The Nile River Flows Through Me

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He is the River Nile
The soil around him is fer tile
he is steady planting seeds
and watering them with my juices
his trees bear the fruit of me
on the branches I rest majestically
I call out to Pharaoh,
my divine King
when he’s in between
things are Exactly what they seem
His greatness creates streams,
that run through me
becoming rivers
flowing around my canals
and ravines
his Ebony mysteries,
prophetic history
prepares me for storms,
and extremes
When the floods come,
I am safe
surrounded by the aura of his grace
Protected by his Strength
I am goddess queen to this god
he studies the sun, the moon
and the stars
making calculated moves
he lives the truth and
bequeaths it to me
I live in his pyramid
Kushite to Meroë
temple to tomb
downriver to Timbuktu
across the Sahara
honorably,
we stand in our own reflections
wanting less, needing nothing
but the presence of the person in the moment
respect
Long Live the King in Me!

Queen OSiRis

Tuesday Night Interlude

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I’m in a jazzy interlude type of mood, what about you?

→ Alicia Keys: Feeling U, Feeling Me

By the way, this CD was excellent.

→ Jill Scott: I Think It’s Better & He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)

Check out this special treat: LiAnn La Havas performs Jill Scott

→ Erykah Badu: Hey Suga

Check out “Booty” performed in Chicago

→ Janelle Monae: Suite III Overture and Neon Valley Street

I really dig her. Neon Valley Street is awesome.

→ and a prelude… Isley Brothers: Harvest for the World

This is such a great prelude, I had to include it!

Drinking Pinot this week. Try this. ♥

OSiRis RiSinG

and a very sexy ending…

JANET JACKSON: Anything

How Stevie Wonder Helped Create Martin Luther King Day

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CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO READ THE ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON CUEPOINT

Stevie Wonder’s song, Happy Birthday, was one of the forces responsible for rallying support to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a national holiday. This is a very important part of history that is sometimes overlooked. Art has often influenced political change. There were many people who fought alongside Martin, including artists, even after his death. I’d like to remember other social activists of that time, and some who came after. When I think of Martin, I think of many names including: EL HAJJ MALIK EL SHABBAZZ MALCOLM X CORETTA SCOTT KING MARTIN DELANEY LORRAINE V HANSBERRY NAT KING COLE CONSTANCE BAKER MOTLEY ROY WILKINS W.E.B. DUBOIS FRANTZ FANON JAMES FORMAN ELIJAH MUHAMMAD RICHARD WRIGHT RAY CHARLES JACKIE ROBINSON HARRY BELAFONTE ASA PHILIP RANDOLPH WHITNEY YOUNG JR JAMES B PARSONS OTIS M SMITH JAMES H MEREDITH KENNETH B CLARK FRED SHUTTLESWORTH MEDGAR W EVERS ROBERT C WEAVER LENA HORNE JAMES BALDWIN EDWARD J DWIGHT JR MUHAMMAD ALI BILL COSBY EDWARD KENNEDY DUKE ELLINGTON KWAME TURE STOKELY CARMICHAEL ARETHA FRANKLIN LANGSTON HUGHES JAMIL ABDULLAH AL AMIN H RAP BROWN THURGOOD MARSHALL GIL SCOTT HERON ELLA FITZGERALD ROBERT NESTA BOB MARLEY and finally, MARCUS GARVEY, who came before this time, but inspired every Black freedom fighter of the 20th Century. The story of this 3rd Monday in January, is very deep. So start digging! The answers can empower you. I am sure you have many other names to add to this list. Ase (Yoruba for, “it is so”)!

“If you are going to speak to the people, you gotta be the people.” –Chuck D

On December 12, 1963, two very important books were published: Why We Can’t Wait, by Dr. King, and The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon, a Martinique-born psychiatrist. Both books made history. King’s book came about from his Letter from Birmingham Jail, written on April 16, 1963, and Fanon’s book was known as “the Bible of the oppressed.” These are books that every activists or American of African descent should read. They are enlightening and uplifting and help to pave the way. They are relevant to this day, this hour, and this moment.

