearing what makes them feel good and  and fun..eclectic , bright, with big smiles on their faces , free spirits.  That will be me and I will continue to embarrass my children and grandchildren for that matter.  Oh what fun it will be.

Just feeling fabulous today and why not feel good  about yourself, walk with your head high, and strut your stuff as much  and often as possible.  Be colorful -or not, wear that piece of clothing you love- just because, be funky,  have fun, be you!

I am in love...day 99 (project 365)

I have been in a film mode and mood.   I have been shooting with my dads twin lens reflex and just yesterday I received in the mail my Diana F+ .   I am in love all over again.   I can't wait until I see the film from all that I have been shooting.   I love the feeling of not knowing, and the pure excitement to find out  if I got at least one fantastic shot.  OOOhhh the excitement, can't wait to share.    Of course my groupie wants her own Diana so I will have to see what kind of camera I can get her that looks like an old camera, but she wants to see the pictures now. 

in my hood- day 98 (project 365)

just a few more random shots on a walk in my neighborhood..... I really like living in the South Park area-- Time for some well needed rest .   Yaaaawnnnn....

spin cycle- day 97 (project 365)

Walked around the neighborhood with my camera and playing with a cheap fisheye lens....I like the effects and the fact that it is softer, dreamy .  So often that is how I see the world...especially reminiscing my times in laundermat with three kids- what a blur.  The greatest images can be made there , almost everyone can relate  and so many stories can be told or created from just observing.

day 96- wake up! (project 365)

simply...Wake up world! 
Things aren't always what they seem, be aware.....live /love/be!

DAY 95 - i want my daddy (project 365)

Tonight was Makai duty ... as soon as my son started walking to the door the little wimper started then turned into a full wail!  I decided to take snap the shutter while he was so unhappy with me, thought he would be preoccupied but no go.   I have felt the same way little guy, it's o.k.   I won't torture you any longer....today.....

 update:  he is just fine, daddy came back :)

Tiara and Ciara - day 88 (project 365)

I took some images of  Tiara and Ciara .   Beautiful girls of my friend Deronda...thanks for letting me post just a few for my blog tonight.    We did a short shoot for simple head shots for them, they have already done some commercials and a few things.   Ahhh youth, no makeup and just beautiful. Best of luck young ladies.

the pink moon /duh its march- day 85 (project 365)

  It is a time to honor the feminine energy and the coming of spring.   Enjoy your night everyone.



• Full Pink Moon – April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.

(well apparently I am a month ahead of myself....what the heck. so now you all know about the April Pink moon)


it is March ----

Full Worm Moon – March As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

eye on the sparrow- day 74 (project 365)

Jai is in Thailand about now ....it was a little rough for me knowing I won't be able to speak to him for two weeks , since they will not have access to phones or internet.   Actually no news is good news.   This is not a posh hotel trip ...my son will come back changed from this experience.  They will be in rural areas, visiting and staying at a welfare school where mountain youth attend and so much more.   I really was just asking the universe for his ultimate safety and the biggest gift of all to bring him back safely to us.  

This morning I drove to work and was getting my usual things out of the car and found an post it note from Jai where he was sitting last night ...it said..." In Thailand, Love you  Jai"   What a beautiful way to start the morning and what  a great young man he is to know his mom so well, and just love me.   

After seeing that I open my car door with tears of joy in my eyes and see this little sparrow with no life as soon as I open my door.  Hoping that this is not a horrible omen of some sort I immediately take the sage from my car and bless the little spirit that this creature holds and ask for the protection.   I am taking comfort that  this totem spirit telling me all the positive things that it represents spiritually ...joy, creativity , simplicity , protection,  to keep our burdens light  to avoid a heavy heart.   Positive vibration .  

The spiritual hym " His Eyes are on the Sparrow"  is one of my favorites and came to mind.   To remind of the safe keeping of the Universe for all of us.  

and he is off -Thailand day 73 (project 365)

My youngest son is off to Thailand tonight.  He will be gone for two weeks.  He made me promise I wouldn't cry while I was dropping him off at the school to shuttle up to LA to get their flight (15 young people and Micheal and Sara-).   We had a few moments to give thanks for his trip, ask for positive vibration, blessings and sage.   I am sure one day either he will think it was cool, or just his mom doing her thing in her loving way.   As much as I am excited for him I am a little nervous and just want him to have a great time and be safe.    It was hard seeing him really become this young man going across the world away from his mama.   Little Mahlia shed some tears too....I think she will miss Jai but will miss the camera he was taking with him more.  As they were closing the doors to drive off I saw Jai looking out the front at me to say "see ya Mama" one last time before they drove off.   We have got to let them go to experience the world and to many more adventures to you my son.  See you soon and can't wait to hear about your adventure through your eyes.    so now is it ok to cry a little.......Love you.

day 67 - dia de la mujer : body of art:art of body (project 365) 3-8-13

This was not posted last night because I was attending and participating in the art show:    body of art:art of body at The Front .    What an amazing journey I have had in the now.    I have really been living what I want to become a reality...and it is.   I am proud to say that I was runner up to first place in the juried exhibition.   How exciting and utterly amazing to me, how grateful and thankful I am for the appreciation.    I had such a wonderful time with my friends , meeting new people, surrounded by art and music and dance (Bomba Liberte).....perfect.   

Gypsie Kings and porch swings- day 64 (project 365)

I am having a deja vu moment right now.....like I have been in this same exact moment.   I was listening to the Gypsy Kings cd this morning and it made me think of my sister friend Sara.   I even happened to be dancing around the office at one point.  I am comfortable in patterns,scarves, chunky jewelry, shells and feathers....must be a past life.....gypsies, pirates, mystic women.  It took me away , day dreaming of dancing in the moonlight , sharing and laughing , sitting on her porch back in the day, having a drink or two or more , listening to music and just being.   Here's to being free and the roaming spirit!