Shula, I feel you ... believe me ... more than words can say. But I'm more proud of you more than anything, for any survivor is a titan to me.
The miracles of life, to see the positive of this experience, include the fortune that you and any of us in need could count on each other (some experienced more than others in this mess) and we can all explore these dilemmas together. It is also apt that Daniel has warmed us in many roles, as well as in person, and though his Rescue Me! role was many times at least repugnant, in truth it is one of evolution. I wouldn't be surprised that he has had creative positive license on this development. The collective herein does ask a lot, and also receives enlightened answers generally conducive to our own rhythmic transformation. There is a great deal to do in terms of self-healing, and plenty more to eradicate that so called "lack of awareness" regarding this constant attack on people, especially persons in a defenseless position. In fact, there was a major article on the NY Post today about mother's fearing evildoers and perverts who are more noticeably and openly aggressive with our children (just like with that painful car chase you endured). So, yes, this problem is serious and everywhere!!
peace and love, much resolve to you all. there must be some of us who are not able to share that type of memories, and to those of you I humbly apologize for bringing things back. no further pain is intended. all healing, all safety and all love is our sole purpose.
Texas Teens
Shula, I heard about the story down in Texas and was instantly reminded of the murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Emmett was murdered for supposedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. Ripped from his uncle's home, he was taken out to the gin mill, stripped naked, then beaten beyond recognition and shot in the head. Remember Abner Louima (NYC 1977),sodomized with a broom stick by a member of the NYPD.
Most recently the fiasco at Abu Ghraib. Shocking photos of detainees genitalia and acts of sodomy, so shocking they were not released to the public (X-rated). The photos we saw were considered mild and deemed suitable for public viewing. There is something psychologically gratifying for these people who committ these crimes. Something so deep associated with assaulting someone's manhood/womanhood. How can a young person even fathom doing something so heinous to another person? I bet that if delved into these teens exhibited some sort of cruelty to animals at some point in their young lives. Something also tells me that their parents knew about it and did nothing. Just my opinion. I truly pray that the young man pulls thru.
On a lighter note, why is it that when you decide to start a new routine ( resuming your phys. fitness, diet,etc) all sorts of temptations emerge? It's as if a bell goes off and then everyone sends invites for this and that. Party over here, reception over there! You are driving along and you get a whiff of something delicious...OMG! Channel surf the tele and everything you see is a ad for something juicy, just oozing fat but looks oh so good. I tell ya, it is a conspiracy
Re: woah, that was quick!!
Thank you, Maya. That felt like the most healing and nurturing hug. Also, thank you for helping me with the positive encouragement and lessons that can be drawn from it. Isn't it funny how you think you learned all you can from an experience and then the perspective of someone else blesses you with more insight to cope and conquer? I hope to meet you all some day. I say Daniel sponsers a top secret meet and greet at his apartment and just sits in the corner while we gab and bond marvelling at the miracle of how women can talk about enough subjects to fill 5 boards in the space of a little less than 4 months. My girlfriend here gave me all the exact same advice as you Maya. She's from Harlem. I have always loved me some New Yorkers. Y'all just really cool and special people and you know how to handle your business. She claims I look like an easy mark cause I smile to much when I interact with my girls and other people in public. I politely asked how can I look like an easy going, friendly, easy mark at 65 MPH when psyscho first spotted me? And I agree with you on the evolution of Franco. I would not be surprised if Daniel had something to do with it at all.
Serene, thanks for your post as well. Solomon wisely wrote:
All this I have seen, and there was an applying of my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, [during] the time that MAN HAS DOMINATED MAN TO HIS INJURY. Ecclesiastes 8:9.
I agree with you. If a person could act so horrificly without compassion towards another human being, only God knows what they've done to "lesser" forms of life. I teach my girls that all forms of life are to be respected. Don't step on an ant just because you can. You are allowed to swat a mosquito if it is bothering you; if not---go on about your way. The Emmitt Till case has got to be to this day the worst thing I have ever heard of doing to another human being for something so trivial. It was said that he was well-mannered and was not disrespectful but complimentary of the woman's appearance. 14, I believe? He did not even look human in his glass coffin. I was about 14 when my Black Nationalist Step father introduced me to that sordid piece of history. He hated whites with a passion. He almost convinced me of his idiotic ideology with that story and picture but thank God I had enough sense not to be sucked in and contribute to the unneccessary hatred between the races. I think humans have the ability to be more animalistic than the most dangerous of animals. Because we can reason, empathize and have compassion, yet, time after time we refuse to do it. Barbaric. I hate to see what we do to each other for naught anything worth it ever.
On that lighter note, you are so right. I'm trying to detox. Fortunately, meat still stinks but I have visions of Snicker bar Blizzards from Dairy Queen dancing through my head. Doing the bus stop, the electric slide, the Macarena, the running man, you name it. I gave in to a hotdog today because I'm melting. I've lost 4 lbs. since Monday. I have to eat extremely fatty junk to gain and maintain weight so I guess I'm going to have to maybe add some more protein shakes and increase my caloric intake. Talk about irony---my girls said Hubby just came in with all this junk to BBQ tomorrow for company. He doesn't know the womenfolk have already planned a health conscious meal so now my temptation begins. Y'all know I loves the pig on the grill. JUST SAY NO. Right, Serene. I'm going to pretend it's crack and keep my distance......
Re: woah, that was quick!!
The prayer chains are on for all three children in Texas. For the healing and continued living of the victim and strength for his family. May they not seek revenge, which is an awful feeling to overcome. As for the perpetrators, we've asked that a fair and honest-to-the-core trial comes to them, and that true learning of themselves and their upbringing comes to shed explicit reasons for their henious impulses, as well as healing. The saddest part is that more and more of these crimes of hate are happening since that "IMMIGRANTS, GET OUT!!" headline on the nation's newspapers have been printing the words of our government leaders. So if the gov't doesn't want spics around here, their presence (especially near our homes, schools, family and friends) is unwanted, giving people license for, well, what we're really good at these days in America: hurting folks to death or plan old killing. This is a hunt; oh yeah, makes sense ... from the border to New Orleans, from the jails to the deportation centers (packed beyond belief) and now it'll be a door to door hunt. Ay Dios Mio!! Que sera de nuestra America? Que sera?
Shula-baby, we're sooooo here for you and it's not just our choice, but thankfully, it's our instinct. A very blessed one.
On food and temptations ... it's not easy with all the food ads bombarding our brain. But did you see that documentary on 40 days of McDonalds ... you'll learn a lot. For me, it was the M.D. (gastroenterologist and nutritionist) who found a small hernia between my esophagus and my stomach, so when I eat poorly my body suffers in a very painful way. It was easier to transition to non-carbonated (except i love my beers!) and never to walk into fast food places, I mean never. At BBQs, I'm all about the salads, all the corn comes to me, all the okra, all the greens, all the potato (and I slice in my apple in there) salads are mine. Get so full quickly that who has room for meat? What else, definitely pinepples and a tablet of vitamin C (their combined enzymes improve all your circulation). There's a good force of habit to buy more fruit than meats, and eat the fruit first so it doesn't spoil plus juice any fruit that is too ripe. The point is don't let any fruits and veggies into the trashcan. Oh, you could also try to start your day with a oatmeal, banana and soy milk shake (ANY FLAVOR IS GOOD!!) and you'll be so full until noon!! Drink 2 glasses (shakes) actually, the serving is equivalent to a full breakfast (of all that junk I can't list for obvious reasons).
