My Alarm 3 Crows..

This morning this alarm I could not turn off as 3 Crows Caw at my window! My dream was kind of crazy and so I am glad they woke me up! I love mother nature!!!

Breathe Life Live Beauty- Miyako J

My bird of the day: The Crow


Crow, Power Animal, Symbol of Sacred Law, Change

By Ina Woolcott

Many cultures consider crows to be the keepers of the Sacred Law, for nothing escapes their keen sight. To have a Crow as a power animal is extremely powerful stuff. When we meditate on the crow and align with it, we are instilled with the wisdom to know ourselves beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking and laws. We are taught to appreciate the many dimensions of both reality and ourselves, and to learn to trust our intuition and personal integrity.

Crows often appear in groups, and though there seems to be no variation in their caw-ing to each other, each caw actually has a different meaning. Their complex vocabulary is one sign of their intelligence, and is also a sign of their significance as power animals. When a crow explores something new, others watch closely to see what happens and then learn from it. They often make great noise when hunters are around, warning deer and other birds. Crows recognize potential danger and hence always post lookouts when feeding. This is their most vulnerable time. This helps us understand that we must watch what we believe, to test our habitual ideas about reality against a more universal standard.

Without paying careful attention, we are unable to understand the language of crows, this signifies the fact that we can't always see beyond our own cultural limitations. These limitations include certain moral codes of right and wrong, along with 'rules' that accompany these codes.

Throughout history there have been many (unnecessary) conflicts and wars between humans due to differing moral and religious beliefs. To truly create a new age of love, peace and harmony it is of high importance for us to be able to transcend our particular cultural limitations and to hold in our hearts and souls what we share as spiritual beings in human form. We are all connected, infinitely and composed of the same 'stuff'. We need to realize that hurting others only hurts ourselves. Crow is the bird which represents this transcendence.

Crow can also teach us to be mindful about judging people automatically. Be mindful of your opinions and actions. You need to walk your talk, to speak your truth and to know your life's mission. Again, trust your intuition and personal integrity, to create your own standards, whether or not they match those of the world around you. Be an individual, think for yourself, don't necessarily follow the crowd!

In the courting process the male crow's voice takes on a singing quality. This lets us see what the basis of sacred law is, unconditional love, the one unfailing principle by which we can test our own principles.

Crow is an omen of change. Crows live in the void and have no sense of time, therefore being able to see past, present and future simultaneously. They unite both the light and the dark, both the inner and the outer. Crow is the totem of the Great Spirit and must be held with utmost respected. They are representations of creation and spiritual strength.

Crows are messengers, telling us about the creation and magic all around us, that is available to us just for the asking. Look for opportunities to bring into being the magic of life. The striking black color of the crow represents the color of creation. It is the womb out of which the new comes into existence. Black is the color of the night, giving birth to the light of a new day.

Crows are sly and can be deceptive in their actions. They have been known to build false nests high in treetops to confuse predators. Their nests are built very high up, giving them the chance to watch everything that is going on around them.

As crows are adaptable to all environments and will eat almost anything, they can survive in almost any situation. Crow is surrounded by magic, unseen forces and spiritual strength. If crow enters your life, get out of your familiar nest, look beyond your present range of vision, listen to the message(s) in its caw and act accordingly.

Sundays After Trinity Eight 7's Prayer

223

Jesus, Lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly, While the tempest still is high: Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life be past; Safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last.

2 Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on thee; Leave, Ah! Leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me: All my trust on thee is stayed; All my help from thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head With thy shadow of thy Wing.

3 Plenteous grace with thee is found, Grace to cleanse from every sin; Let healing streams abound, Make and Keep me pure within: Thou of life the fountain of Art, Freely let me take of thee: Spring thou up within my heart, Rise to all Eternity... Amen!

EPIPHANY EIGHT 7'S MANIFEST

Song's of thankfulness and praise, Jesus, Lord to the we raise, Manifested by the star To the sages from afar; Branch of royal Davids stem In thy birth at Bethlehem; Anthems be to the addressed, God in Man made manifest.

Manifest at Jordan's stream, Prophet, Priest, and King Supreme; And at Cana, wedding- guest, In the Godhead manifest; Manifest in power divine, Changing water to wine; Anthems be to thee addressed, God in Man made manifest.

Manifest in making whole Palsied limbs and fainting soul; Manifest in valiant fight, Quelling all the devil's might; Manifest in gracious will, Ever bringing good from ill; Anthems to be thee addressed God in Man made manifest.

