Conscious Passion

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2015-05-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

Making the best decision for yourself, for your life is not a quick, easy process. It can actually be painful, suffocating even, because you may have to ignore what you want or feel you need in order to make the best decision for your future. When making those decisions, it's all about balance, priorities, family, security; it's actually less about passion and purpose. Your purpose has to coincide with this list of the important things in life, or somehow you hope that you have room to fit your passion in between the lines somewhere.

Yes, family and security are most important but all too often there's no room for one's passion to flourish...

And, is life all about principalities and intangible emotions, things we can't physically see but still experience 100 percent?

Why do people run away from the things they are afraid of? Why is it so fearful to face your biggest problems, those problems that usually cause so much pain and complacency? What does it mean when you can't, or choose not to, deal with those problems that fail to disappear?

What is the element in the emotion of love that blinds everyone who falls prey to it? I need to know because too many times has that same emotion stolen my way of over-thinking, over-analyzing everything - my intellectual perspective of love and its many weapons of paralyzing so many that have trusted it to lead them to their ultimate destiny.

Love is the epitome of everything, joins all things together; magical, eclectic, always existing, love is what keeps me going but sometimes, love does cheat you. It doesn't give you all the answers, but it gives you all the hope you need to keep searching for the answers to life's many unanswered questions.

NO one can fill that void that love tries to fill for you; NO one can make you feel as confident in the answers you think you find in the comfort of love; NO one can tell you how you feel, or how you're supposed to feel.

So when making those decisions that are supposed to be the best for you and your future (family, kids, career, etc.), make sure you depend not on love's supplication but on your idea of what life should be for you when you get there.

What lies ahead is ultimately your decision - be careful not to get consumed by the intangible emotions that you feel in the moment.

Lesson of Life

2013-01-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

Life is a continual journey of self-discovery. I make mistakes. I'm not perfect. But I try not to let today's mistake get in the way of tomorrow's victory. I learn from them.

To be honest, life isn't always good, every day doesn't feel as fabulous as the next, sometimes you don't feel like smiling. But if things aren't good, I feel like I have to make them good. I have to have the mind to make things better because I won't let one days disappointment defeat me.

It is the lesson of life.

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."~Mahatma Gandhi

writergurlAsh

Minnesota Students Record Racist Rant in Blackface

2012-11-22T00:55:00.000-08:00

Colorlines: Minnesota Students Record A Terribly Racist Rant in Blackface

What does this poster campaign and the video (click the above link) make you

think about race relations in America?

If you want to stay up to date on what's going on in society, visit the racially conscious news site Colorlines for investigative stories and breaking news.

writergurlAsh

What's going on in Charlotte?

2012-11-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

Came across this story on my blog list at Colorlines.com...surprising? No. We know there's still white supremacists walking around broadcasting their racist ideologies, but what these white supremacists in Charlotte, North Carolina didn't expect was a crowd of protesters dressed as clowns to challenge their Neo-Nazi agenda. Read the full article on Colorlines below:

Colorlines: Clowns Use Humor to Protest KKK Rally in Charlotte

writergurlAsh

Epiphany: Inspirational Quotes

2012-10-24T01:02:00.003-07:00

Today I had an epiphany...In the process of working towards your goals and aspiring to be the best you can be at anything you set out to do, you need perseverance, patience, and perspective; whether its to mount to new heights in your career or save enough money to buy a new house or even move out the hood and provide a better future for your family.

These quotes summed it all up for me...

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is like a broken wing’d bird that can not fly.” – Langston Hughes

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar

“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

“If you are serious about your goals, drop the conditions. Go directly to your goal. Be your goal! Conditions often disguise strategies for escaping accountability. Why not just take charge and create the experience you are looking for?” – Eric Allenbaugh

“In order to achieve something great, you’ll have to sacrifice something great.” -David Harley

“If you want to reach a goal, you must ‘see the reaching’ in your own mind before you actually arrive at your goal. – Zig Ziglar

Now there's some inspiration.

writergurlAsh

Samba Funk!

2012-09-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

The SambaFunk! band and dancers gave a highlight performance at this year's Laurel Street Fair in Oakland.

I went to the Laurel Street Fair in Oakland last month and enjoyed live performances, great food, and even got a taste of Brazil with the SambaFunk! showcase! The Laurel Street Fair is an annual free community event on the second Saturday of August featuring an amazing music and dance stage, kids zone, food and retail vendors.

