Lotus of Wadi Arts

Eastern Market

2011-07-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Had a little break, so I perused the stalls of Eastern Market where I tried on Sakaad.com bags then went to the movies at Gallery Place to see Bad Teacher, where I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.

Vibrant DC Summer

2011-07-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is my next to last post for the month. I need to focus on upcoming thesis exhibit which will feature new art that I will showcase on the blog! I have been seriously enjoying color so partake in the rainbow:

Thrift Store Deal: $1.50 Hilfiger Dress, $1.50 red leather belt, $5.00 leather and sisal bag

$100.00 Anthropologie Dress that I scored on sale for $20.00!

$5.00 Thrift Store Dress from J.Crew, obi belt from Khepra Obi by Jamila

On our way to the family reunion in my THC International tee and Kush and Kemet headband.

And this is the night-time look:

$7.00 dollar tube top and $20.00 skirt from Zara

Lotus of Wadi Arts Moved to DC!!!

2011-07-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of communication. I have been in the throes of life: moving, mothering, completing the last stretch of school, job hunting, and getting back acclimated to my hometown. Let me just say, I might not settle here but there is no place like home and DC is my home!

First Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

We have our winner of our first giveaway!!!! A big Asante Sana (Thank you) to everyone who participated and to everyone who supports Black style :) Congratulations to Halona Black for winning the necklace and earrings. Email me your mailing address to receive your gift. Look forward to more giveaways in the near future.

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

2011-06-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

My first giveaway for lotusofwadiarts is this lovely, gold tone elephant pendant chain and large lotus disc earrings. All you have to do for a chance to win is: repost this on Facebook, like my Lotus of Wadi Arts Facebook page and leave a comment on this post, telling me why you like Lotus of Wadi Arts. Winner will be randomly selected.

Black and White

2011-06-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously tapping into spirit these days.
Finding my truth and my strength and my joys.
Mahari has been home with me since school is out and we are spending lots of quality time.
I am growing hair back but it is reaching the awkward stage, but I'm working with it.
I need to pack and organize so that I can dip out of Atlanta however I have not lifted a finger in that process. Sigh, just living moment to moment. But it feels good, the process feels good.

I'm Feeling Sea Green, Turquoise, and Melon

2011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Kush and Kemet Headbands

2011-05-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Model, Chantal James

Jenissa, of Kush and Kemet created this beautiful line of African print headbands to add some extra spice to any outfit. These headbands are a great addition to any fashionista's wardrobe. Prices range from 8-10 dollars for thin headbands and 12-15 dollars for larger headbands.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so lately (as in the past few years), I have been a negative Nancy. My life had not turned out remotely close to the way I envisioned it and I knew it was all because of some very poor decisions. I vacillated between anger and depression but had to hold it together for my son.

So, fast-forward to today, I made a vow to my sister that I would not be so negative so I happily woke up and faced the day. I was in a good mood, my son was in a good mood, everything was peachy keen. And then it happened, the first request, go to the potty, was met with lots of resistance by my three year old. Cutting off the cartoons caused a two hour crying spree. Putting on his socks and shoes took a half and hour a turned into a half and hour worth of crying. It did not end there, everything I asked of him was met with a no and a fall out.

I was at my wit's end, wondering what happened to my sweet little two-year old who listened really well and did what I told him (for the most part). I felt alone and worn out. This. should. not. have. been. this. hard. Plus, he has consequences to his behavior, I don't back down and I seldom give in to the crying. I logged on the internet and frantically typed in "the terrible threes" and the search yielded a lot of information.

It basically said, this can be a very difficult time for parents because their children are asserting their independence and are also becoming rebellious. It also advised parents to be very loving in the discipline and to remain the "adult". I gathered up my bawling child and started whispering silly things in his ear and he eventually stopped crying. I pulled out his workbook and we started going doing some alphabet games and he began to work happily (he is so bright and loves learning). It was a triumphant moment.

We had more tantrums throughout the day but I felt like I had conquered something. He is now napping and I thought I'd share with you all about my Mother's Day with my willful and beautiful son.

Weekend Fly: Vintage Batik Blazer and Crochet Shorts

2011-05-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my soon to be jet-setting homegirl of Kush and Kemet after we completed a photoshoot of her African fabric headbands.

Fly Afropeans Number 1: Les Nubians

2011-04-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

I never knew Europe had such a fly Afropean scene until Zap Mama and Les Nubian. And when I started researching it, I realized it was oftentimes more fashion-forward than ours because the cultural people there possess a European openmindedness when it comes to fashion.

More Vintage Love

2011-04-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I stopped by my favorite boutique, Bombay Gal, to check out the goods. I came in wearing a vintage silk dress that I got off Ebay, and tried on the long, flowy vintage dress she had on display in the window. I would have purchased it except I don't have any place to wear it and I'm practicing restraint.

This post is reminiscent of a post that my homegirl did on her love of pink at Kush and Kemet.

More Out and About

2011-04-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Went by the Dogwood Festival this weekend but before that, I had lunch at Cottage Ethiopian Restaurant with my big sister.

My beautiful and brilliant sister, Ayana.

The incredibly gorgeous and stylish, Naphtali at the Dogwood Festival.

I liked this sister's style.

Loved the bone, coral, fossil, silver and other earthen jewels of Crazy Bones Jewelry.

2011-04-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Besides the obvious metaphor of metamorphosis, this caterpillar was the perfect model for this post because he was so cute. Every time I spoke, he would lift his little body and when I picked him up, his little feet tickled my hands as he explored the terrains of my hand. Sidenote: Those who know me well, know that I love nature and I was the weird child that played with insects.

Anyways, I have not been posting because I am still unsure about where I want to go with this blog. I have not had the time to really invest in it and I am undergoing many changes: finishing classes, contemplating my move back to DC, doing a raw food fast, etc.

So, I will just keep posting when I can find the time between parenting, job hunting, and developing me. Hope you continue to check me out because I will be doing some giveaways very soon!

Out and About

2011-04-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Lotus of Wadi, rocking a Kush and Kemet t-shirt, at the W Hotel before attending the Afrique Electrique event at Social.

I ran into the fly Azania at Social!

The lovely Ihsaana celebrating her birthday.

I loved this sister's vintage jumpsuit.

Springing Into Summer

2011-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

African Print Wedges A Win!

2011-04-04T23:05:00.000-07:00

Love my new African print shoes, they go perfectly with this dress!

My Raison D'être

2011-03-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Commissioned Painting By Lotus of Wadi Arts

Lately, I have not posted because I have been quite busy but I have also been questioning my raison d'être, reason for existence. More accurately, the reason for my blog's existence. I have an arts/fashion blog and while I can wax poetic about how the world could always use more art, I wonder if the world needs another fashion blog. There are wars happening, natural or unnatural disasters (depending on how you look at it), our motherland is in great distress and this matrix is breaking down. So you see, I feel a little superficial posting myself in cute outfits.

Also, fashion does not define me and I am a little wary about how I will be perceived because I am also a very intelligent, creative, multi-layered, and spiritual being. I hope that also comes across along with my love for creative self-expression.

But upon further reflection, I realized my blog has a tremendous effect like the one I have in my daily life. For example, in my short two months of student teaching I have high school students dapping me up, questioning society and removing weaves to rock their natural tresses.

I inspired an old friend to find knowledge of self and he went on to become an international hip-hop artist (not naming names) and I have a had a great effect on countless others. So this blog is an extension of my gift for promoting self-love, a love for the arts and a more cultural aesthetic.

Thus I have concluded that despite the countless cultural fashion blogs, I have a unique little niche here at Lotus of Wadi Arts. And asante sana for supporting it!

My Journal Pages

2011-03-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to art/manifestation journaling. Check out a couple of images below:

She's Bad!

2011-03-07T18:15:00.001-08:00

Busy.
Stressed.
Not making time for meditation.
Wondering how I manage it all.
Amazed at how I manage it all.

Sometimes wanting to quit, pack my son up and drive my car as far as it will go until it breaks down.

Wondering when I will get a break.

Sometimes taking a breath and appreciating the moment.
Sometimes letting the knowledge, that it is all an illusion and all I have is here and now, sink in.
Occasionally chanting silently in my head for some inner peace.

Knowing that I'm a bad-azz individual and I'm making ish happen!

Wise Old Woman

2011-02-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

Born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Harriet's ancestors had been brought to America in shackles from Africa during the first half of the 18th Century. Harriet was the 11th child born to Benjamin Ross and Harriet Greene (slaves of Edward Brodas), her given name was Araminta and she was often called "Minty" as a child. But by the time she was an adult, she was calling herself Harriet. When five years old, she was "loaned out" to another plantation to check muskrat traps in icy cold rivers. She quickly became too sick to work and was returned, malnourished and suffering from the cold exposure. Once she recovered, she was loaned out to another plantation, working as a nurse to the planter's infant child. By the age of 12, she was working as a field hand, plowing and hauling wood. At 13, while defending a fellow slave who tried to run away, her overseer struck her in the head with a two-pound weight. This resulted in recurring narcoleptic seizures, or sleeping spells, that plagued her the rest of her life.

