forward state of mind

these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you... -alicia keys, (jay-z's) "empire state of mind"

i'm not from new york.  i've actually only been there once, and it aggravated my claustrophobia.  but i do feel brand new lately.  i'm deeply inspired, and i sense big things on the horizon.  for me as an artist, and for art in general.  i can't explain it, really.  just a feeling i have.  and that feeling is what's keeping me going most days.  that and music.  currently, jay-z's the blueprint 3 (my first jay cd and official initiation into his legion of fans) and my pandora tupac radio station are in heavy rotation.  tonight, i'll crack open my highly anticipated copy of mos def's the ecstatic.  i'm so high right now.

life is happening.  grand things are in store for me.  hear that, universe?

be astounded.

*photo: jam343












"If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves." ~Thomas Edison

i play it safe. those who know me best might disagree, but allow me to explain. i'm not an outgoing person, but i do take certain risks and try new things. however, i don't often take risks that i think are actually substantial. i don't often try new things unless i'm confident they'll likely be "successful" ventures. i tend to only take risks where the possible downsides are pretty minimal. and that, sistergarteners, is hardly risk-taking at all. that translates into inadequate faith.

it's like asking the universe to toss me a lifesaver while i'm standing on dry land. for starters, the lifesaver is useless in that instance. secondly, i would be assuming that i won't be able to stay afloat once in the water, or that the only way for the universe to keep me afloat is with a lifesaver. and i would be saying, "i trust you, universe, but just in case..." like a pre-nup with god. pretty sure those don't go over well.

so, i'm beginning to believe that if i did the things i'm capable of (instead of only doing the things i think i'll be good at), i would astound myself. and i'm prepared to be astounded.

be. fly.
rhythm

Kindergarten for Woman

kaihalulu


"The universe is one great kindergarten for [wo/]man. Everything that exists has brought with it its own peculiar lesson. The mountain teaches stability and grandeur; the ocean immensity and change. Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of [wo/]man." ~Orison Swett Marden

be. fly.

rhythm