dear son,

stay fearless, and you will be great!

Holi | Hindu festival of color, in Jaisalmer

see more at TheLoveInUs

short stories | windows with no curtains

On a Vineyard in Wachau

We made a toast to unprotected sex then pulling out. After the wine settled, I realized that it wasn’t smart, safe or possible, considering I’m single.

The only men available to go into the wild with were all a waste of time. I want to feel wild and free and sexy the way I did when I hit the fostering ocean weeks back. I belonged to the ocean. Followed the waves, embraced the water’s lead.

Being intimate at a time of chaos – the Riesling’s draining. Thoughts more focused as I catch the wind outside of my favorite restaurant. When will I stop coming here? When will I let go of the life I use to live? I think of how good it’ll feel to have a man in my freshly designed cottage. It’ll feel good. He’ll feel good. By morning, I’d want more.

I want that feeling that the ocean gives, working with the sun, pleasing me. Depth, passion, love, warmth. I want to feel a man again. After another glass, I convince myself I can have this feeling all the time. Must get home. Need nurturing; I can worry about the love part later.

-Feminine

On Women’s [Mental] Health

Did I ever tell you reading Women’s Health makes me feel skinny? Like last month’s issue. I read it for the little facts. Like hummus being a natural abdomen tightener or how green tea helps you burn calories. I prefer men’s magazines to stay away from countless pieces on love and relationships and sex and how to improve yourself for men or the nice shoes and bags for fall. Fuck that. What about how to get my life together? How about some fucking reporter explain to me what it means when I feel this intangible sadness so powerful it feels tangible will not pass? Do you know any mags with that kind of information? You keep a lot of magazines in your bathroom. I’m running out of time and I know, jumping around. Back to WH. I did read an article on love and crushes. Don’t judge me. I didn’t say I didn’t read these kinds of pieces, I said I like to stay away. The article listed the reasons you like someone. Closed the book at – you want to be like him.

Of course I didn’t know that was the reason why I avoid his existence. Out of sight out of mind, right? No. I wouldn’t be writing. I need your help. You’re the doctor here. Do shock treatments make you forget heartache? Heartbreak? Bad sex? A sad childhood? Can you keep some stuff in? Like your goals or your siblings? You’re the doctor and my friend. Can you get me out of here? I want the same meds when I leave. And shock treatment. Or shock therapy? What is it called? Does it only happen on TV? All the women in my unit need it. Ah, that was a joke. I like being really quiet when we have social events. Because the ladies here, they’re much sadder than me.

-Truthful

Download more stories From Jump here.

Denise, Can I Borrow Your Sweater? No, Take One From Dad’s Closet!

Trapped inside the crib and suffering from a repulsive illness, I am forced to sit in front of Mac until the sniffling wears off. Oh, btw, during this difficult time, my Cable decides to stop working, so yeah that means no more Cosby’s on Tivo. Just a quiet apartment…two cats…and a Mac. I must admit, the silence is grand; it allows more space for my mind to be free. So my mind begins to wander off on fall fashion, what I need to bring to the fore-front of my wardrobe…what style changes am I going to make, so it will coincide with my current lifestyle. That’s when I remembered I had these images on my desk top.

I pinned these images to my visionary board. I love this look! Sweaters, sweaters, and more sweaters. The energy is sovereign, yet approachable. Warm and comfy -self-sufficient. Hmm, coincidentally it describes my current emotions about life. Looking forward to the Autumn House Warming Party!

music discovery | Jessie, UK Bred.

Apparently, they go hard in the UK! Not like this is new news to me, but a charming face and storming voice like Jessie’s is a force to be reckoned with. I have to say, I didn’t know they made vocalist like this across the pond. I don’t really know what to say. Blown away by the gust of her voice and amazing off-stage presence, all I can do is sit still. [sitting still] Umm yeah. I love to find new talent. I’ve never met her but according to her you tube videos and lyrical talent, she seems like a great girl with a good head on her shoulders. Most importantly, this girl can sing her ass off! Heaven’s gift to man. [Hats off] Only issue: finding Jessie’s you tube videos are not easy. Up against Jessie McCartney and Jessica Simpson, her clips tend to get lost in the “popular” search engine. However! Good things comes to those who wait. Be patient and you will find her, just listen for the sound of her voice. She will definitely lead you the right way. =)

Jessie

Myspace

YouTube Channel

art discovery | Shonibare, Why Am I So Late?

