"MysterMind" the details of an artist

Someone

2011-06-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Someone took away my ability to scream!
I voluntarily gave them my goals, my visions, and my dreams.
The sad part is I can be mad as I gave and they took all I had,
Now I'm left sitting here with an empty stare
rocking back and forth to the emptiness left inside replaced by life that once was there I'm

The funny thing now in the silence I can still hear those things that are gone,
yelling at me to wake up and to keep moving on, I cant give
out and let it all end here, This is the place where we fight and persevere

Someone took all they thought I had left, awaiting there time
to move on to another to cause this death
I find it funny that as I play dead while laying still here, I see you packing
as leaving me was always the option you held dear. I can let you take anymore from me
It's time to stand and stop waiting on you to encourage me. I have given you
all that I can surly give, and now for me with what I have left for me I live.

Flat Out of Heels! (PRODUCT MUST HAVE!)

2011-06-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I could not go on and not mention this! I have seen similar products around, not all have a quality look however this was one that seem rather different. Man of my ladies I dress for their special occasions and I have been saying for years how great it would be if they came out with a product that would aid the consumer from the end of the event to the car. WELL THIS IS IT! Oprah talked about a similar brand, and for the most part I have been purchasing the ones at your local CVS for my own clients, but "Flat Out Of Heels" is the latest in the vending craze!

A much needed product that I will predict will soar and never hit the ground. an assortment of colors. Just think about it! You're on the Vegas strip with your girlfriends and you have hit up every hot spot known on the strip, your hotel is back up the way and the balls of your feet are on fire! You pass a Flat Out Of Heels Vending machine put your $$ in OPEN! UNROLL! and SLIP ON! You may have party your hardest but you sure can walk n confidence with comfortable feet. The Webpage for this product states that its launching in the following cities: Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta!

http://www.flatoutofheels.com/

I would join the mailing list if I were you to be up on the where abouts of a vending machine full of serious foot comfort near you.

A Brief Pow Wow with the Ladies

2011-06-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Alright Ladies! Lets have a pow wow, the summer is here and I am already seeing some things that really need to be addressed. Personal style always takes confidence however confidence in a style that may not be so flattering comes off as a fail! (eyebrows raised)

KNOW! YOUR! BODY TYPE! Learn what works for you, EVERYTHING does not work for everyone. If you have more in the middle to love, then mid drifts may not be your thing. However pheasant tops and empire wasted garments are things that will give you a wonderful curve to your silhouette. If you’re a plus sized BBW or a petite woman on the go a clean tailored look never hurt anyone!

It is always important to know your foundational garments, the things that hold you in place embellish your items that you want on display. Foundational garmets are all items listed below.

Bra’s – Push up’s, separating, or multiple bras in one setting may be required.

Girdles

Spanks

Body shapers

Ladies! Learn to walk in heals before you venture outdoors in them. This is something that most women were taught as younger girls, but if you missed High Heel 101 don’t worry there is a self help class. You can conquer the heel with practice at home in your everyday life. A high heel shoe should show case the powerful femininity of a woman, it elongates her stride, and softens her powerful and purposeful stance. I said all this to say! You should not sound like a thunderous group of galloping Clydesdales( umm that would be horses for you folks scratching your heads @ that) being herd and felt approaching before your seen. Heels force balance and posture, grace and poise are also must haves in pulling off this stilt like task lol. if those are off, then you Just need to know that instead of being the fierce feline at the frolic, you'll end up as the "flop" who failed.

Doing daily task at home such as vacuuming, the dishes, cleaning, or simply lounging in a cheap pair of heels will give you the practice you need, before bossing up to big girl status and rocking your Louboutins

out in public with snickers and tweet side bar comments.

Don’t leave critiques up to your girlfriends as with women there is always the element of cattiness, ask your brother, cousin, or uncle how your walk is, men have no pretense they will be honest and you’ll know how a man in any social setting will view your walk. in due time you will graduate from house heels to social stilettos in no time.

Know your limitations, if you have health issues, or other things that would affect your ability to wear a pair of heels and still be alright to move about the country, then don’t. There are a vast of fine flats out there that can rock the same stage.

I re-introduce to you. . . Me

2011-06-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Okay America! So at one point in my life, life itself became not so user friendly. So I did what any other sane individual would do. I hit the stop button cause I wanted to get off the ride. I went into seclusion to gather what I had learned about life, people and most importantly me. It’s interesting that life is always changing and consistently evolving however when we come back to it we are without a doubt always surprise that because we hit pause on living, life still played out without us while we were not there!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am at a current phase in my life where control is a must, I know there are elements in life that I will never be able to control but in the reality of my mental state I can control everything else lol hahahaha (yeah right!). I shut down my face book, turned off my cell phone and changed my e mail address. I have not FB since June of 2009(no myspace, no twitter, no nothing). Wow life is possible without the interaction of Americas social net works! Lol! You will most certainly be out of the loop but you will live.

I live in the Midwest in a city that is slowly progressing however the rules of six degrees of separation are so evident here its crazy. I was a well known stylist here with a buzz, over time that buzz went to a whisper and that whisper slowly went to a non-existent dialog. As well all know if you’re trying to pick a business up off the ground then “buzz” is very important. While away I examined how I operated in business, I measured the true extent of my professionalism, and I pondered on the mistakes I made that would always leave others full and well blessed, however that same scenario always left me without and empty.

Hair beauty and fashion are things I love, I can do them with my eyes closed a hand tied behind my back and dangling upside down. Okay! Okay! Maybe not literally but you get the jest of what I am saying. Over time I had noticed that I had secluded myself to my own island, creativity runs through my veins, it’s the air I breath but any artist knows that creativity has to remain in a productive state to thrive and evolve so you surround yourself around other artist that remain in a mode of creativity. I blocked that and when all you have is you, then you better have a serious arsenal of ammo to survive while your in seclusion brothers and sisters!

My money was funny, and I was the punch line of its jokes, I had allowed others to dictate and run how I ran a rather thriving business for myself, in the end I had no one to blame but myself and that was sad as we are always looking for someone to blame. I was honest with myself I revamped life(personally) and from a business standpoint. I am now what I call re-introducing “me” back to the rest of the world, it’s a humbling and yet satisfying experience.

The beauty world is a revolving door for everyone that goes five more come for the five that come one will make it to the top and the other four will in some way be in competition with each other. I returned to the public aspect of the beauty industry and seen that there were those who it would seem had taken my place. To the ignorant eye I was a has been just here to watch the billows roll as time went by, I my mind I was back in an atmosphere where creativity thrived and for once I was working with individuals on my particular creative level. I inhaled for the first time in a long time and life began to start again for me. I have always prided myself on my abilities to transform ANYTHING, interior rooms, hair, faces, wardrobes, closets, if it dealt with beauty, design, or fashion I was on it and at this point I was in a place to work my way up from what would seem like a stylist proverbial bottom. I returned with a slow clientele, and a chair that spent on a rather aspartic basis as opposed to my co-workers continuous pumping and spinning, I sat back and watched and took notice.

