2012 Review

It's that time again, time to reflect on the year and survey where I've been, see how far I've come, and map out where I'd like to go. I have to say it's been a fantastic year. Despite being unemployed for ten out of the twelve months, I've accomplished, experienced, and enjoyed quite a bit. Much of what I've experienced and many whom I have met have served as building blocks for the road ahead.

The year began with great music, not only from my favorite group Groundation, but also from two of my new favorite artists Junior Toots and Rocker-T. This is significant not just because music plays such a vital role in my existence, but also because all of these brilliant musicians have become dear treasured loved ones in my life. I usually try to keep ones anonymous, but these gentlemen and women have had key roles in the development of this year for me. 

Junior Toots invited me to be in his video for his song "A Little Bit of Love" from his wonderful album of the same title. At the shoot, he introduced me to some lovely people whom I am pleased to call friends now. The lovely Sol Atash, who sings with him, has become a dear friend as well. It was at Junior Toots' cd release party on my birthday where I met the magnanimous Rocker-T. I fell in love with his music that night, and maybe him a little bit too. Both he and his music are deeply moving, inspiring, and engaging. I have since had the privilege and honor to intern for him; an experience which enables me to learn and grow musically, spiritually, and mentally. I am proud to promote such a conscious, kind, and loving artist. His new EP "From Brooklyn to Oakland" is available now on iTunes download it here and his phenomenal album will be released in 2013. (Oh yeah, I'm good at what I do)


The accomplishment I'm most proud of this year is starting my new online magazine "Conscious Comments" check it out here which is a free magazine devoted to sharing ways people can and are living  more conscious and thoughtful lives. It is dear to me because my desire is to have a positive effect on the world and this gives me the opportunity to do it. I have been blessed to have some wonderful, thoughtful, knowledgeable and conscious beings contribute to it including the great Rocker-T who does the editorial every month, guest posts by Harrison Stafford, lead singer of Groundation and dear friend, Kelsey Howard, great trombone player from Groundation, Rusty Zinn, an awesome reggae artist and friend, Francesco Thomas (who did Rocker-T's 99.9 Percent video seen above) as well as contributions from dear friends Elizabeth Renter, Lance Malveaux, Angelica Erskine, Davina Estrella Oji, and beautiful photos by my dear brother and friend Hossein Attar. I am eternally grateful and in awe of these magnificent individuals.

I've connected with dear ones, experienced a great deal of awesome music, made amends, come to grips, and began coming into my crown. I feel so much optimism and enthusiasm for the future and so much more love in the present. I give thanks and praises to my Father The Mighty King Haile Selassie I for all my many blessings and lessons from the past years and those to come. I am coming out of the shadows in 2013...look for the queen in the whirlwind! Blessed New Year! More Love.

Find Junior Toots' music here on facebook here Twitter @juniortoots
Find Rocker-T's music here and on iTunes here on facebook here and here Twitter @theRealRockerT
Find Groundation's music here on facebook here Twitter @Groundation707
Find Reggae Professor here on facebook here Twitter @reggaeprofessor
Find Rusty Zinn's music here on facebook here Twitter @rustyzinn1
Find Sol Atash on facebook here on Twitter @solatash
Find Hossein Attar's photos on instagram younglion13
Find Francesco Thomas I.Livity Productions here

Reggae Icon Rocker-T Readies New Album “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” with 5 Song EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland” due for release in Late December 2012

I have the honor of interning with one of my favorite reggae artists (although he is definitely a multi-genre musician). What's special about Rocker-T is that he lives the conscious and spiritual life of which he sings. Musically, he is a creative and clever lyricist, an innovative producer, and a dynamic performer. It my pleasure to support him and his music. Read more about him and his new EP from the press release below and find the link to purchase his EP "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes. For only $3.99....you certainly won't be disappointed.

For Immediate Release – December 5^th, 2012

Oakland, California - Over Nine years in the making, with over a dozen guest artists and many different genres represented, Rocker-T will release his new full-length album project “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” in 2013. The first release from this album will be a digital only 5 song EP titled “From Brooklyn to Oakland”. With the EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland”, to be released December 18, 2012, Rocker-T embarks upon the largest musical journey of his 21 years in the music industry. The EP from the forthcoming album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” which will be released early 2013, encompasses tracks from the East, West, and International music realms. “From Brooklyn to Oakland” includes Dancehall and Roots Reggae, Hip Hop, EDM, and even some Alternative Pop, including featured special guest artists Gappy Ranks, Terry Ganzie and Zahira Soul.

Throughout his career, Rocker-T has always had an eclectic musical appetite. He has had Punk Rock, Rock, New Wave, Ska, and Reggae bands, and Hip Hop has consistently had an influence on his music. Rocker-T originally hails from Brooklyn, New York and currently resides in Oakland, California and the title track of the EP showcases his Hip Hop talent and influence while his track “Neva Chat Slack” with Terry Ganzie is decidedly Roots Reggae. “From Brooklyn to Oakland,” and the full-length album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” are a reunion of the genres he has influenced and the artists with whom he has made meaningful connections.

Nine years in the making, the album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is a songwriting and production collaboration that embodies Rocker-T’s diverse musical experiences, knowledge and tastes.  Featuring friends and family from every era of Rocker-T's career including; Skadanks, Boogie Down Productions, Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi, International Rastafarian Transport Band, Version City Rockers, Zion Train, and Dubsmashers, it is indicative of his musical objectives. “I am an hurban warrior of peace, a product of the city environment who sees the small green branch pushing through the cement and cries for Mother Earth. The magical plant music is the healing of the nations. I can fight without fighting,” Rocker-T explains.