"The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters" | Yinka Shonibare MBE

Today I unexpectedly went to the Brooklyn Museum and to my surprise, I bumped into some yummy art exhibits. If you did not know, I love art, in all forms, and today Yinka Shonibare MBE (born in London to Nigerian parents) made my friggin’ day in many ways! His photographs and installments are striking. I dig the way he is…umm, how should I say this?…intelligently rebellious with his art work. Although he crosses bold lines, he manages to do so in a tasteful, humorous, and truthful manner. Currently, the museum houses a few of his projects/installations in the west-wing of the fourth floor, and it is such a sight to see. The above image is my personal favorite. It is a twist of Francisco Goya y Luciente’s etching of the same name. One of five images, in which the models (depictions of world figures) are wearing, what we know today as African cloth. Well today I learned, that it is acurately refered to as Dutch Wax fabric; it was originally imported by the Dutch during its colonial era, and is now considered (by them) as poor man’s cloth. So Shonibare’s replaces the etching’s traditional Victorian textiles for the Dutch wax to give it a shade of conciousness and satire. What a statement in itself?! Just one of the many reasons why I adore this painting.

"How To Blow Up Two Heads At Once" (Women) | Yinka Shonibare MBE

But what I truly love about Shonibare as an overall artist is his keen ability to create engaging pieces without being literal, or too abstract. Like totally, can you not see this shit (above) happening in your part of town? It is a timeless illustration about the fragments and unsteadiness of feminine relationships, and we (men or women) can all relate to witnessing this kind of sticky situation. All I could say was, “WOW! Ladies, put the guns down.” Guns or no guns, these chicks are in too deep, and I couldn’t help but wonder how it got to this fatal point. Betrayal? A form for rough play? Rivalry? It can come from all angels. Yinka Shonibare MBE creates room for his audience’s imagination without loosing the dynamic gist. Frankly women have been doing this for years: bitching and fussing with on another. Whether it’s on the field or in a pool of mud, women are quick to oppose one another. So whichever way your story builds, it still leaves you to think how drastic and life threatening this kind of behavior can be…

Gallantry and Criminal Conversation 2002 | Yinka Shonibare MBE

Quite a fuck fest here, isn’t it? This installation is figuratively colorful! Take a moment to imagine if everyone’s secrets were out in the open… This what the streets would look like. But placing foolery aside, there is more to this installation than just sex and chaos. The symbolism and imagery is on point. Sex, at least what I believe it to be, is a form of communication, and how it is presented here is quite “gallant” (pun intended). Fancy people doing naughty things. Plus, everyone’s communication is always off (due to the variety of perceptions), and instead of seeking understanding, we choose to climb, guile, disrespect, or trade teams, just to get what we want to say heard. Another thing that came out to me was the altitude of the carriage in relationship to the people. Why is it above the chaos? Why is the carriage green? Where is it going? Why are the people having sex on the luggages? Hmm… Overall this exhibit was very educational, and brilliantly arranged! I found this video interview that discusses Party Time: Re-Imagine America (not shown), in which he plugs to his story compositions, the history of the Dutch Wax fabrics, why the mannequins don’t have heads, and his obesession with the Colonial era.

Yinka Shonibare MBE

@ The Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Parkway

Brooklyn, NY 11238

t: 719.638.5000

www.brooklynmuseum.org

music discovery | Brittany Bosco

About three months ago, I had the pleasure to meet Brittany Bosco at Santos in NYC, which is the funky fun house that sprouts some of the best up and coming artist of our time. Always on the prowl for something fresh, I strolled in, and saw this lovely GA native (currently residing in ATL), on stage ripping the mic. Truthfully, I couldn’t really understand anything she was saying (most venues are like that…sucky sound system), but her presence was remarkable. And as a lady, breaking into the music realm, I admire a great entertainer. Her voice, charisma, and punctuation were unconventionally sharp, and at times I found myself lost inside of her own adventurous world. Moments after she performed, my fellow friend, invited me to meet her. Even in the midst of all the press questions and flashing lights, she was welcoming, delicately witty, and a pleasure to meet. I definitely dig her joint SPECTRUM (btw download my favorite  City of Nowhere), which I hear comes in gold aluminum bubble packaging (a downfall of downloading music). She’s currently working on the re-release of SPECTRUM, which will carry four new tracks and video footage to some of her songs. Sooo, yeah, in a nutshell Brittany Bosco is hella dope shit, and she is officially another divine lady on my radar! Get to know her for yourself in this video interview with CDR here.

