theSoapBox 3.0

Crying, Milk & Why They DO Go Together

2012-01-19T08:58:00.000-05:00

I'm reading a new book titled 'One Last Thing to Do Before You Die' by Steven GoldbergIt's about a guy who feels everyday unpleasantries out weigh everyday gems, so much so, it makes more sense to off yourself than continue to exposé ones self to all the horrible things humans do to one another.After the last 24 hours, I will admit to becoming a little more sympathetic to the authors plight. In the book, one character says the famous'...no use crying over spilled milk...' Phuck that. I wholeheartedly disagree. I tested this theory out last nite and I gotta admit, I honestly think a good guttural scream & a few tears might have done me some justice. I definitely got misty eyed when the cabby I was in forced me out of his cab to use some dodgy ATM, go out with me as if watching my back and drove off leaving me stranded at 2am in below 20 degree weather - gotta love new york phuckin city!-from f12 MobileStudios

things I want for Xmas, PT 1

2011-11-27T23:35:00.001-05:00

Dear Santa, I've been a REALLY good girl this year and would like the item below for Xmas. As I realize I'm older, I'll do my best to only post what I really really want :DThanks in advance!-coRRen

Buy the The Shot Glass Lens Set at the Photojojo Store!

Habits of the Heart - I Shot the Cover!

2011-11-01T23:42:00.000-04:00

Alexandra Estevez is FANTASTIC!

It's out! As many of you know, I've been working on getting back into the swing of my photography & it's been a long time coming! Big THANK YOU to Talib Kweli for making this happen & Ms. Alexandra Estevez for being such a trooper :D

click here to download

My Life at Apple

2011-10-06T19:04:00.003-04:00

It's been 6 hours since I heard the news. A visionary and one of my idols passed away.

I'm still in shock.

I got the news on my iPad... then double checked on my iPhone.
lol
Starring at the ceiling, listening to Cody snore, it dawned on me:
my whole life is connected to Steve Jobs.

It all started back in 2002. A co-worker returned from the Apple Store SoHo with some new device called an iPod. 20GB of music in your pocket. It was unheard of and very very inviting. The idea that every song I'd ever heard could be played at any time was too much to handle. I wanted one, badly.

Before I jumped on board, I took a trip to the SoHo store where I soon became a main fixture. Even though I was there to check out the iPods, I became entranced by the iBook. It was waaaay outta my price range but I knew I had to have it. I visited the store as often as I could, sitting in on all the free workshops and saved up a little over $800 bucks - still not enough for a new machine. I made what I'd now call a blasphemous move, I got my first mac on eBay - lol

From the moment it arrived, I don't think I did anything else but touch it for 2 weeks straight! A proper mac owner, the feeling of pride I felt when I attended the free workshops was indescribable. I found myself in a sponge like state, soaking up everything Apple. I would go to the Genius Bar and pick the brains of the über smart guys & gals for all kinds of tips & tricks. Little did I know I'd soon become one of them.

I'd always see Pax with my questions or problems. This was back when you didn't need appointment to see a genius. You could walk in & jump in the queue. You could even wait to see the genius of your choice - although I'm positive this wasn't supposed to happen - lol. Even still, the folks there were always kind, courteous, helpful and full of info.

The one thing I didn't love about my mac was it was white & looked like everyone else's. I found a website that thought you how to "customize" your iBook. I'll never forget the looks, comments & stares I received after I stripped my white iBook and changed it blue & green. All the geniuses asked how I'd done it, other customers looked at my mac like it was the coolest thing in the store. I'd earned the respect of the Geniuses and you couldn't tell me nothing! They thought I was cool & I felt like I was an honorary member of the club. Shortly there after, I got me my first iPod and my world was forever changed.

I spent every waking moment organizing my iTunes library. Looking back, it was iTunes that made me so good with Apple software. My iPod held the soundtrack to my life. Eventually, the iPod Photo was released and my jones of Apple products increased ten fold! Having all my music AND all my dope photos in my pocket seemed like a no brainer. I remember going to a VIBE magazine event & showing folks photos I'd taken of the Wu-Tang Clan, Pete Rock, the Beatminerz, Scarface & Erykah Badu on my iPod. It felt wonderful to be on the cusp of technology and present my work in a way most photogs weren't.

When I moved to London in 2003, I was more nervous about not having access to the SoHo store than moving to another continent! When the Regent St. Store opened it was like a clone of the SoHo store but bigger and the people had accents - lol. I didn't visit so much for the help, I considered myself a mini-genius by this time - but it was an extension of the clubhouse in NYC and made me feel at home just the same.

When I moved back to the states, finding work was a lot more difficult than I anticipated, mostly due to the car accident I'd been in. From physical therapy to Turning Heads to Metropolitan Antiques, I was shooting but not making any money. However, when Steve Jobs announced the release of the iPhone, I kid you not, I cried. My dream of a phone that would sync with all the stuff on my Mac came true & I knew I wanted to be apart of where ever Apple was heading next.

One day, I left my job shooting high end trinkets, walked into the Fifth av location & asked the first person I saw how you got a job working for Apple.
His response "www.jobs.apple.com"

YUM!

Opening Crew of W14th St

I went home that nite and applied. Within 3 weeks, I was part of the 250+ crew preparing to open the West 14th St. location. That was November of 2007. It was the most fun I'd ever had at any job. From the jumbo Apple branded cupcakes to the daisy chain of people unloading the trucks to the non stop clapping in of the first customers, to meeting Mary J Blige & Whoopie Goldberg. To say it was an experience is definitely an understatement. It changed my life. I stayed on as a Specialist then Mentor then Workshop presenter before I left the company briefly to pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the founder of Island Records, Chis Blackwell.

When I returned from Jamaica, I was asked to come back to Apple and had the option to go back to W14th or open yet another location, this time on the Upper West Side. Getting onto what I like to call 'Apple Island' is no easy fete. Legend has it, its easier to get into Stamford University than Apple. Not sure how much truth s behind that but it's takes a special kind of person to be on team Apple & I was so happy to be home.

me with my UWS co-workers in CPW

In the four years I've been with the company, I've meet & seen some famous faces. The day I saw that black mock turtle neck walking around the store, I was truly star struck. All I could do was smile - I was too nervous to do much more - he didn't say anything, just looked in my direction. I was less than 20ft away from the man responsible for my favorite gadgets & all I could think was "he really does wear a mock turtle neck everywhere!"

If I could have said anything to him it would have been thank you.
Thank you for standing alone & believing in yourself.
Thank you for thinking big.
Thank you for the iPod, iPhone, & iPad all of which have seen me through the highs & lows of these past few years
Most of all, thank you for my Apple family. From Tice's Corner to Hong Kong, we have great days & not so shiny ones but we alway have each other.

Rest in Power Steve

-fin

-corren c.
Creative
 Upper West Side

I LOVE Sundays in Brooklyn

2011-09-26T00:31:00.000-04:00

Cody at Vinnie's

Mostly because there's so much to see, do & photograph. Today, I took a walk down Bergen St. with @MissLadyT  & the Codster. On the way, we came across Vinne's Styles and stopped in to say hello to the homie George. As I'd never been to the shop, I was happy to see something new (to me anyway) with some really dope merchandise. From Kixx to Threads, Vinne's has it all! There were a few things I'll be goin back to pick up but that's for another post. The guys (George, Brandon & brothers Polo P & Jacob) were sooooo cool. Not only were there drinks, the grill was crakin' too! Burgers & Hot Dogs courtesy of Chef Boy R George :D

After our stint on Flatbush, we headed back to our own neck of the woods, Clinton Hill. Recently, NYC tax payers money has gone to "sprucing up" the end (or beginning) of Putnam Av by morphing it into a newly created pedestrian plaza.  

I gotta admit, I was really hoping the little protest we had over the summer would have been more effective but si la vi. To commemorate this new addition, Rich Medina DJ'd on a make shift stage right out front the Clean Rite!  

Rich Medina skoolin' da youngins
(click to peep his City Guide)

As I watched all the people walk by, I realized how diverse my neighborhood is. There was a person from every race & religion chatting & dancing to the sounds of afro beat. It was kinda odd two steppin' with the drunks & crackheads that give this so much color, but I gotta admit, I had a blast!

my favorite neighbors

hey girl hey!

BONG!

Weyez, Nicky, Tara

Gettin' Down!

Skyzoo

Beige

Cody: Almost Famous

2011-09-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

So... I get an email today stating that the photos I submitted of my ADORABLE pup were accepted on Bloggie Doggie!!!

My Not So Shiny Monday

2011-09-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

me, disgruntled

Today sucked. Even if I did have a nice time at the company meeting morphed picnic. It began with a dream I had about Cody. I was so busy trying to hang out with my new friend Manuel, I left Cody in the care of some people and forgot about him! It was terrible! When I woke up, I was so happy to see him...then he started to cough. Not a regular cough, it more like a quack. Seriously. A quack mixed with a Philosoraptor. I called the Dr. Mann straight away and got an emergency appointment for later in the day. We got up, did our morning ritual then headed to the mandatory company picnic. Not too bad, get paid to spend the day getting to know your co-workers, right? Not when you add in the random things that can happen on the MTA. There was a water main break on 110th st that shut down all service between 59th & 145th. No biggie, except we learn this bit of news while stopped in a tunnel! so I transfer to the D train in the hopes of at least moving in the right direction. No dice. The train was held in the station for I dont know how long before we finally pulled off. Cody did great considering we had to take 4 trains then walk to Central Park!