MESSAGE TO THE MESSENGERS

Lastly, across the world, a lot of us attended MLK programs today. I really hope that we all took the time out to listen to the messages and reflect on our history. I’ve noticed that when I attend events, fewer people are concerned about internalizing the messages and taking notes so that we can create plans and blueprints. It seems that it is more about recording videos and taking pictures/selfies and posting them to social media networks, and less about actively participating in the MOMENT. Listening and engaging is becoming a lost art. I truly heart the idea of clandestine behavior as a method to organizing for change; and I support Gil Scott-Heron’s notion that the REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED. We should try engaging on a different level. That means that we can’t give it all away, by attempting to share every move that we make. Mystery is a lost art as well. We must focus on what’s in our faces. We cannot possibly be performing at our best, holding phones, trying to document ourselves at every event. That job is for videographers and photographers. Let us play our part, by actively listening. No one needs to know that you were there, you know, and that is most important. Let’s think deeply, study, and plan:

There will be no pictures of pigs shooting down
Brothers on the instant replay
There will be no pictures of pigs shooting down
Brothers on the instant replay

There will be no pictures of Whitney Young
Being run out of Harlem on a rail with a brand new process
There will be no slow motion or still life of Roy Wilkins
Strolling through Watts in a red, black and green
Liberation jumpsuit that he had been saving
For just the proper occasion -Gil Scott-Heron

Peace and love,

OSiRis RiSinG

a beautifully Poetic Sunday

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For a long time, I did not desire him
so I buried myself in things
that would keep me away:

“got a good book and got all in it,
tried a little yoga for a minute, but it won’t let go…”
click here

He fought for his right to see me
and I ignored his attempts,
unsure of the necessity to have him in my life:

“I just can’t decide
If it’s you I want
Don’t want to choose between
Having you in my life or losing you for real
’cause I caught feelings…”
click here

As much as I could remember the beauty of him, something still pushed me into another zone. The thought of him being a reflection of my good, and my bad, made me want to be free. I wanted to face another reality:

“We were too much the same, and I didn’t know, who to blame, cause I didn’t want to change; and you weren’t going to change…”
click here

I was much more into my own feelings, tired of compromising, tired of insecurities, just so tired of second-guessing, and needing approval. I wanted to float. I chose to live amongst the clouds. It was time to face myself and see the good parts of me. Not the parts of me buried in monotony. I needed an atmosphere that would allow me to grow:

“Here I am, on a cloud
If you want me take the chance try love out loud
As I drift, through the sky
Shooting cupid’s loving arrow you just might try
So don’t miss me, take your time
You’ve only got one chance, yes…”
click here

So, after listening to my heart, I put myself out there. My search had begun. My spirit no longer wanted to live behind a smokescreen. I wanted to live visibly, and openly. I stumbled, off the block. This newness, this world that I was beginning to see, wasn’t familiar. So, I was afraid, at first, but one day, as I mingled, I saw a butterfly, and the beauty of it was astounding, so I chased it:

“See a butterfly
Up in the sky
I got a story to say
And I’ll tell you why
I’m searchin’

You see my friend
And I need someone
Who feels and needs
The same as I
I’m searchin’ …”
click here, baby

♥ ___________________________ ♥

I am out here, in this world, alone most of the time, but not lonely. I needed to know what it felt like to just be me. So thank you Universe for revealing me to me. That friend that I needed, was simply Shila. Everything outside of me, is just a gift, but never again will I exchange my happiness for anything. I am powerful in this way.

♥ ___________________________ ♥

Let’s listen to each other more. We could avoid so much, if we weren’t afraid of what the other might say. Damn. Can we just talk? We have to be brave, because at the end of the day, our hurt feelings are just not the bigger picture.