This is the place where your love for what you do takes over as most individuals bounce and roll out at the building/rebuilding phase, but those who love it hone in, use the time to assess and learn, beef up techniques, as faith would have them knowing that in a short time their season would come, and if you have managed your time wisely all your waiting is not in vain.

I always pay attention to the things that come out of peoples mouths and their reactions to others. I was literally treated like an individual who was fresh out of the beauty school. I was told everything from, “one day you’ll get your skill up,” to “your technical abilities will grow over time.” I got cramps in my stomach as I watched an individual performing his craft and I will never forget how a person came and advised me “one day you will be as good as them.” This was very interesting to me, not that I thought I was better than anyone, but the fact that a judgment was made about me by individuals who knew nothing about me, or my history. The funny thing was the task I was watching I had performed time and time again. In no way am I arrogant however my teeth are pretty long when it comes to hair, fashion and beauty.

I simply smiled to the young lady and walked back to the suite I shared with an individual who in my mind would rule the entire state of Ohio and abroad if she wanted to. She’s the coldest stylist in the game Cynthia “the truth Barnes. I discussed with her the details of my mind she responded to me with two words “show em!” You see in the salon your nothing until your proven and with this particular set of individuals I was not proven, I was seen, and critiqued but not proven. I met Cynthia years back, she took me under her wing fresh out of hair school. I will never forget her words “When I am done with you, you’re gonna shine, but no one will want to come out and play with you.” That proved itself to be true.

Long story short I don’t regret what I did or where I am, I don’t regret the pieces of my life that I have shared more so then I may regret some of the individuals I may have shared those pieces with. Right now I may not be the #1 pick in an all star line up draft in the eyes of my very talented and skilled counter parts, but in just a few seconds all jaws will drop, all eyes will be on me only this time I am a wiser and better person. With a better outlook on life, business, and the possibilities they both can afford you. So don’t sleep on me for too long as after you get up and wipe your eyes you’ll soon see that I was the wild card in a hand that was well played!

They say “never judge a book by its cover!”

I would simply admonish you to flip through the pages first; you may find an interesting read, a life changing piece of advice, or the much needed word to help you through a storm.

Myster

Myster Can you post some updated pictures of your work?!?!?!

2011-05-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Alright everybody!! I have gone and actually put my camera phone to use and posted some pics of my work lol hahahah! Some of these pictures are of me doing classes, some photo shoot gigs, and some actual pictures of hair done in the shop! Enjoy!

And stop fussing at me lol hahahahahahaha! below is a link to see pics, there should be a "style" icon to the left that you can click on as well that will take you to the same place!

http://s1102.photobucket.com/albums/g445/MysterAnderson/

I'm back!

2011-05-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I have posted anything, and to you guys who come here looking to see what I have to say next "I thank you" However I apologize as my actions would seem as though I take it for granted but my life would prove it impossible to get to this PC at times to say anything.

Whoever it was that coined the phrase "life comes at you fast!" Surly knew what they were talking about. In this life I am steadily learning that life does come fast, things, happen, changes occur and you have to take it in stride and keep on moving. "God help me to accept the things I cannot change, and give me the strength and direction to change the things I can." Whew this particular portion of that prayer is really something to say and some to ask for "help me to accept the things I can change!" Whew! If we all are entirely honest with ourselves we can say that things have happened in our lives that proved impossible for us to change. Deaths, situations, issues. Things happen and the reality is you cant blame yourself for those things, and you cant live your life o pause because of those things. LIVE! See those things in your life for what they were and move on. It sound insensitive but it really is a requirement to life.

"Give me strength and direction to change the things I can." Man! This right here for some does take the strength of a higher power to enable you to activate in your life. For some of us it means cutting off enablers in our life, letting of of relationships that really were not so good for us, or choosing to let go when we are so used to holding on. One thing you must always remember that life is to be lived learned processed and most importantly progressed.

Christian Siriano for Payless

2011-02-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

That's right! PAYLESS! These shoes are going for $50 at Payless ladies, and germs! Good luck with snagging a pair because they are running out fast!

I am shocked to say it, however if this is what Payless is upping their game to then I am excited about the new "affordable" standard in shoe fashion, and style selection. This dude (Christian Siriano) was always a front runner to me on Bravos "Project Runway." I am hoping that the Payless brand will embrace this guys point of view with open arms, as opposed to toning them down, I feel like because you're trying to be an affordable brand many times you force the consumer to sacrifice style. In my opinion Payless has never been very "generous" with the style selection it has to offer. I am hoping this will change.

Thank Ya!

2011-02-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

This Sunday I was told that "God was not about to let what he started in my life die." Meaning whatever God started in my life he was surly to complete and see done in my life. From there it was get your dreams back hold and and see them come to pass. The enemy that's been stalking me all this time was about to be silenced and defeated. This would be it's last attempt. Well this week was a serious one! From my car blowing up to the mental stress, This week was seriously something but through it all I have to say thank you!

Addictions addict

2011-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

The new drug of choice by folks today. Before it used to be drugs, sex, shopping, or an actual vice, I am noticing that the real issue is addiction itself. Addiction is the actual vice that seems to be yielding itself to individuals for no apparent reason and no apparent thing. Just simple plan addiction, an incessant, compulsive need to function a certain way, to have a certain thing, to experience a certain thing, whatever the case may be the issue now is not simply shopping or the multiples sexual partner but its the actual addiction to the problem that has cause the damage. Addiction can shift from excessive shopping, to eating, to cleaning, to various things! Addiction ladies and gentlemen the drug of a new generation, the cause for a new America!

" Do Over!"

2011-02-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

Forget the "easy" button! Every now and then life gets way to out of hand and you need to not only stop the frigging ride and get off but you want to take away the last moments that lead up to your current break down, or the present scene that your currently in, depicting the crazy insane person going off on the stage of your life. It could be the major regret you are experiencing as a result of your choices, or you may be the extremist who finds it hard to move through life with balance as your mindset cant focus in the middle, but must be either all the way to the left or to the right.

Whatever the case may be somebody find that dang "reset" button hit it in the head and stand back so we can vamuse back to before all this other stuff came to be and my current situation came to pass!

License Renewal time!

2011-01-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

This Certificate Certifies That
MysterMind License Number COSM xxxxxx
Has successfully completed course #OT 091228 which consists of HIV/AIDS & Communicable Disease Education (2 hours); OSHA Education & Salon Safety (1 hour); Instruction on Sanitation & Sterilization in the State of Ohio (2 hours); Chemical Makeup & Condition of Hair (2 hours) and Indoor Air Quality (1 hour).