Cody chewing his bully stick
*photos by Matt Ramirez

We arrived about an hour (and a half) late.**story of my life**The food was great & I ate like a person on death row! Cody had a nice time too. Everybody rubbed his belly and he loved it - lol. There was even a point when I let him off the leash for 2 seconds and he took off like silver bullet! Running in circles at full speed, jumping over bags & backpacks like an olympian - lol. Eventually, it was time to go home, we had an appointment to keep. So we head to Brooklyn...The ride home was murderous. People jammed into the train cars, rushing to get home, pushing & shoving they're way in. Thank God we got a seat. No one stepped on Cody & he slept the whole looooooong ride home. I did have to shout at an old man because he refused to GET OFF the train so I could get out. We made it to the vet right on time (YAY!) and as soon as he arrived, he began to quack. We were IMMEDIATELY rushed us into the quarantine area.Yep.We sat in there for almost an hour before the nurse came in to find out whats up, take his temp, and all that jazz. I noticed poop on her shoe - she'd just finished handling a 17 year old dog that pooped when it walked. We were left to our own devices for a bit then the Doc confirmed - Kennel Cough. To remedy little Cody's quacking, he was given an nebulizer treatment, a weeks worth of Amoxicillin & some herbal drops for good measure. The bill: over $200 - thank goodness for pet insurance!By the time we got home, it was well after 8pm. We were both tired & Cody slept while I washed his toys & bed clothes. *whew*Like I said, it was a not so shiny day.

Live At the Loft #12: AFTA-1

2011-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last nite, I had the pleasure of FINALLY meeting my future ex-husband (j/k) Manuel aka AFTA-1. This very talented brother hails from the west coast & his music embodies everything fun, sun, happy, and LOVEly. Once again, I found myself in Hoboken, NJ at TONE's Live At the Loft series and this, time I came prepared :D Armed with my camera and my BYOB stash, we arrived to DJ Tara on the 1&2's doing her thang! I was excited to hear some new music and was not let down! AFTA-1's music sound like good vibes, we were blessed with some AMAZING new (and familiar) tracks that had heads bopping & feet stompin' for over an hour! There was even a guest appearance by Jesse Boykins III! Needless to say, I was inspired to take some awesome flix :) Hope y'all dig 'em.

AFTA-1

Jesse Boykins III & AFTA-1

DJ TARAcheck out the rest of the flix HERE

Dinner with Friends

2011-09-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Dinner with the girls is a rarity. Mostly because we live in different cities. So when we're all in the same place, dinner is like Christmas :D. Tonite, we went to Black Swan on Bedford Avenue. It was wonderful! Our waitress, Molly, had an accent reminiscent of Madonna in 'Who's That Girl' - lol. From the burgers to the fries served in Chinese take out containers (<- yep), to the fingerling potatoes & fudge brownie. Everything was great! We laughed throughout dinner and caught up on each other day to day. It was really really good to be with my girls :DCheck out Black Swan next time you're in BK - enjoi!

F12 + Alexandra Estevez = Hottness!!!

2011-09-12T15:15:00.006-04:00

As many of you know, I have been DYING to work with the very talented Alexandra Estevez ever since @MissLadyT showed me that amazing image of her collar bone tat. This past Labor Day Weekend, I passed on Rock The Bells to prepare for the pleasure of working with her on the upcoming Idle Warship album cover shoot.

In under 48 hours, I wore more hats than I thought possible - acting as location scout, props proprietor, art director, photographer & editor for this last minute project.

*whew*

Shouts out to Anaele Owunwanne of FF+D for allowing us the use of their office space

Not only is Alex extremely down to earth, she's every easy to work with & requires very little direction. Below are a few shots from the cover shoot of the new Idle Warship album titled 'Habits of the Heart'
Stay tuned for the next F12+AE project coming (very) soon

My Old City - LND

2011-08-10T00:47:00.002-04:00

to all my friends in the struggle, please be safe.
thinking of you.

Hot Time in the City...

2011-07-17T22:50:00.004-04:00

Greetings!!!
I know, I know, I must get back to updating more often and now that I have desk, I promise I will :D

While I've been away, I been learning Final Cut Pro X. I have a treasure trove of videos (fun times, random conversations, etc) that I've decided to not only play with, but attempt to make some art with them. I really hope you like the first short. It's dirty, explicit content but good clean fun nonetheless. Enjoi!

Father's Day, Sade + Full Crate

2011-06-23T00:45:00.009-04:00

(c) forever12 '11
Father's day I found myself at my parents house & brought my good friend ACer along.
We were gonna take the LIRR but I had laundry so we cabbed it. The cabbie was hella cool and the ride was smooth as eggs - lol
When we arrived, no one was home, so we headed out to the backyard to get the celebrations poppin'!
Between the ribs, salmon, steak, macaroni salad, and mom "special" mixx, I was donezo!

After a good day at work - and a wonderful weekend, I got a last minute invite to the Sade concert at Nassau Coliseum! The show was AMAZING! We arrived just in time to see her set and had I known no one would check my bag, I would have totally brought my 5D!

no worries. the show was spectacular! Shout outs to @missladyt for the hook up :D

So, I finally took @deephunk up on an offer to GO OUT!
I ended up in Hoboken, NJ at a place called theLoft. FAR OUT!!! it was pretty damn sweet! My only gripe, it was DUMB HOTT! I'm talking BLAZIN' hott.

Netty Pots & Benedryl

2011-04-30T10:58:00.001-04:00

If you woke up with a headache, scratchy throat or your eyes stuck shut, you are not alone !

Every spring, I suffer with allergies. As I am allergic to grass, working near central park is fun fun fun! Yesterday, I had a massive migraine & could hardly breathe my face ached so much. But I may have found a remedy - and it's a helluva lot cheaper than that Singular 'script.

Before bed, I used my netty pot & had a Benedryl. The former can be daunting at first but feels great once you get the hang of it. The latter will knock you out cold! You may even have trouble waking up on time in the AM. For that I'd advise taking the Benedryl fairly early so you can sleep it off.
This morning I had no headache, scratchy throat & I didn't have to de-crust my eyelids! *HOORAY*

I'm gonna try this combo again tonite. Hopefully, I'll have wonderful results again.
Until then...
happy breathing!

-from f12 MobileStudios

Location:W 67th St,,United States

Busy Busy Bunny

2011-04-13T21:58:00.003-04:00

LOL
I really should be going to bed.
However, while checking through my spam box, I came across an email that may change my life! Apparently, there is a way to show of the kick ass website I built on an iDevice!!!

I cannot tell you how awesome this is. I'm not gonna stay up all nite - I was late this morning but if your check out the site, you should notice a few changes :) Please email and let me know what you think. It'll be morphing over the next few days so keep checking back!

Back on the Grind...

2011-03-10T20:10:00.003-05:00

PR was wonderful! I got some sun, met a few new people, swam w/ my dog & bonded with my Mom :)

Too bad it only lasted 5days* :/

Being home has been nice. I'm still not fully adjusted to the bustle & hustle of NYC. Some dude got on the train on the way home & stood next to where I sat. I swear, he smelled like a dirty rest stop bathroom off I-85! If I coulda beamed myself back to the ocean or even stopped breathing for 10mins I would have! Thank God he moved away from me after 3 or 4 stops. Even the conductor poked his head out to see if I survived! But that's NYC for ya... surly smelly people going out of their way to make feel some type way.

Speaking of going out of your way... a man set up shop outside of the Upper West Side Apple Store bright & early today. Keep in mind, iPad 2 doesn't go on sale til 5pm TOMORROW nite! Even still, there were two more folks queued up when I passed by at 6pm...

One thing about Apple lovers, they are DEDICATED. It's ugly outside. Between the rain & high winds, I don't think I'd be so gun-ho to post up anywhere for anything. I damn near got blown back to Brooklyn the wind is so intense! Better you than me I say...

Gonna eat & rest up... looooooong day ahead

-from f12 MobileStudios

San Juan, Day 3

2011-03-03T01:38:00.003-05:00

I am stuffed.
Today was really nice. Mom & I slept in MAD late...
upside, we were well rested.
downside, we got started MAD late :/

But all was well. We began the day at MOJITOS

The food here is phenomenal! We got the mofongo & garlic chicken - HELLA GOOD!

Even Cody enjoyed it!

After lunch, we jumped on the open trolly. Intending to go to the Black Forest, we rode it to the historic center instead. Didn't matter tho, it was beautiful!

There was too much to see! I couldn't shoot fast enough! The trolly ride picked up another set of school kids - this bunch was a bit older but still shouted at people in passing cars and gave them the finger - lol

By the time the trolly ride was over so was the day. We didn't make it back to the beach so we did an impromptu products shoot near the old brewery

We walked around Old San Juan admiring the colorful buildings and people of PR.

The highlight of the day was finding this guy in the pet shop...

I came damned close to buying a friend for Cody! When Cody saw him, he wasn't sure what to make of him - lol. He tried to make friends but the little dog was a tough cookie. He barked, peed & poked out his chest. He looked like a tiny gorilla! It was pretty funny.

Next stop, the tattoo parlor :D

Neither of us got tattooed but I was very proud of moms bravery - we couldn't bring Cody inside so she had to get pierced without me.
All in all, it was a good evening. I got to bond with mom & now Cody knows dogs exist in San Juan :D

- from f12 mobileStudios: leVel

Location:San Juan,Puerto Rico

San Juan, Day 2

2011-03-01T23:47:00.001-05:00

Today was pretty dope. We started the day (at 3:45am) in the casino :D I was down then up then out...

Our cabbie Frankie took us to Old San Juan to a place called La Bombonera for breakfast - OMG! soooo good! Über strong coffee & fancy Danishes to boot :)

Next, we jumped on the free trolly that drives through the city. Cody was in his carrier so we didn't have any trouble with him. Seems like he's able to read peoples energy and will act accordingly. I swear, that trolly driver KNEW was in he bag & was looking for a reason to give us the boot but Cody stayed in his bag & didn't make a peep! Even when an entire class of school kids got on board, Cody was so well behaved.

We jumped off somewhere near the courthouse and chased the birds. We walked by the museum - there was King Tut exhibit - the ferry boats, and something that looked like a fort but wasn't. Needless to say, there were tons of people that wanted meet my little guy and he brought sunshine to everyone we met. As the day got warmer, we needed a nap so we headed back to the hotel to sleep a little before lunch. We stopped off at the gas station & while there, I rearranged my stuff. Little did I know, my bra fell out the side of the car!

Our nap lasted waaaayyyy longer than I intended - lol.