Peace and love,

Shila Iris

P.S. I want to shout out GOAPELE. She is a wonderful artist. I have enjoyed pretty much all of her recorded music. I want to make sure you hear this song. It is a reflection of me, and I am sure some of you can relate to every single lyric, just as I. It is amazing how someone else’s art can capture my heart so perfectly.

I find myself writing to this tune. Evolution requires that we face whatever made us hit rock bottom. These “rock bottom recoveries” are what make us and break us. So, this little tune cracked me right open! I had always been somewhat of a poet, writing since I was about 7 years old. Journals and journals full of words and thoughts in metaphors and similes! However, for the past few years, I couldn’t write. I couldn’t figure out why. Had I lost my ability to be poetic? I was stuck in this funk, in a place where I couldn’t arrange my thoughts. I was depressed and frustrated for a very long time. Nonetheless, that is over, and I write all the time! I just needed more life experiences. Sometimes we have to leave our comfort zones to really and truly find ourselves. I am searching. Aren’t we all? If you see me, let’s just have a good time. It’s really about being grown and mature and knowing how to express your love. Not just saying it, but living it. I HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE.

Let’s travel, don’t be afraid. Won’t you be free with me? My final destination, the motherland. That is inside of me.

I believe in love at first sight…

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… if you must harness the sunshine
and hold the air in your hands,
fairy tales and miracles are splendid
If you’re planting seeds and
watering them with the right things,
hopeless romanticism is an experience,
that leads, to growth
But you musn’t be surprised when someone on the other side
of the world flicks the light switch
and the season is over.

Energy is a whirlwind waiting for you to walk in,
it may be fate or coincidence, you spin

I believe in love manifesting itself in bodies from our dreams
Now, are you ready to face reality?

________________ I want to get to know you, and you need to get to know me. That means we can choose to see one another when we can, but don’t feel obligated. Let’s have a free flow mind dance. I believe in liberation. I believe in evolution. If we ever decide to go beyond, let it be because we trust and respect one another and because we arrived, naturally, at a place, where we both want to be. ________________

I am learning so many things about real human emotions. I was taught to put my love in a box, but it’s not how I want to love anyone and it is not how I want anyone to love me. I have discovered that I am not interested in a love filled with forevers and nevers. Anything is possible when you really love someone. I believe in LIONHEART LOVE where we don’t need to pretend or make a show. WE HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE. We are NOT afraid of one another. We know each other well. We accept the flaws and all.

LOVE IS MUTUAL. I feel like the healthiest loving is reciprocal. The Universe has a tendency to align us with the right people when we are righteous and ready. You will know when you arrive at this type of love because it will feel right. It will be more than infatuation or physical stimulation. You will be able to look into each other’s eyes and know. It is a deep experience- to grow with someone and go through trials with them. Love is earned, not something that should be given so freely. Lot’s of people throw it around, but I say, please don’t misuse it!

Growing a real love could take seasons! But don’t be intimidated by this. Have faith, patience, and fun! A REAL love has to stand the test of time. You won’t know how much you love someone until you have to go through things with them. The people that I love are those who stood by me throughout the years. It took 15 years for me to know that I really loved my best friend! 10 years for me to trust my college sisters. Imagine that. We made all types of mistakes, but we still had each other’s backs. I know that it is pure because we never had to cross anyone for our love to manifest. It has always been a good thing.

I don’t want to rush or anticipate it
It’s much more interesting when we just let it be
We connect our personalities and histories,
call it chemistry
Hasty declarations can ruin a good thing
just open your heart to me…
_____________________________

Don’t declare love out of fear. Would you rather have the security of a lie, someone telling you what you want to hear? Or the truth?

I want a beautiful becoming, an awakening, where I don’t know what’s going to happen.

If you’re scared that you’re losing control then yes, say you love me! Do you want to be in a relationship because you’re afraid of losing me or do you want the real thing? Let life happen. Love yourself.

I care for you. I admire you. I want to be around you. I want you. Those are things that I’ll believe, nothing prematurely. It’s only right that I, we, take the time to season our greens, let nature be. Peace. This woman said it best:

“Just because I tell you I love you, don’t mean that I do.”
-Erykah Badu

Listen to every lyric if you desire my tenderness. 🙂

I am so good at being a QueenAquarius!