Her escape from the plantation was done alone because she originally left with her two brothers but they got scared and turned back. But she returned many times, freeing 300 slaves, including her family.

I received a message for the new year that I needed to tap into the energy of the wise old crone. Every woman has a little of her energy in her but it is up to them whether they access her wisdom or not. Ironically, I had been feeling so beat down that I felt old and more than a little weary! But I noticed with every struggle, I was becoming wiser.

I sat down, took a look at my life and knew I needed to set a few boundaries and I had to tell a few people to back off. That wise old woman does not tolerate one iota of bull so it is easy to spot it a mile away when accessing her wisdom. She is very loving and honest in all her interactions.

She possesses an unrivaled confidence because she has survived the struggles of this life and came out on top! So, it is my imperative that I utilize the old, wise crone in me that tells me everything I need to know.

Native Style

2011-02-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

A recent conversation with my friend inspired this post. Anyways, I love Indigenous American style and culture. Some of my jewelry pieces that are often mistaken for African are actually Native American. I personally think we are very similar. Check it out:

My Newest Feature at Kush and Kemet Revue

2011-02-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

Check out my newest feature at one of my favorite and thought-provoking blogs: Kush and Kemet Revue

Vintage Love

2011-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

To all my vintage lovers:

80's vintage jumpsuit. I'm not really into 80's style but this works.

This 80's puff-sleeved jacket looks so sleek and expensive. The back lace detailing adds that extra oomph.

Can't wait til' spring to wear this vintage dress from Greece. It was very long but I cut and hemmed it, although I'm thinking about shortening it some more.

Fabulousness

2011-02-05T02:30:00.000-08:00

A younger Iman

Fabulousness. It is your birthright.
And if you haven't yet claimed it, it is something that you should take possession of and guard it with your life.
There are many out there who believe they are fabulous because of their Manolo Blahnik heels and expensive weaves and that is perfectly alright.

There are also those that believe that their cars or their jobs and homes validate them as truly valuable people and that is also fine.

But I believe that true fabulousness stems from the core.

It is that luminosity that comes from true soul-searching.

It is what leads you to command your space in the world, from not shrinking so that others feel bigger.

For embracing all that is divinely you and proclaiming that it is the most beautiful thing in this world.

And for knowing that there is always room for growth, humility, and kindness.

It inspires you to walk away from situations and people who stunt or impede your progress.

It aids you in spotting an envious naysayer, a mile a way.

It is that true self-assuarance that says, "No matter how difficult things are, I have the power to change my situation, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!"

Tell me, how do you claim your fabulousness?

Seasons Change by Fertile Ground

2011-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Lesson of The Week: Winter Hibernation Leads to a Verdant Spring

2011-01-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

I have been in serious hibernation mode, wrapped in the darkness of Winter.
Only leaving my cave when it is a necessity.
Weathering the cold with my puffy coat, hands buried deeply in my pockets, hood covering my lowered face.
Other than that, I am wrapped safely in my cocoon, nurturing this Goddess that inhabits my body.

Belly Dancing to embrace my sensuality and reproductive health.

Juicing to enhance my temple.
Only allowing positive thoughts to inhabit this mind. That means no room for feeling sorry for myself, no room for loneliness. Just strength and empowerment and fulfillment.

Meditating for a quiet mind and enhanced intuition,
Pranayams for peace. Not allowing anyone to disturb this peace because it is mine and it is what keeps me wholistically healthy.

This Winter will pass and so will the darkness and the relentless cold.

And I plan to flower in the Spring.

My Style Icons

2011-01-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

Winterize Your African Style

2011-01-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are intimidated by patterns and ethnic looks because they simply don't know how to wear them. So I decided to give a few tips on not only how to wear them but also transition them into colder weather.

Tip 1: When choosing an African or Indian dress or top, make sure it has a more contemporary cut so as to look more current when donning these ethnic looks. For example, my sister designed the cutest high-waisted pants in a beautiful print and they have such a stylish, edgy look.

Tip 2: Feel like the look isn't professional enough? Add a fitted jacket and heels and you have polished up the look.

Tip 3: Visit your local seamstress or tailor (I choose to support ones from Africa because there prices are a little more reasonable and I love supporting my people), bring a picture and some fabric and your imagination! You will have a one of a kind look that fits to your shape.

Winterize the look: Add tights or leggings, a sweater and boots and your summery ethnic wear can last you throughout the year!

I got the paper-bag khanga skirt on sale from Asos Africa and earrings from Frank and Myrrh Jewelry.

I designed this dress, unfortunately you can not see the cool sleeves.

I got this dress from a local Ethiopian Merkato, where I buy most of my Ethiopian dresses. It beats the prices of Liya Kebede's line, Lem Lem. But support her if you have the money; it benefits African artisans.

Vintage Indian dress from Ebay.

Vintage Indian dress from Bombay Gal. If you are an Atlanta local, visit this store. Some of my best jewelry pieces come from here and the owner, who hails from Bombay, India, is a darling.

I got this dress from Urban Outfitters a couple of years ago. The moccasins are my favorite winter staples and have lasted me for years!

Top from my sister, Minta's closet. She sewed fabric on the inside of the top so that it can be tied and made to fit the frame. Fly-ass Moroccan leather bag from Bombay Gal.

Oh, the things you will do when trapped in the house for four days due to snow and ice. I've also been conducting a potty-training boot camp with my toddler and beginning my thesis proposal.

The Rebirth

2011-01-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

A happy client: the beautiful Efua and her warrior-child, Bomani

I painted my first belly cast and I adore how it turned out! I based my design loosely on the Aboriginal dot paintings and incorporated Adinkra symbols throughout. In the process, I discovered some things about myself. I am a truly creative being and I need to remind myself of this by constantly being engaged in the creation process. Tutaonana Baadaye (We will see each other later), I'm off to my Art Mama's meeting with my son.

If you are interested in getting a belly cast painted, you can email me at lotusofwadi@hotmail.com for reasonable rates.

Yayyy, I'm a Fly Girl

2011-01-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

I have been selected to be featured as a fly girl this week on one of my favorite blogs, Fly. Check it out and leave a comment!

Blog Love

2011-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

My painting, My Honey Brings All The Boys to the Yard, was featured at Bayi Butterfly Art!

Below is an acrylic painting I did on wood for my sister-friend, Jenissa's birthday:

Painting By Lotus of Wadi Arts. Please Ask Permission to Use All Images.

Ethnic Luxury On A Budget

2011-01-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

I asked fashion designer, Jenissa of The Kush and Kemet Revue to guest blog and tell us how to create a bedroom that is high on style without spending a lot of money. Here are her tips and photos of her super-luxe bedroom:

1. Paint sets the mood:

There is no easier way to reinvent the look of a room than to paint it. Depending on the hue, paint can cast a tone of vibrancy or tranquility. I recommend allowing the purpose of the room to guide your choice of colour.

For eg., The ritual of cooking may inspire you to explore the yellows of turmeric and mangoes or the oranges of carrots and papayas. Cooler colours are more relaxing thus, I usually choose subdued hues like lavenders and beiges with pink undertones for bedrooms.

As you contemplate colour, note that although the wall serves as a backdrop, it is a very prominent part of your decor, so choose a colour that you really like. It may help to take swatches from your local paint or hard-ware store to play around with before you make that final commitment. Should your budget and spirit of adventure allow, you can delve into the wonderful world of wall paper or try advanced techniques for applying paint to achieve more nuanced look.

Window Treatment:

Being the Caribbean girl that I am, I hold high regard for window treatments. I grew up watching my mother burn the midnight oil at her sewing machine to produce beautiful curtains. From lady-like lace to opulently valanced and pleated silks, her window treatments instantly added sophistication to our home. I’m still influenced by my mother’s style, but I often take risks my mother wouldn’t :) In my current bedroom, fuschia and purple saris, draped against a window, add the perfect decadent
touch.

It’s All In The Details!

True style is characterised by how well convention is tempered by individual personality. This is no less true for your home. For this room, I wished to express an ethnolux aesthetic in a subdued manner. As such, I relied on a few fail-proof strategies:

Display a Collection...

whether it’s an assortment of masks, mirrors or vases, grouping like pieces together creates visual interest. Here, an exhibition of black and white Native Americans photographs is an easy conversation starter.

You Need Not Match When You Can Blend...

