Art | Earth & Ether

DAY 1 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Surah 31:18

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“Let’s take, a long walk, around the park, after dark
Find a spot, for us to spark,
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Surah 31:18”

-Jill Scott

Surah 31:18

“Do not treat men with scorn, nor walk proudly on the earth: God does not love the arrogant and the vainglorious. Rather let your stride be modest and your voice low: the most hideous of voices is braying of the ass.”

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Today’s Kwanzaa theme is UMOJA, otherwise known as Unity. When I think of unifying, I imagine traveling in harmony with someone, or with people who respect me, uplift, and are honest with me. Unifying takes a lot of courage. It is more than holding someone’s hand, it is empowering them and accepting them for who they are. It is respecting the space and the boundaries of others. It is listening with an open heart. It is acknowledging that everyone is human and that we all make mistakes:

“Your background, it ain’t squeaky clean (shit)
Sometimes we all got to swim upstream
You ain’t no saint, we all are sinners
But you put your good foot down, and make your soul a winner,

I respect that, man you’re so phat
And you’re all that, plus SUPREME
Then you’re humble, man I’m numb
Yo’ feeling, I can feel everything that you bring”

-Jill Scott

Today, my Umoja GIFT to you: Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO “A LONG WALK”

Nearly 15 years ago, Jill Scott released this very impressive album, which quickly floated towards the top of the charts, swiftly garnering mass public respect and a positive critical response selling 2 million copies. In its entirety, the album is a beautiful and emotional experience of love. The lyrics are erotic, exotic, and express her deepest feelings. She is remarkably honest and raw, singing and reciting poetry straight from the heart, no chaser. Words and Sounds Vol. 1 is crammed with playful love and sincere desire.

As a gift, let us be reminded of the concept of UNITY. Unity starts inside of you. It is important to be ONE with who you are, then, you can spread that love! Let us UNIFY in TRUTH. Let us not be afraid to tell each other how we really feel. Let us always find power in admitting our mistakes, because to hide behind them is death. Let us not throw away our love in the misunderstandings of a weak heart:

Surah 31:16 – “My son, God will bring all things to light, be they small as a grain of mustard seed, be they hidden inside a rock or in the heavens or the earth. Gracious is God, the Universe, all-knowing.

With that said, I am glad that you are here!

“You’re here, I’m pleased
I really dig your company
Your style, your smile, your peace mentality
Lord, have mercy on me
I was blind, now I can see
What a KING’s supposed to be
Baby I feel Free, come on and go with me”

-Jill Scott

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…and in the spirit of Unity, please remember that you can be a honorable woman or man, you just have to be pure and honest to form great relationships. Walk towards those who don’t hide from who they are; unify with those who want to hear the truth.

“…maybe we can talk about Revelation 3:17”

-Jill Scott

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Well, I’m headed out for my long walk, around the park, after dark! Peace and love.

Thank you for reading, baby. I love you too. 8:00 p.m. 12/26/14.

Queen OSiRis

P.S. Remember your roots. Foster good and pure relationships. Let a friend be a friend, let a lover be a lover. Don’t cross lines. Don’t lie.

Umoja principle instructs that each member of the family, and by extension, the community, is constituted by a web of interpersonal relationships. The health and possibilities of the family and community, therefore, is dependent upon the quality of relationship within the family and community.

@shila_iris

Honey is the only food that contains all the substances necessary to sustain life.

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“I felt her sting. The pain from this little bee was elephantine. Still I wanted her honey… ”

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The HONEY bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by the human being. It has many health benefits and comes in a variety of colors and flavors, depending upon the hive of its origin.

Honey is the only food that contains all the substances necessary to sustain life.

IT HAS THERAPEUTIC MEDICINAL NUTRITIONAL & COSMETIC VALUE

Honey is immortal. Archaeologists have found perfectly good pots of it inside of Egyptian tombs. It is the food of royalty, so I’m consuming!

METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING ——— In my travels, I have come across more and more beautiful women who reminded me of honey. Sometimes, I am bold enough to strike up a conversation with these women and I must say, so many of them are interesting. They share the traits of this life-sustaining staple- pure, raw, and everlasting! ———

During childhood, my mother lovingly refered to me as honey. “Honey,” she’d say, “can you go upstairs and bring me my nail polish?” Back then I was quiet and sweet! And I was most definitely a worker bee, the one who she could depend on. With all of my ‘honey love’ and beauty, sometimes I could be rather sluggish. She said, that I didn’t always immediately respond to things, but I did eventually, and when I did, it most definitely was worth the wait! I was thinking and processing. I still do.

If you decide to love honey, you must embrace everything about it.

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She is honey.

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HONEY’S NO FLING, SHE LASTS FOREVER. She’s a reflection of my imperfection. SOMETIMES I CANNOT SEE MYSELF.