P.S. Let’s fly to the Bahamas!

I’m smiling today because my heart is warm with desire.

How Does She Make You Feel?

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“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou

i really dig her. that girl is dope ♥

she’s wonderfully stylish. just like me ♥

she’s a loyal sister. she’s got my back ♥

we experiment, grow, and learn. she’s earned my trust and my loyalty ♥

she’s my homegirl. i love her confidence ♥

Sometimes 2 is better than 1… that’s what he said… that’s what we say! ♥

she’s so much fun! our souls speak ♥

coming to see you today, Queen…

She makes me feel so good!

“Is solace anywhere more comforting than that in the arms of a sister.” -Alice Walker

Queens read:

Shila Iris

Neolithic Heart

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“I want to see you.

Know your voice.

Recognize you when you
first come ’round the corner.

Sense your scent when I come
into a room you’ve just left…”
-Rumi

——————————————

NEOLITHIC HEARTS

Our spirits speak.

From where you are
to where I am,
I can hear your heart,
beat.
Sometimes over the loudness of my own
I lay down,
defeat.
When I can,
I give in, to the sound of your resounding love.

Like a gong, like a drum,
the pulse penetrates
underneath
my skin,
closest to kin,
I touch the surfaces of your existence,
decoding the braille,
the bumps,
I exhale,
Life is so mystical.
Breathing, I inhale,
the essence.

Languages, unknown
I hear, in my dreams.
ancient mysteries.
In my mind,
I contrive,
I find,
myself succumbing to
the caress of fingers,
of stories,
of memories.
of things,
so true.
Vivid answers,
vivid truths. -shilairis

Karmatic Life Explosions

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Monday morning anxieties,
washed away
visions of forever,
lost.
the comprehension of humanity,
gained.
living contradictions,
fly away.
no judgment of before, or after
new stories, begin

living on the path of the sun
i orbit
my heart beats to
the length and rhythm of day and night

seasons change
shape and speed, rotation leads

the past is gone,
the future, unpredictable,
the moment is now.

the love that I grew for you is 360
energy, recycled,
i don’t know what to do.
but the thought doesn’t make me blue,
my heart goes out to you.

degrees from experience,
and karmatic life explosions
there is no equation,
it’s all in persuasion.
which mountain do you stand on?
outlook and perspective
lost emphasis in translation

did they forget that there is
no Always, no Never
It’s Possibly, Maybe.
promises turn shady

the lava from volcanic eruptions
bring me closer to my Maker,
i am the Creator.
This side of the moon,
life is worth living.
free your mind
and the rest, will follow. -by shilairis

_________________

kar·ma

ˈkärmə/ > informal

destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.

_________________

peace and love,

Queen OSiRis

I am Eclipsing

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“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” – Rumi

i am the moon, eclipsing

i was not waiting in darkness for you to bring me light,
my world was already bright
but I am obliged that you have added to my majesties
with simple acts of faith

teacher, no preacher
lover, no hate
brother, no enemy
adventure, no drama
truth, no contradiction

allegiance, no opposition
bravery, no blame
harmony, no aversion
human, as in nature.

that’s what you are.
A mariner.

I am not blinded by your light,

i can see.
i can see my mistakes.
i can see, I am great.

clearly,

you are free.
And you make me,
want to be,

an explorer.

of myself,
of my individual wealth.

thank you for unleashing,
this dreamer inside of me.

i am the moon, eclipsing

spinning on the earths’ axis
my day, my night, is mine.

moth to a flame,
my experience, i claim

rising, OsiRis.
the sun belongs to me,

me, myself, and I,
my holy Trinity.

by shila iris

Today, I am inspired by my dreams of Khem. I feel like I was there. Explore.

