Tonight we dance!
The symbols of a culture, a heritage of humanity, mean a lot. When they begin to disappear, be very concerned. So, the moral of the story is: wear your color, wear your art, wear your culture to remind you of where we been and we’re going. Don’t give up. Sankofa!
Besides, color is so dope!
I stay woke,
Shila Iris aka Honey
!
The water heals
so, I swim deep
the depth of it all
just seems so out of reach
so I fetch, dig deep in my memory
the spirits rise, so again I can see
at the bottom of the ocean
in Labadi beach
The horses, they come for me
I am the master of this ceremony
new life, new mind
3 dollars and 6 dimes
Cause the woman that knows something,
knows that she knows nothing at all
Change
-by Shila Iris
If you don’t know him, you should. Try him. I did, and I am very pleased…
Birthday: February 20, 1985 (Age 32)
1.Jesse Boykins III & MeLo-X: Black Orpheus…
“I played her heart strings…”
chase Jesse with Eric… “Met her at Howard, lived in the Towers, same floor that I was, which did allow us, to sit and talk for hours, in between dealings, and all this unveiling, clearly there was feelings…”
2. Eric Roberson: A Tale of Two
Eric’s Birthday: September 25, 1976 (Age 40)
chase Eric with Raheem… “I’m so proud, to have a lady, a Queen who wears a crown…”
3. Raheem DeVaughn: You
Raheem’s Birthday: May 5, 1975 (Age 42)
Raheem with Bilal… “I wish I was drug free, sometimes…”
4. Bilal: Sometimes
Bilal’s Birthday: August 23, 1979 (Age 37)
and Bilal with Musiq… “You’re my baby, my lover, my lady. All night, you make me,
want you, it drives me crazy. I feel, like you, were made just for me baby…”
5. Musiq: So Beautiful
Musiq’s Birthday: September 16, 1977 (Age 39)
and then, with your last glass of wine before bed… “You won’t regret it no, no
Young girls they don’t forget it, love is their whole happiness, yeah, yeah, yeah…”
6. Otis Redding: Try a Little Tendeness
Otis’ Birthday: September 9, 1941 (deceased at Age 26)
Jesse. Eric. Raheem. Bilal. Musiq. In that order. Otis. ♥
Peace and joy,
You got me… I am Shila (pronounced Shy-lah)
I picks my friends, like I picks my fruit,
and granny told me that when I was only a youth,
I, don’t walk around trynna be what I’m not,
I don’t waste my time trynna get what you got.
I work at pleasing me, cause I can’t please you,
and that’s why, I do what I do,
My soul flies free like a willow tree…
Fruit…
He brought so much excitement to my day. Spending hours in my cypher, he began to write poems, inspired by the way my mind floated. He remained untainted by false profits, and listened to the elders. He meant what he said. He said, he’d see me through my healing. He was strong. He needed me, just as I needed him, sustained by my unpredictable existence, he levitated in the walls that I cultivated- orange and red hues, with yellow overtones. My creations empower. I am the water bearer, the loyal one. Blossoming spirit, they desire, but I chose him. I swallowed his insecurities, and I deciphered his anger. He gave to me purely, without expectations.
I am Shila Iris, life-sustaining…
In the short time that I’ve experienced your spirit,
I think you’re a pretty dope lady with a lot of power…
Gotta do your thing… breathe. Be free. Outside of sexuality. It’s not about the body, it’s the spirit, made you look! Healing is not about bowing down, it’s about looking up, and accepting the All. I see balance, I see truth. I see myself outside of you. Peace.
I write love poems… or just poems of desire… i desire u
Shila Iris
P.S. My people don’t always wear clothes. We started wearing them to protect ourselves from you, and then, you started selling sex. Look closer.
Reprise: You will feel me everywhere you go. You will taste my skin, I will flow within your memory. You will see me in your dreams. Your heart is weary, and you will be overwhelmed with me. I am a drug. And so are you. We’re in recovery.