When i woke up, mom & Cody were knocked out! I went down to the pool to catch a few rays before the afternoon got away from me. The pool space was pretty dope! Theres an infinity pool, a waterfall & lots of lounge chairs, even cabanas, everywhere.

Once mom and Cody woke up, I took him for a nice walk. I defiantly think our bond has gotten stronger over the past few days. He's great on the leash & is learning to tell me what he wants. We went back to the pool after our walk and he laid under my chair in the shade. I read my book, tanned a lil more & took some great photos.

I took mom to the Hard Rock Café for dinner.

They were kind enough to allow Cody in as long as he remained in his bag. And he did! Not one peep! On our way out, mom gave samples of EOLJ scents to the staff - they loved it! Tomorrow, we shoot the products. I'm really excited. Until then, I need water + sleep. Who knew sunshine could make you so sleepy.

- from f12 mobileStudios: leVel 2

Location:San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Day 1

2011-02-28T17:26:00.001-05:00

Greetings all! Today has been WONDERFUL!
We got here later than expected - the airline didn't tell me I needed to bring Cody's rabies certificate - and had to change our flight from 7am to 7pm! I was salty as hell but it gave me & mom time to catch up on some much need sleep and repack our bags

When we got to JFK, the second time, check in was pretty cool (Kathy, you were hating but we forgive you) and it when mom's bag got pulled, they took her tanning oil. No biggie. Since this is our first trip together, we decided not to let anything jack it up. Cody did great on the plane. He was so well behaved & didn't make a peep the whole flight. Everyone fell in love with him and either wanted to pet him or take a picture of/with him. He doesn't seem to mind - lol

We slept in late - the beds here are sooooo comfy - then headed straight to the beach. There a plenty of beaches here. Since it was late, we kept it local and went to the beach near Condado. Small, quiet and near a Starbucks

Mom and I laid out in the sand. Since it's Cody's first time to the beach, I spent a good amount of time making sure he didn't get sand in his eyes. But no sooner than we got there, he had to poop. We walked all over and he hurled the oatmeal I'd given him earlier. That's how we met our new friend J.

After the poop, I took Cody to the water. At first, he was ok with it but when the waves came ashore and his paws got wet he was ready to go! We ran along the beach & eventually I picked him up and carried him into the sea. To my astonishment, he swam back all by himself!!!

It was so cool! He's a pretty good swimmer too!

After showing off our products to J, he suggested some places for Wednesdays photo shoot and we were able to give our new pal a sample of Essence of Lady J (EOLJ) for his birthday!

Time to eat... Casino later tonite

- from f12 mobileStudios: leVel 2

Location:San Juan,Puerto Rico

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T23:03:00.009-05:00

Happy Monday peeps!
Today has been awesome! I spent it with my family - which I gotta say is always a blessing. I got to help mom with her business and got to watch my dad surprise mom with a beautiful card & a homemade jumbo Heresy Kiss filled with all her favorite candies! It was SO cute and really really really great to see my parents happy and enjoying each others company.
photo: 'Lil James' used with permission from Mom. thanks Leo!

As the weather was fantastic, I took Cody to Liberty park again and this time, the snow was pretty much all melted - YAY! We got to run around in the grass (well, it was turf) and play Fetch. It was wonderful! After Fetch, Cody decided to use my pant leg as a chew toy - lol - and I spent a good amount of running from him, with him and swinging him from my leg. It's frightening to think his "adult" teeth haven't come in yet. This little guy is STRONG. When we got back to the house, Dad was washing the cars & Rocco was on the stoop. I took the opportunity to work with Cody on NOT jumping on other dogs as a form of greeting. As Rocco is 10 times his size, you'd think his growl or bark would be enough to spook Cody - soooooo not the case! This little guy isn't afraid of ANYTHING. Since they seemed to get along, I took both dogs to the park and Cody did great. Rocco was an excellent teacher too! After our walk, there was a nice looooong nap :)

The day ended with me in Mom's office helping her with her website :D Its not done yet, but so far I will say, I am very happy with it and so is Mom.

My work week starts in the AM so I must get my beauty rest.

-fin

happy birthday D!

James ' J Dilla' Yancey

2011-02-07T18:29:00.008-05:00

Its been 5 years since Dilla's passing and I still find it difficult to believe he's no longer with us. Over the weekend, we celebrated his life at the 5th Annual 'Donuts Are Forever' party. It's always a beautiful things to see faces you haven't seen in ages & two step to great music but when you add a soundtrack by Dilla, it makes it even more amazing. Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, DJ OP!, DJ Parlay, DJ Tara did an amazing job of spinning all my favorite tracks by my favorite Hip-Hop producer.

I don't remember when I started paying attention to liner notes. But I think it was after having heard a Busta Rhymes or A Tribe Called Quest track. As a matter of fact, I'd say it was in 1996. ATCQ's 'Beats, Rhymes, & Life' I remember my boyfriend at the time being AMP'd about the new album. The opening of 'Get A Hold' hit me so hard! lol, I remember asking him exactly how beats were made and who made them. That's when I learned about production and Dilla. I don't think I really put two & two together until waaaay after the fact but Jay Dee's music shaped my junior & senior years of high school. All my favorite videos on THE BOX were beats by him. All the albums I brought had production by him. From Pharcyde to Busta. De La to Keith Murray there was something very different about his sound and it made me feel good, really good when I listened to it.
1997 had a huge impact too. I came across this slow, melodic track called 'Purple' by Crustation. It was so chill... but it wasn't until Janet Jackson's 'Got Til Its Gone' release that I really started paying attention to Jay Dee's music.

In '98, I met ?uestlove and got a chance to spend a great deal of time at Electric Lady Studios in NYC. Had I known then what I know now, I'da had a camera glued to my face! Betwwen '98-2000 it was in this legendary place that I got to witness the birth of many tracks by the Roots, Common, Bilal, & Erykah Badu to name a few. It's what started me on my path to becoming a photographer I think because you cannot be surrounded by that much talent and not have some of it rub off - lol

By 2001, I'd met and heard so many amazing people & tracks I felt blessed to have it be the sound track of my young adulthood. When 'Welcome to Detroit' was released I thought for sure my head (or CD player) would pop off! It was SO raw I just couldn't stop playing it. 'Come and Get It' introduced El-Zhi while 'Think Twice' re-introduced me to Jazz. While living in London, I was exposed to another amazing producer, MadLib, who's colabo with Dilla still makes me wanna create art. It was all I listened to while away from home and it was in London I began to collect vinyl of all the music I enjoyed most.

The hardest question to answer in music is:

'What is your favorite Dilla track?'

I don't believe I will ever be able to answer that - lol. James Yancey made too many amazing, soulful, inspiring, gritty, tracks to just chose one. I am blessed to have heard all the ones I love. For a bit more insight into how amazing Dilla truly was, peep this documentary made by an old pal Brian 'B.Kyle' Atkins. I think it sums up what we've lost and allows us to appreciate what was left behind.

Rest In Power Jay

When Extending a Helping Hand Goes Wrong

2011-02-02T22:20:00.004-05:00

The Back Story:
In 2009, a friend of mine had a life altering change - breaking up with her lover & business partner of over 10 years. Not only was she ejected from the business she (supposedly) started with her partner, she was given 3 days to vacate the space which they shared.
It was awful to witness. Between the blunts and the tears was a woman with no job & no place to go. I didn't know all the reasons behind the split, I just knew my friend needed help and I was in a position to help.
At the time, I'd been renting a 2bedroom apartment in BK and was sitting on the fence about getting another roommate. Putting myself in her shoes, I thought it would benefit us both if I offered her a the second bedroom. We got along, we hung in similar circles and I genuinely enjoyed her company (or so I thought) I knew she was very recently unemployed but she always came across as a woman who was a mover & a shaker and I wasn't worried about money - I figured she'd need some time to cope with the split and would snap back sooner rather than later. That never happened.

The first few months of her in the space was just depressing. She cried a lot and was very sad and understandably so. But after 4 months of no job/income & stealing from Peter to pay Paul to make ends meet, I began to regret my decision. Even though she was very clean and a culinary queen, she didn't seem to care too much about paying rent on time, just the guy that tickled her fancy. When he was around, she was upbeat & happy. When he wasn't around (which was more often than not) she'd sink into long, deep bouts of depression - crying all the time, moping around the crib & was just overall gloomy. Now, I get that a girl might be sad when the guy u dig doesn't dig you back but I don't understand constantly chasing a person when they clearly could care less about you. I always thought she was the type who was a go getter, not one stay at home and cry over a dude!
It was nauseating! I began to lose respect for her. Putting him ahead of her priorities (ie employment & rent)put a serious strain on our friendship.

Fast Forward to 2010:
It wasn't until early 2010 that things started to get a little better. She got a job (finally) and was able to pay rent! Things were looking up, even though her focus was still more on the guy that treated her like sh*t than on herself. By this time, our friendship was on thin ice. In addition to not paying rent in full & on time, she'd have all kinds of visitors over at all times of the day & night - hardly ever giving a heads up. In my opinion, if you aren't holding up your end of the bargain, you forfeit the privileges that go along with living on your own. By May, I'd lost all respect for her as a person and would go entire months not speaking to her. As one mutual friend described it, my apartment became a war zone - a "little Beirut"
The lease was up at the end of the year but I didn't think I'd be able to last that long. Plus, things were happening in my life that required we no longer share the same space. I went HARD looking for a new place to live. I was blessed to find a beautiful apartment - not too far from the hell hole I'd been sharing with her - that I could afford on my own. While all this was happening, my 'friend' was slowly getting herself together - she'd managed to keep a job, was going out again and wasn't sniffin' behind the guy anymore. She'd mentioned another friend of hers was moving to NYC & they were going to start a business together. Awesome!
But I'd been living with her low self esteem issues for so long, I thought it best if we weren't in the same space anymore. So I moved out in the Summer - leaving her in the space for the duration of the lease (Dec 2010) and her friend moved in to help pay the rent - they even applied to take over the lease into 2011. After i left, things seemed to be going well.
Imagine my surprise when I received an eviction notice for an apartment I hadn't been living in for over 3 months! Turns out they had been paying the rent but not on time or in full. Because the landlord is really a slum lord, he took ME to court (for the second time, for the same reason) on the eve of Christmas Eve. My 'friend' was able to prove she & her friend had paid rent and the case was dismissed. All they needed to do was move out of the space by the expiration of the lease. And even though both women knew the lease was up on 12/31/10, neither started looking for a new place until mid December.