Queen OSiRis

Lavender Fields

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“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.” – Rumi

we lay in this field of lavender and silently stirred our desires. his kisses taste like the sweet smell. nature aroused us. electric fingers touched the surfaces of my femininity. the confidence of his manhood carved out reasons for me to give in, but it was honesty that made me release. he didn’t promise me anything. he made no attempts to win me over. he made no excuses for his past. he loved even those, who he had lost. his mind was mature, aged like sweet wine. his left brain co-mingled with my right brain. he impregnated me with his wisdom. smothered in purple, i was drunk, in the silence of the lavender field. -by Shila Iris

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” – Rumi

Loving the way I feel. Queen OSiRis, I am RiSinG.

Spinning Baduizm today. “This world is so dramatic.”

DAY 7 – KWANZAA 365: Knowing my Condition is the Reason I Must Change!

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‘Father, free me from this bondage
Knowin’ my condition is the reason I must change

I just accepted what you said, keepin’ me among the dead
The only way to know is to walk, then learn and grow
But FAITH is not your speed
Oh, you’ve had everyone believe

That you’re the sole authority
Just follow the majority
Afraid to face reality
The system is a joke

Oh, you’d be smart to save your soul
Oh, and escape this mind control
You spent your life in sacrifice
To a system for the dead

Oh, are you sure?
Where is the passion in this living?
Are you sure, it’s God you servin’?
Obligated to a system, getting less than you’re deserving

Who made up these schools, I say?
Who made up these rules, I say?
Animal conditioning
Oh, just to keep us as a slave -Lauryn Hill

WE should want to celebrate and uplift Kwanzaa.

WHAT IS KWANZAA? ⇒ A holiday that celebrates Black people and Black culture. It highlights and describes OUR journey in the western hemisphere and our connection to the continent of Africa; and makes projections about what we can do to get back on track. I think it benefits children most because it teaches them about themselves. It’s important to grow up rooted in YOURself. In the spirit of IMANI:

________________

My gift to you today is: Lauryn Hill’s MTV Unplugged. With this CD, I hope you can find faith in yourself. My favorite song is: I GET OUT. It reminds me of what I left behind in 2014. I woke up many nights, feeling like I was suffocating. I knew that I needed to change my situation. If I stayed, I’d be victimized and used. America teaches me everyday, that I have to get out! I had to remember who I was. I soon learned to HAVE FAITH IN mySELF! I am perfectly imperfect, and I love it! Click here to listen the entire album. Every lyric in I GET OUT is relevant, so I strongly suggest you listen carefully. It applys to personal life as well.

‘I just don’t sympathize no more

‘Cuz now I understand, you just wanna use me
You say love, then abuse me
You never thought you’d loose me
But how quickly we forget that nothin’ is for certain

You thought I’d stay here hurtin’
Your guilt trip’s just not workin’
Repressin’ me to death ‘cuz now I’m choosin’ life, yo
I take the sacrifice, yo, if everything must go, then go
That’s how I choose to live’

In this album, Lauryn is uplifting the principles of Kwanzaa. It is simply about CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THEIR BLACKNESS. We need to be connected to ourselves. As long as we pretend that we do not, we are doomed.

There are many people who are confused about Kwanzaa, including those who practice it. I am not saying this in attempt to draw any emotion from anyone or disregard anyone’s frame of thinking. I am saying it because I really hope that in the future, or right here in the PRESENT, we can all begin to go to the SOURCE for our information. That is what my blog is about. I have grown tired of getting second hand accounts of history, of experiences, of anything! Too often do we try to attack things that we grasp no true understanding of. Do you really get what Kwanzaa is about? A simple internet search will not guarantee you knowledge of KWANZAA. Try reading about it. Try visiting Maulauna Karenga, the Creator of Kwanzaa! He is still alive and practices it every year. I am sure experiencing Kwanzaa with him will change your life! I will be meeting Maulana Karenga soon, and I plan on having a wonderful conversation with him. I am excited.