Oh, and last but not least, we all have about 25 ft of small intestine inside, that's a lot of storage of waste matter, and the more unhealthy we eat, the easier it is to pack up toxins and feel inside just like what we ate: crap! So that sayin' of "full of shait" is more true than not. Enter the teas, all those wonderful teas and wheatgrass juice.
And as for your facial expressions ... there is an element of truth in the NYC "attitude-face" of don't mess with me! Did you hear Madonna's new song "NEW YORK" she says "get off my street" like 10 times! And every word she says is very real. But, Ms. Smiley and laughy herself, yours truly (and Expat, Star, FreeNote and Daniel can vouch for that), relies more on peripheral awareness of the surroundings, the regulars, the newbies, being observant, having a plan of action and a dash of moxy on your shoulders like a safety back-pack, saved me from a bad memory a few times. Not just in town but out of town, out of the country, in the neighbors block, in schools and in churches, etc., this degenerative and progressive problem that has gone highly unaddressed, paedophilia, has de facto become a monster.
What methods now exist to rehabilitate are far too disconnected among all jurisdictions and centers where they may be administered, to have any real positive effect. It is hardly ever addressed in schools as part of the health class. Or is it? Do you guys have any input on how this issue is being addressed in the HEALTH CLASS programs in your respective towns? Maybe we can come up with some good info to share and ponder on. Maybe even do something with.
Hmmm. Food for thought.
Who among us is not an immigrant or alien resident?
G' morning Ladieeessss,
Most serious first. I pray that this immigration mess is not the beginning of something tragic and unnecessary. Witch hunt for what, Maya? Can someone please explain to me why this seems to be a hot button issue all of a sudden? I am clueless and I read the newspapers everyday. This country has always been the home of immigrants. I've not seen a true and blue Native in many, many years. Have we made them extinct as well along without the killing off of the rest of our natural habitats? Or are they still chained to small pockets of land and forced to live on the meager rations that such not most "citizens" of this country would not give their dogs who now lived draped in bling and are carried in $4,000 designer handbags? Madem this is why I say power is the problem. Man becomes drunk with it and abuses it because they're must always be someone made to feel less or be disenfranchised so that the "power" is felt, seen, feared, and tangible. We possess a collective and cultural mental deficiency that is leading us toward self destruction. We are all immigrants. When did that change? Some by force, some by choice. Nonetheless, we are all the same.
Maya, I love apple in my salad, too. Had a to die for organic salad yesterday. Huge, heaping amounts. Fell off the wagon with meats cuz I was set up but I was gifted with a copy of Prescription for Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A. Balch and basically she plagiarized your advice. So between you and her, I can see I am on the right track. I'm still looking for a good diverse source for my organics but I'm getting by.
Excellent point on what is being taught in health class regarding safety issues these days. Unfortch, in my area, we have had a lot of teachers prosecuted for sexual criminal behavior and physical abuse towards students. We also had a teacher who thought it was okay to smoke marijuana during school time. A little bit of show and tell and teaching the children the good value of sharing. Apparently, was dealing to the kids as well. You know my girls are homeschooled because of health issues but they have many friends who go to public and private school. I will certainly ask and let you know. Times have changed, it would be interesting to know what today's version of Stranger Danger is since our authority figures have taken to delivering abuse and mistreatment themselves. Also, a got a live New Yawk demonstration of the self awareness techniques you mentioned. I got it. You can pop my collar, now.
This info is the scriptural precedent from the Creator on how refugees/immigrants/alien residents are to be treated. As Daniel says, "I'm preaching to the choir". I just thought it was good info for any who may read the boards but not post. I think it's safe to say that we all probably feel the same about the issue.
A Pattern for Treating Refugees
IN THE Law that Jehovah God gave to the nation of Israel, the Israelites were reminded of their situation as refugees in Egypt. (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:19) So they were instructed to treat the alien residents among them kindly, indeed as brothers.
God’s Law stated: “In case an alien resident [who often was a refugee] resides with you as an alien in your land, you must not mistreat him. The alien resident who resides as an alien with you should become to you like a native of yours; and you must love him as yourself, for you became alien residents in the land of Egypt.”—Leviticus 19:33, 34.
Recognizing that alien residents were often vulnerable and insecure, Jehovah gave specific laws for their welfare and protection. Consider the following rights guaranteed to them.
THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL: “One judicial decision should hold good for you. The alien resident should prove to be the same as the native.” “You must not pervert the judgment of the alien resident.”—Leviticus 24:22; Deuteronomy 24:17.
THE RIGHT TO A SHARE IN THE TITHE: “At the end of three years you will bring out the entire tenth part of your produce in that year, and you must deposit it inside your gates. And the Levite, because he has no share or inheritance with you, and the alien resident and the fatherless boy and the widow, who are inside your gates, must come, and they must eat and satisfy themselves.”—Deuteronomy 14:28, 29.
THE RIGHT TO FAIR WAGES: “You must not defraud a hired laborer who is in trouble and poor, whether of your brothers or of your alien residents who are in your land, within your gates.”—Deuteronomy 24:14.
THE RIGHT TO ASYLUM FOR AN UNINTENTIONAL MANSLAYER: “For the sons of Israel and for the alien resident and for the settler in the midst of them these six cities will serve as a refuge, for anyone to flee there that fatally strikes a soul unintentionally.”—Numbers 35:15.
THE RIGHT TO GLEAN: “When you people reap the harvest of your land, you must not reap the edge of your field completely, and the gleaning of your harvest you must not pick up. Also, you must not gather the leftovers of your vineyard, and you must not pick up the scattered grapes of your vineyard. For the afflicted one and the alien resident you should leave them. I am Jehovah your God.”—Leviticus 19:9, 10.
Surely, our Creator, Jehovah God, has compassion for refugees, and he must be pleased when we do also. “Become imitators of God,” the Christian apostle Paul wrote, “and go on walking in love.”—Ephesians 5:1, 2.
Food for Thought
Maya, I believe I have finally found a diet & exercise regimen that works for me. I have spent the past few years trying to connect the dots! What a task that is. Honestly, I would spend so much time in the grocery store reading food labels one would think that I worked there. It was so time consuming I would go in the wee hours of the morning, on a first name basis with the midnight crew! Over time my local grocer just wasn't providing the foods that I need so now I shop almost exclusively at stores like Whole Foods, etc. They take the guess work out and it is so much easier to purchase the items I need .
At my health club, 99% of its members are physically fit. But lately, say the last 1 1/2 years I have noticed more overweight people joining (which is a good thing). Perhaps the message about Americans being so overweight & unhealthy is finally catching on. Our attitudes about super sizing everything, (thanks in part to the documentary "SuperSize Me") has finally come full circle. I'm just trying to maintain what the good Lord gave me. But believe me, it ain't easy but the best things in life never are.