If you really wish to achieve the appearance of nonchalant elegance, choose blending over matching . To execute this look, I first chose three colour families: black, pink and cream (I suggest two or three). Once I chose my primary palette, I varied the shades and patterns within each family. For eg. A piece of fuschia vintage fabric reflects the custom elephant painting (by my friend Deon). A purple batik bed-spread reflects purple sari drapes. I then added a little turquoise & beige to the mix. Black furniture and metallic accents ground the overall look.

Embrace Diversity...

Ethnic Luxury is about combining pieces from various places and periods. Do not be afraid to merge contemporary with vintage with ethnic. The key to accomplishing harmony is finding commonality in contrast. Asian paper lamps, a monochromatic African mask and ratttan chair from the 70’s make for a happy family.

4. Anything Can Be A Part of The Decor...Well, Almost Anything...

Here, my favourite novels; black and gold elephants; coffee table books and pieces of adornment help strike the perfect balance between insouciance and luxury. Remember, your home is not a museum, it’s your haven. It should reflect your personality!

5. Above All Else, Have Fun!!!

What I've Been Up To!

2010-12-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been watching eastern feminist films like Joy Luck Club and Raise The Red Lantern. Those movies like Black Orpheus are films that I could watch for the rest of my life and never tire of them.

I have been faithfully going to the gym, getting beat down by my personal trainer and completing the session with a sauna. Working on my flat belly and clear skin.

I have been basking in the warmth and love of my almost three-year old who happens to be sooo sweet and funny and smart and slick.

Just completed all my course work (3.9 GPA) and I now have one semester left of graduate school, unbelievable. Being a single mother, working, and completing grad. school bordered on hellacious sometimes but I really found my strength in this process.

But my hellacious is nothing compared to what others have to go through. I recently read an article about a Haitian woman who is living outdoors (post Earthquake) with her three children while raising her sister’s (who died from AIDS) orphaned children. She is also HIV positive and she is still maintaining. Now that is true strength. Her situation reminds me that I should always be grateful and always thinking about helping others.

This year, I was a member of the Ladies Board, a non-profit that consisted of a group of fabulous, young, African-American movers and shakers like myself who came together and pooled our resources to donate to organizations that benefit women and children.

And I know this is lame, but I keep watching this video of the fine Congolese singer, Fally Ipupa and appreciating how he rolls that waist. Here is the video for you to enjoy! Happy “New Year”!

Goddess Series

2010-12-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

"Don't F--- With Her!" 12 by 16 Acrylic Painting and Beads on Wood

"My Honey Brings All the Boys to the Yard," 12 by 16 Acrylic Painting, Paper and Beads on Wood

Mama of All Mamas, 12 by 16 Acrylic Painting, Paper and Beads on Wood

What would the Goddess in me do? That is the question I often ask myself as I navigate this life. How would I behave if I were imbued with Oshun's allure, Oya's strength, Yemaya's compassion? And then I think, I am gifted with all of these ideals. I am creating my life everyday with every thought, every action. I am attracting things, repelling things, directing my brain to heal on cellular levels, magnetizing circumstances, mastering my universe. Am I not unlike a Goddess?

I love to manifest through art and through my latest paintings, I am magnifying these lofty qualities.

All Paintings by Lotus of Wadi Arts. Please ask permission to use these images.

Heru

2010-12-25T21:09:00.000-08:00

Heru, by Lotus of Wadi Arts. Acrylic and Paper on Wood. Please ask permission to use this image.

A painting I did from a photo I took of my son. I put little angels around him to symbolize protection and since his first name means forgiveness, I put that in text. I also put the words: peace, compassion, love and strength as qualities that I would love for him to embody.

To my little prince, Heru.

Home is Where Her Art Lives...

2010-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Video by A.B. (Arnold Butler), Muse: Lotus of Wadi Arts

Magic Happens When Two Artists Collide

2010-11-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hooked up with A.B. to make magic. He, avant-garde photographer, videographer, painter and writer. Me, Lotus of Wadi Arts, painter, writer, dancer and boho fashionista. These are a few photos from out video shoot (all paintings in the background by me). Can't wait to post the finished video.

La Chemise Belle by Mood Indigo

2010-11-04T19:48:00.001-07:00

More beautiful vintage tops:

Mood Indigo Vintage

2010-10-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Models, Djenissa of Kush & Kemet and Lotus of Wadi have always been a show-stopping duo. Our love of unique fashion inspired us to create Mood Indigo Vintage. All of the fabulously stylish gems (pictured below) are for sale at very reasonable prices. We also have some pieces (not pictured) for our sublimely shapely sis-stars also!

Contact me at moodindigovintage@gmail.com if interested. If you live in the Atlanta area and want to see them in person, email me, and I will send you the address for our trunk show which will be held this Saturday, October 30th, from 4-6 pm.

1.
$ 35 Pink, Black and White Dress

2.
Sold, Black and White Dress

3.

$ 30, Floral Top, Belt not included

4.
$40, Pink Dress

5.
Sold, Hippie Dress

6.
$25, Short Sleeve Floral Top

Manifest Destiny

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Manifest Destiny, My Destiny Manifest- What does this mean to me?

I am going to not be "the victim" any longer.

I am going to create love, abundance, prosperity, divinity.

I am going to not focus on limitations.

I am going to believe in myself.

I believe in myself.

I am worthy of love.

I am worthy of goodness.

I am powerful beyond measure.

I am a magnet of prosperity and I am centered in peace.

My cup overflows with blessings.

I am manifesting destiny, my destiny manifest.

Throwbacks of a Very Boho Me: 97-99

2010-10-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Back when I was carefree and did not have a worry in the world, except for who liked me and that other nonsense:

Howard University Spring Fashion Show '98 or '99

My homegirl Minta and I vacationing in Miami, circa '99

The first time I cut my hair as an adult, circa '99

Photographer friend saw me woodcarving one day in sculpture studio so we set up a photo shoot, lol!

DC Ish and Happy Earth Day To Me!

2010-09-29T18:09:00.001-07:00

Today is the tail end of my birthday. I spent it at Jeju Sauna with my sister, and had the body scrub treatment which was so heavenly, It seemed unreal. I detoxed in the various heated rooms (doing pranayams and a warrior yoga series led by my sister) and did a few laps in the saline pool sans goggles. When I left the sauna, my eyes were so irritated from the salt that I could barely see clear enough to drive and I came down with the worst cold, I guess due to all the rapid detoxing. Oh well, guess I had a lot of toxins to get out.

On another note, I went to DC this past weekend to see my parents, attend my artist friend's Born Day celebration, and chill out. DC is still on the same old police-ridden ish but what are you going to do. They are on an agenda to get Black folks out the city and are quite successful at it. It is changing drastically for real, but I had a good time despite that. Check out the pics:

Sa-Roc's Debut Album: Super Nova

2010-09-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sa-Roc, the freshest MC! I have not felt this excited about Hip-Hop since artists like Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, Bahamadia, and De La Soul were on the scene. I loooove her- her music is fire like her and she is also my sistah- same Mama, same Daddy! Cop her debut album, Super Nova, produced by legendary producer, Sol Messiah. You can download it at Super Nova.

Also, if you are in the Atlanta-area, you can see her perform September 28th at Apache Cafe, 64 3rd St., Atlanta, GA. Show begins at 9:00.
Check her video below:

What is in an Image?

2010-09-22T20:47:00.001-07:00

What is in an image? It is a question I constantly ask myself, as I wonder why I am constantly exploring the image in my work. It is also the question that drew me to the work of Luladae Terefe, an Atlanta-based artist who has committed herself to a monumental undertaking, taking a self-portrait a day, for 365 days. Wow! Let's hear from the beautiful Ethiopian-born-in- America artist herself:

What made you commit to taking a self-portrait a day for an entire year?!!!

It started when I went over 2 weeks without picking up my camera. It kind of freaked me out. I was thinking that if this is what I want to do with my life, ive got to stay motivated. I can't fall asleep. so I committed to this project. no matter what, I have to shoot one self-portrait a day for a year. I also, figured the bonus would be that since practice makes perfect, I would inevitably become a better photographer. well at least that's what I'm hoping for.

All of your images are loaded with stories and interest, you even accompany them with these fantastic musings and quotes, how do you stay so creative?

Thank you. I just shoot whatever I'm drawn to…shapes and lights and moods, etc. I don’t plan what I'm going to shoot everyday but I do aim to create an image that is different than the day before. And if you do something everyday, with that aim…you’re bound to stretch your creativity. I'm loving the challenge. I also find myself purposely avoiding a lot of outside influence. Its very important for me that at the end of this journey, I can look back at my work and see myself…my distinct voice. As for my quotes and musings…I just share where my head is at that day….good or bad. And I share quotes that I love, that are in some way reflective of me and my feelings and thoughts...words that bring me comfort or understanding. Sometimes that’s all you need to get perspective.