Samba Funk is a combination of Afro-Brazilian dances and American funk that keeps your heartbeat up and delivers an enriching cultural experience. Dressed in their jeweled costumes, feathers, and extravagant headpieces, the ladies of Samba Funk! got everybody up dancing like a flash mob. They brought the Carnaval to the Laurel district!

Check out more photos below.

The ladies got everybody moving doing the SambaFunk!

The band was bringing the funk!

writergurlAsh

Tinashe: BOSS

2012-09-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tinashe

"Boss"

from her self-made mixtape "In Case We Die"

as played on VH1 Single Ladies, Season 2

Loving this song right now!

What do you think about the song and new RCA artist Tinashe?

writergurlAsh

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT AT MACYS

2012-09-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

Models showcased different looks at Macy's for Fashion's Night Out.
These models were so fun in their casual looks.

Model dressed glamorously in a figure flattering strapless gown

Model wearing Fashion's Night Out tee #LUV the necklace

Julian Dash, the man behind Holy Stitch

Some denim customized by Holy Stitch, which was on hand to add
personalized embellishments to any denim purchase made by Macy's customers

Online magazine, shop and event hub in SF, thebolditalic added some
fashion flair to Macy's FNO with their pop-up shop

Keep Scarfing, one rule I live by in the cold winter months

Loved these necklaces on display
Visit their website thebolditalic for more local events

writergurlAsh

FNO 2012

2012-09-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

Tonight!!! What are you wearing?

writergurlAsh

Serendipity

2012-08-17T03:25:00.003-07:00

It is amazing how small the world is. I just met the family member of a close friend who happens to work with another close friend of mines and immediately, I saw the network of people and associations between us. It was pure serendipity that we met.

It's serendipitous how I seem to always be in the right place at the right time, because it builds my network, my rapport as a writer, it helps me continue to build my dream. It puts things into a deeper perspective than before so I have epiphanies of where such a serendipitous moment can lead me. I visualize moments of success becoming reality all from making that one contact. My network is that important to me and it should be, the key is to use it as a rolodex of information. Whatever information I need, some contact that I made somewhere along my career has the answer to my query and that is the joy of it all!

That rolodex becomes a network of mutual support. Capitalize on those serendipitous moments and keep adding to your rolodex!

writergurlAsh

Gabby Douglas' 2 Mothers Watch Her Make History at London Olympics 2012 - ABC News

2012-08-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

Gabby Douglas' 2 Mothers Watch Her Make History at London Olympics 2012 - ABC News

writergurlAsh

Gold for Gabby

2012-08-03T11:22:00.002-07:00

Gabby Douglas, 16, made history as she won Gold in the women's individual all-around gymnastics competition at the 2012 Olympics yesterday. A girl with a vibrant personality, poise, and confidence, she made us all proud as she became the first African American all-around champion in Olympic history. Gabby is a role model for not only young African American gymnasts but for every young girl to see that their dreams can come true...and she plays that role gracefully.

Congrats to Gabby and her family!

writergurlAsh

Self-Reflect

2012-07-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Self-reflection is always good in my perception. It helps me reflect on where I'm at in the present moment and how close I am to getting to where I want to be. Such was today, after shopping with my sisters, mom, and cousin in SF, falling in love with every piece of clothing that reminded me of summer and searching for a new pair of shoes (like I need another pair!), I picked up a new book for some inspiration; Diary of A Working Girl by Daniella Brodsky.

The very articulate Brodsky tells the story of a young freelance writer in New York, who is working towards being published in one of the "big glossies, Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, Glamour", but is depressed from her unreturned emails to editors and hopelessly single, writing for publications that are not so popular.

As humorous as the story was, I identified with the creative whims of this character - a writer aspiring to rub shoulders with editors at the "big glossies" and become an editor herself someday, finding inspiration in the smallest details like satin peep-toe pumps or the latest trending colors for summer.

But the beauty I find in such a juxtaposition in life is that you start thinking on your feet, becoming more innovative, creating greater ideas, starting a movement or becoming a voice for an already existing one. These times of self-reflection have their own purpose, allowing you to find your niche, your own creative space, to build your brand.