One thing I have noticed about our European sisters is how physically fit they appear. Seems like they walk or bike everywhere, even in stillettos! I don't see the mass consumption of food like we do in the U.S.. I was told that frequent trips to the grocer in a week is common, enabling them to purchase fresh foods. I don't think they have the Sam's Club/Costco stocking up mentality over there. Canned goods, preservatives are a definite no-no I hear. I'm sure the girls across the pond can chime in on this one. Maybe I'm wrong but they just look so good.
*Suggested reading:
Never Be Sick Again: Health Is A Choice, Learn How To Use It
(Raymond Francis, Kester Cotton)
Re: Immigration
On the issue of immigration it seems that after the tragic events of Sept. 11th there has been this growing sentiment of anti-immigration. I am elated at the boycotts and marches. Applaud these grassroot organizers for fighting against the status quo! At last count in Chicago 300,000+ supporters have shown up for the rally. This is not a Hispanic issue. It effects every ethnic group in America. The media is trying to portray it as such since it seems easier to hate on one particular group. Remember the Katrina victims. Initially they were not U.S. citizens but "REFUGEES".
As one man put it today, " The 19 men who crashed the planes into the towers were not from Mexico. They did not have the last name of Rodriguez, Gonzales,or Juarez. They entered this country LEGALLY..."
These are the pictures of our faces, our hearts, our people. Please let's not forget how important all immigrants are in the construction, food making, trash collection, post office delivery, education, administration, major economic influx in support of every corner of this great Nation.
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FROM A RESPECTFUL, BUT ANONYMOUS SOURCE ... COMMUNITY CORNER
... Below is a listing of some of the fairs scheduled in May and early June. For a complete listing of additional Manhattan street fairs, visit the websites www.nyctourist.com, www.nycstreetfairs.com and www.helskitchennyc.com. Also, www.jimsedli.com is a good source for info on street fairs in the other boroughs.
New York Street Fairs
Date/Location
(Approximately 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
May 2006
Sat. May 6
Gramercy Visiting Neighbors Festival
3rd Avenue from 14th to 23rd Streets
Sun. May 7
The Annual Village Fair
Broadway from Houston to Grand Streets
Sun. May 7
Strycker’s Bay Street Fair
Broadway from 86th to 96th Streets
Sat. May 13
Gramercy Park Neighborhood Festival
Park Avenue from 17th to 23rd Streets
Sun. May 14
Amsterdam Avenue Fair
Amsterdam Avenue from 96th to 106th Streets
Sun. May 14
Lower Broadway Street Festival
Broadway from 8th to 14th Streets
Sat. May 20
Children of the World Festival
6th Avenue from 42nd to 56th Streets
Sat. May 20 & Sun. May 21
9th Avenue Food Festival
9th Avenue from 37th to 57th Streets
Sun. May 21
Turtle Bay Festival
2nd Avenue from 43rd to 55th Streets
Sun. May 21
Amsterdam Avenue Street Fair
Amsterdam Avenue from 77th to 90th Streets
Sat. May 27
Lower Third Avenue Spring Festival
3rd Avenue from 6th to 14th Streets
Sat. May 27
Chelsea Midtown Democrats Festival
6th Avenue from 14th to 23rd Streets
Sun. May 28
Times Square Fair
7th Avenue from 47th to 57th Streets
Sun. May 28
Italian-American Associations Street Fair
7th Avenue from 47th to 57th Streets
Sun. May 28
Livable West Side Festival
Broadway from 72nd to 86th Streets
Sun. May 28
LOISAIDA Festival
Avenue C from 5th to 12th Streets
Mon. May 29
(Memorial Day)
Madison Avenue Community Expo
Madison Avenue from 42nd to 57th Streets
June 2006
Sat. June 3
Lexington Avenue Spring Festival
Lexington Avenue from 42nd to 57th Streets
Sat. June 3
East Manhattan Community Benefit Festival
2nd Avenue from 66th to 86th Streets
Sun. June 4
Bellevue South Association Street Fair
2nd Avenue between 23rd and 34th Streets
Sun. June 4
2nd Avenue Spring Jubilee
2nd Avenue from 23rd to 34th Streets
Sun. June 4
Broadway Mall Street Fair
Broadway from 73rd to 86th Streets
Sun. June 4
Upper West Side Festival
Broadway from 110th to 120th Streets
Get Out There and Walk! If you want to get some exercise and support a good cause, consider one of the walks* below:
▪ Sunday, May 7, 2006
10:00 a.m.
Dogs Walk Against Cancer
Riverside Park (registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
89th Street at Riverside Drive
Information: (212) 237-3872
Take a morning stroll along the Riverside Park promenade for a good cause. Your best friend gets to enjoy a bunch of canine activities, including a costume contest, doggie competitions and plenty of stuff going on for doggie people as well.
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▪ Sunday, May 21, 2006
10:00 a.m. (registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
New York Arthritis Walk
Battery Park
Information: (212) 984-8700
Choose from a 3-mile or 1-mile walk starting from Battery Park. The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.
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▪ Sunday, May 21, 2006
10:00 a.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
New York AIDS Walk
Central Park
Information: (212) 807-WALK
A 10K walk that begins and ends in Central Park. Sponsored by the Gay Men's Health Crisis, the Walk is in its 21st year.
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Fleet Week New York City 2006
Wednesday, May 24 through Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navy ships are scheduled to participate in Fleet Week, the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team.
Fleet Week will include dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships. Hosted by the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum (see info. below), participating members engage in a wide range of demonstrations and competitions, including the ever popular tug-of-war, arm wrestling, best chow cook-off, search & rescue demonstrations. A full range of entertainment is provided for sailors and guests. Many Fleet Week participants will take the opportunity to explore New York City, so you may see them wandering around during Fleet Week.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
(Pier 86 -- 46th Street & the Hudson River)
Over a dozen military ships will participate in this year's Fleet Week--including the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy--New York's premier thank you to the men and women of our armed forces. Come out and say Hi!
Information: 212-245-0072
* Active duty & retired US military personnel and Intrepid Museum members are admitted free with valid ID.
For more detailed information on specific activities scheduled each day during Fleet Week, visit www.jimdeli.com/events.
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Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
Saturday, May 27 through Monday, May 29, 2006
Saturday, June 3 & Sunday June 4, 2006
12:00 noon - 7:00 p.m.
(more weekends scheduled in September)
Greenwich Village
LaGuardia Place between Bleecker and E. 4th Streets
University Place between E. 3rd & E. 12th Streets, and a couple of adjacent side streets along the way.
Information: (212) 982-6255
Bryant Park Summer Activities
GMA Summer Concert Series begins in May. The free concerts are broadcast live on ABC television's Good Morning America on Fridays at 7:00 a.m. The concert for May is:
DATE/PERFORMER/LOCATION
Friday, May 26
Dixie Chicks
Upper Terrace
If you want to get as close as possible to the stage, arrive at the park no later than 7:00 a.m.
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Bryant Park Knits
Produced by Knit New York
Free knitting lessions on Mondays!
May 1, 8, 15 & 22
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Gravel area across from the BP Grill
Experienced instructors from Knit New York on 14th Street provide beginners with step-by-step methods and experts with insights and challenges. Come to watch. Come to learn. Come to knit. If you are already knitting, bring your project and share ideas and secrets with other enthusiasts. Yarn and needles are supplied for beginners. Starter kits are available for sale. Classes are limited to 20 people. Please pre-register by calling (212) 387-0707, or take a chance and stop by.