Brittany Bosco

diet discovery | Clarity

I  confess…

I’ve been.

Slacking off on.

My diet.

[Boo Noises Here] I know, I know. And it is friggin’ pitiful. When I went to Europe, things were a lot different. I was forced to eat fish and vegetarian dishes, because the meat out there just isn’t the same. And I tried to maintain that custom once I got back to the States -with a little faults here and there- but overall I was doing friggin’ well. Until…

I went AWOL. I mean terribly. Just eating meat left to right without consideration. My aunt cooked a ham, and did I not go in?! I went in so much that two weeks later, I helped her prepare the delicious remains in a tasty soup (how frugal was that? give me points for frugality here). And a few weeks ago, I won’t front…I devoured some baby back, baby back, baby back ribs. (C’mon my aunt made them. Didn’t want to let her down!) And let’s not forget the late night trip to chicken spot. (I mean it wasn’t all that, but tipsy rhymes with crispy).  I’m a pitiful failure…lol. But now I will right my wrongs by revealing to you what I discovered, which is my new found reason to NOT EAT MEAT.

Merging (At Least For Today)

Esra Roise Illustrations

8/19 Dear Dairy,

Her mother will never know

What she has in store for the world.

Mother will try to guess.

But the secret lies within the truth.

Lines that form what we are.

It’s all familiar.

It’s all relative.

She calls on the wind to follows her wherever she goes.

Humans inside of Nature

There is always something to learn.

Are you willing?

Short lived like Cherry Blossoms.

It’s either today or todie.

She aspires to be many things: on earth.

But overall she aspires to evolve into a new life.

Not just an artist.

Not just a philanthropist.

Not just a mother, sister, and best-friend.

But a new level of being that will

supersede the present concept of living.

Pushing the boundaries of capability.

Fighting to keep all forms of love alive.

An advocate, even if you don’t believe.

And besides…

Isn’t this such a dope illustration?

I love watercolor.

So cute, would love this to be in my (future) daughter’s bedroom.

Labor Day

Pieter Hugo | Nollywood

image via: PieterHugo.com

This image is just a small dose of what Pieter Hugo (photographer) has in store for all his observers. Beware, some of these images are a bit disturbing and controversial, but if you are like me, neither of the two descriptions will keep you away from taking a looksey at his amazing work. The above image is part of his Nollywood project, which are images that depict characters and myths that are usually casted in African Nollywood cenima. “Nollywood is said to be the third largest film industry in the world, releasing onto the home video market approximately 1,000 movies each year.” Nonetheless, his photographs are dynamic and quite chilling, but doesn’t lack a bit of artistic divinity. It may be Hugo’s boldness that paves the way for him as an talented photographer. I am unsure. He doesn’t lack talent, obviously, but there is a (loud) statement inside all of his images. He found his niche. I haven’t seen anything like this in photography; most photographs are either really beautiful or really funny, but never like this. An acquired taste, I have learn to appreciate his style. My new found Photographer crush…check out more of his work here.

Be There For You (Extended Version)

until the end of time. <3

Let’s set the record straight.

I mean what I say, and I don’t repeat myself.

I said it once, so I will never say it again.

Yes, that word. Because it means nothing to me.

I use it just to illustrate my concept.

But my actions will be the basket for this word,

supporting it as we journey through life.

Don’t get all sensitive on me.

Please.

Let’s not calculate my every motive.

You were never good at math.

And things won’t accurately add up.

Because it is relative, and we have our reasons.

Just BE inside of this, and chill inside of this.

That word, vaguely sums up all that we are to one another.

The trust, the care, the distance, the sacrifice.

The need, the want.

I don’t ever want to say it again. It means nothing to me.

It’s just a word.

I know…someday…you

will ask me this again.

And my mouth will ignore you.

But my heart will show you.

Let’s Improv.

Maxwell | BLACKsummer's Night

Certain things I do will never make sense to you.