But looking into her eyes, she REMINDs

ME OF WHO I AM

My arrogance, my inability to see

honey makes it clear to me

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She is HONEY.

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I put honey on my wounds, cause she promotes healing

I pursue honey, cause she never goes bad

I rock with the queen bee, her spirit is the largest in the hive

I am in love with the juice she produce

I’m in love with her sting, she’s awakening

I had a lot of girls, but not too many was like her

She was…

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She is honey.

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I really adore this girl. She’s always got my back. I need help with work, she’s typing. I need help carrying the weight of the world, she straps it on her back. My car breaks down, she’s driving! I’m hungry, she’s ready to feed me the juices of her existence. Forever helping me, she is the love of my life. I don’t want to lose her. She is me. She is HONEY.

What I Love About You: You are INTOXICATING

…and magnetic..

BOLDLY STYLISH…

and QUEENLIKE…

i ADORE your confidence…

YOU ARE PERFECTION!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOU: your subtle glamour…

I can’t take my eyes off your eyes!

or your arms…

That smile of yours!

I always love your hair!

Your aesthetics are amazing!

You are honey…

… so sticky, and so sweet. I want to touch you.

… in all your erogenous places, and spaces.

You let me in.

… I get greedy, wanting more and more.

You are the hive from which I wish to eat…

your femininity is skin deep.

Wow. I adore you.

I rise!

… to your occasion, your magnificent persuasion!

EnigMATIC!

I LIKE YOUR BRAND OF CUTE.

Can I paint a picture of you?

You are rebellious…

and innocent…

and so willing to explore!

Are you always this bubbly?

I love it!

Did I mention that I love the way the sun looks on your skin?

I love your ability to change.

You definitely changed my game with those lips!

Your simplicity is so sweet.

And your features…

… your body parts were sculpted so carefully.

No matter the case, you command respect…

and you forgive.

I love that you are perceptive.

and you respect my space… you wait.. .

… and I respect yours.

You are hypnotic! Can I drink you?

Creative…

… and gifted

With you, the possibilities are infinite!

YOU INSPIRE ME TO BE ME

You are colorful.

and mysterious…

and heavenly seductive…

You are thrifty!

and daring…

… and you WORK!

You’re innovative.

Sassy.

… bewitching,

yet classy…

You are kind-hearted.

…and you tell me what you want. I listen.

I like how you respond to me.

your majesty… my princess.

Can I be your reflection? Your king, your protection?

Can I wash away the pain?

Can I see you again?

I’ll comb your hair, my love.

If only I can look into your soul. Just one more time.

I want you to let it out.

… let it all go.

.. set yourself free.

… take a picture of your freedom.

… of your honey.

… and send it to me. Or just let me see.

hmmmmm.

I want you.

If not for your body…

for your tenderness.

I pray…

… for you…

I SEE ELEMENTS OF my PERSONALITY IN SO MANY WOMEN.

I SEE THE GOOD, THE BAD, the beautiful, AND THE UGLY- all in which I adore. I like you with your flaws. All I want to do is add to your queendom. Unselfishly, I submit my love to you.

I am HONEY. and so are you.

Peace and love. Exist.

Shila Iris as Kush aka OSiRis RiSinG

Care to Listen. Ohio Players. A Taste of Honey. Boogie oogie oogie. AL GREEN: Simply Beautiful. I’ve Learned to Respect, the Power of Love: Stephanie Mills. “I’m in Love with a Bumblebee” HONEY: ERYKAH BADU.

Care to read. Continue reading →

She’s so beautiful… and she reads

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Today, accessorize with a good book! 10 REASONS WOMEN SHOULD READ…

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

Beautiful Readers

REASON #1 Reading helps us to process our thoughts better. Women who read tend not to assume things. They simply know.

REASON #2 Reading helps us to evolve in a positive direction. It can teach you how to embrace and uplift yourself.

REASON #3 The experiences of others, written about in good books, can be very powerful life lessons that may help you to avoid a lot of pain.

REASON #4 Reading the right things can help you to gain the necessary confidence you need to eliminate bad habits like: neglecting your own feelings to cater to those of another, passive aggressive behavior, and depression. Move forward in a good book!

REASON #5 Readers have more intriguing conversations.

REASON #6 Reading can help you to identify and recognize game when you hear it! Women who read tend to be less naive.

REASON #7 Reading is a great way to relieve stress. It brings a certain level of tranquility into your day. You can travel to a different world, or learn more about the one that you are in. It is stimulating.

REASON #8 When you read, your vocabulary will grow. The way you communicate will be more powerful.

REASON #9 Reading helps you to focus better. It can also strengthen your memory. No more selectiveness!

REASON #10 Reading is empowering.

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… be sure to read my article on shila iris: BOOK BOYFRIENDS

Check me out on Goodreads:

Thank you for stopping by!