Rocker-T says he has “A profound desire to see all humans choose a peaceful life with each other,” and “…to bring healing to the minds and hearts of humankind whenever and wherever I sing and/or otherwise cause the divine sound to be audible.” “From Brooklyn to Oakland” and “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is an amalgam of Rocker-T’s musical journey with something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, or to set up an interview with Rocker-T, please contact Luvinnitt Productions at luvinnittpro@gmail.com

download here: "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes

The 'Why' of It All

My heart is heavy with sadness and my head is a sea of perplexity, so of course my instinct is to write, but I can hardly find the words. We are all asking the same question…why? Why would anyone take a life, let alone 28 lives, most especially the lives of 20 tender souls and one’s own mother?

Was he sick or just evil?  I hesitate to say that the gunman can’t shoulder the entire blame, because at times like these, we need someone to blame…and it ain't us! (Is it?) But maybe we’re asking the wrong questions. Maybe we should be asking why this is happening so often these days. There are four or five mass shootings a year since 1995!

I’m sure if I did some research (I started but couldn't stomach it) I would find some correlation with the economic climate, the advent of new technology, media, or world events. But, I don’t have to do that. I already know that the consciousness of the world is out of sync. Too many people’s focus is on superficial, material, quick fix, and even destructive matter.

There is too little concern about the environment and how what we are doing to it affects our beings and not enough care about how we feed our minds, bodies, and spirits. Some may say this is ‘new aged hooey,’ but what else is different now?  If people who commit these atrocities are sick, what is making them sick? If they are evil, where is this evil coming from?

There’s always a lot of talk about gun control laws after these massacres. One thing I've seen is that people will give up their right to privacy in a second…but don’t you dare take away their right to bear arms!  Something needs to be done about the accessibility of guns in the U.S. to be sure.  But just in case that doesn't happen, shouldn't we find a way to heal these sick/evil people lest they find other means to carry out their madness?

I wonder if we were kinder, more careful, considerate, and thoughtful about the way we interact with one another, if that would make a difference. Is there something in the air, water, or FOOD, that is causing a sickness?  How harmless are certain games, movies, or song lyrics?  Are we spending enough time teaching, guiding, and loving our children? I wish I had the answers instead of more questions, but it seems that we need to start asking more questions. 

I wonder if we were more mindful of each other, paying attention to one another’s well being and caring enough to help, would we be able to see a disturbed mind or spirit before something horrific happens.  I’m having a difficult time believing that these troubled individuals showed no signs of fracturing prior to their actions. All I know is, I’d rather willingly pray for the souls of the living than be forced to pray for those of the dead. I would much prefer to cry at weddings and graduations than at vigils and funerals. 

A change is going to come for sure. Whether it is positive or negative is entirely up to us. Do good and love.

I Am That I Am

One of the things I've learned recently while looking for a new job, is that more often than not, we are judged as either being too much or not enough. I applied to literally hundreds of jobs, and I was either over qualified or under qualified, and sometimes I was just qualified enough, but not what they were looking for...or as they like to put it "decided to go another way."  One's self esteem can take a beating and she can begin to see this pattern in every aspect of her life, putting the notion in her head that she should simply settle for less.

I've come to understand that it all comes down to perception, expectation, and desire.  Our perception of ourselves often does not match how others perceive us. Deepak Chopra says "Physical reality is a perceptual experience in a given consciousness through a particular brain. The brain is influenced by culture, history, religion, belief, so every brain creates different perceptual realities." So reality is different for each person. Based on our experience, culture, religion, etc., we tend to have certain expectations for different situations. Then there is desire. It seems that desire is almost impossible to fulfill in any aspect, be it job requirements, friendship, material possession, or love. Within the teachings of Buddhism, craving is thought to be the cause of all suffering.

Sometimes I get caught up in the idea of being everything for everyone, but the fact is, I can only be who I am at any given time in any given situation. Whether I am too much or too little, is up to others' perceptions, expectations, and desires. I can almost wrap my brain around this and live with it...if it wasn't for judgement. It seems with all of the different realities, demands, and cravings, often comes judgement on those who just don't quite make the cut. And yes, I am aware that my perception of this reality causes me to expect and want a different reaction...which is leading me to judge. So, is there a way around this?

Without getting too deep...because I'm not sure I can go that deep on this subject...I'm inclined to believe that all of these things come from the ego.  The ego is always wanting and never satisfied. So, it seems to me, the best thing to do is to take the ego out of the equation as best we can. I know, easier said than done. But if we live in the  moment and just experience others and what they have to offer, just for the sake of experiencing, might we be able to suspend craving, thereby ending our suffering? I'm not sure, but this is something I am working on. The experience of being rejected when I know I would be great at the job, or relationship, has caused me to consider what I may miss out on because of my own perceptions, expectations, and desires.  Each person is unique, and I have always been drawn to that which is most unique, whether it is ideas, people, or even fashion...perhaps because I often feel so different from everyone else.  This is why I am going to put every effort into not judging people or experiences and seeing what life has to offer. I hope you will too. Love and light.

Which Way is the Wind Blowing?

On the heels of the re-election of the first African American president in the United States, many people of color are feeling empowered and swept up by what they believe are the winds of change. What they fail to realize in all of their excitement, is that the winds of change are blowing in the wrong direction.

Yesterday, I found this on the hood of my car:












This symbol, the "swastika," has positive origins and meanings particularly in Indian religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism and in many cultures is seen as a symbol of good fortune and a meaning of "higher self." In Nazi Germany, the symbol was adopted by the Aryan race and has stigmatized the symbol with negative connotations.

It is quite possible that misguided youth did this to my car as blocks and blocks of cars and houses were marked with this paint...though I was the only one who received this symbol. I highly doubt it was a band of Buddhist or Hindu youth celebrating my goodness and wishing me good fortune. So I am apt to believe they are aware of the negative connotations the swastika has been given by the Aryan race. If misguided youth did this, was there malicious intent? I don't know. What I do know is that they learned of this ignorance from somewhere.  