As an artist, who also does a lot of self-portraits, I am oftentimes fearful that people will think I'm vain, has that ever been an issue with you?

Yes it has and still is. That’s connected to that pesky issue I'm working on where I still care what people think of me. I am fairly certain that it's not vanity because quite honestly, im sick of looking at myself everyday and probably would have quit if it wasn’t for everybody holding me accountable. And on some days it feels almost narcissistic to me and I hate that. But realistically, many photographers are doing this same project. Its an exercise in creativity and technique. Not to mention dedication and sheer will. The bottom line is every photographer takes self portraits. It's not about me. It's about the art and the message the image carries. So don’t worry about what people think. Snap your photo. Tell your story.

In one quote, tell me your philosophy on life?

My philosophy on life has undergone some changes lately. The one quote that keeps coming to mind now is, "I crossed the street to walk in the sunshine." That so perfectly exudes where I am right now in my life. But I'm rolling with the tide so tomorrow might need a different quote ;)

Sunny Places Reside in My Heart

2010-09-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

This may be the most hectic semester of my grad school career but I have this tactic to avoid stress. It is as simple as this: I do the things that make me happy and stress-free.

I go swimming often, relishing in the weightless feeling of the water. After my workouts, I hit the sauna and unwind from the day. I do my meditations and my sudarshan kriya (prolonged deep breathing) when I get a chance.

I relish the fun activities that I do with my son like the zoo, where we name all the animals or simple things like the bedtime stories I read to him and songs I sing to him every night.

Whenever a stress causing issue arises, I repeat, "And this too shall pass," or "Come what may," and I count all the blessings of that moment. That is not to say that I don't get mad or overwhelmed anymore, I just don't stay there for long.

We are all on this journey, searching for our joy and I believe we should make our time on this earth as pleasant as possible.

Lotus of Wadi for Zulu Rose

2010-08-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of Zulu Rose, so when the culturally chic tees went on sale, I pounced on them. I corresponded with the creator, Alexander Derrick, and he sent me two extra ones, yipppeee! They arrived in the mail and were soooo cute! I absolutely love my soft, tissue-thin designer tees from Zulu Rose. The graphics are beautiful and they arrived in tissue paper with Haile Selassie printed on it, how creative!

Here is the Zulu Rose photo shoot of self-portraits taken with my new camera, enjoy! Paintings in the photographs by Lotus of Wadi Arts.

Me, Mommy, From The Eyes of My Son

2010-08-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

My two year old throws crazy tantrums when I don't give him my camera, I think I have a future photographer (LOL). Anyways, I have bequeathed my camera to him since I just purchased a 14.5 mega-pixelated camera that is wicked!!! Look out for some dope photography on this blog shot by yours truly. In the meantime, dig this flick shot by my two year old prince.

And Do Remember Me....

2010-08-16T16:37:00.001-07:00

Inspired by that Fela Queen's photo shoot that we did with Fahamu. I collaged some of the wives of Fela onto the background of this piece...

When building with my homegirl, I often wonder what happened to his wives, where are they now? I also wonder if I don't create, will people ever remember me as an artist? Where are the women visual artists on Atlanta's art scene?

To be a female artist is challenging because we often have to raise the children and run the household and that leaves little time for creating. This piece is called, And Do Remember Me. Named after Marita Golden's novel of the same title. Women are powerful! Men often try to make us forget, placing us in the passive role as object. We often make ourselves pretty, little objects.

I cannot be reduced to a biblical story about man's supposed superiority or some backwards, man-created idea of why women should obey them. I channel Harriet and Hatshepsut and Sojourner and Grandma Ellen and Grandma Betty and Aunt Rose. I also channel Malcolm and Frederick and Coletrane and Grandaddy Robert and Granddaddy Lawrence. I have struggled and worked to hard in this life to be reduced to an object. I am more layered, more complicated, more sacred than ever imagined.

We are more layered, more complicated, more sacred than ever imagined. And Do Remember US.

2010-08-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Atlanta area, check out the Rare Honey trunk show at my favorite shop, Bombay Gal. It is this Sunday, August 15th from 11 am-7pm. Bombay Gal is located at 674 North Highlands Avenue, Atlanta, GA. See you there!

Fly Brother of the Day: Angola Moshe

2010-08-05T10:04:00.001-07:00

Angola is one of our fearless peers. A rebel creative specializing in the living arts! A self-realized aficionado of the subtle, sensual, superficial, and sacred! His primary career passion and activities lie in the area of African soccer. His style could easily be described as steeze...a free-spirited orchestration of refinement, authority, hot boy, and mythic existence! Who knows? He's a cliche killer, so lets hear him tell it:

What Makes You a Fly Brother?

...hii Zalika! ughhh im so shy, i'm smiling! ...perhaps i'm fly cuz I haven't yet realized that i'm on land! ...seriously, I try to live my life in an epic sense and so I just journey hard! And it's not so much that I push as much as it is that i'm pulled, propelled even, towards all types of depths and heights, hence creating the perception of flight! lol maybe i'm just fly cuz I can get existential with a simple abc question. That's the nerd in me.

How Would You Describe your Personal Style?

My style is so far from personal in one sense, in that its an coalesced tribute to all the vibes that I rate and honor. I just try to get alchemist wit it, and produce new truths out of existing elements. Like start wit the birthday suit, because health is holy. And then I invoke some black power, the type that all those stoic looking Africans in those early 20th century family pictures made me imagine. Mix that with my feel for femininity, cuz balance is beauty. So the devices of touch, motion, and imagination are brought to fore. Then I throw in the "Man's Man" type of vibe. That's where I remember how I used to look at Billy Dee Williams, and now Idris Elba, as exemplars of a refined sophistication. I try conjure up that same masculine authority and bearing that lent itself to Haile Selassie being voted best dressed man in the world Time magazine cover wit it, way back in the day. After I abracadabra all that, I scuff it up a bit because its a cold world. And it works well for me, almost in a utilitarian sense, cuz personally i'm still very much in a warrior age-grade, so it keeps the vampire up off of me. So think Bob singing the frustrations of Trenchtown Rock mixed with the indomitable spirit of SticMan going against a tank wit a shank. Mix that with lots of critical thinking, healthy emotion, good eating, playfulness, lust for living, receptivity, and personal juju, and ta dah it all comes together!! ...

What Are You Committed To?

...I'm driven by the myth of my own personal narrative, and not in a "my name in bright lights" type of way, but just in an acknowledgment of the responsibility that accompanies my talents, insights, gifts, etc.. So I think my commitment is to justice. I'm not with the billions hungry; living a life of privilege off the expropriated wealth of others; the babies having their smiles stolen; the living dead; and just the whole host of fuckery that is exalted as the status quo throughout the world within this current epoch. So i'm committed to that man in the mirror, one love/one life, so what if things get worst before they get better, each one teach one, sharing is caring, a tidal wave starts with a drop, African renaissance type of pragmatic justice. ...

Why do you Love Black Women?

...lol now ya want me to get verbose wit it! K, for starters, all eloquence fails when it comes to this topic. I could be possessed by like every griot and RnB singer ever in the creation and still have like two, three more things to add in 'bout why I love Sistas. But like fundamentally, its cause ya'll are the source, and not just in that esoteric spiritual primordial sense, but like real pragmatically for me. I was born into a matrilineal family, and in my imagination I always conceived of women as the nexus for the mundane and magical, today and tomorrow. My first examples of power and creativity; dignity and grace in the face of a monstrous world; and celebration and wield of spirit came from black women. And my mother by far is like my all-star being, i've just seen her put it in and put it down in a multiplicity of ways so many times for me and my family, that I have a very real appreciation of how I wouldn't be squat without her, so like she is my life, and so naturally I have to top rate all of black womanhood. Simply, black women make black men! And that's way deeper than the birthing process. I'm talking bout the forging and fashioning process! From yr mama, to the first sista that play you, to the one that save you, to the one you hurt, to the one you birth, etc..!!

I also check for sistas because ya'll represent sooo much challenge to me. Like I learned my first lessons of love and life from ya'll, and I still continue to be taught and seek further...so loving black women is like an initiation into self, it's discovery of my destiny. ...and I could get shallow too and start talking bout how I love ya'll style game, and them fashions ya'll rock, and them looks and expressions, and all of that that!! But that wouldn't suffice, cuz it just gets much deeper and much blacker!!

...like I want take up a next page reasoning on this, but then I don't come off as ranting any more than I already am, so let me just say its XOXO for black women and girls! ...flowers, fireworks, spices, silks, and diadems too! And resolute commitment beyond all the sweet talk!