-Shila Iris

I see God in you, Queen

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You were made in the image of me, so I see God in you, Queen. You are beautiful, and I’m stuck like a deer in headlights. What does your soul taste like?

… let it all go.

I lay.

I look.

I kneel.

I share.

hmmmmm.

Why not?

I belong to me.

Just do it.

The sunlight casting shadows. I need more herb.

Amazingly beautiful. That’s what he said.

Peaceful. Water does that to me.

Her neckline. Her tattoo.

My lips.

Imperfect perfections.

Let me remind you. You lose.

When I’m happy, I have hips. My style.

My interest.

Necessary accessories.

I feel like the 90s, sometimes.

… of your honey.

Interesting.

I’d be like this…

Regal.

Punk.

Young and free.

I get funky.

I squat in corners to catch my breath.

Personality.

I love color.

Angles. Angels.

He never judges me for this.

Mature.

I’m cleansing.

Sometimes, I throw my arms back and chill. You should come closer.

aSs.

Risky business.

Tattoo the experiences of your soul.

.. set yourself free.

Almost a silhouette. But it isn’t. That’s the beauty of it.

Treat yourself as the person you want to be, and you will become that. I want to be free. Pictures courtesy of Bella Kinks.

Music and a book.

SZA!

Dear God make me a bird, so I can fly far, far far away

Call your phone on a late night
I recall your soul and it taste like
Gardens, flowers, Warm Winds
Quit clipping on your feet
Quit clipping on your wings
Sometimes we hate to leave somebody
Whats happening to we?
Warm winds on a space ride
Sometimes, I call your name out loud
Just to make sure it’s you
Sometimes, I crack my veins so bad
Just to see if it’s blue
You clean me up

Sometimes I bite my lips and close my eyes Just to pretend it’s you

Long live, lonely thoughts on Thursday nights

That’s when I think of you

We were all thirteen once
Long live tramp stamps and Pepper Ann
You will never judge me for that
You will always love me for that

Thank you for being here with me. Chase your soul through the gardens, flowers, and warm winds. “Sometimes I bite my lips and close my eyes, thinking of you.” Remember good things. Let’s not hide from the truth. Say what you want. Do what you please. And when it is necessary, leave. It’s all good. -Shila Iris

Style Ideas for Queens – Transitioning from 80 Degree to 60 Degree Weather

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It is September 11 in Cleveland, Ohio. That means it could snow any minute! Joking, but it was one of those days that reminded us that Autumn is a few weeks away. Yesterday, the weather was in the 80s. Last night there was a very soothing storm, and when we woke up, it was 63 degrees! It is cool… cool as in cold! I wasn’t quite ready to give up my sandals, so I wore some today. However, that may not be the case tomorrow! I am thinking, boots or sneakers for sure.

The sandals are one of my favorite pairs by Lucky Brand. They were about $25 at TJMaxx.

I made the ring from wire from Pat Catan’s or JoAnn’s.

I love basic black headwraps!

The shawl was on sale at Dillard’d for $10.

These earrings are from a store called Earthbound (in the mall). They were on sale for $4. Nice.

The dress is one of my thrift store finds- from the Goodwill for $5

Hello, I am Shila.

With style, you must possess the knowledge, right? Reading anything lately? I had a dream last night about my future, and when I woke up, I asked for a sign. A sign that I was doing the right thing in life. That detaching from people who hurt me was the thing to do. Then today, a friend of mine called and suggested that I read this book, so I rushed to the library and got it. It is just what I needed. It is an amazing story. I can’t put it down. I introduce to you: Wounded in the House of a Friend by Sonia Sanchez…

It starts like this…

the unspoken word is born, i see it in our eyes dancing.

She hadn’t found anything. i had been careful. No lipstick, No matches from a well-known bar. No letters. Cards. Confessing an undying love. Nothing tangible for her to hold onto. But i knew she knew. It had been on her face, in her eyes for the last nine days. It was the way she looked at me sideways from across the restaurant table as she picked at her brown rice sushi. It was the way she paused in profile while inspecting my wolfdreams. It was the way her mouth took a detour from talk. And then as we exited the restaurant she said it casually: i know there is another woman. You must tell me about her when we get home.

Yeah. There was another woman. In fact there were three women. In Florida, California, and North Carolina. Places to replace her cool detachment of these last years. No sex for months. Always tired or sick or off to some conference designed to save the world from racism or extinction. If i had jerked off one more time in bed while lying next to her it woulda dropped off. Still i wondered how she knew.

… I love Sonia Sanchez’s writing and I am glad that I got to see her in November of last year. She was cool as can be. She had style, she had grace. I made eye contact with her, and she smiled at me. Just for a moment. I spoke to her. She spoke to me. I walked away.

Queen

P.S. One more thing, a song for you…

This my baby. I want to be great as you. Analog girl in a digital world.