I started an online magazine last month called "Conscious Comments"* for the very purpose of awakening the collective consciousness in order to create enough higher energy to combat lower energies such as this. In other words, it is my intention to draw out the good to overcome the evil.  The  more of us who are aware of the level of negativity and hate swelling in these "winds of change," the more of us there will be to change their direction. This incident tells me I'm on the right path.

My family told me I should take the Lion of Judah symbol off of my rear view mirror so that I would no longer be a "target." They tell me to get a stun gun or pepper spray. What they don't realize is that Lion of Judah necklace is my shield, and love is my weapon. I can't find it in me to fear ignorance. Too many before me have shown me that there is no reason to do so.

My grandmother marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as did countless others of our ancestors, black and white. A great deal of change resulted. Do not, however, mistake a change in law (or president) for a change in heart. Hatred may have been silenced a bit, but was not eradicated. It was passed down like a family heirloom. I say this to say that the work Dr. King, my grandmother, and your grandmother began is not finished. The work of Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, and many others is not done. 

Marching may not be the answer for this type of incident, but education and a saturation of love is certainly in order.  Do not get swept up in the wind until you are aware of which direction it is blowing. Meanwhile, I will take the original meaning of the swastika and live from my higher self.  Love, light, and consciousness.

*Conscious Comments

My Gift

Your live is the Most High's gift to you. What you choose to do with it is your gift to the Most High

It's been a while since I've posted here and that's because I've been busy with a project that is very close to my heart. I have created an online magazine called "Conscious Comments."   A while back, I spoke of wanting to do something great for the world. I wasn't really sure what that would be. I don't have obvious talents like singing, Nobel prize genius, or even Solomonic wisdom. Then one day I thought to myself 'I know a lot of people who would live a more conscious life if they knew how simple it can be, and how little sacrifice it would take'

Many of you may have heard of the concept of "Meatless Mondays" or recycling, or "upcycling" and meditation and all of these wonderfully conscious acts. But what does it all mean, really? What if you had a place you could go to in one click to find a simple, tasty meatless recipe?  Maybe you've always wanted to meditate but didn't know how? Perhaps, you simply want to see how people around the world do these things.

I've called upon some of my most conscious brothers and sisters to bring some of these ideas and much more together in one place. Well, I'm not a musician, I haven't created an innovative life saving or energy saving device, and I may not even be able to impart any sage advice. But what I am good at, is recognizing these things in others, or finding those who have these talents and persuading them to share their gifts and knowledge.

I've gathered some wonderful souls together to share with you what they know. Reggae artist Rocker-T, a very talented, spiritually and socially conscious being is writing enlightened Guest Editorials. My brothers and sisters are all knowledgeable in the areas of healthy living, the environment, music, and the joy of life(Joie de Vivre) which are all  categories included in the magazine. My talent? To point out the light of the suns around me. I'm just one of the moons reflecting their brilliance. Please check out Conscious Comments below. Love, light, and Consciousness

Save this link----> http://www.joomag.com/magazine/conscious-comments/M0109693001347912898 for future issues

What We Think is a Challenge May Really Be a Gift

I haven't posted in a while because I have been living life, which often means going through transformations. I often feel like I have to have reached a conclusion of a matter before I write about it, but today I had an epiphany. Not only am I not obliged to have the answers before I write to you good people, but often times, the journey itself can be much more revealing.

I have been doing a lot of self reflection and mind, body, spirit work on myself for the past couple of years, as you may know. I thought I had come a long way and was ready for any challenge. Then, someone entered my life who made me rethink that progress. It was as if I was living in a snow globe and this person just came and shook it up. Have you ever met anyone who pushed ALL of your buttons? I mean, this globe shaker seemed to posses every quality I didn't like about every significant person in my life! 'I'm being tested like Job,' I said to myself repeatedly. If I was being tested...I was failing. 

I kept referring to this person as my "challenge" or my "test," making it difficult for me to focus on the real challenges within.  The worst part about it, or so I thought, was that I couldn't seem to shake this person, who, to be fair, is a wonderful spirit...when we're not shaking each other's globes. We're actually a lot alike in many ways, one of which is that we don't stay angry very long and we forgive with ease. That's when it hit me. This person is not my "challenge" or "test," this person is my mirror and my gift!

Every "issue" that I still struggle with is reflected to me in our clashes, but then I receive the gift of forgiveness and another chance to get it right.  I was right in thinking that this person was sent from my Father, the Mighty King, but I was wrong in thinking that this person is a test. Really, this gift of mine is more of a tutor or study guide giving me intensive study sessions for the big exam. 

Don't get me wrong, I adore my tutor/gift who has a loving spirit and kind heart. I was reminded of something I read in one of Wayne Dyer's books where he talked about soul mates. He said that your soul mate is not necessarily the one with whom you get along all of the time or with whom you have everything in common, nor is it necessarily a lover or spouse. Your soul mate most often is the person who  challenges you most to step up your game and be a better you, and that can be a friend, sibling, parent, in-law, etc. Have I found my soul mate in this person? Only Jah knows. What I do know is that who I thought was a thorn is actually the blossom itself. I give thanks for the blessing. Love and Light.

Give Us the Teachings of His Majesty

Yesterday was my Father the Mighty King His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I's 120th birthday, or Earthstrong (the day one arrives on earth and is strong enough to stay) as rastas say. In celebration, I attended a binghi (a gathering of people for the purpose of creating unity and freedom through drumming & chanting.) One of the chants, "By the Rivers of Babylon" has a line that states "let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight oh Fari."

 I began to think about just how difficult a thing this is for us as humans. All of us, including myself, say, think, and feel things from time to time that may not be acceptable to the Most High, or each other. I began to think about how important forgiveness is for us.