But my heart is always in the right place.

So shoo.

Be gone, get lost, back down.

No room for games and clowns.

What I have inside is a love that can’t be chopped or screwed with.

So don’t try to use it or abuse it or comprise it

into your imagination and capabilities.

Your ideals hinder me.

And what I am adept to do.

Your ideals hinder you.

And what you are skilled to do.

They hinder we.

Don’t save us for later, when things “make sense”

Let us explore the possibilities now.

Why can’t we…

just B E? Ok so…

frankly, here’s a fudge brownie with nuts.

Eat it and croak.

Oops my bad, that doesn’t sound like love at all.

But c’mon boo, you’re killing me here.

You’re messing with the improv.

Lol…

Damn, Sin Looks So Good.

“Trespass Against Me” | Photographed by Henryk Lobaczewski

I’m in the middle of my next big project. Research, research, research. Many boulder blocks and temptations trying to distract me. People, ideas, drama, love, bad habits. Balance is the figgin’ big word of 2009! It just keeps popping up (in my life). Boy, oh boy, this project requires a lot of balance. So I am learning how to walk on a tight rope [gag sound here]. Kind of hard especially when I am known for indulging in my vices [worry face here]. Trust, they aren’t that bad. But yes, every now and then, I find exactly what I am looking for. Although I am learning how to add a little more needs to my wants, this editorial illustrates my attitude for sin. Can’t front, it sure looks good. Why is that? Shoo, shoo. Shake, shake. Can’t ignore them. So I must face them. So I pray, “Father, there is something about what I don’t need that is inexorably enticing. I know you have a bigger plan for me. I call on Love and Good. Please, help me to tackle my desires.“

“Trespass Against Me” | Photographed by Henryk Lobaczewski

“Trespass Against Me” | Photographed by Henryk Lobaczewski

Don’t Break My Bones: A Tender Drama.

Coco Rocha | Les Echos by Jean Paul Gaultier

I honestly feel there is true art in modeling. Not everyone can do it. A lot of people feel that it is about the look and the beauty. In high-fashion (which is the artistic lane of fashion) it is not. It is about shapes, lines, color, and detail. Some models are blessed with the ability to draw with their body. Their eyes, lips, arms, legs, and back. And sad to say the slender they are, the sharper the image. Coco Rocha is one model who shapes herself into breath-taking positions. The camera tenderly captures her in a dramatized motion, so at times she can appear plastic although she is real. Weird…but I like it. It’s that scratchy noise you love to hear (c’mon guys we all have a quirky something). Anyways, this editorial is super fresh! Everything from the background color palette to the shapes her of body and how they compliment the clothing. Even the photography is on point (by Sophie Delaporte). View and enjoy!

Coco Rocha | Les Echos by Jean Paul Gaultier

Coco Rocha | Les Echos by Jean Paul Gaultier

MJ.

Tribute to Michael Jackson | Artist Unknown

image: webdesigner depot

I don’t have many words.

Caught in between my body and my spirit.

But one thing they both agree on is that,

He loved music.

I Speak India.Arie

I go through these phases pacing back and forth between thinking, writing, music, and business. Right now, I will say…I’m in my music phase, business next. I am very, very, very, much influenced by music. I can’t explain it anymore in words. I have seriously spent my last dime on a good song before, and I would do it again, if I had more dimes. =) So lately I’ve been filtering through music artist that I admire and adore. Not because they are “cool like Kanye West” (I’ve been saying that a lot lately, and no I do not think he’s cool), but because they are artist that I will grow old with. India.Arie is one of them. She gets little to no recognization, but she’s a monster when it comes to music. *big claps* Truthfully, she took me through some tough times, and dropped some knowledge on maturing into a ‘lady advocate of love’. Although she is not quoting Bible versus, I do believe that her music is very spiritual. Hey, if I can relate to it, then it’s spiritual enough! No complicated mumbojumbo, just words…true words and experiences we can relate to. So yeah, tough times, India.Arie, helps me through, great stuff. One of my favorite songs of hers is…Complicated Melody. I think I may cover this song one day…hmm. Well, well. Here is a playlist (via Imeem) with my favorite Arie selections (and they should be yours too). Her music is a universal language, and I admit, at times I speak a little India.Arie. =)

Enjoy the playlist!