Tuareg Comfortable for a Play Date

2010-08-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

I invited my friend's children over for a play date today with my two and a half year old son. I wish I could plaster pictures of him all over my blog but I respect my dumpling's privacy. I guess I was a little cute for a day with children but I was still comfy which is essential when you have children (my beautiful platforms are lonely in their boxes). I have been living in a rotation of loose cotton pants all summer.

Lot's of planning and plotting for the upcoming year. Too many things for me to handle, I think I'll take a deep breath and meditate. One day at a time has been my saving mantra.

Some Sunday Eye Candy

2010-08-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

I recently connected with Alexander Derrick from Zulu Rose and started researching his other projects. Turns out, he also does high end fashion photography. I had to post this picture that I found on his website. The styling, the model, it is all so exquisite!

Art Museums and Galleries, Yes!

2010-07-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Fly Brother of the Day

2010-07-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Jack Preston is a dynamic dude. He is an mc, producer, graphic designer and among other things not afraid to be creative in all aspects of his life. His style can be described as Andre 3000 meets a bohemian and they collaborate. Let's hear what Jack has to say:

What makes you a fly brother?

You think I'm fly? How nice of you. Well...I would say that my ability to allow and encourage others to be themselves is a nice trait. I think we are all fly in our own way.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style often reflects my mood. Sometimes I'm in a silly and talkative mood. Sometimes I'm reserved and to my self. My style can be across the board. I love incorporating and mixing elements of many different cultures and eras.

What are you committed to (what motivates you to jump out of bed every day and get on your grind)?

I'm committed to community. I believe that it's important for me to play my part in restoring and maintaing balance in our environment(s). When we all play our individual parts collectively, amazing things happen.

Why do you love Black women?

A Black woman is like home. You can travel the world, and see a lot of cool places, but there's no place like home. At the end of the day, we relate. It's the difference between comprehending someone and truly feeling them.

Check him out at www.jackpres.com

New York, New York, Big City of....

2010-07-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Breezed in and out of NY to see Fela on Broadway, go to African Street Festival and look fly. The Madiba Restaurant recommended by a friend proved fruitful, we found a last minute tour guide who was sweet and chill!

Some Sunday Flyness

2010-06-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Fatima Siad, Somali model

MIA, the Sri Lankan beauty and revolutionary musician/artist

By The Pool Of Life

2010-06-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Sooooo.....
I had been stressed and I knew I needed a vacation but
I felt like it was no way I was getting one.
So I just dragged myself out of bed, barely lucid,
to get me and my son ready for the day. The son who now was prone to obscenely loud crying fits on average of three times a day
since his father came to visit him then left to return to his state of residence.

I felt like I was being crucified (a little extreme but please don't discount my feelings).

So my quality of life was not good you see, I had the basics (food, clothing, shelter) so I felt blessed in that regard but I did not have peace of mind. I love and cherish peace of mind, meditation and things like that but my toddler had turned into a banshee and had the nerve to start that crying in the morning and I'm not a morning person at all.

Plus, I was afflicted from some unknown disease called tired and grey all the time.

So fast forward to this past Friday, I felt like I should plan some sort of mini vacation and I began to. I looked up flights to New York so that I can go see Fela on Broadway, attend the African Street Festival (It has a new name now) and get my party on. While, I'm doing this, I get a call from my homie of 12 years' girlfriend. She invites me to their pool. So, I decided, Today, I will lounge by the pool and destress from the past month, no from the past year.

Relaxing in the pool was great! I swam for hours, my skin gained a bronzey sheen, and I even partook in a little herbal medicine. I left there to pick up my son feeling sooooo relaxed. I even scheduled a massage appointment next week, gifted to me by a friend who told me "Single Mothers Need a Break". He was so right and I vow to make this a weekly thing.

Just feeling relaxed was such a relief.

Fatima Siad for BCBG

2010-06-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

I periodically check BCBG's site even though I don't buy anything because I cannot afford to shop there yet. They always have cute looks and I was surprised and happy to see the beautiful, Fatima Siad from America's Next Top Model on their website and catalog. They styled her perfectly in this spread. Check it out:

PS: I broke down and bought the asymmetrical collar necklace that Fatima is wearing. It is exquisite and will be my go to piece for that added oomph!

The Fela Tribute

2010-06-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Painting by Fahamu Pecou

The very lovely and talented singer, Folami. And a H.U. alumnus like myself!

Photographer: Terrell Clark and Artist: Fahamu Pecou

Mausiki Scales

From left to right: Azania, Photographer: Luladae Terefe and Madame CJ

The very creative and gorgeous Jamila of Earth Candy

The Iya Laje

My older sister and Ph.D. candidate, Ayana

Lotus of Wadi

From left to right: Tiffany, Lotus of Wadi, and Sepsenahki

Back in DC, about eleven years ago, I danced back up for a local, Igbo singer. It was lot of fun for a twenty year old college student (He even flew us out of town for performances). I connected to one of the Nigerian dancers on things like our common love for culture and Fela. He would even break down the historical significance of Fela's lyrics.

So fast forward to the present. I was asked to be one of the models in a portrait painted by my artist friend, Fahamu. The concept is that he poses as Fela and we, the female models he selected are his "queens". We dolled ourselves up for the photo shoot and posed for some wicked photographers, Terrell Clark, Zubari Duniani and Michelle Braxton. We created a buzz on Facebook and danced with abandon at the dramatic unveiling to the rhythms of Mausiki Scales.

It was fun and I loved that it was in honor of a man whose documentary I play for all guests and whose music resonates with a Pan African message that I can truly relate to.

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals

2010-05-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like summertime when sun-loving, soulful people come out into the streets and parks and other venues, ready to bronze their skins, dance and just be fly!

Phoenix From The Flames

2010-05-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

I finally found the will to paint again, this is an almost finished piece that I was commissioned to do and I am quite pleased. I like it so much that I will have to create one for myself with a blue palette. Now, on to working on the illustrations for the children's book whose deadline is fast approaching.

What does the phoenix symbolize in your life? I'd like to hear your thoughts...

Lotus of Wadi in Tracy Reese

2010-05-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Photo by TT Coles

Lotus of Wadi and Her Prince

I went to this great event, Bazaar Noir, that my friends host. It is filled with cultural clothing, jewelry, vegan yummie foods, exotic South African teas, and natural body products. They had a great DJ, playing everything from Santigold to De La.

I wore this Tracy Reese dress from her more affordable line, Plenty, that I got on sale for the low, low! So exciting to have on a high-end Black designer who is wicked, might I add. I regret not taking more pictures of the event but next time I will.

Here is Kimberly Sandy at the event. She looks absolutely adorable.

Lotus of Wadi's Hot New Number...

2010-05-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so remember I told you a while back that I would model the dresses that I made out of Kanga fabrics, well here is one. Salivate cuz I know it is hawt!

The Inner Beauty Movement

2010-05-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

Eritrean Woman

There is a movement going on. A movement where people are not breaking their necks to comform to unrealistic standards of beauty. A movement were people are beginning to accept and love themselves for who they are. For how the Creator made them. In addition to this, there has been another movement happening. People are tapping into to higher consciousness levels at a greater rate. People are forgiving and loving one another and accepting each other for who they are.

And these movements coincide with what is happening in my life. I have always, for the most part, accepted most of myself. I even made my perceived "flaws" into what was most beautiful about me. But now, I am really fine tuning my inner self. Practicing what I've been preaching and reading all these years. And wow, it has been amazing. Cutting my hair was one step. It gave me more time to focus on some internal issues. It made me less attached to my outer appearance. It made more confident. I don't really care who is physically attracted to me because I am so in love with life, now! That is what sustains me.

I look in the mirror and I see a woman with a beautiful heart, one who is kind and just. A woman who is gifted in bringing out the best in others, the best in herself.

I am like a shaman, creating the best life that I can create for myself.

Nani Kama Mama- Who is Like Mama

2010-05-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: My father, Muata.

This is my mother with my older sister. She had to have been about 27 years old at the time. She was and still is one of the most gentle, loving and compassionate person I know. I only want to be as good as she is!

Brights, Camera, Action!

2010-05-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

So many pieces to love produced by so many fabulous African designers, Check them out:

This is a line made from kanga fabrics (my favorite) from Asos Africa.

This is Maya Lake's line, Boxing Kitten.

I discovered her incredible retro-looking line at my friend's blog, Urban Paper Loft.

Look out for my future postings, where I will showcase the kanga dress and high waisted skirt that I made!

Everybody Loves The Sunshine

2010-04-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

I must suffer from seasonal depression because I have discarded those winter blues like a pair of uncomfortable shoes. Have you noticed the new blog background? It is the color of mangos, mmmmm, yummy mangos. There is nothing that says summer more than ripe mangos. The kind that so sweet you can eat a whole bag of them and have the elders warning you that you will get the runs if you don't stop.