Spill Over in 2011
At the beginning of January, I returned the keys to the landlord as agreed. Free of that drama, I began to focus on making 2011 awesome. However, they didn't move out. They didn't find a new place to go or bother to tell me. So when I received an email from the landlord suing ME for 'not returning the apartment the way I received it', I was very very very angry. Since only my name was on the lease, I was still being held responsible - even though the landlord knew I was no longer living there AND took/processed applications from both women after I'd gone in August.
To add insult to injury, my 'friend' began to avoid me like the plague. She has yet to return any of my phone calls, emails, or text msgs. The only way I'm able to find out what's going on is thru friends of friends and the girl that moved in to help her with rent.

So, after helping a heartbroken, jobless, homeless friend, and being supportive through what she described as 'one of the toughest times of her life' it ends with our friendship in shambles & my credit report possibly tarnished for life for an apartment I don't even live in.

Remind me again why I bothered??

-from f12 MobileStudios

First day in the Park

2011-01-31T16:25:00.001-05:00

Today, mom & I took Cody & Rocco to Liberty park for a walk. We had a really nice time! I had no idea my lil guy could run so fast! Since the park was empty, we were able to let them run free in the park. As you can see from the photo, there was A LOT of snow.

Rocco is still getting used to Cody so when Cody ran after him, he jumped into the snow to avoid him. What Rocco didn't realize is this puppy is fearless.

Cody jumped in after him - lol - rubber booties and all! He was doin' ok til he decided to run and he disappeared! When he popped up again, he was covered in powdery snow & ice. I was laughing to hard to take any photos. He continued to chase Rocco and fell into the snow once more.

This time, he lost a booty. I managed to dig it & him out without falling myself. We walked all around the park and I had to carry Cody across the park cause it was the fastest way home & there was no way he'd be able to make it across on his own.

I think he really enjoyed his walk he even pooped outside! I think we're on our way.

-from f12 MobileStudios

I heart Sundays

2011-01-30T12:26:00.002-05:00

Since living in England, my favorite day of the week has become Sunday. It's the only day I get to relax (editing photos, spending time with myself, my friends and as of late, my puppy)
Today, while walking Cody, I came across this old brewery:

Something about this building reminded me of my childhood. I think it was the yellow squares with the dark blue circles inside. I swear, I was in 3rd grade again! Plus, its across from a new school they've recently built in my neighborhood. It looks similar to Stuyvesant High - all modern and high tech. Can't wait to check it out.

The rest of the day, I spent building with my good pal Jamison. He's quite an extraordinary chap. After spending years in the music industry, he cashed in his chips and began to travel the globe all while blogging about it :D

Since his return, he's even self-published a book about his experience aptly titled The C.O.M.B.*the Journey of a Hip Hopper Turned Globetrotter
* the acronym stands for the Clothes On My Back :)
As a globe trotter myself, I thought the book encompassed all the awe inspiring fun of being in a new place doing some pretty awesome things. From scuba diving to camel riding, the book reminds us that life is short, money isn't everything, & trying new things gives ya something ton tell your grand kids.
Click the link for a sneak peek.

Snow Day! Well... Almost

2011-01-27T10:38:00.008-05:00

This was the view from my bedroom window around 7:30am. Normally, you can see the steps, today they are buried under at lease 2 feet of snow! I saw a neighbor venture out before the rest of the block woke up to shovel... the look of dejection was more than apparent. I felt bad for her having to go to work... until I realized I too had to go to work!

It's not necessary per say but I really don't wanna stay home today. The MTA is running, I have a book to finish & I need the money. Plus, I'm looking forward to my interview! More on that later. Just wanted to let y'all know we're ok and pressing on thru this snow. Be safe & stay warm!

p.s.
I'll be going to Starbucks today.

Cody & the Crate

2011-01-26T15:28:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! 2011 is proving to be a wonderful year thus far & I have a new friend to share it with - Cody the Christmas Pup!
He's adorable & I love him to pieces! Even though he came home housebroken, when left alone, like all puppies, he tended to get into EVERYTHING!
The first day, he chewed the first book I ever hand bound & my HOTEL LACHAPELLE book box. To my surprise, I wasn't upset. I understand that he's teething (he'll be 5months tomorrow) and gets bored (even with endless space to romp around in) but I couldn't very well douce every nook & cranny with cayenne pepper! (although I did try -lol)
So, I went on eBay and won a HUGE crate for $50bucks. It's large enough to accommodate him now & later but I was concerned he'd feel like a prisoner.
Thanks to mr Caesar Milan, I learned that dogs LIKE rules, boundaries & they're very own space (ie crates)
Yesterday was he first day I was away for a long time. The walker came & everything was cool. I rushed home, positive he'd burst if I didn't walk him right away, but after 30 mins, no poop. no pee.
It was when we got back I noticed my GTA 4 (which I'd been wear the nite before) had poop in it :(
It took a while to clean the mess but it was waaaay better than cleaning hardwood floors or rugs. I realized my error - there was too much in the crate with him.
Today, I left only water, one blanket, a few chew toys & his KONG stuffed with puppy crack. He didn't even mind my leaving. I'm looking forward to this evenings arrival. Hopefully, it's a poop free zone.

-from f12 MobileStudios

New Year, New Things

2011-01-25T13:56:00.001-05:00

Greetings all!
I will be doing a MUCH better job this year of updating this space.
Stay tuned!

Please Help Me find a Loving Home

2010-10-07T22:26:00.003-04:00

Hi! My name is Chloé and I need a permanent home ASAP! My mom loves me to pieces - I’m funny, I like to play with lasers and sometime, I try to speak - but she is highly allergic to me and she recently moved and couldn't take me with her :(

I’m 5 years old, have all my shots and I’m fixed & micro-chipped - in case I ever feel adventurous. I’ve got a Booda litter box, food & water dishes, litter, toys and lots of personality :D I'm currently staying with a friend as my temporary foster family has moved away. If you could take me in, I’d greatly appreciate it :)

A re-homing fee of $40 is required - we wanna be sure your serious about keeping me for a good while :) If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact my mom at the address below.

Thanks!

Cholé

Sunday with MissLadyT

2010-10-04T02:06:00.001-04:00

today was a good day. It began kinda strange - I was nervous about sharing something with someone who means a lot to me.
After all was said and done, I realized why I him to begin with. Just as the heart to heart ended, my homegirl Tara came thru to visit!
We went to mikes coffeeshop for brunch & had their (in)famous chicken & waffles. YUM!

We walked off our brunch & stopped by my fav spot for photographic inspiration, Jaz Tattoo. It was a great day for funny stories & beautiful ink.

I learned that Tara always dreamed about living in NYC and now that she does, she wanted a piece that expressed her love of New York.

I LOVE this tat! It completely embodies MissLadyT - classy & delicate yet edgy

I haven't gotten this excited about a subject in a long while...

-from f12 MobileStudios

Location:Grand Ave,Brooklyn,United States

f12 Studios presents... Diamonds @ DD172

2010-10-01T23:12:00.000-04:00

I LOVE October! Tonite was amazing!!! I finally got to shoot with the 5D Mark II.

*swoon*

Man, that camera is sooooooo badass! It's light and has all the features I love on my 5D and then some!

In an effort to get Lauren to get back to shooting, I asked her to come with me to dd172 - Creative Control headquarters & place to shoot and be shot - photographically speaking.
I was excited she had her camera & lady in tow. We grubbed at the Reade St. Pub then walked around the corner to dd172.

Last time I was there was for Dam-Funk. This time, the dynamic production duo Christian Rich was spinning and event hosted by the homie Chace Infinate of Prohibit (japanese denim at it's finest on Allen st.)

Fun times were had! I got some sweet pics with the 5DMII and my trusty iPhone 4:

Shouts to GRAMZD, Chace, Taj, ACer, Nate, Lauren, Tammy, LaToya, JP, Seth, Niki & everyone else who made tonite so dope!

did I mention October is national 'titti tees'
month?

-from f12 MobileStudios

testing...

2010-07-17T22:22:00.001-04:00

this us a test of the forever12 blogger on iPhone. please stand by for photos. this is only a test...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

waving

2010-07-15T18:44:00.013-04:00

Hey Y'all!
Sorry for the MIA status - I've been busy as all get out.I'm just gonna post all the cool sh*t I've come across since last we spoke:

My peeps Christian Rich have done it again with this super salacious track 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'
Breakfast At Tiffany's (additional vocals by Cheyenne) by clintonsparks

The homie Dave Dar (1/2 or the BAMBOO BROS) released this HOTT summer traxx: "Celebrate Life" (Up In The Heights)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbDbFP9lYSg

And how ADORABLE is this handba, I mean, CAMERA bag!

Yes ladies, if you love f stops & looking good as much as much as I do, ONA is a MUST have camera bag! Made of genuine leather, this bag has spots for your SLR, memory cards & anything else you may need for the day. Peep the site & thank me later :) http://www.onabags.com/

I am very proud to announce the debut release of my man P.U.D.G.E’s first LP “Idiot Box” :D:D:D:D:D:D

It is TRULY awesome and I have a strong feeling you'll digg it too :) Click the cover to listen & purchase

Legos, Love & Locs

2010-03-26T01:05:00.001-04:00

Chloé is spazzin' out again.
Chloé is my cat - in case you didn't know.

I've yet to track pattern for this behavior but I have noticed it happens at night.
She runs at high speed under, over, and on top of EVERYTHING and anyone! It's kinda funny - except when I wanna go to sleep & she pounces on me, like now.