It is often difficult for many to forgive others' offensive words, thoughts or actions. Even when we forgive, we sometimes fail to allow the offender to feel forgiven. I wonder if it is forgiveness if we hold grudges or seek to  punish one another.  Recently in the news, a gunman shot 71 people, at least 12 of which are dead. Does he deserve forgiveness? Are we as humans even capable of such forgiveness?


In the documentary "Holding On To Jah*," which is a Rastafari/Reggae history 101, I learned something remarkable about His Imperial Majesty. In 1943, when Haile Selassie I returned from exile after regaining control of Ethiopia from the Italians, He told Ethiopians not to harm the Italian soldiers, instead, have them rebuild what they destroyed. I thought, only a divine being would be able to show such mercy to ones who have killed His people and ravaged His country.


Perhaps we are a long way from having the capacity to forgive a mass murderer in such a way as Emperor Haile Selassie I...though I believe it is in us. What we can and should do in the mean time is gain perspective on offenses of the mouth and heart and learn to truly forgive one another and move forward in peace.  I think if we study the words of our own mouths and the meditations of our own hearts, we will find that we all may find ourselves in need of forgiveness from time to time. Peace, love, and blessings.

*

Whose Reality is it Anyway?

Someone once called me "naive" for having (what I believe to be) a reasonable expectation for people to treat each other with basic human decency and respect...to at least do unto others as they would want done unto them. The most vexing thing about this comment towards me was that it came from the wife of a "spiritual leader." I wondered what I wasn't getting.


I know a lot of people believe that the 'reality' is that people will behave in self-serving, materialistic, and sometimes hanus ways and that is what we should expect. But whose 'reality' are we talking about, and what is 'reality' anyway? I began to ponder 'reality' and what it really means. I mean, an impoverished person in the United States certainly has a different 'reality' than an impoverished person say in Somalia or the Sahel Region.  The reality of how I see myself and who I see myself to be may be different than how others perceive me. This thought is really what sent me on my quest.


Deepak Chopra explained that there is "perceptual reality," which is each person's experience of the universe. Perceptual reality is influence by history, environment, and cultural and social norms. In essence, it's how we perceive things as individuals. He went on to say the the "ultimate reality" is the field of infinite possibilities, the potential for these 'realities.' He states that our 'perceptual realities' change in different states of consciousness.(see link below)

Lately, I have been struggling between this idea of my "naivete' " and this 'reality' that is suppose to protect me from pain.  If I succumb to this 'reality,' would it  mean losing my ability to trust, not caring, and living a solitary life? Sure, I might protect myself from pain...but wouldn't I also prevent myself from feeling pleasure? It's like the song says, "Joy and pain is like sunshine and rain." I'm not ready to give up the sunshine.


So I guess this is where forgiveness enters. It is said that forgiveness benefits the "forgiver" much more that the "forgiven." It brings about healing and peace...it's a load off of our shoulders. I'm reminded of  one of my favorite quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 

 "Treat a man as he is, he will remain so. Treat a man the way he can be and ought to be, and he will become as he can be and should be."

Imagine that when we forgive, we give a person the opportunity to make amends, try again, do better, be better. When we forgive, we are in effect saying, "I realize you made a mistake...I know you can do better." What a gift that is. 


My grandmother always said, "Baby, if you look for trouble, you will find it." It stands to reason, then, that if I look for good, I will find it. I've concluded that I will stick to my "naivete'," shift my consciousness, and continue to expect the best from people. Peace and Blessings, Love and Light.

Happy New Year...Why Not

Spring and summer are my favorite times of year. When spring arrives, the sun invites us out to play by warming up nature, and colors seem to manifest from nowhere in the form of flowers and foliage.  It is like a new beginning of nature's cycle. Summer is like a celebration. Most people take vacations as a way of relaxation or exploration. It reminds me of my childhood when summer marked the end of a school year and the beginning of carefree living, limitless fun, and enumerable new experiences. It was also a time when many children experienced growth spurts or puberty.


Spring, for me is like the beginning of a love affair. You feel warm and fuzzy inside, everything is beautiful, and the excitement is in the potential of the pending blooms. Summer arrives and the love affair heats up and is in full bloom. Every sense is activated. The sun kisses your skin, sweet juicy fruits tantalize your palettes, the sound of children laughing and playing trigger memories, the smell of veggies (ok burgers) grilling wafts through your neighborhood, and the sight of crystal blue seas on your tropical vacation soothes your spirit.


Both of these seasons feel like the beginning of a new year for me when they arrive. I've often wondered why    a date during one of these seasons wasn't designated as the start of a new year. It's all pretty random the way we package up "time" into manageable containers. The Ethiopian calendar marks September 11 as the new year, and the Chinese calendar has a different date in January or February every year to celebrate a new year. January 1 never really feels like a new beginning to me. It's part of the "holiday season" coming right after Christmas/Hanukkah the year before and in the middle of Kwanzaa. The weather is pretty much the same as the year before. It just seems like more of the same.


Really, we can choose our own personal new year...and we can have more than one. We can choose any month, day, or minute to begin anew.  When we feel the most energized, joyful, or excited about ourselves or life, we can choose that moment to go forth and explore or create new opportunities to expand our knowledge, skills, consciousness, whatever appeals to us. Or, maybe we can choose that moment to become energized, joyful, or excited. When you catch yourself feeling like you're in a rut, perhaps it's time for a new year.  Feel fed up? No worries, the new year is here! It's never too late to make new discoveries, navigate new waters, or build new bridges. Life started a long time ago...but you can choose when to start living. Happy New Year! Peace and blessings.