Sun and moon shall darkened be, Stars shall fall the heavens shall flee; Christ will then like lightning shine, All will see his glorious sign: All will then the trumpet hear; All will see the judge appear; Thou by all wilt be confessed, God in Man made manifest.


Grant us grace to see thee, Lord, Mirrored in thy holy word; May we imitate the now, And be pure, as pure art thou; That we like to thee may be at thy great Epiphany; And may praise the , ever blessed, God in Man made manifest



Merry Christmas YE & Beautiful Blessed New Year

Breathe Life Live Beauty- Miyako J

Foodie@heart!

Yes,I will admit I am a foodie@heart. Here's to my recent trip to the Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Yummy All Around! To my Jamaican breakfast in the morn to my desert & fruit plates after dinner..
Enjoy my Food journey .. MJ

What's Next...

One can only wonder what is next, Guess I will not know till it comes..

He Seeks... ( The King That Died by the Sword)

Seems as though He seeks.....

Companionship,Balance,Peace,Love,Calm,Longevity...... His life has been a plethora of life changes..Crying to be free from the pain,and the only thing that keeps coming back is more pain, How do you deal,You ask yourself... Faith,Calm mind, Making plans to fix what needs be and Keep Moving Forward. No Matter what the Creator has a plan for you and Your Spiritual Guides will always be on your right side as you Tread these waters So Called Life.


"Breathe Life Live Beauty"

3 MONTHS....................

3 Months have past since I have posted so much has happened>> where do I start????? Relationships.... Come and go, why do people come into our lives we at times ask... I guess for lessons to be learned.. You get so engulfed in making partnerships flourish that your own eyes are clouded from seeing the truth, and when the truth comes to your sight. All this work and energy You put in this partnership was so one sided and the other person was sucking you dry. So you pack your things and retrieve back to what you know. You have to Help yourself before you can help others. You have to tell yourself Work On YOU Get to where you need to first then help where you can. Sounds selfish but who is going to take care of you? I am happy I closed that book only now to reflect to see that people take your kindness for granted and that this can Never happen again and if it does. It just means that you have not learned that lesson and you have to take that exam again until you get it right....

To Live, Love and to Loose....

My grandpa past this year, I am great-full for the conversation that we had before he died. I felt so much joy to hear him laugh He told me he Loved me and that he wanted pictures of me, I still could not believe he had a facebook account.. He always supported me throughout it all and I will always Love him so>> He is in the Heavens watching over me with the rest of my family that is Above.... A few weeks ago I get another call that a good friend of mine had also past.. Hiver my Love I still cannot believe it! Someone that was so full of Life, Calm, Understanding, Passion, Happy, Enjoyed a good time and a wonderful listener, He was always there with kind words on solving any problem. That takes me back to what I wrote in the previous paragraph people come into your life for a reason and I am great-full for all and everyone I have come in contact with in my life good times and not so good times there is a reason. This is part of my journey on this planet as a Human to Live, Learn, Cry, Smile, Speak, Listen, Teach, Grow, Hurt,Love and have as many Joys as I can before I fly away into the Sky as the Dove I am........

Get Away....... Jamaica... Jamaica...

Even though my trip was a working trip. I was able to enjoy it to the fullest.. Time spent with friends laughing,eating full course meals, soaking in the beautiful Sun & Sea. Having clarity in front of me. Listening to the ocean talk of my forward movements and the earth deciding my next move. I have no ties to hold me back. So I am proud to say I am Looking forward with me in mind, creating a paradise.. My paradise.... MY WAY!

" BREATHE LIFE LIVE BEAUTY" - Miyako J.

I........

I CHOSE U...................-ALB

"Bee Life Live Beauty"

In the past 2 years I have been wondering why Bee's follow me... Are they trying to send me a message from the most High. As I was on the roof today watching the sun set, A Huge Queen Bee passes me then she comes back to say hello. I excited say hello as she flies away.. God is Sooo Good to me he reveals amazing things to me everyday and I am Greatfull Everyday, for the Blessings.. Life is Amazing...

"Breathe Life Live Beauty" - Miyako J



The Inspirational and Immortal Bee

Bees are, in many different cultures, a symbol of hope, and also inspire cleanliness, social organization, diligence, tireless work, honey-sweet rhetoric, intelligence, and poetry. The bee and its produce has long been recognised as inspirational, for the poets and singers of old were said to have been touched by ‘the spirit of the skilled bee’ and the gods sent bees to the lips of those whom they inspired, or anointed their mouths with honey. Plato, Virgil and Sophocles had their lips touched with honey in infancy. The bee seems to be a symbol of the original source of all life and inspiration. Indeed, the bee was usually looked upon as a symbol of the potency of nature, because while creating a magickal elixir, known for its preservation properties, they were also pollinating flowers, increasing plant fertility, and abundance. Because of these symbolic meanings, the bee has been used as an emblem by those who wish to associate themselves with the inspiration of the Gods.