Between the cat & my hair, sleepy time can be dangerous. Since my hair has grown - a lot - it seems nothing I owe is capable of taming my beautiful locs while I get my beauty sleep.
When I lay down, they're neatly wrapped. When I wake up, I'm intangled! Althought, I do enjoy the additional warmth they provide

I think I'm swimming in the feelings pool again. Still cluching the edge of the pool inching my way thru shallow feelings to deep like - lol. Whenever I decide to grow up, I'll venture into deep end. But not today.

I Legos.

-fin

Location:Grand Ave,Brooklyn,United States

Beautiful Sundays

2010-03-07T19:49:00.004-05:00

Location:Grand Ave,Brooklyn,United States

Happy Birthday Kenny!

2010-03-06T23:31:00.001-05:00

I've know u for some time now & just realized today is your birthday :)
So...
thanks for being a great listener & thoughtful friend.

Happy Birthday!

- Posted using BlogPress from the MightyIsis

Location:Fulton St,Brooklyn,United States

The day the Internet Broke - Guru, YouTube, & Twitter

2010-03-03T18:55:00.002-05:00

This evening, a friend showed me a disturing YouTube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TNkP4pH6-0

I was appalled to hear what all this young man was going thru!

I've been watching Twitter... Wacthing the madness unfold...

www.nahright.com
livefromheadqcourterz.wordpress.com has the back story...

Master Cleanse - Day 6

2009-10-06T12:34:00.004-04:00

Seriously, I cannot believe I haven't eaten solid food since last Wednesday night! I am so proud of myself. I needed to do this to purge 30 years of toxic waste and negative energy. Looking forward to OJ on Sunday!

lol

Please enjoy the new Q-Tip & Norah Jones vid: 'Life is Better'

Master Cleanse - Day 5

2009-10-05T12:59:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't been updating this thing as often as I intended. When I get home at nite, all I wanna do is sleep (and eat of course) But I gotta admit, so far I'm just peachy :)
I have wicked cravings for the most random things at the strangest times. They've been dubbed 'Food Tourettes' cause I shout out what I'd like to eat or have a craving for - lol. What else is weird... oh! my sense of smell is like WHOA! Think ol' dude from that movie 'Perfume' intense! I can smell things that are in China!

PEKING DUCK!

I am a lil concerned about Thursday. Its the premiere of Black Dynamite! I'm very excited but may pass on the after party. No alcohol during the flush, for obvious reasons, and I'm just about positive they'll be finger food of some sort.

My dreams since I began the cleanse have been interesting as well. You know about the toddler and the dog. Well, the next nite, my mom was in it and she'd made spaghetti and her famous meat sauce. I told her I was cleansing and she scolded me - lol. Saying I needed to eat and my grandma live just fine w/ her meat sauce! I remember twirling the fork in the spaghetti but I didn't eat it. Which in the grand scheme of things I think is a good thing. The following nite, I dreamt I was gettin ready for a fancy event - black & white affair - and kept changing dresses. When I thought I was done, my boss came to pick us up. He looked so dapper - like Vincent Price or some other regal type, hair slicked back & shiny, I decided I needed to change (again). while running from one part of the hotel/castle/ballroom - the place was huge!- I saw Grace Jones circa 'View to a Kill' jumping onto a chandelier then doing a triple sow cow off of it and landing in some yoga position right in front of me! I had to tell her: 'you are the BADDEST broad ever!' she bowed and said thank you. As I left Grace and started my walk up some fancy set of stairs, Michael Jackson is to my left ending a conversation with someone before grabbing my hand and walking with me thru what looked like the gardens in Zamunda. I don't recall what we spoke about but when we got to the weeping willow tree he asked how old I was.
'30!' I blurted proudly.
MJ: 'awwww... you're still a baby!'

then I woke up... What I recall most are the colors and temperatures in this dream. It was cold outside but Michael's hands were soooo warm. I take this as a good omen that he is happy where he is :) As for all the colors, I was going to change into an emerald green dress - kinda like the one in Atonement but it had longer sleeves, like I said it was cold out.

Five days left... thank God for half way marks!

Master Cleanse - Day 1, pt 1

2009-10-01T10:21:00.005-04:00

Morning!
I woke up at 4:10am today. No reason... well, I did go to bed kinda early (11:30p-12a) It took almost two hours to get back to sleep. I hate when this happens because Once I get back to sleep, I really wanna SLEEP. The alarm clock get s to buzzin' and get to hittin' the snooze button for how ever long it takes me to get out the bed.

My dream during this mini-nap was an odd one. I was home, cleaning my room.
*correction
attempting to clean my room when I heard people coming into the apartment. The visitors weren't for me, they were for my roommate.
(so far, this dream is true to life, nothing amidst)
Some chick walks in with a dog on a red leash and a toddler. They both (the dog & child) make a b-line for my bedroom and start touching stuff. This is where things get weird. In the room were all these electronics - tv's, vcr's, dvd players, stereo consoles, etc - and the little kid turned them all on. Meanwhile, the dog is sniffing thru my dirty laundry & trying to find Chloé my cat. I got really pissed off and started screaming at the woman. Part of me felt really bad & part of me felt really good that I checked this broad. I mean, who let's their pets & children run wild in a strangers home!!?!!

So I cuss this lady out and kick the toddler and the dog out too. My room isn't really my room as I know it. I've dreamt about this particular room a few weeks ago and the windows had fallen out when I tried to close (or open, i don't recall) them. It was the shade of purple I wanna re-paint my bedroom but there was a lot of extra stuff just laying around. I get start to turn off all the things this toddler turned on and I'm wondering how in the hell s/he turn on some many things in such a short amount of time.

Next thing I know, more people are coming in to visit my roommate but they are MY friends from high school! Even the living room's been rearranged to accommodate the influx of people and all I wanna do is eat. I make the Master Cleanse concoction and sit down to drink it. I say to Corey, 'I'm hungry' and get up and heat up some of mom's rice & peas (yum) I take the bowl (and my concoction) into the living room where I start eating... all of a sudden, I remember I'm not supposed to be eating ANYTHING - just drinking the concoction and I spit out the food and drink the drink. A few minutes later, I do the exact same thing, announce my hunger, heat something up, start eating and recall that isn't part of the plan. This goes on for what seems like forever!

Eventually, I wake up... I do my dance with the snooze button and make my way to the kitchen. I figure if i drink the salt water 1st, by the time I make my 1st batch of 'lemonade' aka MCM I'll be ready to go to the bathroom.

Lemons
2tbl spoons for one serving
OR
12tbl spoons for a days worth
Maple Syrup
2tbl spoons one serving
OR
12tbl spoons for a days worth
Cayenne pepper -
1/10 tsp one serving
OR
1/2 tsp for a days worth
Water
10oz one serving
OR
60oz for a days worth

Rule #1: Don't drink the salt water mix hella fast!

In addition to the massive cramp in my chest, I had to go right away. The latter is a great thing but I realize I didn't mix in enough water and have to drink some more... 16oz more (smh) I decide to hold off til after I mix the stuff so, I make the stuff. It takes a little longer than I thought it would - I don't have a container large enough to mix & hold my daily supply so it's gettin' a bit messy, for me anyway. AM kitchen = clean kitchen unless there was a party the night before.

Back in the loo... I finish (or try to) the last of the salt water mix (SWM)- did i mention I'm lacking large containers in the house? I broke the SWM into two glasses - the first w/ the salt & the 2nd was just water... man, I drake the water & BLAM! it all came up :/

Just salt water but still... I feel like this is gonna be a lot harder than I think.
I manage to get the master cleanse mix (MCM) into two stainless steel containers that I must lug around for the next 10 days. Maybe I'll life them like two dumbbells. If I'm gonna detox and drop some weight I might as well tone a muscle or two.

Mind numbing hunger has yet to hit (thank goodness!) but I am drinking my MCM... and I will def get a workout 'cause the bathroom where I sit at work are still under construction and I have to walk what feels like the Green Mile to get to it. I make this journey as soon as I feel the slightest bubble.

Pray for me folks... 30 years of goo is on it's way out da door!

-fin

Babies & Beyoncé

2009-09-27T15:42:00.002-04:00

have u seen this??:

I love how excited this kid gets! It's better than Seasame Street! Maybe Bey should create children's learning videos. Imagine kids gettin that excited about math & reading!

MF Doom in the New Yorker!

2009-09-16T10:17:00.002-04:00

yes indeed! I'll definitely have to snatch up a copy. Stones Throw posted an excerpt from the article titled “The Mask of Doom: A Nonconformist Rapper's Second Act” Look for the Sep. 21, 2009 issue on newsstands.

DUMBO - Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-10T14:36:00.005-04:00

check the rest @ www.forever12.com

Stony Jackson

2009-09-03T13:52:00.004-04:00

The Stoney Jackson (Strong Arm Steady + MadLib) album unfolds over sixteen tracks and is a brisk, exciting hip hop record. Krondon and Phil The Agony supply the majority of the vocals with the third SAS member Mitchy Slick; guest appearances include Talib Kweli, Guilty Simpson, Little Brother’s Phonte, Planet Asia and a host of underground Los Angeles’s emerging rap talent. (source:stones throw)

Man o man, I cannot wait for this album to drop! Until then, I'll have to rock with the above YouTube vid & a HEAVY rotation of the mp3 :)

enjoy!

iTunes MP3 free download: Get Ya Money Right

well...

2009-09-02T14:50:00.003-04:00

borrowed from this lovely lil blog

How Cool is this!!?!

2009-09-01T20:18:00.004-04:00

Ben & Jerry - makers of THE BEST ice cream flavor EVER (read: Cinnamon Buns) has changed the name of CHUBBY HUBBY to HUBBY HUBBY for the month of September to celebrate legalizing Gay Marriage in VT!

source: chicago tribune

Final Destination in real life...

2009-08-28T20:26:00.005-04:00

Oh
My
God
!!!

again?
so soon after Baatin, MJ, Farrah, Walter, Natasha, Les, Ed, Bea, Billy, John Hughes, the list goes on and on...

and now...
Adam 'DJ AM' Goldstein

PHUCK!!!

above is his last tweet...from 3 days ago...
it's kinda creepy... not b/c he passed and that was the last thing he posted, but because he SURVIVED that plane crash last September!!!