Let's go get sun kissed!!
Maya Santos Edited by: MayasHeartBeat at: 5/1/06 8:09 pm
Re: Texas Teens
Hi Serene,
First of all, let me tell you how sorry how I am about what happened to you in the past. I have a girlfriend in the same situation and like with other form of abuse, it's an uphill struggle. You know there is always someone here to listen and care for what you feel and what you have to say. We may be far, but you're not alone! Thanks for sharing.
Shula,
The python thing... It was a very hot day in South Africa (36C at 11AM) and we were on a "snake tour". The lady guide had one wrapped around her and it was pretty big, as you can imagine. She explained that if a python wanted to eat you, it would wrap around you ribcage to expel all the air out of it before eating you. Pythons wrap around the back of your neck because it happens to be the warmest part of your body and as you know, snakes need heat and also, despite her size, the female python there was still too small to kill a human being. The guide was asking if anyone wanted to hold her (as in around your neck), I wanted to, but some guy stepped in as in "me, me, me". She gave him the python and within minutes, the guy was calling it out for his Mommy so I got the chance then . I felt very comfortable with her and I stayed with her for about 10 minutes. It was a bit unnerving to feel her tense her muscles , but I knew this is how she moved.
At some point, she was wrapped around me like a scarf. When I gave her back to the guide, I felt a lot cooler and the back of my neck was almost cold. I really enjoyed it, it was like the python and I had some kind of "exchange". I know this may sound weird, but this was how it felt.
Re: NEW ORLEANS - POST KATRINA - JAZZ FEST 2006 IS ON!!
Hey my ladies,
Hope everyone is havig a fantastic week as I am. I'm on the run so I did not have time to read any posts but I wanted to share this Rescue Me clip I found on Yahoo. About 13 minutes long and very cute. 3 Stooges type humor. It appears Daniel has a gift for comedy as well. All the guys did a great job. Enjoy. If this season is a little lighter as this clip is, I'm sure I'll be tuning in.
PS- Daniel, you're such a serious thespian, nice to see you flexing your considerable comedic chops. Major kudos.
Hey Honey bunches of oats!!
I missed you guys something terrible. I have been trying to read through all the posts but will admit it will take me more then the precious few moments I have!!!
Speaking on Stalkers ( that was you correct my Shula?!) Forgive me if I'm wrong.. my brain is in fifty million places) I have been unfortunately been the victim of such actions one two many times in my life. I don't know why some men choose to follow a woman or scare her as a way of "flattering her." Leaving notes on my car telling me you watched me from your window and think I am beautiful in my work clothes is not attractive. It's heart wrenching. Following me off of the expressway at break neck speeds and administering lewd gestures at me from your car does not make me want to have a drink with you. It makes me drive directly to the police station and honk my horn until a cop comes out and saves me! I don't think I am exceptionally pretty. I look average. I don't think I should be afraid to have a smile on my face or be pleasant to someone in fear that they will take it the wrong way. Ok.. enough of that!
I love you guys and missed you sooooooo much! Life has been a bit hectic and I'm sorting through some things. But know you were all on my mind!! Maya... Expatty Cakes ( see the name has stuck! ) Sereney, La Madam!! Divine, Star, Mine rich, Onfire, and anyone I missed.. love you love you love you!!!! And Daniel!!!
Re: Hey Honey bunches of oats!!
SHULAAA - OH MYYYY!!!
If I could just be in a team to write, script, style, act, produce, edit and execute a clip like that one, ma-lord I'd feel soooo graduated! And that's the whole point: it takes a team of a whole lot more people than those on the screen whom we love to fall in love with. To light, stage, edit, mic, mix, master, final cut takes oceans of "creative and unpredictable focus" (even if it sounds like an unimaginable combo). And then all the organization and administration to sell before you even created. hm, another Mt. Everest for some. But wow, how fascinating it is to see a piece so cleverly done. Show after show, RM! has had its unique dose of noir and this outdid Halloween with both "a trick and a noir-treat!"
my stomach is aching from so much laughter, suspense, laughter, pride and excitement for that Rescue Me! clip. You're all in good company Daniel + Co.!
I hope I can embed or play this at www.myspace.com/mayazinha
wow, my page's gonna' be off the chain!
I'm out of the loop for two weeks and a whole world has passed before my eyes. I've had deadlines coming out of my ears, but now that I have some free time, I'm going to get me quick-a-readin' and post something relevant.
Maya-baby, you'n'the baby got to thinking about xoco yet?
I'll be back as soon as I've read your news ladies.
Re: YEEEEE!!!!!
Hellloooooo everybody!
It sounds like we are all busy at break neck speeds. Liquid, I'm hoping the hectic stuff is tolerable and not unpleasant happenings. You'll work it out. Girl, we've managed to mirror each other again. I consider myself average as well. I guess the psychos just love us. Maybe they detect we're pshyco enough to go with them but we just don't know we are psycho, yet. I'm telling you guys, we need to have Tasers like Chloe tasering the guy in the bar on 24 who didn't understand no. It was hilarious.
Maya, you would be proud of me. Went to the mall, yesterday with my girl from New York. Had my jeans and heels on struttin' with my adopted New York attitude. Had you on my mind and she was coachin' me. Guy got bold. Gave him my Clint Eastwood stare down with a Shula ain't feeling you grin. Worked like a charm.
Maya, wasn't that Rescue Me clip awesome? You guys should all try to snatch about 13 minutes to watch it. Daniel and all the guys are awesome. I hope they have a great season and some girl power.
All of you have a great, great day!!
Immigrants and the Lord's Word & Human Health Education
Shula darlin' ... I'm reposting what you wrote on myspace page ... it is the strongest show of truth and fairness we have ever had for everyone ... how little our minds and our hearts are, that only the Lord has provided such justice, but to date, our public leaders resist and are at the epicenter of all opposed practices to the Lord's Will. If we have this earth to live on, isn't if for all of us to travel and learn and share? Bush was in NYC today for the 100 most influential blah-blah Lincoln Center events ... hope he got a dose of diversity there, "if" indeed there was diversity behind those doors. Sometimes, our melting pot is extremely compartmentalized. Upper East disses Upper West, Lower East can't stand Murray Hill, and our peepls from Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn all dismiss Staten Islanders altogether. Nevermind Jersey and Long Island folk vs. Manhattanites.
Another thing is all the junky distractions America is involved in, and I'm so guilty of it, my head is in myspace too damned much and I'm making $$ on it ... imagine all the millions who are just wasting time and shooting the breeze ... hypnotized by pictures of themselves! All teen-America is definitely hooked and NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THE ISSUES. SO,
I'm making my English page less promo for junk. Unless your music and your shows carry a message, you ain't on on my board. My Spanish page is already activist. Tribo's page is very artistic but our blog is getting transformed to speak out on Slavery and persecution for the Umbandan, Yoruba and Candomble cultures, languages, religions. And we just landed a college radio show in Rio de Janeiro, and that's definitely a social conscience talk show based on poetry. We're building a page for that as well in Portuguese and English with informative links and documentation. It's called RUIDO, which means NOISE. Reminds me of Miles Davis saying he needed the NYC noise to create. Love to you Miles, wherever your spirit is playing a great tune. Well, our show is called RUIDO because we're too quiet and letting all the B.S. corrupt our minds and souls.