Homemade Summer Camp

Is your house the "Kool Aid House" this summer?  Many cannot afford to pay for summer camps or programs or maybe they are inaccessible to you. I thought I would put my years of experience working with youth to good use for those of you who may have a house or yard full of children this summer. I have put together some tried and true activities to keep children busy both mentally and physically. If you have neighborhood youth joining you, be sure to ask their parents for any assistance you may need in keeping them busy.

Last summer I did a program I called “Around the World.” Each day had a theme with a craft and a country/region specific snack. These are some of the projects the youth loved most: A few simple Crafts projects African Drum http://www.kinderart.com/multic/cofdrum.shtml A fairly simple explanation of the significance of the drum in Africa http://www.ehow.com/about_5390317_african-drums-used.html African Mask http://www.kinderart.com/multic/cpapermask.shtml A fairly simple explanation of the significance of the mask in Africa http://www.ehow.com/about_5375865_history-meaning-african-masks.html Chinese Dragon http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear/lion/ Significance of the dragon in Chinese Culture http://www.ehow.com/facts_5683220_meaning-dragons-chinese-culture_.html Chinese Lantern http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear/lantern/ Mandala Coloring Pages- Kids LOVE coloring these…and it calms them down! http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mandala+coloring+pages&qpvt=mandala+coloring+pages&FORM=IGRE Mandala explanation http://www.craftsinindia.com/indian-art-culture/buddha-mandalas.html Native American Rain Stick http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/music/rainstick/ The History of Rain sticks http://www.ehow.com/about_5367730_history-rain-stick.html Pinata http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/mexico/bagpinata/ The History of Pinatas http://www.ehow.com/about_5465011_history-pinatas.html Cool Easy Science Experiments Oil and Water http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/oilandwater.html Blowing up a Balloon with CO2 http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/inflatingballoons.html Tornado in a Bottle http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/makeatornado.html Plant Seeds and Watch them Grow http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/seedgermination.html Lava Lamp http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/easylavalamp.html Fun Games-Don’t forget prizes! Prizes can be popsicles, ice cream cones, or 99cent store toys. Freeze Dance Works best with groups of 4 or more: Tools Needed: Boom box, fun upbeat music, space to dance How to play: Choose someone to operate boom box, play music and have the children dance (they should dance as fast as the rhythm of the music) The operator chooses a moment to pause music and the dancers must freeze in the last position they danced in. Whoever is still moving is out. Have players who get out help find other moving players Grab the Flag: Tools Needed: A handkerchief/piece of material for each child, space to run How to play: Have each child tuck the cloth in his/her back pocket or waste band. Players must try to grab the cloth from other player’s pockets/wastes without getting their own grabbed. Once a player’s cloth is grabbed, they can try to grab other player’s cloths, if they get it, they get all the cloth the player is holding. Last player left standing wins. Water Games http://www.best-kids-games-online.com/outdoor-water-games.html Cooking Easy Nutritional Snacks Kids can make http://www.modernmom.com/article/10-easy-snacks-that-kids-can-make Parfaits http://www.ehow.com/info_8217606_yogurt-parfaits-kids.html Ice Cream in a Bag! http://crafts.kaboose.com/ice-cream-in-a-bag.html Field Trips -Places like museums and aquariums often have free or discounted days for children…check your local listings. -Amusement parks are always fun…make sure you have adult help….bringing your own lunch saves on costs. -The beach is always fun and inexpensive on a summer day…make sure you have adult help…make sure you know which kids are not strong swimmers and stick with them in the water -Parks are fun, free, and accessable…make use of your neighborhood park. Have fun and be safe! Love and Light.

Pondering Our Existence

Since the beginning of man, there has been a need to clarify our existence and the existence of life around us. The questions of where we came from and why have been the subjects of debates, often heated, among scientists, philosophers, religious and spiritual leaders.


There are creation, evolution, and big bang theories that seek to prove man's and the world's origin, but all, in fact, fail to do so completely. Perhaps that is because these postulations are based on one element; science or religion, rather than a combination of all the above perspectives.



Creationists believe in a god who is absolute creator of heaven and earth, out of nothing, by an act of free will.  The evolution theory is a scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection*


Some theories challenge our existence altogether. Based on a philosophy of subjective idealism, metaphysical solipsists maintain that the self is the only existing reality and that all other reality, including the external world and other persons, are representations of that self, and have no independent existence.**


While it is good to know from whence we came and why, scientific, philosophical, and religious/spiritual perspectives are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Separating these perspectives only serves to separate us as beings who are emanated from the same source, whatever or wherever that may be. Scientist like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Descartes, were also philosophers who believed in a higher power.***


Mankind is so focused on unraveling the great mysteries of life that they miss the great miracles of life...life itself being one of them.  I no longer debate the existence of a higher power with ones who don't believe in one. The fact of the matter is, though they believe there is no conclusive proof of  the existence of a higher power, there is also no conclusive proof that one does not exist.


 In my humble opinion, the mere existence of so many unknowns and our inability to trace our beginnings to a specific source, is proof that there is something greater than ourselves...even if it's greatness comes only from the ability to remain beyond our reach and scope of  understanding.


Perhaps we may be better served by pondering the question, 'We're here...now what?' What are we here to do? Regardless of what our beginnings are or our original purpose for coming into being is/was, it is clear that a peaceful existence is optimal...but we are a long ways from that. Rather than debate where we came from, let's discuss where we're going. Love and light.

*(Charles Darwin's "survival of the fittest" does not mean the one who is in the best physical condition will survive. In population genetics, "Fitness" does not refer to whether an individual is "physically fit" – bigger, faster or stronger – or "better" in any subjective sense. It refers to a difference in reproductive rate from one generation to the next. In other words, "he who adapts best to his environment has the better chance to survive.)