“I’m a recovering undercover overlover, recovering from a love I can’t get over. Don’t want to be an addict anymore. Addicts lie, addicts cheat. Addicts run, hide, and live in fear of their next high. Their next high could be you, it could be me, what are you addicted to? I just want some balance. So, I’mma chase the Sun.
He is like sunshine
the light that moves my melanin
offering blessings to my high self
the aloe to my wounds
makes my heart beat fast,
rock steady,
the Sun, Ra, keeps me
smiling like…
She has the glow of the Moon
Protected by his faith
my words dress him,
I leave raw greens on my plate,
cause he eats to survive
concentrating on the stars in my eyes…
Moving picture.
I am Shila. Peace and blessings.
He called out to her from a distance and she pretended not to hear him.
Not because she didn’t like the sound of his voice,
but because she did not want him to look into her tear-filled eyes.
He caught her, pulled her towards him and asked her to accept his presence.
She lifted her head to see, the face of the Sun.
The time had come. She smiled. For the rest of the day.
I asked the elders if I could speak freely, and they said, absolutely.
I earned the right to tell my story, for without the element of truth,
it would all be in vain. The generations to follow will hear the sound of
my voice, resounding… cause I need these niggas to turn into gods…
Asante sana, nakupenda, la la salama…
Shila Iris
Look closely at this bag. Now scream! This is absolutely beautiful. For a person like me, who loves African and African-inspired fashion, I feel like I hit a gold mine. Sistas and brothas, you must indulge in this greatness.
Today is Friday, and perhaps you have some extra cash, or disposable income left, and want to reward yourself for a goal that you accomplished. Well, this is the way to do it! Check out the Orijin Store! I am all about African fashion and this company hit the nail on the head with this line of amazing accessories.
Ori j i nal Design, Culturally Inspired. Visit Orijins website to see the full collection of bags, glasses, and signature clothing. Given my beliefs in living the Nguzo Saba 365, this is a purchase I can be proud of because it’s for us, by us. You can share in this greatness too, if you’re ready. Sure, break the rules! 🙂
I will be getting one of these amazing bags. Based on my experiences with leather, the price is really good – $169. I think you should go for it. I love, love, love it. No pressure, though, you don’t have to love it. Just give it some time. I’m sure you will.
Shot out to Orijin for supporting my art on Instagram. Much love. Peace.
You can find them on IG @orijinculture and I am @kushqueendom
I’m sending signals to your mental, so we can connect… see you soon,
Shila Iris
Just a taste of my style of design work…
![B2B_Cover[1]](https://i0.wp.com/afrikanessence.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/b2b_cover1.jpg?w=192&h=256&ssl=1 "B2B_Cover[1]")
“I felt like a piece of art, and the fingers of the Sun were sculpting me into an amazing figure.” -Shila Iris
I woke up this morning at 6 a.m. because my Father called. I wasn’t ready to talk to him, but when my Mother called an hour later, I knew that I should talk to one of them. My parents have been separated for the past 17 years, so these calls, coming from different homes scared me a bit. However, I learned that they hadn’t spoken to one another at all. They both just wanted to talk. This felt wonderful, to be thought of by the people who created me, at the same time, but from different places in the world. After talking with my Mother, I walked into my living room, and let the Sun shine on my body. It hit every part of me, and it reminded me of how alive I am. I felt like a piece of art, and the fingers of the Sun were sculpting me into an amazing figure. The Sun is the only one who sees me naked. I got dressed, and walked across the street to the park. I laid in the grass, in the sunshine. Facing the sky with my eyes closed, the music in my heart allowed me to see my way home. Clairvoyance.
I am Alive.
The Healing Ritual: The time I spend alone, has been pretty amazing. Each day has been a roller coaster. There are so many things that run through my mind, but the last thought of each day is, I am so glad to be here, facing my fears. We are always right where we’re supposed to be. Cast your fears aside, and live your wonderful life.