So please, let's not let all our social engagements distract us; otherwise, we'll keep on complaining of how bad things are while remaining stoic and thus guilty of our own plight.
I asked several adults, teens and kids (homeschooled too - 1 of my brothers was) about education on child abuse (avoidance and survival methods) and they all replied with a huge "NOOOO! Nobody ever gave a lesson on that, are you crazy! They won't even admit that child abuse is real!! I think the rely on common sense phrases like don't speak to strangers; but never-ever-ever watch out for any teacher, family member or neighbor who gets too close to you or stalks you." So, again, it's our responsibility for we are the ones with the (1) needs and (2) the survival skills. Couple those into a healthy and honest philosophy, teach them to all those whom you know need to learn a bit. Don't worry, a hunch will tell you. And let's save some lives, shall we!!
Listen to Kids has great 1-liner tips for all of us!
paz y amor, maya santos
AND A GREAT SONG I HEARD THIS MORNING BY THE NEVILLE BROTHERS ... ON MY FAVORITE STATION WWW.WWOZ.ORG
Sons & Daughters
The Neville Brothers
Young man on his way home from the market
Just enjoying the beautiful afternoon
It gets kinda dark, sun just set
There's these other young men
Standing on the corner
Nothing to do
Just hanging around
The're passin' out the weapons to each other
Brass knuckles, pipes, chains, half a bricks
Broken bottles, switch blades
Young man lands in jail
For some crime he did not commit
352 years hard labor in Angola Prison
352 years and hard labor
Sleepless nights between sugar cane and cotton
That's where he lies the ropes
And pays with his soul
For some crime he did not commit
We think we're save at home
With our bomber stickers
Saying: just say no
We give up a few freedoms here and there
In the name of a squeaky clean America
Now they have got us hypnotized and hysterical
Now they have got us hypnotized and hysterical
Screaming for blood and justice
Now they have got us hypnotized and hysterical
Screaming for blood and justice
They show us the faces of hatred
Over and over, a new one every week
Could be Manuel Noriega
Could be Ayattollah
Any old scapegoat'll do
The young men will be our sacrificial lamb
Pro choice no choice
We are sending our sons and daughters
To this slaughter
Pro choice no choice
Slogans mean nothing to a young man
Facing 352 years hard labor in Angola
For a crime he did not commit
It's freedom of speech
As long as you don't say to much
You can't stop running waters
You can't kill the fire that burns inside
Don't deny our flesh and blood
Don't forsake our sons and daughters
It's freedom of speech
As long as you don't say to much
I think we're all running
Thinking that we can't hide
I think we're running
Trying to get away
But sooner or later we gonna realize
We gonna meet up with the truth
Face to face
Edited by: MayasHeartBeat at: 5/8/06 10:38 pm
Star Cocoa Lounger
Posts: 43
(5/10/06 2:45 pm) Reply
Just Came Here To Chill
One of life’s most fulfilling moments occurs in that split second when the familiar is suddenly transformed into the dazzling aura of the profoundly new….These breakthroughs are too infrequent, more uncommon than common; and we are mired most of the time in the mundane and the trivial. The shocker: what seems mundane and trivial is the very stuff that discovery is made of. The one difference is our perspective, our readiness to put the pieces together in an entirely new way and to see patterns where only shadows appeared just a moment before.
Edward B. Lindaman, Thinking in Future Tense
"Refuge (When It's Cold Outside)"
Sung by John Legend
I pray for better days to come
I pray that I would see the sun
Cuz life is so burdensome
When everyday's a rainy one
But suddenly there's no more clouds
I believe without a doubt
That heaven sent an angel down
And then she turned my life around
You know and I know
Friends come and friends go
Storms rise and winds blow
But one thing I know for sure
When it's cold outside
There's no need to worry cuz
I'm so warm inside
You give me peace
When the storm's outside
Cuz we're in love I know
It'll be alright
Alright it's alright
Oooh...
Now peace is so hard to find
We're terrorized and victimized
But that's when I close my eyes
And think of you to ease my mind
You take me to another place
There's no more war (no more war)
Just love and grace
Baby you restore my faith
I know the struggle's not in vain
You know and I know
Through all the battles
Baghdad to Israel
There's one thing I know for sure
When it's cold outside
There's no need to worry cuz
I'm so warm inside
You give me peace
When the storm's outside
Cuz we're in love I know
It'll be alright
Alright it's alright
Oh...
When it's cold outside
There's no need to worry cuz
I'm so warm inside
You give me peace
When the storm's outside
Cuz we're in love I know
It'll be alright
Alright it's alright
Oh it's gonna be alright
Ooh...
Cuz you give me peace
In the middle of the storm
When it's cold you're keeping me warm
It's alright
It's alright
I'm never gonna leave
You give me what I need
It's alright, alright
Peace and blessings to all the beautiful minds and hearts.
Hello! It feels like eons since I last posted, but like I told Daniel and Expat I’m in the throes of writing my first romance book. The experience has been wonderful and challenging on many levels.
There have been too many disheartening experiences of late, but I hope all of you and your loved ones are in good spirits and health.
Daniel: You have to let me know if you were able to obtain that book I told you about. If you haven’t purchased it let me know and I’ll send you my copy. The particular genre might not appeal to you but the storyline is quite interesting and adventurous enough that it will appeal to both genders. It will make a great movie. Trust me your name is written all over this book (smart, sexy, masculine w/attitude, rich, powerful and socially conscious). You’ll have to let me know what you think once you read it. A good script writer could whip this into a nice period piece.
Heard Kiefer Sutherland just signed to do three more years of 24. I’d love to see you on it.
Here are some additional projects I thought you might be interested in:
Red Tails-George Lucas planning to next direct his passion project Red Tails. The war film tells the dramatic story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during the Second World War.
The Kingdom-directed by Pete Berg and starring Chris Cooper and Jamie Foxx who play part of an FBI team that goes into a Middle Eastern country to investigate a terrorist bombing in one of the compounds that houses western workers. Matthew Michael Carnahan penned the script, with Michael Mann and Scott Stuber producing. Mary Parent will exec produce with John Cameron and Sarah Aubrey.
Pride and Glory (New Line Cinema)- Jennifer Ehle, Edward Norton and Colin Farrell is a crime drama that revolves around a three-generation family of New York cops. The family is thrown into turmoil when one son (Norton) uncovers a police corruption scandal involving his brother .
Vantage Point-Columbia Pictures. William Hurt (President), Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox project chronicles an attempted presidential assassination told from five points of view. Pete Travis is direct from a Barry Levy screenplay. Neal Moritz is producing thorough his Sony-based Original Film shingle, while Original’s Tania Landau is executive producing. Sony’s Andrea Giannetti is shepherding for the studio.
Star Trek 11-directed by J.J. Abrams (Mission Impossible III, Lost, Alias- project will center on the early days of seminal “Trek” characters James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, including their first meeting at Starfleet Academy and first outer space mission.