1/31/2011

That's right ladies and gents! We are still legal and ready for another couple years! If you are a licensed holding individual in the beauty field, you already know that you have until midnight tonight to get your information in! After Midnight fees double! If you are in the state of Ohio as I am the two sites I found very useful were:

www.elitecme.com

www.cos.ohio.gov

The first one is so your continuing education hours will be clocked as complete. The second is to register your license for another work period! Right now the fees are $19.95 for your CEU hours, and $45 to renew your license. After midnight it doubles! Get those keys to clicking and those license renewed ladies and gents!

Salon Decor

2011-01-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

The luxurious hair salon interior designed by Scott Weston.

Details Of An Artist

2011-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

In the entrance of this year I understood the importance of transparency, and how it aids, affects and guides the life choices of others. For me like many of you transparency is/was something that you shielded and kept under wraps until you were home in your room amongst folks(me, myself and I) you knew and trusted, and then you became transparent with the truth you chose to believe, the lie you live and the reality of what the truth really is. I am learning that my truths are not only beneficial for a healthy life but also for the preserving and strengthening of another.

I think we as a people have really clichéd the term “keeping it real.” In my opinion “real” is the truth about who you are even at the worst parts. I am at a place in my life where I can admit that up to this point I have never felt good enough, strong enough, or worth anything to those around me. I know what it’s like to be in a room full of people and still be alone. To long to be a part of something greater then yourself but not having the courage to take the steps to get there, and later seeing the elevation of that thing and telling yourself that you were not worth it anyway.

I 've learned over time that no matter how different I may be, I am now who I was created to be to fulfill my own specific destiny, and though I have been looked over, talked about, and chosen last with little expectation by others. For me I am of some great quality hidden over time in my adversity, shielded from they who would have abused me as a gift, and buried in a chest as a treasure to be discovered by those who would honor and respect my shine, appreciating me enough to hold me close, but be so proud to have me that they showcase me in the glass displays of their lives.

I am coming into a greater understanding of life, and I can acknowledge that the life we live is not ours to live, but our lives are to be gifts to others. Embracing the individual, cherishing the life within, and walking in the honor that you were chosen to touch them "specifically." Something about your life was important enough, and valuable enough that your still here, all for the benefit of aiding another to live.

In my past I can admit that I gave away everything that I was not taught to value and in turn ended up with a whole lot of nothing, sharing myself with individuals who did not even realize, or respect the sacrifice that I made. As the greatest gift one can give to another is the untouched part of a whole self. As America is doing today I sold myself off in pieces sharing with those who discarded me in the end. Today through grace I can hold my head up high I may never be able to deny what I have done, but I’m clean and more whole then I was.

Today I see myself as quality, and with the valuable life I have left I seek to use it to affect positive change in the lives of others! In this life some of us fight more than others. I too had to fight, but know that sometimes you have to fight the battles of those who may not be strong enough to overcome on their own. So life sends you. I challenge you to keep fighting as many of the battles you fight today will become over whelming victories for multitudes tomorrow. Mahalia Jackson sang a song on the memorial during the Dr. King speech there and it sums it up

If I can help somebody
As I travel along
If I can help somebody
With a word or song
If I can help somebody
From doing wrong
My living shall not be in vain.

My living shall not be in vain
My living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody
While I'm singing this song
My living shall not be in vain

Today I speak to you who are late for purpose but right on time for destiny. Those of you who missed the buss of opportunity, but caught a cab for a life mandate. Live, laugh, love, and know that there is more t you then what you can see, there’s more in you then what you can feel, and the fact that your reading this proves that life has a need for you to be here! Love yourself, value your neighbor and share with the stranger. Touch a life today and change many lives tomorrow! Then your living will not be in vain.

Internet Games

2011-01-23T11:42:00.001-08:00

Monecka Freeman's "Hisoceiti" Style

2011-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

I had my own thoughts about how this blog would go. However when I seen this would begin to take a turn in another direction where I would be showcasing major artist doing major things, there were certain names I jotted down as “must haves,” and the fabulous Monecka Freeman was one of them. I can remember being a stylist in hair school hearing about this woman who was racking up serious charges (compliments) and taking names later.

There have been very few individuals who have caused me to step back and look at my own work and elevate my own game even higher, and I must admit that she indeed was one of them (some others you will be introduced to shortly). Monecka Freeman known throughout Columbus Ohio, and now the rest of the world! Is an entity that you cannot box into one specific category, so it’s evident why I just choose to label her an artist. Innovative, creative, mastering, and stylishly challenging this woman does it all and makes you love to love her, and hate to love her at the same time. The finished product she puts out forces you to love the gift and respect the artist; however your pride hates the fact that secretly you’re sweating this individual so hard. In the end you simply let go and try to keep your knees from buckling at whatever it is she will do next.

I remember the first time I seen Ms. Freeman, it was years back at a “Hair Wars” hair show at the Aladdin Shrine temple. This woman stepped out on stage with props silver bell bottoms, heels higher than the clouds in the sky and a presence that demanded your attention.

It would be years later that I would actually work with her in a salon and I must tell you, it was a rather intimidating experience. Over the years I have kept tabs on her career. I was more then ecstatic when I began to hear news about her blowing up! In Columbus Ohio, you can always tell when you’re encountering a person who was dropped off in the cornfield that did not belong. She is defiantly one of those individuals. It took some time, and in all honesty I am still in shock that she even gave me the opportunity, and or the privilege of an interview(I’m so giddy about this!), but today I want to present to you Monecka Freeman. the stylist, the lady, the face of brand that’s sure to have you addicted!

MM: Okay! Let’s get the regular stuff out the way. How long have you been doing the beauty thing?

MF: ABOUT 18 YEARS.

MM: Were you always interested in hair or was this a detour to another successful destination?

MF: NO! ACTUALLY I WANTED TO BE A FASHION DESIGNER.

MM: When you had the epiphany that hair was what you were here to do, what was that moment like?

MF: IT’S CRAZY BECAUSE I REMEMBER IT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE THAT WERE IN THE INDUSTRY THAT INSPIRED ME, GROWING UP MY MOM WAS A STYLIST, ANOTHER STYLIST RONI ROBINSON I HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE AND ADMIRED, THEN THERE WAS MY NIECES MOM CYNTHIA GILBERT WHO COULD MAKE A MIRACLE OUT OF NOTHING. BUT IT WASN'T UNTIL THIS HAIRSHOW BACK IN THE DAY AT VALLEY DALE GIVEN BY SOME DETROIT SALONS, THIS ONE SALON IN PARTICULAR THAT I BELIEVE WAS CALLED "LITTLE WILLIES " THE LATE MR. LITTLE WORKED THERE. THEY DID A PARODY OF MC HAMMERS "TOO LEGIT TO QUIT" IT WAS SOOOO OUT OF HERE, ABOUT 20 MODELS, THEY HAD THE SAME OUTFITS AS THE VIDEO, THE FLYEST HAIRDOS, AND THE SKIT WAS ON POINT. JUST SOMETHING YOU HAD TO SEE. (I’m wondering if we could find that hair show video) AT THE TIME I WAS IN COLLEGE AND HOME FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT HONESTLY I WASNT GIVING SCHOOL MY 100% ANYWAY. I WAS CONSTANTLY COMING BACK & FORTH HOME, NOT REALLY SURE OF WHAT I WANTED TO DO, AFTER SEEING THAT SHOW, I KNEW THE HAIR INDUSTRY NEEDED ME, AND IT WAS WHERE I WANTED TO BE.