STOP AND THINK. I see people attacking and misrepresenting Kwanzaa. I wanted to know why. So I began to study it because I didn’t want to be one of those people. My nieces and nephews ask me about it all the time, and I decided that I really want to be able to teach them about it in a holistic fashion, so I read Karenga’s books. It is an AWESOME and AMAZING celebration, created by an AWESOME and AMAZING intellectual. It’s definitely not something to be attacked. It’s something that we should build on. Can we just agree to stop looking OUTSIDE of ourselves for answers? WE are the ANSWER. A lot of the confusion around the holiday, can be resolved or discussed by subscribing to Karenga’s newsletter, reading his books, or traveling to see him speak. It is worth it. Why live in confusion, when the firsthand information is right here, right now?

‘No more compromises, I see past your diguises
Blindin’ me through mind control, stealin’ my eternal soul
Appealin’ through material to keep me as your slave’

Read more: Lauryn Hill – I Get Out Lyrics | MetroLyrics

In 2014, after losing great Black Intellectuals like Amiri Baraka and Maya Angelou, I have began to feel the urgency in the NOW! I decided that I would meet Maulana Karenga because it is important for me to get a firsthand experience of him. He has created something that has lasted for 48 years. How can we ignore his brilliance?

I want to know who I am, right now today! Not tomorrow, not after I fall in love, not next week, I want to know NOW! I feel like it is most important to know who I AM, and to have FAITH in me. Without a true understanding of myself, which KWANZAA promotes, I have no real future.

For as long as I can remember, I have known what Kwanzaa was, but I hadn’t received an opportunity to delve into what it really meant. For the past two years, I celebrated Kwanzaa with a group of people who I had an artistic connection to, and I enjoyed many parts of our “kindred” celebration. Being with them opened up the door to my fascination with the concept of Kwanzaa. Still, there was a void.

This was the 3rd year that I observed Kwanzaa. Instead of performing the ceremonial part of it, I made a decision to focus my thoughts on truly learning what it was about. Last year, I met a person who had received great mentorship from Maulana Karenga. I thought, “what are the odds of me meeting someone that had been in such close proximity to the man who created KWANZAA?” Then I met two more people who also had studied with Karenga! I knew this was for a reason! I knew that I needed the knowledge that they came to give. In these people, I felt something that I hadn’t felt in a long time- a sense of confidence and truth, that was unchallenged. Some of our conversations were brief, but when they spoke, I saw God. I saw truth, I saw power. I listened. They were feeding me. It wasn’t me being controlled or manipulated by their words. It wasn’t me being naive or confused. It was more like, a “God” thing. They spoke highly of their experiences with Karenga, and they practiced power over no one but themselves. They made me want power over myself. After speaking with them, I wanted nothing other than to KNOW ME! I want to know myself! NO ONE can control me. How dope is that?

I feel like we are at such a disadvantage when we are Black, and do not grasp an understanding of those that came before us. Why now is Stokely Carmichael, Kwame Ture? Leroi Jones, Amiri Baraka? Malcolm Little, Malcolm X or El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz? They grew to possess a knowledge of themselves, and could no longer hold onto their old selves. It would be disrespectful even, to refer to them by the names that they shed.

When you find out who you are, you’ll understand what Kwanzaa is about. 90 percent of our battle remains to be intellectual- what we do not KNOW kills us. You cannot play the game until you have done the work. READ what they wrote. If they are alive, experience them. When you know what these Black intellects did, you’ll be less bound to repeat mistakes, you’ll be less likely to allow yourself to be distracted. So, no, I don’t want to hang out anymore. I do not wish to drink, party, or cater to anyone’s emotions, I just want to read, and learn about my people. I just need a little time to UP my game. I have great things to do! I can feel it.

Peace and love, KWANZAA 365. 9:00 P.M. 1/1/15

P.S. My blog is my celebration of my Blackness, of my self. Although the greatest parts of my life are not published here, I try to share some elements of my TRUTH. I share so that you can grow with me. I love you. PLEASE read my other posts if you can. You don’t have to like them or do anything really. Just read them and if you have information that you feel would make me better, let me know! GROW WITH me.