It's not always pleasant to reflect on where you are compared to where you want to be, because the distance between now and the hopeful future may seem longer than you had hoped it would be. But nonetheless, the satisfaction for me, comes in knowing that I am on the right path to fulfilling my dreams. Always.

writergurlAsh

I Love My Mama

2012-07-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

My mom is an amazing woman. She gives me so much wisdom and clarity just by the way she lives her life. She probably doesn't even realize it but I idolize my mother as the way a woman should be, strong, resilient, compassionate, intelligent, thoughtful and wise, mature and charmingly beautiful, a vibrant personality that motivates everyone around her. She is the essence of a woman. She makes me the woman I am today.

writergurlAsh

CAN I GET A REFILL?

2012-05-31T19:03:00.002-07:00

Miss Elle Varner has been replaying on my playlist since she gave us the flirtatious dance hit "Only Wanna Give It To You" featuring J. Cole. I fell in love with the old school-vibe of the music, the video, the lyrics. The effortless talent of Elle Varner was obvious. Now, with her new single, "Refill", Elle has given us yet another hit to fall in love with. More grown up than her first single but a perfect transition for the songstress whose album Perfectly Imperfect will debut this summer.

Watch the video "Refill" below:

writergurlAsh

Happy Mothers Day

2012-05-13T10:09:00.002-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers! You are beautiful, fabulous, and loved!

Love
writergurlAsh

Justice for Trayvon Martin

2012-03-29T15:51:00.001-07:00

I've been uncomfortably silent for the past few months. Basically managing life day to day and making big changes with new direction, a fresh outlook on everything. Yet, every day I find something on my social media timeline worth discussing, worth debating about, from the continuous Occupy protests to KONY 2012 to the 2012 Presidential Race to the untimely demise of Whitney Houston. It seems like I was just celebrating the New Year, imagining how futuristic it sounds to be in the year 2012, but so much has happened in these few months.

Now, jump to February 26, 2012, when an unarmed 17-year old Trayvon Martin was followed and then shot to death by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman in the suburb of Sanford, Florida. When news of this tragedy hit the web earlier this month, I was in disbelief that an event such as this still happens. Martin, a young black man wearing a hoodie and carrying a pack of Skittles and Iced Tea from 7-Eleven, was targeted by Zimmerman for looking "suspicious" as Martin returned to the home of a family member in a gated Sanford community.

There was a struggle before Martin was shot dead in the chest. Zimmerman, who has claimed self-defense, remains a free man. Florida's "Stand Your Ground" laws, also give him a benefit, allowing "Florida residents to use deadly force against a threat without attempting to back down from the situation", as explained in MotherJones: The Trayvon Martin Killing, Explained. Still, the question is what threat did Martin pose to Zimmerman, a bag of candy and drink against a gun?

Trayvon Martin posed no threat, but was subjected to racial stereotyping and lost his life.

So in protest of the killing of Trayvon Martin, demanding that justice be served and his killer arrested, we must speak out! Sign the petition to prosecute his killer, wear your hoodies in solidarity. Justice must be served for Trayvon Martin and his family.

writergurlAsh

Make A Statement: Jeffrey Campbell

2011-12-03T03:17:00.001-08:00

This post is strictly for the ladies, the fashionistas who stomp sidewalks across the world making a statement in their Louboutin pumps, Jimmy Choo heels, Tory Burch flats, Lanvin wedges, and other coveted shoe designers.

I've always had a shoe fetish and I am not one to resist the urge to get a new pair of platforms or stilettos. I live for that perfect fit that I feel like I HAVE to walk out the store with and make a statement. Shoe designer Jeffrey Campbell (JC) has definitely been making some big statements with his latest designs of footwear. Check out some fashionable JC pieces that are on my Christmas list; I want it ALL!

Animal-print is a hot trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon; and these pink cheetah wedges are haute! Comfortable, yes.

Take a Night Walk with these sparkly platforms and make a statement as you defy gravity walking in these fashion-forward wedges. You'll be walking on air, only $169.95.

JC has plenty of options for the holiday season. Sparkle and glitz, these shoes (Lana Sequin 174.95) are designer glam and are sure to light up all the holiday events I'll be hitting up. Also, a perfect pair with sexy, short, sequin minis or a long shining dress (below). A Sequin Christmas!