The bee and its wax are important symbols for initiates of mystery religions. Beeswax was prized for the making of votive images in Pagan temples. Wax representations of various parts of the body in need of healing were offered to the Gods. Beeswax was vital even to the Roman Church, so vital that before the Reformation no abbey or monastery was without its colony of bees and resident Beekeeper. The chief church in Wittenburg was reported to have used 3,000 lbs of wax. Literary parallels were drawn between the humble, industrious and chaste bee and the monks in their monasteries, or the Church as a whole with the Pope as ‘King Bee’. The bee was even considered symbolic of Christ and Mary, for the bees were said to "produce posterity yet retain their virginity".

Not just the wax, but all the produce of the bee was special and sacred, for it was honey or ambrosia on which the gods dined, and which gave them their immortality. According to ancient writers, such as Homer and Pindar, ambrosia was extraordinarily sweet. No ancient writer actually states what ambrosia is, although nectar, its liquid equivalent, is thought to have been some sort of honey-drink, possible mead, and therefore, ambrosia was sometimes thought of as an idealized form of honey. The delicacy of the gods is also said to have been made of honey, water, fruit, cheese, olive oil and barley. Even Odin drank mead, a drink made from fermented honey, while Zeus was raised on honey in a cave of bees. Honey was offered to the gods and smeared on the lips of babies as protective magic.

Some of the priests and priestesses of old were called Melissae or Essenes (bees). Artemis herself was called a bee, and Demeter was addressed as ‘Pure Mother Bee’. The priestess of Apollo at the Delphic Temple was called the ‘Delphic Bee’ and the bee was also the symbol of Diana and Ceres, supposedly because of its virginity.

Aphrodite had a shrine at Mount Eryx, where the Goddess's fetish was a golden honeycomb. Pythagoreans perceived the hexagon as an expression of the spirit of Aphrodite whose sacred number was six. She worshipped bees as her sacred creatures because they understood how to create perfect hexagons in their honeycomb. In Her temple at Eryx, the priestesses were melissae, "bees" and the Goddess herself was entitled Melissa, the Queen Bee.

Hymn to Hermes about the bee priestesses:
"What time they fed on honey fresh, food of the gods divine, The holy madness made their hearts to tell the truth incline, But if from food of honeycomb they needs must keep aloof, Confused they buzz among themselves and speak no word of sooth."

In India and China, too, gods are depicted as bees. One such story tells of the ‘honey-whip’ of the twin Indian gods of light, which bestowed ‘life’s breath’ and ‘forceful speech’ on those it touched. This speaks of the inspirational power of the bee, for the word ‘inspiration’ means literally to draw in breath.

Hindu writings dating back from around 1500 BC also contain references to pollen and honey, as Hindus believed that eating these substances would enable them to maintain good health in both body and mind. In fact, Krishna, the Hindu deity, has been depicted as a bee.

Although the bee has not been deified by the ancient Egyptians, it was worshipped as a source of eternal life. The tomb of the ancient Egyptian king Ramses III (1198-1167 BC) has bee designs in it. In most Egyptian funeral vaults, bees are shown in all phases of honey gathering.




The Blessed Bee in Christianity
It has been said that the origin of bees is Paradise, and some scholars have even declared that bees possess a portion of the divine breath which was bestowed upon Adam and Eve in Eden.

The Chaldee word for a bee is DABAR which also means a WORD, thus the bee is symbolic for the Word of God, Jesus Christ. The bee is also associated with the lion, in Samson’s riddle of the lion and the bees. Another connection, for Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah. Samson unaided slew the roaring lion and from its carcass took immortal honey, and out of the LION of Judah came the WORD of God; out of His death came eternal life for man.

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Judges 14:5-9
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well. And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and, behold, there was a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of the lion. And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcass of the lion.

Rev 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.




Bee Symbolism

In Egypt:
Bees were the tears of Ra, the sun god, and the giver of life and resurrection. King Menes' wife was named after the bee-goddess, Neit. The oldest recognized temple in Egypt, at Sais in the Nile delta, was named "Hwt-bit", 'Castle of the Bee.'