DAY 1 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Surah 31:18 IMANI

DAY 2 – KWANZAA AT SUNSET: Alláh-u-Abhá الله أبهى KUJICHAGULIA

DAY 3 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: THE real Work starts at Home UJIMA

DAY 4 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: #DontTakEitPERSONAL UJAMAA

DAY 5 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Baduizm NIA

DAY 6 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: On the 6th Day of Kwanzaa, My True Love Gave to Me… KUUMBA

Day 6 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: On the 6th Day of Kwanzaa, My True Love Gave to Me…

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Innovation. Discovery. Courage.

I faced many challenges in 2014, but I am thankful that despite all, I never lost my ability to be creative. I AM ART. Can’t you see? KUUMBA!

In 2015, the only thing that I really need is Strength. With it, mountains will be moved. I am stronger now, than I ever have been, and I can only hope to get stronger. In my 30th season, I’ve seen things that were exciting, positive, and most of all real! Some of these things I have, some of these things, I hope to have for myself:

I saw people be completely honest about their desires- I want that.

I saw a woman continuously smile- I want that.

I saw a man express himself with no fear of judgment- I want that.

I saw people admit their faults, by removing the knives they put in backs- I want that.

I saw a woman, happy in her solitude- I want that.

I saw a man kiss a woman, and she looked like she was going to faint- I want that.

I saw people read- I want that.

I saw a man praise his ancestors- I want that.

I saw a woman sacrifice- I want that.

I saw people walk towards love, instead of running- I want that.

I saw a man and a woman talk to each other about their mistakes- I want that.

I saw a greedy man, share- I want that.

I saw a lonely woman finally accept herself- I want that.

I want to CONTINUE TO GROW. What do you want?

I saw a woman become her ArT.

I am LOVE. I am ForgiveNess. I aM reciProcity.

I stand nAked, ready to face the world. ♥ I am noT Afraid of You.

My true Love is Myself.

Peace and blessings. 9:00 P.M. 12/31/14

HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY Judy (MY SISSY)!

from Queen, Me

Day 5 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: Baduizm

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“Peace and blessings manifest with
every lesson learned
If your knowledge were your wealth then
it would be well earned” -Erykah Badu

________________________

Today’s Kwanzaa theme is NIA otherwise known as Purpose. When I think of purpose, I think of my Identity, of our identity, and the restoration of the traditional greatness in the Black/Brown family. Our greatness has been repressed because we have been oppressed, but I can feel the blood of my ancestors running through my veins. It feels amazing. I know that I am wonderful, and I know that it means something to have this history inside of me.

Today, my NIA gift to you is Baduizm, an album that helped me to realize my Greatness.

It’s been seventeen years since Erykah Badu released Baduizm. I was 13 at the time, and I remember being mesmerized by her music. I saw the video for On and On and was hooked! Good for me, my mom was into Badu, so she purchased the tape and played it frequently. I was right there by her side, listening to every lyric.

“I can’t believe
That we’re still livin’
Oh, in this crazy, crazy world
That I’m still livin’

With all the problems of the day
How can we go on? Hey
So tired of hearin’ people say
“How can we go on?”

Fantasy people
Make believe people
How can you go on? Yeah
But you’re still livin’ ” – from the song “Drama”

Erykah’s energy seemed to awaken something inside of me. At the time, I couldn’t identify what it was, but it seemed more spiritual than anything. To this day, she is still intoxicating and her lyrics touch my soul. I don’t exactly feel like I am a fan of hers, I feel more of a ethereal kinship to her. I feel the wealth of her knowledge reflected through her music.

As a gift, please enjoy the messages behind the music. Let the baselines take you into the lands and into the hearts of your ancestors. If you can, check out this book on Badu:

Sometimes we get knocked off course. We get lost in love, sick, distracted by technology, confused, hurt, but we have to remember that we are GREAT. We are more than whatever they told us we are! We should look to ourselves to find our history. KNOWing yourself is fulfilling your purpose.