P.D.R.-Kimberly Elise, Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac Lionsgate. South African musicvid and commercials director Sunu Gonera will direct-based on the true story of Philadelphia swim coach Jim Ellis, Film from a screenplay by Michael Gozzard, Kevin M. Smith and Mills Goodloe.
Elis fixed an abandoned city pool in one of Philadelphia’s toughest neighborhoods and recruited African-American youths to join his team, which went on to win the state championship.
The Crusaders-Terrence Howard is attached to play Thurgood Marshall in the New Line drama The Crusaders. The story I seen through the eyes of Jack Greenberg, a young lawyer who became the only white member of the NAACP. Greenberg joined Marshall in the fight to end segregation. Brad Siberling will direct from the script by Lawrence O’Donnell and Paul Redford.
Save Us,Joe Louis (aka The War to Come)-In the 1930s, two amazing boxers, the United States’ Joe Louis and Germany’s Max Schmeling, became metaphors for the two countries. The fights between the men were so influential on their nations, they also became political battles. Often portrayed as a symbol of Nazi Aryan supremacy, Schmeling actually helped Jews during the War. Spike Lee has called upon famous writer Budd Schulberg to take on the script and boxing historian/expert Bert Randolph Sugar to help supervise the film’s development.
Red Dust-is the story of an anti-apartheid activist who gets the help of a former student, now a New York City prosecutor to fight a case before South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Hilary Swank and Chiwetel Ejiofor of Dirty Pretty Things star in the courtroom drama. The film is directed by Tom Hooper. Troy-Kennedy Martin scripts the adaptation of Gillian Slovo’s novel.
The Burial-Ron Howard is attached to direct the drama The Burial for Warner Bros. The Burial is about funeral home owner Jeremiah O’Keefe who sues a large corporation owned by a known racist. O’Keefe’s lawyer, the well-known African-American attorney Willie Gary, takes the racially charged case to court. Douglas Wright adapts the script from an article by Jonathan Harr, who also wrote A Civil Action. Ed Saxon, Brian Grazer and Robert Shriver produce this film at Imagine Entertainment.
Voltage-Robert Altman targets corporate America as the setting of his next ensemble comedy, Voltage. Alan Rudolph adapts the script from author Robert Grossbach’s book The Shortage of Engineer. The story examines the lives of Department of Defense subcontractors on Long Island. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Liv Tyler Steve Buscemi, Elliot Goud, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Harry Belafonte. Altman and Rudolph produce the film.
Paint-Salma Hayek stars in the Robert Altman directed comedy Ultraviolet. The film is set in the New York City art scene with all its backstabbing and double-crossing. Jmes Franco co-stars in the ensemble picture. Also Glenn Close.
Brothers In Arms-Denzel Washingotn will direct the war drama Brothers in Arms based on the book by Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Anthony Walton. The film tells the epic sotry of WWII’s 761st Tank Battalion, an all black brigade that was on the frontlines ofr 183 days including the Battle of the Bulge. The soldiers of the battalion are considered forgotten heroes of WWII and this film will bring their accomplishements to the forefront. Washington is also a producer on the film.
American Gangster-Denzel Washington is back on board the real-life drama American Gangster. Frank Lucas was a key palyer in the heroin trade during the 1970x in Harlem. The film will portray his fast rise and fall in the drug worl. Steve Zaillian scripts the fi which is produced by Imagine Entertainment. Directing is Ridley Scott and co-starring Russell Crowe.
The Great New Wonderful-The comedy-drama The Great New Wonderful presents stories set against the backdrop of a post 9/11 New York. Magie Gyllenhaal and Edie Falco play ake designers competing in the high-stakes high-society pastry game. Tony Shalhoub and Olympia Dukakis co-star in the film written by Sam Catlin and directd by Danny Leiner.
Chaos-Wesley Snipes, Ryan Phillippe, and Jason Statham star in the action thriller Chaos. Phillippe and Statham play two cops who are pursuing a bank robber played by Snipes. The thief has a good knowledge of the inner workings of the police department, making their job all the more difficult. Justine Waddell appears as a female police officer. The film is written and directed by Tony Giglio.
For those of you who are looking for literary agents (fiction and nonfiction) there is a great web site www.agentquery.com
Deadline: July 7, 2006 (Intent to Apply)
NEA/TCG Theater Residency Program for Playwrights Invites Applications
The NEA/TCG Theater Residency Program for Playwrights, jointly developed by the Theatre Communications Group and the National Endowment for the Arts, affords playwrights the opportunity to create new plays in residence at a host theater and to become an integral part of the theater's artistic life and community activities. Playwright residences are made possible by major support from the National Endowment for the Arts and are supported, in part, by the Ford Foundation's New Works Program.
Eleven playwrights will receive $25,000 each in support of the residencies. In addition, eleven host theaters will be provided with $4,500 each to enhance their ability to support the work of the resident playwright. In cases where the playwright lives a great distance from his or her host theater, the recipient playwright may submit an application for supplemental residency funds. Each recipient will also be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to support ongoing life needs (health insurance, child care, and/or elder care).
Eligibility requirements: a playwright’s residency must be a minimum of six months in length (not necessarily consecutive), and the playwright must be a U.S. citizen and have had a full-length play either published and/or professionally produced in the U.S. at least once in the last five years. In addition, the host theater must have not-for-profit, tax-exempt status and have had either 1) a minimum of five years as a professional producing organization, having produced a minimum of five productions during that period, or 2) produced at least two productions per season for the last three years.
For complete information on the NEA/TCG Theater Residency Program for Playwrights and application procedures, visit the TCG Web site. www.tcg.org/frames/progra...grants.htm
Deadline: August 24, 2006
Gerbode and Hewlett Foundations Invite Applications for California Emerging Playwright Awards
The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation have announced a special round of $50,000 grants for the creation and production of major new contemporary plays by young California playwrights. These new works will be commissioned and premiered by Bay Area performing arts organizations and created by California playwrights of great promise age 35 or younger at the time of application.
These grants are part of a three-year, $900,000 initiative by the Gerbode and Hewlett foundations to support Bay Area performing artists and arts organizations at a time when funding has been increasingly difficult to come by. In 2005 the initiative funded six $50,000 commissions for emerging choreographers. In 2007 the initiative will fund commissions for emerging young composers. Details on the 2007 commissioning initiative will be announced in the spring of 2007.
The 2006 program will grant up to six awards of $50,000 to nonprofit performing arts presenting organizations or multi- disciplinary presenting organizations (such as performing arts centers, festivals, community arts facilities, theater producers, and community centers) that are based in the counties of San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa, San Mateo, or Santa Clara.
The 2006 Emerging Playwright Awards Guidelines and Application are available at the Gerbode Foundation Web site. fdncenter.org/grantmaker/...gplay.html
Deadline: June 30, 2006
Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice Invites Entries for Writers Fund
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice works for social, racial and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally.
Astraea’s Lesbian Writers Fund was established in 1990 to support the work of emerging lesbian writers, and to acknowledge the contributions of established lesbian writers.
First-place awardees and two runners-up in the poetry and fiction categories will receive cash awards ($10,000 for the first-place awardee and $1,500 for the runners-up).