**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solipsism


***http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/sciencefaith.html

Right Wing, Left Wing...It Takes Both Wings to Fly

I am not one who is interested in engaging in politics, so please do not mistake this post to be about politics. In fact, it is an anti-politics post. I understand the need to know what your government is up to and who the players are, but knowing is not enough. When we find flaws, that something is broken or someone is corrupt, we must take action, and complaining about it alone is not effective action.


In the United States on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address (a two minute speech given by the President at the Gettysburg National Cemetery dedication four months after the Battle of Gettysburg). At the end of the speech, he described the U.S. government as "a government for the people, of the people, and by the people."  Earlier in the speech he said, "The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here." 


 In his eulogy for the slain president, Senator Charles Sumner commented on that line of the president's speech, "The world noted at once what he said, and will never cease to remember it. The battle itself was less important than the speech."  If the Senator was here today, I think he would have to recant and acknowledge that the president was right.

I know many put little stock and/or trust in the words of those who run or even created the government. These words, their own words, however, can be used as fuel for the fire of freedom, justice, and equality. The preamble to U.S. Constitution begins "We the people." It's time we hold them to these words. We often complain about those who run the country, but we neglect to include ourselves. We have forgotten our own power...a power that goes far beyond voting.

I recently read a comment on a social networking site on a post about the occupy movements that read, "protesting doesn't work anymore."  What struck me is the puzzling contradiction of the article I had read just minutes before about how the government (White House level) ordered the dismantling of the occupations read article here. This suggested, to me at least, that the occupations were becoming a big enough concern that the executive branch of the U.S. government became involved. I wondered if those who think the occupations wouldn't work might have been too occupied with other things to see the world wide solidarity and attention they had garnered.

It seems that so many are so focused on political parties and left and right wings that "we the people"  are divided. Most discussions I see are about the pros and cons of each side and people become defined and condemned by that affiliation rather than defined by what they think, do, or desire for the world. Those that think that protesting doesn't work anymore should consider one fact; there were occupiers from all walks of life and political parties united for equal rights and justice...the real issues. 

I am solution oriented, so complaining without action or disparaging the methods of those who are acting rather than offering a viable alternative is fruitless to me. It is time we remember that the government works for us. We elect them, we should hold them accountable and fire them if they don't do their jobs properly. It will, however, take all of us collectively to do so. Left wing, right wing...it takes both wings to fly.

The Mean Girl/Bad Boy Attraction

Today I heard a song called "Some Kind of Woman" by Rocker T, that really got me thinking about what men and women look for in relationships.This is a bluesy/country/folksy reggae song (I love fusion style music) in which Rocker T asks "how does a mean hearted woman find such a kind hearted man?" but continues, "You know I work so hard just to keep you satisfied." Now I'll admit, at first this song caused an old question that always brought confusion and dismay to resurface in my mind.  I've always wondered why "kind hearted" men chose "mean hearted" women, and vice versa. But I listened to the song several times and I realized that in part of the chorus he sings, "you must be some kind of woman, I've got to keep you by my side." I thought, she must be, and this must work for some people.

I, personally, like a kind hearted man, but I'm not a mean hearted woman. The real question that arose for me, and always has, is do I have to pretend to be mean in order to attract a kind hearted man, and could that even be sustained? I could be mean, trust me, but it would eat me up inside very quickly to be that way towards someone I care about. I certainly couldn't stay with a mean hearted man for any length of time. I suppose, however, it is not always the case that these different types of people connect, but it clearly happens.

As I pondered what would make a "kind hearted man" (or woman) go out of his/her way to keep a "mean hearted woman" (or man), I quickly dismissed the love is blind theory.  He's not blind to her mean heart, he overlooks it. Perhaps he holds on to the good in her? Once upon a time, I figured these types of women must have a magical (read sexual) hold on these men...maybe they had talents in the bedroom? Maybe they create balance within the relationship, providing something the kind hearted mate lacked or needed. I'm not here to judge or provide definitive answers, but to create dialogue and gain understanding...so feel free to comment.

Different people have different definitions of "mean."  Perhaps a woman is hard to get and even harder to keep and that provides the challenge that a man likes. Maybe what others might observe as "bitchy" or "overbearing" another might experience as encouragement and guidance. Strong independent women often get labeled as mean, even in a world that requires them to be strong and independent. A lot of women like the "bad boy" persona, and some men like the "bad girl" persona. I guess what I've come to realize is that we always have choices, all of us. 

There must be something about that type of relationship that is fulfilling for some. They say opposites attract. I've had friends with "mean" mates, and I've never asked them what the attraction was...so I'm asking you. Do you have a mean hearted woman/man? If so, what makes you work to keep them by your side? I love music that makes me think. Give thanks Rocker T. Peace and blessings.

The Music Inside of You

It is no secret that I love music. I listen to all kinds of music; reggae, r&b, soul, funk, rock, country, classical...anything that speaks to me.  I listen to this music and I allow it to move my spirit, but I am learning to follow the music in my heart. The saying, "dancing to the beat of a different drummer" refers to listening to the beat in one's heart. There is music inside of us, all of us. Our music may not may not always manifest itself audibly in the external world...but it is our song nonetheless.


If you have ever really listened to an instrument being played, you begin to hear it tell it's own story. When I was a child, my mom used to sit with my brother and me by the radio and we would listen to Peter and the Wolf, a composition written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 in the USSR. It is a children's story (with both music and text by Prokofiev), spoken by a narrator accompanied by the orchestra. Each character was represented by an instrument;french horn, oboe, flute, drums, etc. Since then, I have always heard instruments tell a story.

It wasn't until well into adulthood did I realize that the one two beat in my heart was telling me my story. Up until this point, I had been dancing to the beat of other people's drummers. I spent far too much time trying to be who I needed to be in order to fit in. I tried to keep up with the latest fashions, learn the latest dances and songs, and even take advice on how to look "sexy." I made important the same things others made important such as making lots of money and having the finest things. But it never felt quite right. I always seemed to be "offbeat,'" just a little.