Peace and love,

Queen Shi-La on the throne…

8:30 p.m. 12/30/14

DAY 4 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: #DontTakEitPERSONAL

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#DontTakEitPERSONAL #butINeedtoWork #toThrive #iCANTreallySEEyouRightNow

Having had experiences with family, friends, and associates who have run successful businesses as freelancing consultants, personal trainers, artists, designers, accountants, teachers, and writers- rather it be part or full time, I realized that they could always use my support. Everyone needs a support system to either help or just be there when they need you. Over the years I am proud to say that I have shown people so much support in their endeavors. My biggest offering has always been my time. Nevertheless, I have spent a lot of money making sure people were financially secure.

I have purchased items such as handmade jewelry, girl scout cookies, body oils; I have taken classes and fundraised for people. I have helped friends plan events for work and sometimes I even showed up with lunch when I knew that someone couldn’t stop working to grab a bite to eat. More recently, I have learned that support sometimes means giving someone space and time, so that they can manage their work. This is probably one of the biggest things you can do for a person, leave them alone, so that they can WORK!

So in the spirit of #CooperativeEconomics otherwise known as #Ujamaa

As the year comes to an end, I realize just how important it is to be able to set a goal and see it through. It takes hard work and determination. It also takes being on a strict schedule, sometimes meaning days of confinement and solitude- not even a phone call! Now is the time that many people set goals, and I am one of those people. Never before have I been able to see my goals through, but with the right support system, it is most definitely possible. You have to make sacrifices to achieve because it remains to be true that things worth having require work! I am working, and sometimes I need space. I have made a lot of sacrifices to get where I am- to a place where I can set goals, and stay on top of them. I have given up some things like going out, socializing, etcetera, but its what I had to do, to save time and money because I am going to need it for my future plans!

#setgoalsANDseeTHEMthrough

So in light of this, if your friends cease being available to sit around and socialize, try to comprehend why, rather then write them off as a horribly selfish person. Show your support by giving them the time they need to work.

#shesNOTselfish #sheWANTSaFUTURE #datingCanBEoverrated #hardWorkLeadstoPlay #IwantToPlayOverseas #giveHIMspace

Peace and love,

Queen OSiRis

p.S. If you need the support, I can do what I can when I have the time. I will either say yes, or no. #DontTakEitPERSONAL. Peace. – 8:00 p.m. 12/29/14

A book that I will continue to suggest:

TWO THOUSAND SEASONS by Ayi Kwei Armah #LifeChangingBooks

Day 3 – KWANZAA AFTER DARK: THE real Work starts at Home

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“Nothing can satisfy me like a hug or a kiss from my mother, my sister, my brother, or my father.” -Shila Iris

Ujima principle teaches each family member to recognize that their own well-being is derived from their family and community. Our lives are bound together.

I have learned that taking care of your family and fostering good and honest relationships with true friends, is one of the most revolutionary things you can do in this life. It takes hard work and lots of lovin.’ It takes humility to be there for your family, and it takes discipline and respect, not to cross lines with your friends. Before this year, I honestly had no idea what a real community felt like.

My community is my family, my community is my friends. When we are all strong, then we can change the world. I want to feed them first.

I’m an aunt…

Last night, I was talking to my best friend and all of a sudden, I was crying. I got off of the phone with him and lay in bed wondering, how will I survive this? The past few months of my life haven’t been easy. These are some extremely trying times. Great change takes work! Those who saw me through this, empowered me by doing real things like providing any type of support I needed, rather it be financial or just a listening ear; they’ve cooked healthy meals for me and smiled with me and basked in my glory. I have learned so much.

I lay in bed and after a few minutes, my friend called back and he said these very sweet words to me:

“You don’t have to do this alone. You never do. I will be here. I know how it feels. I will come and sit with you if you’d like. You should know that I love you and that is what I am here for. I can help.”

That is Collective Work & Responsibility. The real work starts at home.

Peace and love,

Shila Iris