MM: What aided you in choosing this career path?

MF: REALLY MY PASSION FOR HAIR, FASHION & THE IDEA OF BEING A CONFIDENT WOMAN, just MAKING OTHER WOMEN CONFIDENT.

MM: Did/do you ever second guess your decision?

MF: ABSOLUTELY! IVE HAD MANY DREAMS TO DO SO MANY OTHER THINGS, LIKE ID ALWAYS WANTED TO GO TO MEDICAL SCHOOL; I STILL DO, FOR PLASTIC SURGERY. SECOND, I REALLY WISH I HAD PERSUED THE FASHION INDUSTRY. IVE BEEN WORKING ON A CLOTHING LINE FOR OVER 10 YEARS THAT I’D REALLY LIKE TO CONCENTRATE ON AND BRING TO LIFE. ALTHOUGH MY LOVE FOR HAIR IS NEVER ENDING, I NEVER GET TIRED AND WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING.

MM: You have been in this for a long time. What would you say the biggest challenge is for newcomers into the beauty field?

MF: CUSTOMER SERVICE. THIS IS SOMETHING WE, AS BLACK STYLISTS HAVE FAILED AT IN THE PAST AND THE COMPETITION IS REALLY THICK NOW, TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND MONEY ISNT FLOWING LIKE IT ONCE WAS. SO YOU HAVE TO BRING SOMETHING ELSE TO THE TABLE BESIDES A QUICK WEAVE. THEY MUST STEP UP THE CUSTOMER SERVICE, WORK ETHICS, AND TIMELINESS. KEEP UP; GET YOUR PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE ON. YOURS TOOLS SHOULD COINCIDE WITH YOUR SKILLS. ME MYSELF, I WILL PAY AS MUCH FOR SHEARS AS I WILL FOR SHOES.

MM: When you first hit the scene there was a group of you, who were all cold blooded and seriously talented in your own respective rights. I am talking about Salon Puzzles. Looking back when you were doing hair then, and now what was different about the industry? What would you say was different about the stylist mentality, and what would you say is different about salon culture?

MF: BACK THEN STYLIST WERE HUSTLERS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. WE WORKED!!! AND HARD!! WE MISSED LOTS OF CONCERTS, COMEDY SHOWS & MAJOR EVENTS DUE TO HEAVY WORK SCHEDULES. IF YOU HAD KIDS, GOD RAISED THEM (JOKING) THE ONLY TIME WE TOOK OFF WORK WAS MAYBE FOR THE PROUD LADY, BRONNER BROS, OR THE FREAKNIK LOL. SEEING THIS, WHEN I WENT TO VISIT SALONS LIKE DONNIES, CHIBAMBA, APOGEE, AND TOUCH OF CLASS. THOSE WERE THE REASONS I DROPPED MY MANAGERS COURSE TO GET OUT OF COSMETOLGY SCHOOL A LITTLE EARLY, I WAS EAGER TO GET INTO THE SALON. I HAD THAT DRIVE TO MAKE MONEY. THINGS ARE SOOOO DIFFRENT NOW, THE STYLIST NOW HAVE NO DRIVE OR AMBITION, AND THEY THINK CLIENTS ARE GOING TO FALL FROM THE SKY. BASING THIER ENTIRE CAREER ON "WALK-INS". THEY JUST WANNA "DO HAIR” NOT PREPARING FOR SUCCESS. MERELY LIVING FOR TODAY, NOT THE LONG HAUL. SALONS TODAY HAVE STYLIST THAT ARE DIVIDED INSTEAD OF BEING A TEAM. THATS THE WAY WE WERE AT PUZZLES, SO THATS ALL I KNOW (To be a team) SO ALTHOUGH WEVE MOSTLY WENT OUR OWN SEPERATE WAYS, WE ALL ARE SEPERATE FROM EACH OTHER BUT NEVER APART. WE ALL STILL HAVE CONTACT WITH ONE ANOTHER IN SOME WAY. I WILL CONFESS THIS: NONE OF US HAVE GOTTEN OVER THAT SALON, THE TEAM, AND THE SUCCESS. WE ALL CARRY THE BURDEN OF "WHAT IF" THE” COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA". AND THAT'S REAL!

MM: From Salon Puzzles to now, how has Moneeka the stylist, the person, and the business woman grown?

MF: OMG, THIS IS ONE QUESTION I WOULDNT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ANSWER ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, BECAUSE I GREW OVERNIGHT BASICALLY. YES, I HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE SKILL, THE NAME, THE BUZZ IN THE STREETS, BUT NOW I HAVE THE DISCIPLINE TO BE CONSISTENT, COME TO WORK ON TIME, THE MATURITY TO BE PATIENT, REALIZING ITS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER, AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO KEEP BUILDING MY BRAND, MY BUSINESS BY STEPPING UP MY CUSTOMER SERVICE LEVEL. SOMETHING MANY STYLISTS & SALONS LACK.

MM: You are not only noted for your skill and talent with hair, but you are also known for your sense of style. What creative forces influence you?

MF: I GREW UP AROUND STYLISH PEOPLE AND MY LOVE FOR THE FASHION INDUSTRY TOO BUT ID HAVE TO SAY THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, I THINK I SECRETLY WOULD HAVE LIKE TO BEEN A PRODUCER OR SOMETHING.

MM: Are you still doing hair in stilettos all day?

MF: (lol) NO!!!! IM AN UGG GIRL, EVERY COLOR. I LEARNED YEARS AGO THAT IF I WANTED LONGEVITY I'D HAVE TO PUT THEM HEELS AWAY. I GO TO WORK SUPER COMFORTABLE NOW, BUT I DO MISS THAT ABOUT THE SALONS, YOU GO IN APOGEE OR TOUCH OF CLASS AND THEY WOULD ALL BE FLY, EVERYBODY WOULD BE AT WORK EVERYDAY FRESH. I CAN REMEMBER GOING TO BUY AN OUTFIT JUST FOR WORK THE NEXT DAY. BUT IVE RUINED A LOT OF CLOTHES OVER THE YEARS SO I DRESS DOWN FOR THE MOST PART.