2009 has been a CRAZY year!

condolences to his family & freinds

remember Crazy Town?
Butterfly

enjoy
R.I.P. Adam

Inspiration Station

2009-08-28T13:24:00.006-04:00

May of you know D-Nice as an emcee. Some of you know him as a DJ. I know him as a photographer & filmmaker :)
D entered the Portable Film Festival and below is his True Hip Hop Story: the Homeless Emcee

J Dilla!

2009-08-20T15:05:00.004-04:00

i believe this is the first time Rae & Havoc have ever been in a vid together!
check it HOTTNESS

sigh

2009-08-20T14:37:00.004-04:00

Man o man! this is how I'd like live - in something awesomely cool and meets my high standards of form * function. I gave you :theMineralHouse courtesy of theCoolHunter.com
enjoy.

the ride in...

2009-08-20T12:48:00.002-04:00

So, I'm on the train again.
To my left is a young man wearing a ball cap. In his ear is a big cubic zirconia earring, held in place by a pencil eraser. I do that :) I wonder if this trick is something everybody knows or just new yorkers...

To my right is a boy wear glasses w clear turquoise frames. He's got a PS3. I can't see what he's playing because the device is less than 4 inches from his face! That explains the glasses.

Across from me is an older woman who looks nervous. She has long blonde hair & the roots have come in. She wears bright red lipstick. I've seen her before -always nervous, fumbling with a lot of stuff, papers & what not - what's her deal? I imagine she a lawyer. Either that or one of those types who carry around documents full of jibberish. She gets off at Canal St I think.

I wish I could paint from memory. I couldn't take the photos I saw in my minds eye while I witnessed to above. When people see a camera, they freeze up, over think & the moment is lost.

Exciting Times!

2009-08-19T12:03:00.006-04:00

fresh off the heels of a very rude awakening, I am happy to report this week is turning out pretty good.

today is Wednesday. Wednesday is free bagel & OJ day - SWEET!
my homie from Amsterdam is coming to NYC - SWEET!!
Friday is the AVATAR screening -

*singing* OMFG!!!

and last but not least:
Blueprint 3 - 9/11/9

GIG-A-DEE!!!

the Spook Who Sat By the Door

2009-08-10T18:16:00.005-04:00

by San Greenlee is one of my favorite books.
needless to say, the film was quite amazing as well.
and the album, produced by Herbie Hancock, is 1 of the MANY reasons I *heart* MadLib :)

R.I.P. Baatin

2009-08-01T13:03:00.005-04:00

it was a pleasure to meet you again.
i am humbled.
thank you.

Naive Melody [This Must Be the Place] - Talking Heads

2009-07-30T15:49:00.002-04:00

thank you.

Something to make you smile...

2009-07-28T12:54:00.002-04:00

... your life could be worse... you could be this guy:

Repost: Worlds Dumbest Criminal - Watch more Funny Videos

Chillaxin' on a Sunday Afternoon...

2009-07-26T17:23:00.005-04:00

we were blog surfing.
found the Meters album.
found some ill footage of the 45 king.
and this:

reason# 6 why I *heart* Dwele... he knows how to have fun & school folks at the same time.

enjoy :)

I know...

2009-07-23T19:45:00.004-04:00

...we don't spell it the same way but why we gotta have the same name??
And how can she expect people to take her seriously when she's makin CAKE off being a lil loose lipped - no pun intended.
How do her children feel about her? And who is she married to??

my 1st Youtube Channel!!!

2009-07-23T01:24:00.000-04:00

2009-07-20T15:32:00.001-04:00

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Rock Da Bells '09

2009-07-20T14:51:00.004-04:00

It took awhile to get poppin' - due to a lack of transport to Jones Beach as planned - but thanks to the LIRR, I was able to make it out to the beach for under $6buck! Funny thing is, that was the same price as the water!

I managed to have a good time anyway. The onlt down side was a lack of a photo pass. I was able to get back stage and get some hot pix - even started a new project ForeverInked - but as for my amazing concert photography - it was a no go :/

Goodbye Michael...

2009-07-07T13:57:00.002-04:00

to the best that ever did it
*tips hat

thank you.

for Michael :)

2009-06-30T23:13:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson loved James Brown. I hope they are rockin' out in heaven :)

Tributes to MJ

2009-06-27T22:07:00.004-04:00

as you may or may not know, I am blessed to be surrounded by highly talented people. My dad plays the saxophone... and he practices ALL the time... I hear him play mostly Jazz but my mom recorded him after hearing of the passing of Michael Jackson. I don't recall us ever having spoke about how much of a fan he is of MJ. But from this, I can tell he was a HUGE fan!

For Michael - JahSaab

u probably know Dwele from Flashing Lights or this new McDonalds commerical. I've been an admirer of his talent since I heard him adlibing on Bahamdias 'Philadelphia'. so I ain't surprised at all with tribute below from talent to another

Dwele - MJ Tribute

R.I.P. MJ

2009-06-25T19:31:00.004-04:00

you were an amazing artist and person.
thank you for sharing your life with the world.
may peace finally be with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8 - thriller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDxsM5jLNxM - remember the time

thank you.

HOT 97 SummerJam '09

2009-06-08T15:31:00.003-04:00

mApple!!!!

2009-06-06T14:05:00.001-04:00

Miss u guys!!!

Famous Girl - Christian Rich

2009-05-05T01:22:00.003-04:00

I met these cats a few weeks ago. Very cool dudes and extremely talented too! When I heard this track, I had no idea the visuals would look anything like this! Alls I gotta say is, I no longer like ducks.

Enjoy!

Christian Rich - Famous Girl from CHRISTIAN RICH on Vimeo.

Brooklyn Cares!

2009-04-13T14:23:00.003-04:00

The mascot is under the weather and has been for the past couple of days. Of all the times I've owned a cat, this is the first time I needed to take one to the vet.

Chloé was feverish, sneezing, and trying like hell to breathe through her nose - which btw is now orange. She also kept shivering like a gremlin when it gets wet. I got scared - she didn't seems like herself and she looked a hot mess!
When I went into the Vets, there was a nice man who listen and was willing to help on the spot! They had to do blood test and give her an IV to help bring her fever down. She was a trooper - tho I was sure she'd scratch all our eyes out - and she remained as calm as a kitty can under the circumstances.

What was discovered was Chloé has a cold :( If they made Thera-Flu for cats, I would've gotten it - and it would have been cheaper than the $300 bill. However, the brand new state of the art veterinary clinic on Fulton St. was a waay better deal. There's a nutritionist, a 'Cat Whisperer', and a marvelous vet that was gentle and kind.

I'm excited about them being in the neighborhood & thanking my stars they were open when I needed them most. If you've got a pet, I highly suggest popping in one day or checking out the BrooklynCaresVets website.

Real Talk....

2009-03-04T23:17:00.001-05:00

This is where I'm tryin' to be by the end of 2009!!!

sultry on a Saturday...

2009-02-14T20:16:00.003-05:00

...I got a feelin' 'sultry' is not the right word to describe my mood

sad.

that works.
mostly because I can finally hang out, stay up late & there's no one to chill with!

so, I took this pic:

sigh

2009-02-11T18:41:00.002-05:00

i miss my friend.
it was a losing battle from the start...
Work.
i hate work.
especially when it hinders me from seeing you...

we never get a chance to kick it...
chatting isn't enough
i want what i can't have

life sux

in other news, I'm not dying :)
i was mis-diagnosed
go figure

R.I.P. James...

2009-02-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

I will never forget that Thursday after work when I first put 2 & 2 together and really understood just how special you were. We were on the Lower East Side, in one of those new, narrow, little lounges. The DJ played 'Eve remix ft. Spacek' I'd never heard of Spacek and I swear, this track changed my life FOREVER!!! Thank you!

They Got Me...

2009-01-16T22:06:00.002-05:00

Is it ok that he wants to bootleg this??
I don't know how to feel? LOL

2009...Finally!

2009-01-02T19:55:00.000-05:00

Greetings & Salutations!
Chloé and I are sitting on our new couch - :D YAY- watching 'Demolition Man' I swear, I talked this movie up the other day! I dig it but I still don't get the thing about the three shells...

Mom & Dad stopped by. My parents are pretty dope :)it was nice to kick it with them. Anyway, I gotta go to bed - early day tomorrow.

Who Knew!!?!

2008-11-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

I am Cool, Creamy & Green

I'm cool. Yeah. I know it. Laid back, easy-going and breezy. Nothing ruffles my feathers. I'm the one everyone wants around in a crisis. I keep my head about me. I may even walk around like I own this place. Underneath my cool exterior, though, is a passionate, self-possessed person who knows what's right and what's good.

I like HONEY DIJON

I Know I Shouldn't Laugh But...

2008-10-23T23:13:00.001-04:00

... I was feeling kinda blah and this made me laugh.

Agitation Station

2008-10-14T19:55:00.002-04:00

Today was kinda blah.
I woke up with a sinus headache that continued for most, if not all of the day.
I feel like someone stuck a straw in my head and blew real hard one time...
So...tomorrow my birthday and I'm not as excited as I normally am.
I have no plans outside of going to see my homie's stand up at the Laugh Lounge.
Everyone's sick or broke or both.
Plus it's a full moon.
I got a feeling if the pressure's relived from my head, I'll be more up beat
Phuck it, I'm just gonna go to APT and call it a nite.
Seriously, I'll be happy when this damned pressure on my face is gone.

today was a Good day!

2008-09-25T23:43:00.004-04:00

nothing crazy happened - outside of being showered with attention from the person I would have died to notice me a few months ago. life is strange! Grey's Anatomy was REALLY good tonite. I woman found out her husband not only lost his job 8 months prior to their visit to Seattle Grace, but he phucked her bff too! She was hurt - to say the least - and asked one of the guys at the hospital why men cheat. The answer was surprising and left me speechless
He said something along the lines of:
'...maybe he felt low... and he didn't want you to see him that way...'

Interesting.