An summertime is all sensuality. It is riding through town next to your love and the sun all beaming and his hand is on your bronzey thigh and you can just melt from the heat and all that love brought on by the sun.

I am happy!!!! I am complete! Now that the sun has come back around. My love, the sun, came back in full force.

Sa-Roc The MC: Bringing That Elevator Music!

2010-04-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

My sister, Assata as a MC has extra special meaning because coming up as a teenager in the 90s in DC, I was a hip-hop head. So imagine my surprise when I first heard Assata as Sa-Roc.

Assata is and has always been an intelligent warrior, master of languages, herbal healer, a student and a teacher. She has the persona of a Warrior Queen, determined, serious, and simply beautiful. Our parents named her Assata (Warrior) Elom (God Loves Me) because her destiny was predetermined. She only started MCing only recently and she already has a loyal fan base with me being one of her biggest fans. She is bringing conscious hip-hop back . Let’s hear from Sa-Roc herself:

Why did you decide to MC?

I've always been a writer. Because it's always been difficult to express myself vocally, i used a pen to transform my thoughts onto paper. I wrote poetry and dreamed of being a singer! LOL! After a while, I reconnected with an old friend who used to freestyle. It was really fun and we would ride the green line in D.C. freestyling and connecting with aspiring rappers in our travels. I realized that I was no good at freestyling and started to write my rhymes down. A year later I met Atlanta music producer Sol Messiah and rapped for him. He was the first person to tell me I was a good rapper that I actually believed. And the rest is history...

What inspires you?

Definitely nature. I am amazed and awed by the beauty and complexity of the universe. The knowledge that we exist in a microcosm of a much larger reality, and that we can develop and elevate simply by observing nature and staying in tune with the heartbeat of the universe. The beauty of my people as well. to have gone thru what we have and survived speaks volumes about our strength. i try to imagine how my parents made it thru jim crow and overt societal racism and i am awed. this is what makes me push forward.

Did you feel like growing up in DC, struggling the way we did, made you stronger?

Certainly. It made me realize that in spite of the hardships i suffered, the sun always shone thru the storm cloud. I started to see that we make our own realities and that our circumstances don't define us.

Our pan-African upbringing was a blessing, how does it shape you?

i am afrikan. i don't ever weaken or waver on that subject. because i was taught that we were a part of a much larger family outside of Babylon, and that connection fortified our power and strength, i knew what pride felt like. pride of my nappy hair, my full lips, my cute round nose. i wasn't ashamed to wear a headwrap or an afro. i didn't worry about what people would think when i cut my hair and that is real freedom. so many of our people don't ever get to feel that.

What and who are your musical influences?

So many! Jimi Hendrix was a big part of my introduction into a different music style. i love the sound of an electric guitar to this day becasue of him. Gil Scot Heron-no explanation necessary. Sun Ra-after i saw space is the place, i wanted to find out what he was on!! that brotha was talking about ufos, extraterrestrials and designing Kemetic garb for the band to rock. His music was so other worldly and the message resonated with me. John Coltrane- his music was pure spiritual ascension-what i want my music to be. Lauryn Hill-she was such a dope lyricist. She made me feel like i could actually compete with the brothas, you know? Definitely one of my all time favorite emcees. 3000. he definitely took the game to another level. i am a huge Outkast fan and he is the reason why. period.

What is your goal with your music?

To elevate the consciousness of melanated people. It is important for us to not only transcend the fetters of oppression, poverty, and mental slavery that we experience on this physical plane, but to know that there is so much more than we allow ourselves to experience. we need to stop following the crowd and forge our own path. we are the gods and goddesses. the creators of our own reality. if we stop for second and look within ourselves we will know that we have the power to control everything around us.

You have traveled to both Senegal and Ghana, do you intend on living in one of those countries or another African country some day?

I would love to have a home at "home". my travels are part leisure, part education, and part scouting trips. i am always inquiring about the cost of real estate and/or land on my trips. i love my people and i dream of the day i can literally call afrika home.

You have one of the most exquisite styles I know, what is your secret?

Practicing my craft. writing, writing, and more writing. trying a different delivery everytime i spit. and knowing, not believing, that i am dope.

Thursday Look

2010-04-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Some Thursday Freshness... My former maternity shirt cinched with a Moroccan belt from a second-hand clothing store. Leather handmade Mexican bag that a friend gave me and wooden heeled Steve Madden platforms complete the sophisticated boheme look. Shout out to the nice young man at Teavana who took the picture and convinced me to buy some delicious herbal tea with sugar rock crystals to sweeten it.

Like Honey to Bees

2010-04-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

This warm weather has been good to me, I open my sun roof of my car and bask in the sun's blessings. My music is on blast, my head is shaved almost bald, my pedicure has my toes looking like candy, and I am counting down to the day I can be back in my bikini.

My son and I are going on nice, long walks while the sun sets and as I make plans for the summer, I think all is good.

I am finally getting my mojo back, my dreams are having more spiritual significance again. Oshun is on my side again, the bees are coming and this time I will stay here.

Love and Happy Sometimes.

2010-04-08T22:49:00.001-07:00

What a journey! I am trying to find peace of mind on a daily basis, pulling myself from negative thoughts, blue moods, and gray auras. I am empowering myself, loving myself, discovering myself, and enjoying myself.

"What is love," I ask. It is the ability to keep loving even when they knock me down, even when I temporarily fail. It is the ability to forgive myself when I do something stupid and boy have I done some stupid things. I am love. What I hold for my son is love. It is what gets me out of bed everyday.

I have survived the concrete ghetto and still I love.

Afro Chic

2010-04-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm actually wearing animal print but I think it works, check it out...

I added some large, black leather earrings, a feather headband and a clutch that a stylish ex-boyfriend bought for me and It all came together nicely!

Honey for Oshun

2010-03-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

I remember years ago, a guy I was dating scoffed at my altar saying that it did not look like an altar at all, that it was all wrong. And I recall feeling very offended and confused. I thought to myself, "Isn't my altar a personal reflection of me and the things I choose represent this."

I'm not a follower of the Ifa faith, I just grew up around many who were and certain deities resonate with me.

I chose to create an altar for Oshun because obviously she rules over love and sweetness and mothers. I chose the items because they feel like her and they have meaning to me.

I chose the gold Fulani earrings and Indian bracelet because their opulence fit her. There is libation sweetened by Florida water. A necklace for Oshun given to me by my midwife and a bell given to me by friend and inspirer, Adinah. The artwork with its yellow background and beautiful woman seemed to fit right in. Stones abound, amethyst and quartz crystals, and blue lace agate, etc. And of course, some honey. Tomorrow, I will add five cinnamon sticks to the honey because based on my understanding, 5 is her number. I am asking for her blessings- to be a better mother, to be a better woman, to be filled with LOVE.

Sidenote: Marta Moreno Vega's book, Altar of My Soul was a great read and resource.

Shoe Love

2010-03-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Suede Batik Wrap Sandals and Samara Sandals in silver and chocolate are at Free People.

I could rock sandals all year and these are perfect for a sexy yet comfortable look. Below are are a few of my favorite platform shoes:

I actually own the pair of shoes that are in the photo above and I cannot wait to show you pictures of me rocking it!

I bought these too, but returned them because it seemed like I would not get enough wear out of it to justify the price. Both shoes are from Rachel Roy's collection.

I Am Back, To You With Love!

2010-03-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

I avoided my blog because I used the excuse that I am too busy. I used the excuse that that I had no new artwork to show you so I'd wait 'til then. But time will wait for noone and I am STILL on this love journey and I PROMISED to keep you updated (and word is bond) so since I need some rest, I will leave it simple...

Self Love is not searching the eyes of others to see one's worth.
It is filling yourself up with love and spreading that love like a healing balm onto others.
It is dancing to enhance your happiness.
It is eating foods that nurture your prana (life force).
It is taking a stance for your beliefs.

It is taking a break when you need it.
It is saying no when you need to.
It is being thoughtful, caring, gentle, warm and forgiving to your spirit.

It is loving the little baby that you have inside, be gentle with her or him.

She/He is a gift from the Most High.

During this love journey, like any addict in recovery, I would regress back to fear. I feared I wasn't good enough because there was no man by my side or that the pressure of life was going to break me down. I feared many things and got off track but I had many moments of clarity. Like when I would reread The Handbook of Higher Consciousness and realize that I was just playing out human drama. Or when I would channel strength from the ancestors and universe and realize that I was unstoppable. My potential was limitless.

I love me.
My brown skin.
My short, bushy hair.
My silliness.
My compassion.
My kindness.
My immeasurable strength.
The smooth parts of my skin,
the rough parts.
My lithe frame,
My shapely hips,
My pot belly that is a reminder of the miracle I carried inside.

I love me.
And I love you....