MM: Outside of handbags to die for! (lol) What are the fashion must have(s) on your list?

MF: SHOES, SHOES, SHOES, THEY ALWAYS FIT :) BUT IM A JEWELRY NUT TOO.

MM: Do you have a favorite time period of style?

MF: YES I WISH I WOULD HAVE BEEN GROWN IN THE 70'S AND HANGING OUT WITH BEYONCE’S MOMMA TINA KNOWLES, I LOVE THE STYLE FROM BACK THEN. ON THE FLIPSIDE, I LIKE THE STYLE NOW TOO. REALLY, I'VE BEEN DOING ME, SO IM GLAD IT CAUGHT UP TO ME. MATCHING IS NOW OBSOLETE; YOU CAN BASICALLY THROW ON JEANS A TEE, JACKET, CHUNKY JEWELRY, A GREAT HANDBAG, AND SHOES. 20 INCH HAIR OR A FLY CUT AND YOU’RE DONE. SO THE STYLE TODAY IS EFFORTLESS AND I LIKE THAT A LOT.

MM: Being a person who turns heads all the time. What things turn your head?

MF: MOTIVATION. WHEN WE OUR PEOPLE ARE BLESSED AND SUCCESSFUL. IF IT'S THE LOTTO, OR A SCRATCH OFF :) IT MAKES ME FEEL SOME KINDA WAY TO SEE US AS BLACKS "GET ON". I FIND MYSELF GETTING MISTY EYED FOR PUFFY WHEN HE GOES DOUBLE PLATINUM LIKE HE'S FROM MY NEIGHBORHOOD OR SOMETHING. IT’S A GOOD FEELING. IT MOTIVATES ME.

MM: How do you feel about societies current views on women not being able to work together in fields like yours? Is the cattiness something that is going to always be a factor?

MF: IM PROBABLY GOING TO GET BASHED FOR THIS ONE, BUT ITS OUR PEOPLE, WERE OUR WORST ENEMY. YES IT WILL BECAUSE WOMEN ARE JEALOUS CREATURES BY NATURE AND CANT EVER BE HAPPY FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN THEMSELVES IF EVER THEY ARE HAPPY. IVE HAD MY SHARE OF PROBLEMS IN THE SALON BUT FOR THE MOST PART I MASTERED THE FACT THAT I WAS THERE TO WORK, NOT A GIRL SCOUT GROUP, SO I DID JUST THAT. I WORKED, WENT HOME, AND HELD MY FRIENDSHIPS/RELATIONSHIPS OUTSIDE OF THE SALON. RARELY MIXING IT UP WITH THE OTHER STYLIST. EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE THERE WITH ONE ANOTHER TOO LONG TO NOT GET ALONG. THE ONLY SALON I WORKED IN THAT I REALLY BEFRIENDED ANYONE WAS SALON PUZZLE, AFTER THAT, IT WAS STRICTLY A BUSINESS THING. FUNNY THING IS COLUMBUS SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY CITY WHERE ALL THE HAIRSTYLISTS DONT LIKE EACH OTHER. I RECENTLY MET A GROUP OF REALLY COOL LADIES IN DALLAS DURING ALL STAR WEEKEND. ONE GIRL NAMED RASHAUNDA PALMER; SHE LIVES IN CLEVELAND, OWNER OF PALMEROS LUXE STUDIO. WEVE KEPT IN TOUCH AND I WENT TO CLEVELAND TO HANG OUT AND RECENTLY TO HER HAIR SHOW. A LOT OF SALONS IN CLEVELAND WERE IN ATTENDANCE. THEY WELCOMED ME WITH OPEN ARMS. I WAS SUPRISED TO FIND THAT A GROUP OF THEM WERE COOL AND TIGHT AND WERE ALL STYLIST AND SALON OWNERS. SOMETHING THAT HAS NEVER OCCURED IN THIS CITY.

MM: Are you one of those women who can give another woman a compliment?

MF: ABSOLUTELY, I ALWAYS TELL A WOMAN SHE IS PRETTY, SHE LOOKS GOOD IN HER OUTFIT. OR WORKING A SKIRT OR HAIRSTYLE. IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD TO GIVE ANOTHER WOMAN A COMPLIMENT

MM: You’re in a place now where you are seriously moving and shaking. Is this where you planned you would be at this stage in your life?

MF: NO, I REALLY DIDNT KNOW WHERE I WAS GOING, THINGS CHANGED FOR ME OVERNIGHT AND I WASNT READY IN SO MANY WAYS. I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY COME MY WAY THAT I ALMOST MISSED OUT ON. I WAS INTRODUCED TO RECORDING ARTIST "KEYSHIA COLE" BY A GOOD FREIND OF MINES. I STYLED HER HAIR FOR A CONCERT HERE, AND THEY CALLED ME TWO WEEKS LATER TO GO TO JAPAN ON TOUR WITH HER. I LIED AND SAID I HAD A PASSPORT BECAUSE I THOUGHT IF I HAD ENOUGH MONEY, I COULD BUY A QUICK PASSPORT. LITTLE DID I KNOW IT DIDNT WORK THAT WAY. I WENT TO THE POST OFFICE AND THEY SAID THE QUICKEST WAY WAS TO GO TO DETROIT OR CHICAGO. I COULD GET IT IN AN HOUR IN EITHER PLACE. I LEFT THE POST OFFICE AND HEADED TO THE AIRPORT, BOUGHT A TICKET AT THE COUNTER AND CRIED ALL THE WAY TO CHICAGO. I WAS HAPPY & SAD BECAUSE I ALWAYS KNEW I'D GET AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS AND NOW I WASNT READY FOR IT. AS MUCH TRAVELING I HAD DONE, I COULDNT BELIEVE I DIDNT HAVE A PASSPORT. I ARRIVED THERE, 2 CABS AND 4 HOURS LATER, I HAD THE PASSPORT & WAS BACK IN COLUMBUS BEFORE 5PM. THE REST OF THIS STORY, IM SAVING FOR MY BOOK LOL. THANK GOD FOR MAKIN ME QUICK ON MY FEET, BECAUSE I HAD TO GET READY OR GET LEFT BEHIND, AND THAT MY FRIEND WASNT HAPPENING. I GOT MY MIND RIGHT, AND HERE I AM, BETTER THAN EVER AND NOT JUST AT A WEAVE EITHER.

MM: “HISOCIETI Hair Couture.” How was this birthed?

MF: IT IS THE NAME OF THIS LONG AWAITED CLOTHING LINE. HISOCIETI....GENERATION COUTURE, SO THE SALON CAME FIRST AND I JUST USED THE NAME.