To be eligible for an award from the Lesbian Writers Fund, a candidate must satisfy all of the following: be a lesbian writer of either fiction or poetry; reside in the United States; have produced work that includes some lesbian content; have published at least one piece of writing (in any genre) in a newspaper, magazine, journal, anthology, or professional Web publication (excluding personal or self-produced homepages); and have not published more than one book (published work may be in any discipline; self-published books are not included in the one book maximum).
For complete program information, application instructions, additional information on Astraea, an/or to find listings of previous Lesbian Writers Fund grantees and panelists, visit the foundation's Web site. www.astraea.org/PHP/Grant...sFund.php4
Deadline: May 26, 2006
Filmmakers Invited to Submit Entries for BET'S Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition
BET (Black Entertainment Television), the Black AIDS Institute, and the Kaiser Family Foundation have announced the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition.
The competition provides a platform to creatively explore issues around HIV/AIDS in African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latin communities in the U.S., including stigma and discrimination, black male sexuality, homophobia, and perceptions of masculinity, femininity, and gender roles.
The competition seeks to encourage attention to fresh and culturally unique storylines that encompass HIV/AIDS issues within the black community, including bringing attention to under-explored topics. The winner will receive up to $25,000 to produce his or her winning short film. The winning film will be shown on BET sometime around World AIDS Day (December 1, 2006), and will also be submitted for viewing at independent film festivals around the world.
The RIU/BASS competition is open to all races and tonicities; however, submissions must address the issue of HIV/AIDS and the black male. The film competition begins February 7, 2006, and closes May 26, 2006. The early submission deadline is May 2, 2006 ($55 entry fee); the submission deadline is May 26, 2006 ($80 entry fee).
See the Black AIDS Institute Web site for additional information. www.blackaids.org/
Deadline: May 15, 2006
Funding Exchange Invites Proposals for Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media
Named to honor singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, the Funding Exchange's Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media supports media activism and grassroots organizing by funding the pre-production and distribution of social issue film and video projects, as well as the production and distribution of radio projects made by local, state, national, or international organizations and individual media producers.
The fund solicits projects in all genres that address critical social and political issues, combine intellectual clarity with creative use of the medium, and demonstrate understanding of how the production will be used for progressive social justice organizing.
The Robeson Fund makes grants to radio projects in all production stages and to film and video projects in the pre-production or distribution stages only. The fund does not support production or post-production costs for film and video projects.
The maximum grant award is $20,000, and most grants will range between $5,000 and $15,000.
See the Funding Exchange Web site for complete program guidelines and application criteria and instructions. www.fex.org/
Deadline: May 25, 2006
Independent Television Service Announces LINCS 2006 Guidelines
A program of the Independent Television Service, LINCS — Local Independents Collaborating with Stations — gives independent producers and public television stations an opportunity to form full production and presentation partnerships. By providing matching funds to these partnerships, LINCS acts as a catalyst, helping independent producers leverage the support of stations and helping stations access the talent of independent producers, creating programs that speak to their communities.
LINCS seeks projects that differ from standard television fare. Programs should stimulate civic discourse and find innovative ways to explore regional, cultural, political, social, or economic issues. Projects should speak to the ITVS mission to serve underserved audiences with programs that "take creative risks, explore complex issues, and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television." LINCS encourages two-producer projects, where an experienced maker mentors an emerging assistant producer or co-producer.
Projects may be in any stage of development, and all genres are eligible, including documentary, drama, animation, and innovative combinations. Public television must be the intended distribution outlet.
Stations must elect a representative that will be committed to working closely with the independent producer from start to finish on the project. The independent producer must be at least 18 years old and a citizen or legal resident of the United States or its external territories. Station partners must be affiliated with the PBS system and/or receive monies from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
LINCS funding provides up to $100,000. Funds are paid directly to the independent producer. Requested funding must be matched by a combination of secured cash and the station's in-kind and/or cash contributions.
Visit the ITVS Web site for complete program information and application procedures. The online application will be available March 20, 2006. www.itvs.org/producers/li...lines.html
Deadline: Rolling
Sundance Fund to Support International Documentary Projects
A program of the Sundance Institute, the Sundance Documentary Fund is dedicated to supporting U.S. and international documentary films and videos focused on current and significant issues and movements in contemporary human rights, freedom of expression, social justice, and civil liberties.
The fund only accepts projects dealing with contemporary issues, and does not accept historical projects, biographies, or series. Individuals from around the world may apply with documentary film or video projects that range in length from full broadcast hour to long format feature. Applicants must have creative and budgetary control over the proposed documentary. The Sundance Documentary Fund is extremely competitive and only a fraction of submitted proposals will be funded. Quality of work samples, strength of proposal, potential for broad international distribution, and the issue's significance are elements heavily weighed during the review process.
Two distinct project categories will be considered for funding:
Development Funds are available for projects in the research or preproduction phase. Grants in this category range up to $15,000. Grantees receiving development funds may reapply for additional support upon completion of at least a rough cut of their documentary.
Work in Progress Funds are available for projects in production or postproduction. These submissions are eligible for the maximum grant award of $75,000, but generally, awards in this category will range from $20,000 to $50,000.
For complete program information, see the Sundance Institute Web site. institute.sundance.org/js...IuIEovtlbC
Fly Like A Bird
Sung by Mariah Carey
Somehow I know that
There's a place up above
With no more hurt and struggling
Free of all atrocities and suffering
Because I feel the unconditional love
From one who cares enough for me
To erase all my burdens
And let me be free to
Fly like a bird
Take to the sky
I need you now Lord
Carry me high
Don't let the world break me tonight
I need the strength of you by my side
Sometimes this life can be so cold
I pray you'll come and carry me home
Can we recover
Will the world ever be
A place of peace and harmony
With no war and with no brutality
If we loved each other
We would find victory
But in this harsh reality
Sometimes I'm so despondant
That I feel the need to
Fly like a bird
Take to the sky
I need You now Lord
Carry me high
Don't let the world break me tonight
I need the strength of You by my side
Sometimes this life can be so cold
I pray You'll come and carry me home
I need You right here right now Lord
I need You right here by my side
Keep your head to the sky
With God's love you'll survive
Fly like a bird
Take to the sky
I need you now Lord
Carry me high
Don't let the world break me tonight
I need the strength of You by my side
Sometimes this life can be so cold
I pray You'll come and carry me home
Carry me higher, higher, higher
Carry me higher, higher, higher
Carry me home
Higher Jesus
Carry me higher Lord
As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.
John Muir
I just read some serious nastiness from a individual in the yahoo group trying to pummel Mr. Sunjata's reputation into the ground. Why do people have to be like that? Actually, why do they choose to be that way? A multitude of reasons, but it's certainly ugly to see what human beings are capable of doing if the fancy takes them. Sigh. Let's keep spreading the love ladies, and Daniel, the worms from the woodwork may crawl up and try to bite, but we'll get them to shuffle along.
Ladies, I've read, I'm rejuvenated, thank you.
Shulee, I have no words, just an ENORMOUS arms around the shoulders face squeezing hug!!!
Did you get it? All of you who have suffered the traumas and pains of abuse, thank you for having the strength to be here today, and for giving and sharing. I have male friends who were abused as children, and they are affected by the pain thirty years down the line. We never escape our childhood, we can only turn around and confront our fears, otherwise we keep on running, but the child and the fear are always a few steps behind us.