This JC Turner pump blends edgy, sexy, and fun with this studded peep-toe number that comes in a deep grey color and beige suede (shown above, 174.95). Boasts a classic style with intricate detail and a platform heel, I'm already sold! Great look with a bright colored tunic or a loose-fitting mini.

Whatever statement you want to make on your daily grind, Jeffrey Campbell has more and more styles to chose from. I LOVE it! Check out Nordstrom, Solestruck, or Jeffrey Campbell for local retailers.

writergurlAsh

Betsey Came, Designed, and Conquered...Again

2011-11-24T05:52:00.001-08:00

Here's some pics from the opening of Betsey Johnson's new store in San Francisco on Grant Avenue (previously on Geary Street). Fans anxiously waited outside in their Betsey Johnson dresses, leopard necklaces and bold rings, pink-bottom heels, red-kissed sparkling accessories, and cameras ready for Betsey to make her debut with her clever wit and artistic style. And they couldn't get enough of her creative designs...

This sign greeted fans and Franciscans who flocked to Grant Avenue in SF for the opening of Betsey Johnson's new store

Betsey Johnson Velvet Lips Clutch, signature of her red-kissed accessories

In a vintage dress, I stood in front of the black and pink-spraypainted wall, done by Betsey herself

Betsey Johnson's signature pink and leopard jewelry boxes accessorize these bow, heart, and black crystal rings

The new store was decorative of many vintage-Betsey details, like this mirror behind me, accessorizing the many racks
and displays of clothes, jewelry, and handbags...with a touch of pink champagne for the occasion :-)

Check out BetseyJohnson.com for new arrivals and sales this Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy your Turkey day!

writergurlAsh

Taylrz Joynt and The Beauty Box Rock the Runway

2011-11-24T02:45:00.001-08:00

I had the luxury of attending the first "Fashion Night Out in the Town" Fashion Show, put on by two very creative businesswomen, Taylor Edem of Taylrz Joynt Boutique and Shahidah Zareef of The Beauty Box Style Studio. As I walked the pink carpet at the Air Lounge and Bar in Oakland with other bloggers and many fashionistas, I couldn't help but anticipate the style and design that we would see on the runway.

The Beauty Box brought some heat to the runway. Specializing in healthy hair, weaves, and wigs, this shop has "1 Vision 1 Mission Beauty". As models whipped their freshly-done tresses down the runway, they rocked The Beauty Box label on white shirts accessorized with fierce shoes and hot hairstyles. Volumizing curls, soft bangs, and a perfectly cut bob framed the faces of the models. Ms. Zareef showed her stylist's touch in the volume and shine of the hairstyles that rocked the runway that night.

Taylrz Joynt showed her designer's touch as well; Taylrz Joynt is a local boutique, in Oakland and Los Angeles, which offers one-of-a-kind pieces, even some Bohemian styles, and a chic wardrobe for the stylish woman. In addition to the fringe detailed blue dress below, models rocked many different styles from the printed "Jesus" dress, a short colorful piece with embroidery down the front, to a gorgeous metallic fitted dress that elegantly accentuates a woman's curves with ruffling. Taylrz Joynt showcased designs for most styles (Bohemian, classic, glam...) and occasions (ladies night, work, weekend...).

I was excited to have witnessed such style inspiration in the heart of Oakland from two young ladies who work to make us look good LOL, keeping our hair and wardrobe in check. Now, ladies, you can visit Taylrz Joynt or The Beauty Box so you can keep rocking your own runway, fashionable and beautiful.

Models from the Taylrz Joynt and Beauty Box Fashion Show
Photo courtesy of Taylrz Joynt and Thomas Victor

Show a little leg, girl!
Adorable blue dress with fringe detail in the front and back by Taylrz Joynt
Hair done by The Beauty Box
Photo courtesy of Taylrz Joynt and Thomas Victor

Metallic "Mermaid" jumpsuit by Taylrz Joynt
Hair done by The Beauty Box
Photo courtesy of Taylrz Joynt and Thomas Victor

writergurlAsh

Taylrz Joynt and Beauty Box presents "Fashion Night Out in the Town"

2011-11-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

“Beauty Box” & “Taylrz Joynt”

Presents

“Fashion Night Out in the Town”

“Showcasing designs by acclaimed fashion designer and boutique owner Taylor Edem along with the latest hair creations from Shahidah Zareef”

“Fashion Night Out in the Town” is a fashion show that will introduce “Beauty Box” and “Taylrz Joynt” to the East Bay. Showcasing both beauty boutiques, one specializing in the cutting trends of fashion and the other in hair, Fashion Night Out in the Town will be sure to spark the interest of every attendee. With designs by “Taylrz Joynt” and hair by “Beauty Box” the red carpet event will take place at the premier venue The Air Lounge (492 9^th St., Oakland, CA 94607) on Friday, November 11.