In other news, my asthma is getting better! Today was my last day of steroids - YAY - and I found a pretty dope application for my iPhone called Asthma-Charter. You enter all your personal info - i.e. height, weight, sex, etc. - and anytime you test your peak flow, you enter it into your iPhone. The app keeps a really cool log/chart that you can even email to your doctor! Pretty cool, huh?

It's late again and I need to go to bed... be sure to check out my new photo blog:cAmAerAwArs

The Boys of Baraka

2008-09-24T21:46:00.004-04:00

This is an EXCELLENT film! There is a lot to be said about our country and the way we care for our children. We have a job to do. I haven't a clue what I'm gonna do but I feel like I need to help. These kids are just KIDS and they need attention.
What I learned from this film is when young men are angry and they don't understand their anger, everything defaults to primal - i.e. ego & pride.
It's our job to help these young boys become men. We don't have to go to Baltimore, we can start right outside our doors.
I'm going to make a conscious effort to talk to these young men, when they are doing wrong and especially when they are doing something good.

Oh Happy Day!

2008-09-23T22:35:00.002-04:00

I think I might finally be over him*

PRAISE DA LAWD!!!

It only took 5 months or so but after spending approximately 24 hours with my good friend Cuddle Fish - lol - I gotta tell ya, I feel like my old self again :) We talked and talked, laughed, walked and bonded. It isn't everyday that someone's presents can lift your spirits and inspire you to be a better you.

thnx E...

I got a chance to peep the new Madlib *sigh*
this man is simply amazing. One day, I will attempt to express what I see/feel when listening to his music... chances are, I'll lose the ability to speak like I always do when in his presence (so sad) anyway, there's a track on this WLIB album called 'the Yo-Yo Affair' and I think it explains theCuddleFish phenomenon perfectly!

October 14th is the official release date (thanks for the most best-est birthday gift Stones Throw!) and I will def be coppin' this one on vinyl!
*sidenote
i still have no turntables of my own (hint-hint)

aiight, time for bed...

-fin

*as in McSweetie...NEVER OJJr :)

September 11th 2008

2008-09-11T08:09:00.002-04:00

And We're Back!!! (c) TLC

2008-09-04T02:06:00.002-04:00

So... I thought it would be AWESOME to blog on the go. I swapped over to Wordpress and guess what... NONE of my on-the-go blogs posted :( So, I've decided to return to BLOGGER:D
I will re-post what I posted on Wordpress here. In the meantime, if you wanna read what you missed, click here.

enjoy!

WE'VE MOVED!!!

2008-07-28T02:43:00.001-04:00

theSoapBox is moving corners!
From ow on, you can get your fill of theSoapBox here.
Its been a blast Blogger!

-fin

Strange Friday...

2008-07-25T12:02:00.006-04:00

I wanna cry. Nothing's wrong. Then again, everything's wrong.
I phuckin' HATE that I dig you so much. I don't even know why I like you.

*insert Slum Village 'I Don't Know' here*

I am convinced someone has sprinkled something in my food or jacked an eyelash & used it in some form of dark-art (Harry Potter style) to make me fall for you. It's sickening. All these cats out here are DYING for me just to look at them. Yet the person I'm looking at doesn't seem to see me. Life sux!

enjoy the vid

Happy Bornday America

2008-07-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Th Best Boondocks Episode EVER!!!

2008-06-30T20:41:00.000-04:00

Sunday

2008-06-29T16:30:00.007-04:00

DUUUUUUUUDDDE!!!

2008-06-19T20:49:00.009-04:00

I LOVE days like today!
GOOD NEWS!!!
#1 - That video I've been telling you guys about since forever is finally up! It's weird watching yourself on TV but I really enjoyed my CLIP!

#2 - I'm in an Artshow!!!
Y'all might not know this about me but I really really really enjoy putting my work on walls and getting your feedback about it. It's my way of communicating to you and watching your reactions to my work and hearing how it effects you definitely part of what gets me out of bed in the morning. This Sunday, the loooooong awaited POSITIVITY art exhibition will have it's opening!
POSITIVITY
Opening Reciption
Sunday, June 22nd
4pm-7pm
Danny Simmons Corridor Gallery
334 Grand AVENUE
BKNY, 11238
(take A Local or C Train to Clinton-Washington Station or the G Train to Clinton-Washington Station)

If you can make it, AWESOME!!! (<- I know, I promised to cease saying that word but I like it) If not, tis' all good. I hope to putting on/participating in another show in the very near future.

#3 - There are no frozen pets in my freezer! GIDDITY!!

#4 - I cleaned my room and found a few things I have been looking for for sometime*
*this may not be as huge a deal as the rest but damnnit, it made me smile!

#5 - GUESS WHO GOT AN AIR CONDITIONER???
ME

Dude...

2008-06-09T23:58:00.003-04:00

... I couldn't make this sh*t up if I wanted to!!!
As you may or may not know, it is hot thena muthaplucker in NYC! has been for the past 3 days! And I live in an Easy Bake Oven. To avoid melting or baking, I hightailed it to QB to my parents crib. Mom's was on some conservation stuff so we slept outside - it was pretty dope.

after a couple of days away from life as I knew it - I left the charger for my laptop in BK. Mom's got a powerbook :/ different charger, so I got ZERO work done - it was back to BK with clean clothes and a well rested mental state. Then, my roommate called.

She tells me her pet chinchilla died :(
I feel kinda bad. Dead pets are always a sad state of affairs

She tells me she didn't know what to do with the remains...
I feel kinda speechless

She tells me she stashed the remains in the FREEZER 'til she can find a place to bury it
I freak the phuck out

I tell you...I CANNOT invent the randomness that occurs in my life...

I need a camera crew

Rubbers

2008-05-25T12:26:00.003-04:00

Well... that's what erasers are called in the UK. Although the use of both (for your pencil and your penis) in life is necessary. Unfortunately, you cannot erase mistakes in life :/ Well, you can try, but I find that my life is like a REALLY sharp pencil - you know the kind where no matter how lightly one treads or how hard you rub, your error is still starring back at you like 'I'm still here stupid!' I try to live my life regret free but I swear, if I could, I would totally change a decision I recently made. No, I'm not getting into the details of it. I'll just say I gotta take better care of myself. Seriously, I cannot keep trusting people with my life, he(art) or my feelings. At the end of the day, all we really care about is ourselves anyway. Hell, even family comes second!

I've been called selfish a few times in my life and I always wonder, when I do something selfless (i.e. stupid) what those people would say if they could see me - LOL. They'd probably laugh. Shit, I would.

While in the shower, I had a mini-epiphany. I think of myself the same way I do my photographs - AMAZING! But more often than not, I give photos to whoever wants them. In the hopes that they will one day realize how awesome my images truly are. I don't ask a lot of questions, hell, I don't even charge as much as I should. Next thing you know, my images are getting used in all kinda ways I didn't know were possible! I'm then left with feelings of retardation 'cause I know what my he(art) is worth and I am so NOT getting what I should be! So why ain't I doing a better job of PROTECTING them?

Maybe because deep down, I don't know what they're worth. I'm lugging around Harry Winston's and I am pelting them at rotten, second-rate, good for nothing, losers! WTF is wrong with me??? G.I. Joe said 'knowing is half the battle' but I need some intell on what to do about the other half. Withdrawing doesn't help. Putting myself out there doesn't seem to be working in my favor either. Crying makes me sleepy and green (thank God for the green) is getting expensive. What's a girl to do?

*steps off SoapBox*

Anyway, it is BEAUTIFUL outside! My laundry is done and the camera battery is charging. Today I'm going to the frame spot to see about pricing and turn over time. Everything's gotta be DONE by the 18th - which of course seems like a ways away but if June comes and goes as fast as May did, I am proper phucked - lol

Thanks for reading my blah...the battery is charged. Might as well make use of this G9. I still haven't given her a name...yeah, this ones a girl :)

WTF am I doing???

2008-05-22T02:31:00.003-04:00

I haven't a clue. It's a strange day...well, it was a strange day. Nothing particularly crazy happened. I didn't meet anyone or see anything out of the ordinary but I felt sad most of the day. I blame the crush. Yes, it's still going on however, I'm no closer to 'feeling some type way' about dude yet. We've spent very little QT together and even though I have learned a few things here and there, I'm beginning to wonder, what's the point?

No, I'm not trying to marry the man - LOL - and I'm not trying to add any titles or boundaries onto whatever it is we have just now. I guess I'd like to know more about him in general is all. For example: his favorite color, favorite food, what toothpaste he uses and if he's aware that Dilla and Hello Kitty are STAPLES in my life.

It's been a month maybe and we still haven't gone on a proper date! Given, odd schedules, deaths in both our families and God only knows what else have contributed to the postonement of our first offically outting but damn! I swear I've gotten no further with my crush than I have with Mustache Man from the train - and I see the crush more than the guy from the train! What gives?? I gotta admit, this is the one time I would actually be happy if he'd just come out and say "baby girl, you are HOTT! Let's beat." At least I'd know exactly where he was coming from. This "...focus on you & your photography...when the situation allows for us to be together..." b.s. and "...I don't wanna be bump buddies..." talk followed by BB actions is confusing and damaging to my psyche.

I'm not sure what to do, I wanna open up and give my all but as many of you know, that's a pattern I need NOT repeat ever again. So, here I am, fiddling with Aperture, trying to sort out my forever12.com email addy and adding color profiles for my prints for the Positivity Exhibition next month. I need to sleep but I have too much to do and even more on my mind. Speaking of which, I need to re-order business cards! Which I'm hesitant to do until I get the email issue sorted

*sigh*

I shouldn't have let him in... this is SO not working out the way I was hoping it would. I thought for sure by now I would have blow him away with my bowling skills, shown my fancy chop stick dexterity, or at least proved I can do more than boil water in my kitchen. Unfortunately, all I've accomplished is reoccurring appearance of this cat in my dreams at nite where we're actually in public in the day time!

This year has not been good in the love dept. So far, I've been crushed by my crush, blown off by a deaf billionaire for a deaf brazilian, three friends of mine are now expecting their first child and I can't get a normal date. Seriously, I always considered myself a late bloomer but PHUCKIN HELL!