“From where you are, to where I am, I can feel your heart, beat.” -Shila Iris
… and when I opened my eyes, this is the person that walked into my life:
Lyrics:
Far away from that life, so young, that’s when you used to know
Many dreams since then you’ve fed up, come and gone that time might show
But stress, don’t you let it
Don’t you forget it
Trust you’ll find your way to love
Hope is what your heart is made of
And don’t you forget it
Don’t you forget your way home
For that little girl
Hold on to your world
And don’t you forget it
Don’t you forget your way home
For that little girl
Hold on to your world
You’re worlds apart from first when life was dark
Understanding what it means to have got
Nothing but your heavy, broken heart
Memories of what used to be
When change comes responsibility
Don’t forget, where you are, ain’t where you’ve been
Life’s lessons then
Made you into woman
Hold on, hold on… (Yeah oh ooh)
Don’t you be afraid
‘Cause a heart beat away
Is all that you’d never think that sentiment will mean to you
No need to cry
You can dry your eyes
‘Cause you can count on the love that through the years
Helped you face your fears and subside your tears
Everything will be OK
Don’t you be afraid (No)
Don’t you be afraid
No, baby…
Healing Ritual: Lay in the Sun. I got really sick last week. What started as a throat ache turned into 6 days of headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, hunger pains, a constantly running nose, hives, coughing, pure torture! I caught a bug. I took Vitamin C, RAW Multivitamins, and antihistamines to relieve the fever. On day 3, I really needed ginger and soup, so I pulled myself together and went to the store. This made it worse! It’s like I picked up more germs in the store. Later, a friend told me that I should have used Uber. They now deliver food. Maybe in the future, I’ll consider this since I am alone in a new city. Finally, today, I can stand up again. Laying in the Sun really helped. It seemed to rejuvenate my body. I even went to the gym and ran 2 miles! Make sure you use the Sun to heal. Peace.
Shila Iris
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” -Rumi
These days, I’m always up late. My universe is shifting. My body is adjusting to this climate, to this environment; to this love, to this voice of reason. I am learning how to accept the truth about life. It’s not always pretty, but if you tell me, I’ll listen. All embracing. Peace and love.
Tonight, I am listening to…
It is the color of light,
The shape of sound high in the evergreens
It lies suspended in hills,
A blue line in a red sky
I am looking at sound
I am hearing the brightness
Of high bluffs and almond trees
I am tasting the wilderness
of lakes, rivers, and streams
Caught in an angle of song
I am remembering water
That glows in the dawn
The motion tumbled in earth
Life hidden in mounds
I am dancing a bright beam of light
I am remembering love
_____________________ poetry can be so liberating
I just want to give you the love that you gave to me when I was in pain. You never let go.
You came around every corner, with a hug and a kiss. You tried to comprehend my numbness. Do you resent me for having a broken heart?
I remember love.
A wonderful inspiration.
Shila Iris
Back in 2009, my girlfriend and I met each other in Atlanta, Georgia for a weekend of fun and to get fitted for bridesmaid dresses. One afternoon, we stumbled upon the art district, Little Five Points and wandered into an attractive shop called Moods Music. I got really excited. This was the first music store I had ever gone to, that catered to my personal tastes. It was amazing! I wanted to buy the entire store, but settled for a really wonderful CD by Quadron and a copy of Wax Poetics Magazine that I cherish to this day with Gil Scott- Heron on the cover. Since I liked this magazine so much, a friend of mine, who has always gotten me the best and most thoughtful gifts, decided to buy me a subscription to Wax Poetics for my birthday. On the cover of the 1st issue I received was Ms. Nina Simone. Reading the article, I fell in love with her spirit. They dubbed her “the Black poetess of protest.” I learned that she was a child piano prodigy, was great friends with Amiri Baraka, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Richard Pryor, and Lorraine Hansberry, and that most people who came into contact with her thought she was fearless and revolutionary. They say, Nina Simone didn’t give a fuck, meaning, she was going to do her thing no matter what. I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do on this woman who had an attitude that I could relate to. I wrote and performed a tribute to Nina Simone soon after I read this, and I have listened to her music since, mostly adoring the unconventional sound of her voice and her unapologetic lyrics. We are forever connected, Ms. Simone.
Peace & love.