Taylor Edem, a San Francisco born designer is a veteran in the Fashion industry. Recently Edem has moved her boutique from Los Angeles where the store was a staple in the community and was featured in many outlets locally and nationally.

Shahidah Zareef is also a mover and shaker. A new comer to the industry, she has proven to her community that she is destined for national praise. Zareef’s Oakland beauty salon The Beauty Box is where it starts. Since the opening of The Beauty Box in August 2009, she has introduced a brand that believes in consistent education and providing the newest and most effective products to her customers. The Beauty Box’s world revolves around the community and empowering women by making them feel beautiful. 1 vision 1 mission, BEAUTY!

Both women are having this event with the same goal in mind and that is to nurture the women of the bay area. This event is going to be the talk of the town with the bright lights of the red carpet, the talent of the Bay Area, and of course the best style of “The Town.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Edem &/ or Shahidah Zareef

Taylrz Joynt – Taylor Edem
3843 Macarthur Blvd

Oakland, CA 94619

(510) 842-8113

http://www.taylrzjoynt.com

The Beauty Box – Shahidah Zareef
154 Santa Clara Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610-1323
(510) 788-4195

www.bayareabeautybox.com/

writergurlAsh

Versace hits H&M stores November 19

2011-11-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Versace for H&M 2011 Collection via FabSugar

For all you fashion-forward Versace fans, the classic style of leather, studs, and va-va-voom shapes that the couture label is known for is coming to a H&M store near you! Hitting stores Saturday, November 19, the affordable Versace collection for H&M will be sure to sell out once it hits the racks. So be sure to pick your favorite pieces before hand and plan to post at your local H&M store hours before it opens.

Incorporating leather and studs, tropical prints and fringe, babydoll dresses in sexy silhouettes, and studded accessories, The Very Best of Versace for H&M has pieces that range from $19.95 to $299. While some items are only in select stores, you can view the entire collection, including Men and Home, online at H&M.

Shop your hearts out!

writergurlAsh

The Pic Says it All

2011-11-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Me and my sister, Candase Chambers at Fashion's Night Out 2011

Belva Davis, the first black female broadcast journalist on the West Coast, and myself
Such an amazing woman

writergurlAsh

The Authenticity of Foreign Exchange

2011-08-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to experience a LIVE show from The Foreign Exchange (FE) at The New Parish in Oakland, CA and I just had to share a couple of my favorite songs from this duo. Rapper/singer/songwriter Phonte, from North Carolina, and producer Nicolay, a native of Holland, have the perfect harmonious blend of hip hop, R&B and electronica. The mix of timeless music with the soulful voice and melodic lyrics sounds like a match made in heaven.

And you have to know these two musical "masterminds" completed their first album together, "Connected" (2004), through the Internet and mail service, after meeting in an online hip hop community. Their second album, "Leave It All Behind", released in 2008, gained a Grammy nomination for the single, "Daykeeper". Their most recent releases, "Authenticity" (2010) and "Dear Friends: An Evening With The Foreign Exchange" (2011) are constantly on repeat on my play list; the group has been performing everywhere from Paris to North Carolina to New Orleans to California on their Authenticity Tour.

Read their full story here and check out my "most played" FE videos below:

"Daykeeper"

"I Wanna Know"

"Maybe She"ll Dream of Me"

writergurlAsh

Style of Life

2011-07-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

I find the best time to write a post is when, at the spur of the moment, I get an idea or a theme and just run with it. When I'm heartbroken or filled with emotion, it's the best time to pen musical poetry. When it comes to writing, I have become less of a planner and more spontaneous; outlining what I want to say sometimes stifles the process, making it more structured than it really needs to be. Thus, my process of writing emerged from avoiding one at all. For me, the luxury of writing comes with sharing my opinion, my personality, in my tone, my figure of speech, my vocabulary and sarcasm, my style of life that I willingly share with you, my audience.

Welcome to the world of writergurlAsh!!!!!