I wasn't listening to my own internal rhythm, and therefore my song had no melody. Just like there are many different genres of music, and different interpretations within those genres, there are many different ways of life and interpretations of those ways. Most of us put far too much effort into trying to be like everyone else, to be socially "acceptable." If we are all doing the same things the same way, life loses it's flavor. As a person who wore a uniform for thirteen years in Catholic school, I'm attracted to uniqueness. There is a saying, "The less we look with our eyes, the more we will see with our hearts." Our hearts are like the instruments in Peter and the Wolf. Each heart has it's own unique sound creating beautiful music and telling each person's story in this grand symphony of life. Listen to your music. Love and light.

Groundation: "Building an Ark"-A Fan's Review

Click here to listen to full album


California reggae band Groundation is a reggae/jazz fusion band influenced by many other genres. One thing I can say for sure is that they are consistent in their regard to quality and growth. They are diligent about evolving their sound, they stay true to conscious roots reggae music, and their musicianship is always on point. Do not, however, confuse this consistency with a lack of diversity. Although fans can always recognize Groundation’s rich sound, one can never say one album sounds like the next. Their seventh and latest studio album release Building an Ark is a perfect example of this diversity and consistent growth.

The album, much like Groundation’s collection as whole, progresses like a story. The title track “Building an Ark” starts off as a ballad-like acoustic with Harrison Stafford getting as close as you may ever hear him get to “crooning” a love song in a traditional sense. The lyrics, of course, have a myriad of meanings, so those of you not wanting a ballad from this roots man will be satisfied.

The story continues with chapters about judgment, “Flames burn hot and red, a fierce fire for them” (Merry-go-round), and corruption, “Robert Mugabe led the people dem astray/Bruce you know you lead the people dem astray” ( Payaka Way). It arcs with “The Dreamer,” a song with a clear country influence (Willie Nelson in particular). Harrison Stafford (the dreamer) sings of himself “As a cowboy I come riding my golden chariot” and emphasizes the album’s hopeful tone, “So plant your seed and teach your children of all unseen/for we have not lost sight of the dream.”

In true roots style, the album has a few biblical references. Besides “Building an Ark,” there’s “Daniel,” a reference from the book of Daniel in the bible. In this funky tune, Harrison Stafford recounts, “Just like Daniel heading out of the lion’s den/When all of his bredrin, they all left him for dead.” But also true to roots reggae, there are songs that are prophetic, and a commentary of the times. “Payaka Way,” speaks directly to the greed occurring around the globe and could be an anthem for occupiers, “Recession you can feel is all about money/So much pressure you can’t deal it is all about money/Oppression of the poor it is all about money/The rich is getting richer still they want more Money.”

Any Groundation fan will tell you that nothing compares to a live performance, primarily because of the lively solos. Building an Ark, the album, comes close to being a live album. Rife with solos, the members of the band stretch their musical chops, giving the listener a taste of the scope of their skills. “Daniel” even has a soulful guest guitar solo by Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson.

As much as the album name contains a tapestry of meanings; “Ark” referring to Noah’s Ark in Genesis, the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred chest which holds the Ten Commandments), and ark as a place of protection or refuge, so does the music. Each track is intricately built with levels of all seven instruments and music from more exotic instruments like the conk shell on “Humility.”  Although Groundation is loyal to unadulterated roots reggae, their music is not your father’s reggae. With the characteristic reggae “riddim” as the base, Groundation cooks up a thick musical stew with the lyrics as the “protein.”  Staples are then added to this musical banquet in the form of horns, bass, keyboards, drums, and timbales to create hearty comfort food that fills the belly of the soul. Harrison Stafford, Kim Pommell, and Kerry Ann Morgan add flavorful seasonings with the broad range of their voices to finish off this rich musical feast. The album closes with another more melancholy acoustic “Sun Light Reflection” which laments, “And what if our history, Is but the endless struggle of wolves and sheep?” signaling Groundation is not done telling this story.

Purchase album at groundation.com, groundation.fr or iTunes

Think Like a Queen

There's a new movie out called "Think Like a Man" based on Steve Harvey's book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." When the book first came out, Steve Harvey said he wanted to help women who were successful in all areas of their lives except 'how to get and keep a man.' Since the movie was released, however, the conversations have been about how women should think like men.

This is troublesome because men and women don't think alike because we are not alike. We have different strengths so that we can have balance in the world. Harvey says women need to understand that men are driven by what they do, who they are (his title), and how much they make; and these things will always take precedence over a woman until he accomplishes them.  Honestly, I think Steve Harvey's time could have been better spent helping men see what's truly important in life (family, helping others, peace, love,etc.) and placing more value on those things. Instead, he implies that a woman's loving, giving, trusting, and compassionate nature will leave her lonely.

It seems to be the nature of our society to tell the "wronged" to change rather than the "wrong doer." Women shouldn't dress a certain way to avoid being raped, African American youth shouldn't wear hoodies in certain neighborhoods to avoid being stereotyped (and perhaps killed), and now, women should avoid their true nature  to avoid being mistreated by men. I don't see how this will better serve women or men. My suggestion, women should think like Queens and Goddesses...just as men should think like Kings and Gods.

I am not suggesting women go around treating men or anyone else like their subjects, demanding expensive things or to be waited on, nor am I suggesting men go around conquering "foreign lands". Royalty carry themselves with a certain amount of dignity, pride, and self respect. Royals, after all, are believed to be chosen by God, a very high honor indeed. When you know your worth, because not only has a higher power taken special care to create you...but that higher power is IN you, you will behave in ways worthy of honor and respect, and receive it.