MM: The Name alone to me says bring your bill folds and drop your annex cards on the counter! (lol)

MF: EXACTLY! YOU WANT TO THINK LIKE THAT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU CAN DELIVER. THERE ARE TOO MANY STYLISTS THAT GAIN CLIENTS BASED ON THE PRICE. I OBTAIN CLIENTS BASED ON THE WORK, CONSISTENCY, SERVICE, TIME, ETC. IM OFFENDED IF YOU COME TO ME BECAUSE IM "CHEAP", THAT SAYS TO ME THAT YOU'LL GO ANYWHERE IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT.

MM: With all that’s going on in your life, and the high demands of your profession. Would you say it is difficult to maintain a relationship?

MF: NO, NOT AT ALL. IVE GOT A WONDER WOMAN CAPE ON UNDER MY CLOTHES, I CAN WORK ALL DAY, RUN ERRANDS, COME HOME COOK MY MAN DINNER, CLEAN HOUSE, CATER TO HIM, AND STILL BE AT WORK ON TIME THE NEXT DAY AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. NOW ADD SOME KIDS IN, I MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM.

MM: Complete these two (2) phrases for me:

In my life I have learned. .

CLAIM HAPPINESS FOR YOURSELF. NEVER TO HOLD A GRUDGE. DONT BLOCK YOUR BLESSINGS BY HATING ON OTHERS. MAINLY.... YOU HAVE TO OWN IT IF YOU WANT IT.

The more I live the more I. . .

REALIZE IVE BEEN A BIGGER INFLUENCE ON THIS INDUSTRY THAN I KNEW OR BARGAINED FOR. IT JUST HAPPENED. SO I ACCEPT THAT JOB, IT'S MADE ME WANT TO BE A BETTER PERSON. HAVE A KINDER SPIRIT, AND BE BEAUTIFUL ON BOTH THE INSIDE AND OUT.

MM: When a person encounters you and walks away. What is it that you want them to leave with, from their experience with you with?

MF: I WANT THEM TO BE INSPIRED BY MY JOURNEY, EXPERIENCES, EVEN MY MISTAKES. SECRETLY EVEN MY ENEMIES REALLY LOVE ME; I HAVE A CERTAIN EFFECT ON PEOPLE THAT ARE IN MY PRESENCE. SO I LIKE EVERYONE TO LEAVE WITH A PIECE OF ME, ANYTHING THAT MOVES THEM, WEATHER IT BE MY KNOWLEDGE, STYLE, OR CHARACTER.

Monecka Freeman can be seen everywhere, California, Atlanta, and even Japan. On the covers of Vibe, and King Magazines, as well as doing freelance work for various entertainment groups. This woman is bound by determination to make it to the top, and the great thing about her is she is not afraid or too big to take some others up with her as long as they are willing to work. I enjoyed this interview for personal reasons, as this showed me growth in an individual that I was once acquainted with. Don’t get me wrong I think Ms. Hisocieti is still nothing to play with, and if provoked I know for sure she could hold her own, and after the dust settles she’s going to apply high price lip gloss, matching accessories, and a handbag that would have you grind your teeth to the nerve. I feel safe in saying that Monecka has evolved and moved in a better direction for herself, her business and her life. You can tell that she feels a need to educate an impart something into the next generation of stylist coming in. Her continuous passion for what it is she does shows itself through her work and her artistic ways or promoting herself.

If your look needs a total change that makes you any situations original in a room full of carbon copies go see this woman right here.

"Attention Please!" B Moses

2011-01-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

A native of Columbus Ohio, B-Moses is a highly respected individual amongst his community. Very dedicated to his faith, and seemingly peculiar, he’s a man with many layers. If you are fortunate to be shown any of the multiple sides of who he is you will walk away with a different outlook on life and a new respect for the order of the kingdom of God. A newlywed to the marriage game, but highly devoted to his new found role has chief and priest of his home. This fella is more than the triple threat, but he may just be perceived by his adversary as a terrorist.

B-Moses is currently in the studio working on another project. This man seems to be one of Ohio’s greatest secrets un-kept to the masses outside of its cornfields but concealed by the farmland within. His current release, “Reppin the King,” has proven to be a serious head banger with a thick and very potent lyrical content. With songs like “Respond with Faith,” “The Struggle,” and “Live with It.” You are sure to have conveyed to you what a B-Moses message really is. Redemption, perseverance, faith, and the power of true conviction through a love for what’s real to him.

Currently there is a silent buzz going on in regards to his song “He Is real.” This song is tackling major issues affecting men in and out of church today. Homosexuality, and molestation. IN a world where most men tend to shy away from topics of this nature to avoid having their masculinity confronted and questioned this dude seems to rise above the eye glares and whispers and throws the problem face to face with a solution that can help, save, heal, and deliver. In a short interview with this man I wanted to see who he was as the man, what his thoughts were on current issues like the youth, and what other knowledge he would drop.

MM: How long have you been doing this and who were your influences then(when you first started)? Who influences you now?

BMOSES: I’ve been doing this for Christ for 7 years. I’ve been rapping for a little over 10 year’s total. When I first started out rapping for the lord my influence was cross movement. And today I would have to say my influences are Lecrae, Tripp Lee, KamB.I.N.O, and the Elevationists, just to name a few.

MM: Since your first time with a mic in your hand, or in your first studio session, how would you say you have grown in your particular gift?

BMOSES: I think I have grown in confidence when on stage, and I believe that I have matured in my writing. Not just skill wise, but content as well. Gaining a better understanding of the word of God contributes to the maturity of my content

MM: After experiencing your ministry, what is it that you want people to walk away with?

BMOSES: For the unsaved person, I want them to walk away with an undeniable conviction regarding who Jesus is, and the need to connect with God. Not just religiously, but seeking a true relationship with God. For the saved, or born again Christian. I want them to walk away edified and encouraged in the lord, as well as a renewed appreciation and reverence for God.

MM: I have never really had the interest in rap of any kind until I heard three artists, Lacrae, d.a.t.r.u.t.h, and yourself. It is safe to say that with as many youth that are trying to make it in the gangster rap arenas; you have the same amount striving for the goal in gospel rap. What differentiates you from others?

BMOSES: I don’t know if I can say it is the same amount of Christian youth that are desiring to be "gospel rappers" as there are young people trying to make it as a secular rapper. But the number of Youth desiring to do Christian rap is definitely increasing more and more every day. I think what differentiates me from others is the message in my music. I try to give substance in my music. Based and rooted in the word of God, but also balanced with a gift to deliver it in such a way that it is not hard to digest. I want everything I touch to be anointed and spirit led. At least that is my goal for everything I put out there.

MM: Is there a difference between B Moses the voice we hear on disk and B Moses the man we see walking life out?

BMOSES: Nope! Same dude...lol. Well, I’m not perfect. Some days I fall short of expectations as we all do at times; but I don’t preach and teach something I don’t strive for myself. As far as my personality in the music, there is nothing fake or fabricated. Pretty much, I am my everyday self. Not trying to sound like any other rappers or ministers. So pretty much, what you hear is what you get.