Day 14 of Love Fest- The Alchemist

2010-03-12T06:51:00.000-08:00

Do you know what the science of alchemy is? Well, according to my understanding, it is the transmutation of a base metal into a more nobler one or the science of making gold and silver. From a more philosophical level, it can be about life transformations. What got me thinking about this is the discussion I had with my sister who just recently read the Alchemist, a book I have also read. The idea is that if you pursue your dreams, the universe will support them. Wow, simple as that. So why am I not going confidently in the direction of my dreams? I dibble and dabble with them, the universe even gives me signs that indicate that I will be supported in this journey. I see it show and prove, time and time again.
The rapper K'naan started with very little: no money, no job and very little support but he had a carefully crafted dream and now he tours around the world.

Naturi Beauty is somewhat of a kitchen alchemist as she cooks up great recipes that nourish the entire body. She is constantly working on creating the best life for herself.

I can also think of countless others who have risen from ashes to turn dust into gold.
Over at Sistah Goddess she posed a question, "What would your best life look like?" And I have been ruminating over this for quite some time.

I will share some visuals in my next post.

Day 11- Love Fest and Some Thursday Goddess Style

2010-03-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

I was salivating over this Kemetic/Grecian style dress (The white dress on left) from the Mataano line created by Somalian twins, Ayaan and Idyll. So I went to my friend's boutique in Atlanta called Bombay Gal, and found a dress very similar for $ 39.00. Here it is:

I love to look cute on a budget! Check out both, Mataano and Bombay Gal for great ethnic style.

Wednesday Look of the Day

2010-03-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Me in vintage Indian dress (Ebay), leather boots, five dollar on-sale belt from Urban Outfitters, and a knit jacket. Channeling my retro look while leaving to work on a rainy day.

That New New

2010-03-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Lotus of Wadi

I released.
Some stagnant energy.
Some old relationships.
Some old habits.
Some bad vibes.
By....
Dun, Dun, Dunnnn,
cutting my hair!

It is so taboo in the black community to cut long, thick healthy hair but I did much to the dismay of many.

And I feel soooo wonderful! The last time I did a major chop was about ten years ago when I wanted to release some tired energy. And now, I am undergoing another major transition to bigger and better things so I said why not!

Therefore, I am featuring some models with fro's similar to the one I will be rocking.

Brazilian sisters and models, Moara and Dara Morinho are too fly!

I Looked in the Mirror

2010-03-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

Paper Collage by Lotus of Wadi Arts

If you want a clear mirror,

behold yourself

and see the shameless truth,

which the mirror reflects.

If metal can be polished

to a mirror-like finish,

what polishing might the mirror

of the heart require?

Rumi

So I took the mirror to my heart and asked to see where I must begin... A common mistake in this spiritual quest is to allow the ego to do all the work. People tend to want to be perceived as "spiritual" to satisfy the ego. They don the "spiritual" cloth, the sayings, the right clothes, the right look without really looking within. Without really taking that journey within and placing that cloth on that heart mirror and polishing it every day.

And when I look in the heart mirror, I don't see perfection, I see hurt from others and places where I have hurt others. But I ask forgiveness from them and from me. I begin polishing and seeing where I could be more loving in various aspects of my life. I am constantly assessing, I'm just being here now in this moment, expanding my love.

Things I physically plan to do this week: Do some crystal meditations, Begin preparing a shrine to Oshun (look for pictures of this soon) and will create miniature love paintings for those who want to manifest love in their lives. Among other things, I'm going to send some love to my pot belly and start an excercise routine.

The Love Challenge

2010-02-26T23:01:00.001-08:00

Chakra Healing painting by Lotus of Wadi Arts

Okay so it has been a while! Whew! Some life has been lived, some growth has been made (What's that Les Nubian song- One step forward, two steps backward." And all that other good stuff. While I have been taking a break, I have been reading my Sistah Goddess for my daily inspiration and daily dose of fabulous art, (look for my feature on her blog pretty soon.)

Well, Sistah Goddess just did a 40 day spiritual journey and is not going to rest there, she is challenging us to heal, to take this magnificent journey. She invites us to do a 40 day heart chakra healing with the encouragement to start this Sunday, February 28th, the day of a full moon. I decided to partake because the heart chakra region is an area where much healing needs to take place for me in order for some more growth to happen. In other words, I have to do some serious work there.

Day 1 (Sunday- The Full Moon): I started off my chakra healing process with a reading and an energetic assessment to find out what chakras are out of whack and what I knew was confirmed, I need to begin healing A.S.A.P. I took a spiritual bath that night and gave some therapy to a sister friend who is nursing a broken heart. That night I dreamed some extraordinary things and spirit told me the first thing I needed to do was take the day off so that I can spend time with my delightful two year old.

The most important part of this healing process is to make sure I am fulfilling all of my baby's needs because he is destined for greatness.

Love you and may you be blessed with the knowledge that you have all the love you need...

Lauryn Hill Collage

2010-02-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a collage I created of the beautiful Lauryn Hill... Along with a poem also by me.

I don't sit pretty for ya'll any longer
Preferring not to cast my diamonds before the swine
I don't perform for ya'll any longer
Opting not to sell my soul for a dime
I'm past these illusions that ya'll folks have of me
I'm just living my life the way I see fit
If ya'll don't agree with me
If ya'll not feeling me
If ya'll are bad-minding me
I'm still gonna be
Me.
And that is all I can be at the end of the day.

Just a humorous poem about being true to yourself.

Chichia London: Khanga Fashions Take Over

2010-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Khanga- a panel of fabric worn in Tanzania and Kenya that has a proverb or saying in Swahili. For example, a proverb might say something like, "Nani Kama Mama- Who is Like Mama."

I love Khangas, I fell in love with them when my friend went to Tanzania for a summer and brought me back a couple of brightly colored ones with these great sayings. I made wrap skirts with them and endeavored to make more but never found the time. Luckily for me, a Tanzanian designer, Christine Mhando created Chichia London and now I can just draw inspiration from her fashions. Enjoy...

My Inner Temple

2010-01-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Bear with me here, my comrades. The little moments that I snatch for myself are full of a lot of self-reflection. The picture above is the ideal space of my inner temple. It is the space I'd like to dwell in for my peace of mind. A temple in the forest, enveloped by an ancient tree, my familiar might even dwell with me. The Temple of My Familiar. What would my familiar be? A phoenix, a little monkey like Frida's, a sphinx?

Would my graceful fingers strum a stringed instrument to call my familiar to my side or would I play the flute?

Would a Buddha-like being have been my lover? Would we relish in this forest womb, existing beyond time?

For those who do not understand this post, read Alice Walker's, Temple of My Familiar. It speaks of past lives. I am speaking of one of mine.

Still Moving!

2010-01-26T02:02:00.000-08:00

I have always been very honest about my feelings ever since the day I decided to be. I don't gloss over my sadness and challenges. Nor do I downplay my elation. I express them; I share them because I have no fear of appearing vulnerable. It is actually quite therapeutic to lay them out instead of letting them fester inside, turning malignant.

Which leads me to my point, I am really feeling the "single" in single mother. I get angry sometimes thinking about my lack of help and then I think of the countless women who have done it before me and who are still doing it. It does not make the journey any easier but it helps me to count my blessings.

The main challenge is to just let some projects go. The fact remains is that the Creator has blessed me with a new task that is larger than any one I have ever been given: raising a man-child, shaping a life.

May the Creator bless my sisters who have journeyed through this process with a lot less than I have. The ones in Haiti or India or Rwanda who are struggling to make enough ends meet to even feed the little ones. The strength that is gained is the ability to keep moving and keep loving!

Like a Sufi mystic, the pain polishes away, revealing the jewel inside.

Ayiti: My Spirit is Crying!

2010-01-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

I. can't. sleep. at. night.
Something about my restless spirit.
And my glimpse beyond.
Beyond. this. diamond covered illusion
Beyond this sick. sad. perverse. madness.
Something about this genocide.

There are more tears.
More tears dripping down Ebony faces.
More babies alone in bottomless wells of...
Well, you know, pain and all its synonyms.

More souls departed.
And they are whispering something I can almost hear.

More ancestors welling up into this
polluted atmosphere.
So much pollution that I can't breathe.
A child in this pollution is a thought that brings me so much trouble.
And so much damn restlessness.

My restless spirit is asking why?
And wondering if this is only the beginning
Of the earth's descent.

There is something strange about this happening and the thought that is gnawing at me most is:

This. feels. like. the madness. of man. Almost like an act of genocide.

Or is it our genocidal thoughts that caused this?

I think.

I want.

To get free.

But I'm not sure where to start running.

Where? In this World. Can I escape to find solace?

Lotus of Wadi Arts is a Naturi Beauty of the Month!