Thank you for reading,
Shila Iris
Transformation is possible. He used to be vulgar, ruled by his lower self- arrogant, over-sexed, chasing money, starved for attention, allowing Black life to be dictated to him by non-Black people at his record company. He did this until he knew better. “When you know better, you do better.” In 2017, he is taking a different approach to African consciousness and to Black life.
David Banner is using his charm to resuscitate Black History, and he is striving to help Black people wake up. Willing to meet people where they are, he uses his own life as an example to inspire change. When you have knowledge of self, small distractions like technology, sex, and material possessions fade. Banner doesn’t hide from his past. He acknowledges his own humanity, and takes responsibility for his actions, reminding people to be humble and honest. When you bring up any of his mistakes, he smiles, laughs, and continues on in his evolution. This level of maturity is necessary on the path to transcendence. I have not known about this man for very long, but I am happy to see him boldly taking action. It’s so easy to get caught up in worldliness that weakens the spirit, but at some point we all have to lay our egos to rest so that we can survive. Always in search of good music, I listened to his latest album, The God Box. I love it. I am sending him good vibrations on his journey to push Black people into consciousness.
“I don’t care what you think of me, I just want you to think!”
Thank you for reading,
Shila Iris
The first time I picked up an issue of Essence magazine, I noticed Susan Taylor’s picture. She looked like a statue of an ancient African goddess, sort of that Grace Jones bold look, but with clothes. I read her “letter from the editor” and it became my favorite part of the magazine. Throughout the years, I have seen her with various writers, artists, activists, and its easy to see that she is loved. Taylor served as Editor-in-Chief of Essence from 1981-2000, but worked for the magazine since its conception in 1970. That’s commendable. As a woman who writes, and aspires to publish a book, I really admire Susan, and I think that she is one of the most influential women in journalism.
“Thoughts have power; thoughts have energy. And you can make your world or break it by your own thinking.” -Susan Taylor
Thank you for reading,
Shila Iris
Music is a tool I use to wake up parts of my soul. It is a necessity on the road to being healed. Just as much as I need those silent moments, where I lay in meditation, staring at the ceiling, reflecting on my day, my life, my story, I need the inspiring vibes of beautiful musicians to uplift my spirit and help me positively change my patterns of thinking. Lianne La Havas has been one of those lovely voices that have kept me mentally stimulated and in a positive place. Check her out:
“I’ll wait a little longer
While we are and getting stronger
I know it’s taking time to heal
We’ll be unstoppable
Don’t know what I did it for
I needed to know that it was always real…
… let’s be at peace, we’ll fly
Our hearts collide
Can’t escape the magnetic side
I was like a satellite spinning away
Almost lost forever and leaving no trace
Floating through the darkest reaches of space
To another galaxy
Our polarity shifted around
There is nothing else left holding us down
But it’s just gravitational
We are unstoppable
I just can’t escape the pull
We are unstoppable
It’s just gravitational
We are unstoppable…
… Our head’s held high when we walk down the line, honey
Arm-in-arm through the clear night sky…”
This season of my life is all about healing. That is the purpose of this blog, finding the tools I need to bring myself out of an abyss of emotions that were suppressed for a very long time. It takes time to heal, so I am being patient with myself. I am seeing and learning: clairvoyance through observation.
I use this sweet music to lift me, but I have come to see that healing cannot be romanticized. When I was in a very hollow place, there was nothing I could do to feel better about love, but once I got some space and time, I began to see clearly. My heart opened and I began to travel down the road to maturity, which in my case is letting go of anger. I didn’t realize just how much my upbringing had affected my ability to think clearly. I didn’t realize how much I was suffering until I saw my reflection through the eyes of another. Have you seen yourself yet?
Peace and love,
Shila Iris
Grace-full💜🌙
seeking solace in the horizon of life and beyond
When is Kwanzaa and my daily Kwanzaa practice
"Enlightening Through Words Of Wisdom"
"I saw the Angel in the marble, and carved until I set him free"
BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
Prime my subconscious, one hint at a time
WE CREATE YOUR FAIRY EVENTS
Earth & Ether 