MM: Thus far what has been your greatest accomplishment?

BMOSES: I think my greatest accomplishment thus far is keeping the faith. Through storms, trials, tribulations, and things that were designed to derail my faith. By the grace of God I’m still holding up the blood stained banner, and fighting the good fight! God knows what I’ve endured in my life, and it’s only by his grace and mercy that I’m able to function.

MM: What is one piece of information that you can remember being told to you that has affected your entire life?

BMOSES: That man will let you down and fail you every time, but God will always remain faithful! Sounds cliché' to some, but this has stuck with me. And it constantly reminds me to not put my trust in man, and allow them to be idols, and looking to them for what I should be looking to God for.

MM: In your music you talk about how you “grew your hair out and thought you were a thug.” With all that you have overcome what advice do you give to young men walking behind you who seem to identify more with the streets then the church pews.

BMOSES: Yeah man, I tried to blend in with my surroundings, trying to fit in. Trying to be something or someone I was not. Peer pressure is often down played, but it is REAL! I believe it is even worse for today’s youth than it was 10 years ago. My advice would be to not follow the crowds and the trends, get to know Jesus first and foremost. Always strive to become who God called YOU to be. It will be going against the grain, but people ultimately respect someone who is confident in whom they are, and aren't easily moved by the latest trend or movement. Be a leader NOT a follower.

MM: In your opinion what is the greatest way to reach the youth today?

BMOSES: I think the greatest way to reach the youth today is to not only give them the real unadulterated truth that is God’s word, but also to strive to walk in what you’re teaching and preaching!! I’ve talked to several young people I’ve dealt with in ministry, and many of them often complain about how their parents would be shouting , dancing and speaking in tongues at church. However at home their parents are cursing, fornicating and doing things that don’t line up with what they profess; and they wonder why there kids don’t want GOD. On a larger scale, there is a lot of compromise in the church today. Often times it is hard to tell the difference between the church and the world in some cases. Young people want something genuine and real, and a lot of them look at the church as a joke, and they don’t take it seriously. Mainly because of the hypocrisy they see

MM: What is one thing you know for certain about people?

BMOSES: I know for certain that people can be fickle, and people will constantly let you down

MM: What are you more surely now than ever before?

BMOSES: I’m more sure now than ever before that this flesh of ours stinks lol, and it can NEVER be trusted.

MM: Complete these two phrases:

“In my life I know. . . “

BMOSES: In my life I know that God has given me an assignment that must be carried out. Not just for my sake, but for the sake of those that I’m called to

“The older I get the more. . .”

BMOSES: The older I get the more I realize how important it is to operate in wisdom. And not just zeal.

It is very apparent that this young man is grounded in what he believes, or at least when I walk away that’s one thing I carry with me in reguards to my opinion of him. You can catch B-Moses on Itunes.com, or CDBaby.com.

Products

2011-01-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

VSI have been receiving e mails from some of you who are new to using the ceramic irons. The two products I am seriously down with would be the CHI Thermal Spray and the Elasta QP Elucent spray. These two products aid you in a successful outcome when using your ceramic irons on your clients. Mainly I use Chi however the Elasta QP is a serious contender and would enable me to pinch my pennies! (lol)

Both products enable you to flip,feather, and flat iron. However the Elucent spray by Elasta QP also enables you to sculpt, wave, and dry mold(a sculpting or molding technique used in creating styles). Both products hold their weight, I think when it comes down to it, it's going to be a personal preference.

Happy Birthday Dr. King

2011-01-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Known as one of the most famous members of the civil rights movement. He is mostly quoted for his “I have a dream speech.” In a time when racism was the blatant norm(as still it is today) in America, due to the treatment of how African Americans were treated Martin Luther King Jr. spearheaded a bus boycott that would go down in history as one of Americas most organized statements in a demand for fair treatment, and integration.

In celebrating Dr. King’s birthday I really can help but think, “how far really have we come?” Are we as African Americans really living out our lives as grateful legacies to the struggle of those who came and fought before us or if still here today would those people who fought for equal rights and equality for us be sorely disappointed? IN his speech Dr. King says “I have been to the mountaintop.” I am wondering if he visited that same mountaintop today how full would his valley be?

We interupt your styling broadcast to bring to you an important announcement!

2011-01-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

This is a special service announcement going out on behalf of every hairstylist out there! I think I speak for us all when I say that many of us enjoy what it is that we do. For the most part we do the best that we can and give you the best service possible (there will be a “service post coming soon!). However we can’t mention the good without recalling the bad, the difficult and the impossible to our remembrance.

We have all had that one customer to come through our doors wanting us to pull out a Christ like miracle out of the sky. Especially! With weave, now any stylist with the ability to grant a good weave knows that either you can perform or you can’t either way the weave is going to tell on you. However you take the client on you go through the prerequisite elements and it’s time for them to hand over the hair they wish to have installed (some stylist have chosen to provide the hair to avoid this type of pit fall). They hand you the hair and in your mind you already know this is not going to go well as the brand is even off.

I am going to say this only one time in 2011 if you want the best weave installment, then you are going to have to do your part! For the best outcome please invest in a brand that has a great reputation. When making your appointment, dialog with your stylist on the brands the brands they prefer working with. When at the hair store advise your customer service rep that you want hair that works best with both ceramic, and Marcel irons. Your stylist is required to give you the best work possible, and by all means you are able to have a wonderfully installed weaved but it still look bad due to the horrible quality of hair you have chosen to invest in. Now in this recession the number of us who are able to purchase hair at $60(and up) per pack is very slim. There are some great brands out there at pocket book friendly prices that still yield you a sweet result!

As a stylist who deals with weave on a regular basis I can only speak on brands that I know, have, and do work best giving my installations maximum results!

Saga

Remy

Milky Way

Chocolate

Jaguar

Outré

Dream Weaver

Sensational (great for coloring blends)

Princess

Harlem

These are brands that I trust! I have been around the block more than a time or two and when all else fails I usually send my clients for these brands!

Forgiveness

2011-01-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness! The one thing that releases us from the negative situational tie to another in a form that is unhealthy for our being. It is the one element that has tested every human being on earth at least one time or another. Forgiveness is a part of life that not only frees us, but in many ways it testifies to our maturity.

It is safe to say that if you live on this earth, at some time or the other you will be tested with the mandate of forgiveness in some way shape or form, and if you have not yet then please! Keep on living! In my life I have experienced much and though much of it was wrong it would be easy for me to play the victim, however I choose to look back at life and declare! “It did not kill me!” In being honest I will say that it took some time to let things go and walk forward. You see in my mind at one time I thought forgiveness was simply moving on.

True forgiveness and the ability to move on do work together hand in hand, however you have truly forgiven until you can see the person for who they are and not what they have done to you. You are only able to move on after you have forgiven. You can’t skip over in the process. I will admit that though I have had to learn to forgive, and have practiced forgiving often, I will say there are still times that I am challenged with the ability to do it.