I'm moving on to looks ladies. The dirty sly by make-me-feel- really-uneasy-now looks. I look young, child-like, and coming back to Miss Smiley, I'm one of those open-looking unsuspecting beans who smiles and smiles and walks on by, but I guess I've just got to be careful about the direction in which the smile is being beamed, it can attract the wrong kind of attention, the attention with those LOOKS I just mentioned. Shiver shiver! I think it's a real shame that we have become so scared of the world that God gave us; my papa loves children, but gone are the days when he can so much as smile at a child without receiving a different kind of look from the mother. I understand why mothers are scared, the world is not a safe place for us, or our babies, but it makes me sad.
Subject change.
Maya, I'm so with you on the soya shake bonanza, I've been saying I'll get me a juicer/ blender for so long now, and it's still on the gadget list! My mama used to give me soya as a littl'un, but I didn't develop a taste for it until much later, and now I just don't like the mucousy after-taste that milk leaves in the mouth. Don't get me wrong, I still like my ice-cream and the odd milkshake, but really it's soya all the way.
Shuleee the raw food website that you posted was super interesting! I am BIG fan of raw foods, and aside from my love of most things green and leafy, much of plant nutrients is destroyed in the cooking process, so nutritionally raw foods seem to be better than the cooked versions! If I don't get my daily quota of raw, my body screams at me.
Serene, I think the U.K. is second only to America in the overweight stakes, but I can vouch for French women being of the remarkably slender type well into old age. French cuisine, although varied, certainly isn't light on the butter or cream, and then you only have to look at the French patisserie to wonder at how such a thing as a slim French race is possible. The secret (other than genetics)? Moderation. Rich food comes in small portions. The fact is all this low fat nonsense is often crammed with bulking agents and preservatives to try and make the low fat version taste as good as the high fat version (it never works!). It leaves you unsatisfied and ultimately...craving. If you eat the high fat version, your body rejects the surplus as you just end up feeling sick! Okay, so you may need some self-discipline, but I post from a leetle experience and I know the same holds true for others. Hmmn, the body needs to be operating properly in the first place, for the signals to get through and hit home ... the 'I'm full' signal and the recognising the difference between 'I'm hungry' and 'appetie' signals. Too much of a good thing... I think that low fat products can induce the eater to binge as it is easier to justify having more than 'one' of those as they're 'low in fat.' Ultimately you end up consuming more calories in three low fat treats that with the one full-fat version. I have spent years messing around with food and exercise, part and parcel of an eating disorder, I used to educate myself to abuse myself, now I educate myself to improve and better, to nurture the self. Once the self-made prisoner the media culture portrayals of must-be beauty, I am prisoner no longer, and by the grace of God, loved ones, and the power to change, I'm healthy.
Moving on, moving on from the green, but still on a ‘good for you’ note is 'The Good Shopping Guide.' Behold a book that lists ethical companies and life-stranglers in one lovely edition. From ice-cream to running shoes it is my new best friend, well, reference guide. RECOMMENDED for quick-decision-making about ethical buys.
Hey, who posted about indigenous peepils? I forget. Shuleee, was it yew? I was reading about one of the last Indian chiefs on the East Coast of the United States just recently, ‘Buffalo Tiger.’ There is a picture of him, beautiful nut-brown skin, weather-lined speckled from years of sunshine. I have always held a fascination for the native American Indians, their spirituality, their oneness with nature, all indigene captivate me … maybe I should go and live in the fields or the trees, I just might... I think we (many of us) are too far removed from our natural environment, we become confused, the body and mind displaced from their ‘home’ into a ‘home’ of grey and glass and concrete that we have created for ourselves. It’s no wonder that our signals misfiring, the earth nurtures us in a way that the city only pretends, but easily deceives… when will we learn to save ourselves? The tomorrow of good changes may never come, the earth is our home, if we don’t protect her who will? Forget economics and politics, if we have no earth to house us, we cease to exist.
On a more cheerful note, the 12 (or however many) minute clip of Rescue Me had me in stitches! I was home alone and laughing out loud! I’m still waiting for the second season, I’ll have to buy it on DVD.
Sorry this post jumped around a bit, I had a lot of ground to cover, but I is back innit?
Starving!!!!!
Welcome back, Star. Always great to hear from you! All of those projects sound interesting and like great opps for Daniel. And I also thank you for those beauiful words. And Maya, the music rocks hard. Thank you.
Madem, thanks for the hug. I got it and thank you. You girls are always so loving and supportive. So much so that I had no idea that I was still damaged and dealing with this stuff until my fake papparazzi stalker and we started talking about victimization experiences. And yes, I read that awful message on Yahoo. It turned my stomach. It felt much like the feeling I get when someone is emotionally raping you when they prey upon you in some way. That shiver feeling you mentioned. I do not participate in the Yahoo group anymore because of it. There has been more than one negative incident and it is always a "drive by" on Daniel's character or something insanely sexually explicit about his person or once even slanderous gossip about another celeb. It makes me very uncomfortable. I suppose it has a lot to do with the abuse I've been through. I can't tolerate it well for myself and I don't care to watch it happen to anyone else so I don't write there anymore. I miss interacting with a lot of the people there but I prefer this positive environment. I'm glad they have not brought the filth here. This be the haven, mon.
You guys have got to help me with this healthy eating thing. I AM MELTING. I cut dairy completely. About 3.5 weeks now. No meats. Before that just poultry and fish mostly. I have always eaten a lot of fruits and veggies but I find I am craving whole cows and pigs and carbs and sweets. I had better control when I ate them sparingly. Now, I crave like a starving pregnant woman. My weight is plummeting and my skin has broken out like I'm a teenager. That's supposed to happen, right? Detoxing, isn't it? Lots of veggie juices. Pure carrot. I'm down to 112 lbs. My daughter was lying on me with her cheek on mine. She said she had to get up because my cheekbones were too sharp. Ha ha. How do you maintain a healthy weight without meat and fats? Or is this what I would really weigh if I ate the way I really should? I don't care for the heroin chic look. I'm scared that I will end up really skinny and unhealthy looking. I even stopped biking and exercising until my weight settles. Preservation. What I would not do for a Snickers bar or an Oreo blizzard right now. Isn't that gross?!!! But I am STARVING to death . I have always had an almost gluttonous appetite and I feel like I'm eating little more than GRASS. I feel extremely faint and dizzy. I drive by cows and horses in my neighborhood and I imagine them in burgers. With everything. And I don't even eat a lot of red meat. Or horses . Please tell me that this too shall pass. Unsatisfied cravings can drive a person to insanity. I imagine this is temporary and hopefully my body will adjust to not eating large amounts of food. The little girl that eats a lot is really hungry. I go thru phases where I have to remind myself to eat but right now it's all I can think of. FEED ME, Seymour.
Madem, glad you liked the site. I think I'll go make a soy shake. Can I add, sausage?
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Oh, you could also try to start your day with a oatmeal, banana and soy milk shake (ANY FLAVOR IS GOOD!!) and you'll be so full until noon!! Drink 2 glasses (shakes) actually, the serving is equivalent to a full breakfast (of all that junk I can't list for obvious reasons). 
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