2010-01-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

What a way to start 2010! I am currently being featured as a Naturi Beauty of the Month. It is quite the honor because Naturi Beauty is a lifestyle blog that showcases delicious recipes and natural haircare products created by lifestyle guru extraordinaire, Shelley Chapman. I find myself salivating over the wonderful dishes she creates and also trying out some of of fabulous beauty treatments that she recommends.
Check it out at Naturi Beauty

New Year, New Paintings

2010-01-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few paintings I did over the semester... Most are based on a series I started while pregnant called the Warrior Mama Series.

The first painting is the same painting as the second, I just changed it a little. These paintings are based on my study of the Aboriginal cosmology. Their creation belief is called The Dreamtime (this includes the moment when the mother realizes she is first pregnant.)

Duro Olowu, A Designer to Watch

2009-12-28T14:47:00.000-08:00

Duro Olowu, Nigerian born London-based designer, is known for his flowy dresses and bold prints. He is a designer that one should become acquainted with because he makes boho look oh-so-chic. Drawing his inspirations from vintage cuts and fabrics as well as African prints, he creates the perfect silhouette.

Plus, he is married to a natural sister! Thelma Golden, curator of the Studio Museum of Harlem. Gotta love a bourgeois Black power couple!

Above are a few pieces from his 2009 and 2010 ready to wear collections.

Say it Loud, I'm Pregnant and Proud!

2009-12-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

Let me begin by saying, I'm not pregnant unless you count pregnant with ideas. But in honor of my pregnant friend and all the other fearless women who came before us, I just wanted to say, it is great to be pregnant and fly. Pregnant and strong. Pregnant and opinionated. Pregnant and free! I look at old pictures of my mother when she was pregnant and I sigh at all her gorgeousness. She was young, doe-eyed, had a beautiful 'fro and the cutest seventies outfits. All of this documented by my tall and handsome father.

I saw a picture of a very pregnant, M.I.A., who I think is fabulous in all her Sri Lankan revolutionary spirit and I just had to include it.

Pregnancy is one of the most amazing phenomenons of this world and I am lucky to have experienced it!

The Red or Blue Pill

2009-12-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

Painting by Roslyn Ann Kemp, Three Rivers Dreaming

Those who know me well, know that I am a philosopher. I love writings that question our existence and the meaning of life and if what we see is real. What inspired this post? Well, I will share.

Even though this blog features fashion and beauty, I'm here to remind you and myself, that those physical things aren't really it. They are not really real. We can't take them with us when we go. They will never replace the love of a loved one. They are just here- mere mirages, space-fillers, time occupiers.

I ran across an article about a child born with only the brain stem, a condition called anencephaly. In most cases, the child with this condition will only survive for days at most. Well in this particular article, a baby has lived with almost no brain for a year. A miracle or is it? He is sustained by a loving family and a mother who remains prayerful and powerful. Imagine if we took the time out to remain in a state of faith and love. Imagine if we spread this love and forgiveness.

I opened up my sister's Acts of Faith book by Iyanla Vanzant and randomly selected a page. I will paraphrase the following quote, "God is love... Our ancestors had a wholesome respect for the Creator and all creations. They honored the earth for support, the sun for the life force...Today we relate to one another's ego... God is love. That's it! God does not give presents. God does not have needs. God does not argue."

God is love, a simple but powerful statement that resonates in my being.

Today I reject attachment to all physical things! (Something to remember if you are scrambling to buy gifts during this holiday season). Today I dwell in love!

Thank you, Creator, for filling me with love.

Black Orpheus and Other Romantic Musings

2009-12-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

"Orfeo, Orfeo!" Eurydice called for her handsome lover in her melodic Portuguese. Making me yearn to be transported into Rio in the 1950s. Black Orpheus is one of my favorite romances, filled with beautiful Black Brazilians.

Eurydice, played by Marpessa Dawn was actually African-American (who would have thought being that her Portuguese seemed flawless). Breno Mello, who played Orfeo, was a dream and so was the soundtrack. Oh to be Black, Vintage and Beautiful.

Another favorite of mine is Mo' Betta Blues. "The Mo' Betta Makes it Mo' Betta." Who would not fall in love with a unattainable, talented jazz musician, played by Denzel Washington? Handsome and serious, dedicated to his craft. Of course, I was rooting for the small-boned natural sister (we don't get enough love).

More to come after I sleep...

My Real Needs

2009-12-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

I have a quote calendar and today's reminder was about having the awareness of the difference between what we want and need. We put many meaningless things on our needs list without assessing their importance.

We work hard for these supposed needs while neglecting what is really important.

I decided to stop being so busy and focus on what really mattered. I carved out more lap time for my son. I added 20 more kisses to the 20 I already give him. I sang four more bedtime songs. I held him even longer.

He needs me more than anyone else in this world and that is most important. That is real need. He is my real need.

I ended the day feeling a lot more satisfied and a lot less "busy".

SUNO NY

2009-11-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Totally wicked line called SUNO NY. They stole my idea about using kanga (the colorful fabric with the proverbs made in Kenya and Tanzania) material in more modern cuts but I forgive them because their lookbook is fresh. Check it out:

Sidenote: my next posting will feature a skirt that I designed and had made from kanga fabric.

The Dance Called Life

2009-11-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Dancer in the Yellow shirt- Lotus of Wadi, Red shirt- Ayana, Pink Shirt- Rashida

A friend of mine, Fahamu Pecou, called me to dance during the opening night of his art show. Of course, despite my busy schedule, I could not say no. He has helped me out on numerous occasions and I was happy to return the favor. Fahamu is a brilliant artist, talented and hard-working. Prolific and entertaining. So I gathered up my older sister, Ayana, and a sister-friend Rashida and we made a wonderful trio as we danced before his grand entrance.

The night of the performance ended up being a fabulous night as we journeyed over to the Fertile Ground concert afterwards.

My sister, Saroc was one of the first opening acts for Fertile Ground and I felt so proud of her fantastic performance. It reminded me of those days when I navigated through the underground hip-hop scene in DC in the mid 90s, as a burgeoning MC and poet. I rocked hard to her performance and I danced in a spiritual trance to Fertile Ground's transcendant lyrics that spoke of peace and love and evolution.

I felt good afterwards. A little rejuvenated, a little exuberant. Which leads me to make my point. Despite ALL of the headaches, the setbacks, the stress, underneath it all we are trying to find that happy, whatever it may be. I have to remind myself to take time for that happy because it only serves to help me flourish. So when I am stressed, I turn on some music and dance like a whirling dervish. Happiness embraces me then...

“In life as in dance: Grace glides on blistered feet”

Costume Party

2009-11-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

I don't celebrate Halloween, I don't really do costume parties but I went this year and had a blast! I was a Kemetic princess so I was not really in costume because I AM a Kemetic princess!

I remember in high school, this girl tried to diss me by calling me a "wannabe African princess". Funny enough, all she had to do was drop the "wannabe" part and she would have been so accurate (Lol!)

Some Monday Inspiration

2009-11-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Africa: Richest Continent in the World

2009-10-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Something, I had been thinking about recently is the new trend of celebrities who have been doing charity work in Africa or adopting African babies. They are photographed as (said with loads of sarcasm): rich, glamorous White people who have left their pampered world of Hollywood only to travel to the dirty villages of backwards Africa to adopt black babies! No, starving, African Babies! These images only perpetuate the stereotype of helpless, needy Africa that can only be saved by the "White, Wealthy, Western World."

A recent article in Arise written by Hannah Pool, elaborates on this trend. Her articles notes something very important. "Rather than wanting to promote Africa as a place of business and opportunity, the West prefers to have Africa as its needy child. After all, imagine how scary a strong capitalist Africa would be."

The author also observes, "Wouldn't it be nice if, rather than bleating on about how guilty Africa makes them feel about their lives, supermodels strived to mention some high-end African designers in their interviews? And maybe, just once, an Oscar-nominated actress could be photographed coming out of a hip African nightclub instead of an orphanage?"

Africa has always been in my heart as the most phenomenal place in the world. The continent is rich with precious gems and minerals. The people, from Kemet to Benin, have civilized the world, and it has one of the most hospitable climates. That is why Europe and much of the Western World have and continue to rape and pillage its lands.

As Africans, at home and abroad, it is our duty, to support and promote a strong Africa!

PS. On another note, click here http://www.newsweek.com/id/219884/page/1 and find out what this writer has to say about the state of Zahara Jolie-Pitts Hair.

African Models

2009-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think African women are extraordinarily beautiful. I love to promote this standard of beauty as much as possible. Here are some random model pics:

Ajuma Nasenya, Kenyan Supermodel

Hawa Diawara, Malian Supermodel

Ibiagbanidokibubo 'Agbani' Asenite Darego , Nigerian model, First Black African to be crowned Miss World in 2001.

Liya Kebede, Ethiopian Supermodel