The bible says to forgive for with the same measure you forgive others, you will also be forgiven. No matter how difficult you must always toggle through and forgive those who have trespassed against you, as if you don’t, you bind yourself to them and their action. Forgiveness not only allows you to let go but to also force the situation to let go of you with, out sowing seeds that would eventually cause you to birth bitterness.

Today choose to forgive, and let go, walk I this life freely, without being tied to the past! If we consistently think about the fact that we have done wrong and would like to e forgiven by those we have wronged, it makes it easier to forgive those who have wronged us!

Loving An Artist

2011-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

I would consider myself an artist. Anyone who has spent any time with a person who operates out of a continual creative flow will tell you the mind of arty or creative people can be rather complex and difficult to understand. I have seen many creative people retreat to the background of life due to a continual feeling of always being misunderstood. It is easy for them to disappear but reveal themselves through the gifts they have learned to master. Art is the creative expression of one’s heart and the finest most pure interpretive manifestation of the contents of one soul.

As a stylist it is also my responsibility to be a great counselor to my clients that I’ve had for years (some say that’s why they keep coming). As I prepared my lady for her service she began to release to me personal things going on with her husband( a man I went to school with and who is a great undiscovered writer and musician)she stated that often times she felt as though she was not good enough, or could not compare to the music. She expressed to me how often times she longed to captivate her husband in deep conversation but always proceeded with caution as she stated “her husband’s mind was so diverse and intricate that she feared she may not be able to keep up.” She went on, and through conversation I discovered that she had began to tighten her grasp on her husband. Limiting his space, sitting in rehearsals, planning her life around his as her insecurity began to eat at her and it for a moment cause her to react in a way that seemed right.

This was something all too common, many of my other friends who have spouses or significant others stated like things about their relationships. In the beginning of my marriage my wife shared the same concerns. One statement she made very early was “It is difficult to compete with what’s in you.” I admit I wish at that time I had the right words to say as my other half longed to be number one over my gift. To be honest I must state that a real artist or being or thrives on any type of creativity may always be a challenge due to the fact that our emotions, our inner sight, our thoughts, our mind are almost always with that which we have thrived on derived from the true spirit of creativity. Yes! It’s expressed differently, some through song, some through painting, others through acting, the gift of dance etc. The thing is that art itself is the elevated form of expression that’s conveyed from heart to heart speaking one message many different ways.

In any relationship there must be trust set in order. Your connection with trust is one of the most important things to establish. Just as you spent time learning your significant other you must learn how to read them through the love that you share, and the connection you have. In any relationship the connection must be so strong that your heart beats with theirs, your mind reads theirs, it’s something developed but it’s something that aids you in times when things may become a bit challenging. Lastly as I explained to my client, you can never love anyone with closed hands, I explained to her the moment you began to treat their creativity as an opponent you set yourself up to fight a battle you will lose. As you must remember, that these gifts have been with these people for most (if not all) of their lives. They have learned to download thru them, grieve, process, and or simply live. In everything there must always be balance, and in every situation we must learn how to still feed through our creative needs and still support and meet the needs of our relationships.

Every relationship has its challenges, its ups and its down but always remember that life must have a greater need for you to be together doing more to affect positive change with each other as opposed to separate! I think in any relationship at times it may be difficult, however I feel as though with arty individuals it may be a bit more difficult as if you are a person who has established creativity as your first love(in any form) you feel divided between the two loves of your life. The gift you've always been able to count on. Or the person in your life that you have now promised to be there for forever. It’s hard on both parties however these are some of the individualized issues you face when entering into a monogamous commitment with an artist. I hope this helped someone today!

The Historical Prada Building in Milan

2011-01-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Ted Williams Encourages us to accomplish!

2011-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today was a rather interesting day for me; I came to the realization that no matter what I should and can never let go of what dreams and goals I have for myself. At the the place where I decided it was over I was forwarded an e mail of "the homeless man with the golden voice!"

I read his story, I looked him up, I identified with the things I read and the things he said about himself. This man was honest about his life, he was grateful for whatever he could get in the form of help from passersby. What intrigued me most was his humility but I mean how can you be homeless and uppity (no offense). This man said he “prayed to God for one more chance.” In a time when the power of God is continually questioned, and the ability of prayers strength is continually talked about as something that needs to be proven, this man got an answer!

Who would have thought a reporter from the Columbus dispatch would have stopped by and changed this man’s life for the rest of it. Yesterday this man had nowhere to go and today it has been made official that he has signed on to be the announcer for the CAVS. Along with the job the man was given a house by his new employer. This man was so blessed with the opportunity of a second chance it is stated that various entities went into a bidding war for the gift this man has.

“The homeless man with the golden voice,” is living proof that strong faith supersedes factual doubt, and that your gift will indeed make room for you. This story screams to us that life never gives up on a person who has not given up on themself. I think what’s greatest about this story is the fact that through all the years this man was reunited with his mother. What a blessing! After years of living beneath who he is, he returns home to see his mother to show her how he has cleaned himself up and turned his life around.

This man gave me some hope! Many times we mistake “no” for “not right now” or we may be seeking something beneath what we are entitled to and until we get the vision for more it seems as though we live life stuck in/on pause until the moment clarity interrupts our current vision to take it on as the continual sight to see with. We are entitled to all the greatness we can believe for, through that it is promised that we can have success if we work for it!

Even in a world turned upside down, with a housing market systematically gone to pots I still believe in miracles! If a homeless man can come to himself miles away from home, still live on the street and survive to one day become one of the most sought after individuals on the face of the earth with millions viewing his viral video, to in turn to ink a promising job that he enjoys, land a home, and end up reunited with his mother.

Then I too can achieve that which I have set in my heart as a goal and a dream for my life. I hope that you all who dream, decide today to dream big, to live on purpose, and to execute to the best of your abilities, I hope that you understand that you in deed are the greatest miracle walking, talking, and breathing. If life had no use for you then it would do away with you, the mere fact that you are still breathing, and dreaming, proves that there is great need for you now! At this time!

I challenge you today to live your life maximizing your gift and your usage of it. Open up the box that contains your treasure given to you and work it!

2011-01-05T15:08:00.001-08:00

I have to find out who made this, and where I can get one!

Advice for the fellas

2011-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Alright fellas! This piece of advice is going to be the best advice you can get. Scratch the flowers drop the candy! It's all about the shoes! Every woman loves, craves, desires shoes. You can never go wrong with shoes as a gift! Learn your woman, peep her style and then make it a lil more sexy! She'll love you for it! Besides its an investment for yourself the more sexy she is the more you notice, the more you notice, the better things get! Investing in your woman fellas is a great investment for your self, that yields great interest accruing returns!!!!!