In the bible, King Solomon wrote this of  his beloved (the Queen of Sheba...Queen Makeda) 

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;    you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes,    with one jewel of your necklace. ¹⁰ How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride!    How much more pleasing is your love than wine, (Song of Solomon 4: 9-10)

Ladies, how many men have written this to or about you? The Queen of Sheba was a known seeker of knowledge, and visited Solomon to seek the wisdom for which he was known. King Solomon was a loyal servant of God, and when he was made king, God said to him, "Ask of Me what you wish." Solomon asked for understanding and God was so pleased that he did not ask for long life, riches, or the life of his enemies, He not only granted Solomon wisdom and understanding like no other before him, or to come, but also all of the things for which he did not ask. (1Kings3). I use Solomon as an example because he was not only one of the greatest kings ever, but  because whether you believe this story is real, allegorical, or a tale, it is still true that once you seek wisdom, all else will follow. 

Women and men should not try to think or behave like each other. We are different for reasons...and different does not mean unequal. I like the idea that Eve was formed from Adams rib because it illustrates man and woman's connection. We are pieces the same puzzle that fit together perfectly, different sides of a scale providing perfect balance. This is a divine connection, a divine creation. So I say again, if we think like the divine Queens and Kings we are, we will achieve divine balance. Peace and blessings.

Signs, Signals, and Saviors

One day a man was fishing in his boat out in the ocean. Suddenly his boat sprang a leak, sank, and left the man treading water to survive. He considered himself a man of great faith and a servant of the Lord, so he knew God would save him and thus he began to pray. Soon, a man in a small boat came upon him and said, "grab my hand and I'll pull you into my boat." The man replied, "No thank you, God will save me." A couple of hours went by and the man was growing tired when a couple in a speed boat happened by. They threw a life ring in the water and shouted, "Take the ring and we'll pull you in!" But the man told them, "I am faithful that my God will save me, but thanks anyway." Another hour passed before a large fishing boat came and threw a life raft out to the man. "Jump in," the captain shouted, "We'll pull you to safety." But the faithful man informed the captain, "My God will save me, thank you." After another hour, the man, too weak to stay afloat, drowned. Being a faithful servant of God all of his life, he went straight to heaven. When he met his creator, the man asked with great consternation, "My Lord, I have been a faithful servant my entire life, why did you not save me?" God replied, "I sent you three boats."

I love this story because it has many lessons in it. One lesson that is most evident is that we often ask for guidance or help, but sometimes we can't recognize the help when it comes. I think a lot of people, when they want a sign, some direction, or help, expect to see a burning bush, or a blinding light and hear a booming voice. Sometimes the answers are right in front of us but we expect or want something else.  Miracles happen all around us everyday, we ARE miracles. But some of us just can't see them.


When I was a youth, I used to shoot baskets on the basketball court and say, "If I make this basket then that means I should  or shouldn't do x y z," not taking my own skill, or lack thereof into account. These days, I've learned to be in the moment, observing and experiencing everything and everyone around me. Being this aware of my basic surroundings has enabled me to see the forest, if you will. The more aware and in the moment we are able to be, the more obvious the signs, signals, and guidance becomes. Have you ever had a day where the same message has come to you many times? For instance, maybe you heard a song that said, "No fear, no fear, in my heart, oh no, oh no," then someone posted a saying on a social networking site that said, "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself." Would you begin to connect the dots back to the question in your head about whether or not to move to a new city, or change careers, or leave a relationship? Of course, you'd have to be self aware and realize that fear is a key component in your indecision.


I look and listen around my external world because I know that it matches my internal world. We, of course, already have the answers within us. When I am acutely aware and paying attention, the answers, guidance, signs and signals often appear as obvious as a burning bush. If the man in the above story was truly faithful,  he would have known that God, The Creator, the universe, sends help in many forms, and often without pomp and circumstance. Of course, all he had to do was pay attention.  Look, listen, and learn. Peace and blessings.

Is High Self Esteem Wrong?

I am compelled to write about a story I've been following lately. It is about a British woman who has written a blog about how beautiful she is and how other women are jealous of the preferential treatment she gets because of it. There has been a firestorm of backlash against this woman as a result. When she appeared on the 'Today' show, Ann Curry even called her "narcissistic." The woman followed up with a blog in which she shares that her father was the influence for her self love. He regularly told her she was beautiful when she was growing up. She listed what she knew others would see as flaws, but stated that she didn't see them when she looked in the mirror. She and her father have since endured yet another barrage of attacks. (click here to see story)


This story has really sickened me. In this day and age when women are especially scrutinized and judged on superficial qualities, when young girls are begging their parents for plastic surgery, when our definition of a women's worth is based on how closely she lives up to the airbrushed standards of the media, I would think a woman with such high self esteem would be applauded. Instead, she is berated for thinking so highly of herself. As I read the comments below the story, each of which picked apart this woman's every "flaw," I began to wonder where our society's values have gone.


I know men who only form close friendships with attractive women. I've seen women promote their physical beauty by posting many pictures of themselves (often half naked)on the internet. Conversely, I've seen other women proceed to find all of the things that are physically unattractive about another woman. Many of these same people often profess that true beauty comes from within. I must say, none of this behavior is very beautiful at all. These are the values we are teaching our children.


I wish I had this woman's self esteem. I know I possess a certain amount of inner beauty, but I am well aware that I don't live up to that airbrushed standard of beauty, and I am judged because of it. Despite what most people think, she actually has her ego in check because she isn't concerned with other people's opinions. I think her attackers also wish they had her self esteem.  How wonderful of her father to instill such confidence in his daughter at a young age. Perhaps if we as a society would cease promoting superficial beauty and learn to love ourselves as we are, we could concentrate on the real ugliness in the world, i.e. racism, poverty, war, injustice. Peace and blessings.