At least I have a job I like. That seems to be going well...even if my mentor and friend is moving to California :/

In other news, I finally got a new point n shoot! I settled on the Canon G9 - the Sigma DP-1 was a close second - even after getting all my money took - literally - at the NY Photo Expo this past weekend. That was no fun, however the expo was awesome! I was forced to deal with an evil little man but Graham (from Powerhouse Books) was helpful & kind and aided me in getting my money back in a timely fashion :)

I need to go to bed...gotta get up at like 7 and it past 3am...

On the Count of 3...

2008-05-11T20:31:00.002-04:00

...say PHUCK DA POLICE!
one, two, three
PHUCK DA POLICE!
(c) jay dilla R.I.P.

What the hell is going on?? Seriously, how are we supposed to feel safe when we are at risk of being beaten or killed just minding our own??

Happy Mondays

2008-05-05T14:30:00.003-04:00

The combination of sunny days,
warmer nites,
fun with friends,
fresh flavors of green,
photog projects
and spring things we hope to become more than a fling
make today a Happy Monday :)

Humanzee

2008-04-30T00:21:00.005-04:00

Have any of you ever heard the term "HUMANZEE"??
Well, I saw this sh*t on some science channel a few days ago and I gotta tell ya, it was DISTURBING to say the least. First off, who did it with a monkey? Second, how the hell did the thing survive? and lastly, why was the creature 'on display' for the world to sh*t on?? If you google the above term or 'Oliver, the humanzee' I'm sure you'll be freaked out too! I'd have posted a photo but it gives me the creeps.

Anyway, apologies for not posting anything in like forever! I even got made fun of by very popular radio producer for the lack of post - lol. Who knew people actually read this damn thing! So let me attempt to catch you all up to speed:

1 - the re-re-re-organization of my images is just about done. I was able to import all 50K plus images into Aperture and start re-naming, rating and in some cases, editing! YAY ME! Of course, there aren't enough hours in the day to teach folks how to use iMovie AND rate my images - that's what days off are for :)

2 - so, in addition to rating current flicks, I will be taking new ones - gettin' down and dirty in my neighborhood scouting for any signs of gentrification for a photo project I'm working on. I seriously need a new cam - both digital SLR and a point n shoot. I'd been looking at the Canon G9 - 12mega pixels of hottness - but it's thicker than what I was hoping to get. I need a cam I can take EVERYWHERE, in every bag, pocket and tiny fashion accessory I have! I want the Canon 5D so I can blow up my pics larger than 16 x 20. Keeping in mind the above is NOT an excuse why I've been slow on the shutter, I'm just sayin' thou!

3 - I'm adding a new section to my site - as soon as I figure out how to make it happen, lol. I'm shooting for Sept '08 as the launch date and will keep you posted on my progress. For those of you that haven't visited in a while, I changed a few things for your viewing pleasure ;)

4 - my roommates are cool - even if they don't always turn off the lights :)

5 - my dad is getting better - YAY!

6 - I didn't get the position I applied for at work. however, it isn't a total bummer. actually, it works out pretty well - I really enjoy presenting! I'll be teaching Keynote tonite to 6-13 year olds and if Saturday's workshop was any indication, its gonna be awesome!

7 - in other news, I've been crushed :) I think its something in the pollen that makes humans randy at this time of year - lol. you know, tress are doin' it so folks want to too! I haven't a clue how I got where I am with said crush but I'm happy...for now :)

hi guys!

2008-04-15T01:56:00.002-04:00

I haven't a clue how long its been since my last post. A lot has happened since last we palavered (<- google it!) First things first, the bugs are gone! YAY! There was a moment I thought I was gonna have to slap a b*tch - I awoke to a creepy crawly a few days AFTER the fumigation. Yes, I freaked out and went to the local hardware store looking for a remedy to the issue. They suggested something called Steri-Fab OMG! This stuff is AWESOME! Not only can it be used as an insecticide, you can use it as a disinfectant and deodorizer! Best of all, it kills bed bugs! I got TWO bottles of this stuff and sprayed the whole crib. Been sleeping peacefully in my NEW memory foam mattress ever since. And I got roommates that are cool! And I got a mini-promotion at work!

In other news, the Dolly Parton vid is complete and my mug (as well as my photographs) make multiple appearances throughout it! The Dutchess txt'd at like 1:50am on some "Just saw you in Dolly's vid!!!" I rang her to find out where she saw it... muthaphuckin' PerezHilton.com!!! Just beneath Faith Hill & Fergie is the vid!

Pretty cool, huh?
Dolly rocks!

Shout out to Noel for coming thru with the power cable for my LaCie drive - I can now began to re-re-re-organize my images using Aperture :)
YAY!
ok... time for bed... or in my case Ratatouille

And then there were bugs...

2008-03-13T23:36:00.004-04:00

...Yeah bugs...like bed bugs on my couch! No, I have not made a visual confirmation but the 100+ bright red/ itchy bumps/bites covering my entire body is a pretty big clue - as wass the blonde colored bug I found chillin' on my phone (it was in my bed) Wednesday morning!!! Yeah, scratching like a crackhead is so NOT sexy people.

I was hoping to chuck both my bed AND my sofa tonite but the people I asked to help me couldn't or complained about the time - like it's my fault I got out of work at 9:45p! If you cannot do something, JUST SAY SO! PHUCK!
At least my homegirl had the balls to be like '...babes, I love you, you know this but I am SO freaked out by bugs!!!' i.e. You cant stay here :/
At least she was honest. I mean, can I really be mad at her??? Hell nah!

I got rid of all my pillows - from both the bed and the sofa - and at the advice of another friend who had this problem, I plan to wait until the exterminator comes thru BEFORE I chuck the bed and sofa - wouldn't want these bastards jumping on anything else.

*sigh*

yeah... March sux. It all started with the phuckin' bank drama, then the shadetree 'i-know-i-cant-swing-the-rent-but-i'll-tell-you-a-week-AFTER-you-need-to-know' friend, followed by the respiratory virus/infection coupled with the 5 days fever *inhale*
the fat, crispy beeotch at LGA airport who spilled red sauce all over me (shoes, pants, bag, coat, shirt, neck AND hair) and gave attitude with her fake apology - what a bitch! - to missing my flt back to NYC, getting booked on another flt that was swiftly canceled :) Now I got phuckin' bed bugs in the couch!

I'm tried...freshly showered and covered in anti-itch cream :)

less drama for next time?
we can only hope...

Don' ask me...

2008-03-05T14:56:00.003-05:00

...for shit!
Corren will no longer be putting her ass on the line for those she considers friends. Sorry folks, I've gotten the short end of the stick 1 time too many.

Given, my bank info being stolen was not your fault and my saying no to the stranger WITH money who wanted the room to help out said pal was my decision. However, it was defiantly a bad one. Instead of reposting the ad on craigslist - after the misunderstanding regarding the sublet/rental fee - like I should have, I gave said friend 'a day or two to' to re-crunch some numbers... well, 9 days later rent's not paid, I have no roommate, my bank account is all jacked up and I have a respiratory virus!

so please, don't ask me for shit.

thnx!
MGMT

Kooties with a twist...

2008-03-05T01:23:00.002-05:00

...I tried to tough it out, I really did. But trying to explain why one should get Apple Care or the features of a .Mac account when you're running a fever and covered in goosebumps is no fun :(

I did manage to get to the doctors - a much nicer trip when you have health insurance and no co-pay (thanks Apple!) After waiting about 3 hours - layered in a hoodie, wool coat and my dad's sheepskin - to see someone, I was diagnosed with a slight case of a Bronchial virus. OH JOY! Long story short, the fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion, coughing and phlegm are all signs of Bronchitis, not (exactly) the Flu. I dont think I'm contagious. I do need to get better asap - I've got a cover shoot for Hip-Hop Connection this weekend :D

I'm kinda excited! This will be my first magazine cover AND it's British so that makes it x-tra cool! I shot for this mag before, while living in London actually. They published a pic I took of Phonte and Big Pooh. I wish I was hungry. I had 1/2 a rice cake and 1/2 a bowl of Mom's homemade chicken soup, both of which I was tempted to hurl :/ I think its all stress related. Between the thievery of my funds from the bank, sending and re-sending of cards, the fuzzy roommate situation, and dealing with shady ass folks, its all taken it's toll.

Remedy? Rest, fluids, and some nasal spray...oh and some antibiotics if I'm not feeling better by Friday.

I'm Sorry Y'all...

2008-02-29T23:38:00.001-05:00

...but this thing cracks me up!!!
Lani, I never laughed so hard in my life!

-lol

I heart Dolly!!!

2008-02-27T22:21:00.007-05:00

OMG! You guys!! I had like the BEST last 36 hours! In addition to having an experience that can only be described as tantric, I got to be apart of Dolly Parton's latest project - the video for the first single for her new album 'Backwoods Barbie' The title of the first single is 'Jesus & Gravity' I know right! Pretty cool title for a song, huh? It was kinda weird... I really admire Ms. Dolly and find it strange (in a good way) that of all the things I could have been doing today I was apart of her video!

I'm sure you're wondering how I fell into this random coolness :)
I was at work, helping a customer find a portable player for their iPod. They were working on a film and needed something so the cast could hear the lyrics clearly. When I asked a little more about it, I found out that the title was Jesus & Gravity - which of course, I love - and the artist was Dolly! I got so excited - lol - I told them how much I dig Dolly and they asked me to be in her video :D

Pretty neat huh :)

I was up late washing my hair, cleaning the crib and building with my new roomie. I am so sleepy! But I had to tell you guys how cool it was to have a film crew at the ArtHouse! The guys liked my photographs (always cool) and even my photos got a lil' time on camera - lol - the plants too :) I learned about lighting, jibs, 9-legged tripods and 50" Video Screen Simulator Glasses Overall, I had a great day. Mom & Dad picked me up from work and now, I'm, going to bed:)

theSoapBox 3.0

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waving

sigh

sigh

I heart Dolly!!!