In India:
Krishna, as an avatar of Vishnu, has a blue bee in the middle of his forehead. Soma, the moon, is called a bee. Siva is represented as a triangle surmounted by a bee. Kama, god of love, has a bow-string of bees.

In Greece:
Great Mother was known as the Queen Bee, and her priestesses were called Melissae, the Bees. Bees were the emblem of Eros, Demeter, Cybele, Diana, Rhea, and Artemis. The Pythian priestess at Delphi was known as the Delphic Bee.

In Australia and Africa:
Bees are found as tribal totems. Kung Bushmen believe bees are carriers of supernatural power.

In Celtic areas:
Bees are thought to possess a secret wisdom garnered from the otherworld.

In Imperial France:
Bees were a regal symbol, and the fleur-de-lis of the House of Bourbon.

Ask Miyako J............

I have decided to use this blog to answer any questions you may have....

How do I get in the Hair & Make up Industry? How to make Cous Cous? How to make the perfect Martini? When is the best time to make your dream job a reality? What ever it may be. I will do my best to answer as soon as I can! Keep Dreaming and make it happen what ever it may Be! Like Nike! " Just do It"

Muchlove Miyako J.

"Mind Movements"

"A Long Walk"

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

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

Your background it ain't squeaky clean shit
Sometimes we all got to swim upstream
You ain't no saint, we all are sinners
But you put your good foot down and make your soul a winner
I respect that, man you're so phat
And you're all that, plus supreme
Then you're humble man I'm numb
Yo with feeling, I can feel everything that you bring

Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Revelation 3:17

Or maybe we can see a movie
Or maybe we can see a play on Saturday (Saturday)
Or maybe we can roll a tree and feel the breeze and listen to a symphony
Or maybe chill and just be, or maybe
Maybe we can take a cruise and listen to the Roots or maybe eat some passion fruit
Or maybe cry to the blues
Or maybe we could just be silent
Come on, Come on

Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe we can talk about Psalms in entirety

Or maybe we can see a movie
Or maybe we can see a play on Saturday (Saturday)
Or maybe we can roll a tree and feel the breeze and listen to a symphony
Or maybe chill and just be, or maybe
Maybe we can take a cruise and listen to the Roots or maybe eat some passion fruit
Or maybe cry to the blues
Or maybe we could just be silent
Come on, Come on

Let's take a long walk around the park after dark
Find a spot for us to spark
Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation
Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations
Elevations, maybe baby, maybe we can save the nation
Come on, Come on

GOD IS LOVE>>>>>>>>>>>

As the morning arrives, I in my slumber dream away only to be awaken by a mourning dove cooing beside my window. I knew it was time for me to get up! As I knock the pillows of to attend my daily routine,of prayer another dove comes to sit beside the other, What a Blessing I feel cause God's Presence is in my room. So excited I was to see such Glory, scream to my roommate hey do you see that 2 Doves 2 Doves, I call her on the phone to wake her! She heard the cooing aswell( I was not Crazy...) A Blessed sight to see Gods Love right in front of me, a everlasting Love that nothing or no one can divide! 2 Mourning Doves Beside my Window!! God is Love>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BREATHE LIFE LIVE BEAUTY- MJ

A Vow To Myself>>>>>>>

Today, on this hot' n Muggy day, I thought to myself... I am happy>> & I want to continue to stay this way so I said a vow to myself>>> I will stay happy no matter what happens in my life No Man, situation or things will ever stop my happiness, I will love God & Myself First! He guides me on this Beautiful journey of Life and God willing I will be able to live out my dreams I have set before myself> I only want what's best for me & my family> I am not pressured to find the mate of my life, I enjoy my freedom to move and shake how I please without someone saying why,what or where. I am Happy of my Choice to Be Single and Drama Free!!!!!!


BREATHE LIFE LIVE BEAUTY- MJ

NJ>>>>>NJ>>>>>

NJ, NJ, NJ, NJ................. I have never been to NJ Shore, until this past weekend for a gig I was booked on. A regular person wouldn't assume it to be like the over popular MTV " Jersey Shore" But in reality it is!!!! Buff men, Bronzed beauties,clad in their $200 Juicy Couture swimsuits... with shades to match! flock to the over crowded beach strip to indulge in whatever their budget allows> Attitude is on display as the counter girls at the store I am at snare and say( under there breath) where did she get that dress from a Vintage store? (Yes Bitch I say in my mind)PROUD PEOPLE they are! Nice they are not> I do not want to Judge> I tried to Kill em with Kindness> But that did not work>>> I kept it>> pushing forward That is>>>>> No MO NJ Fo Me>>>>>>

Super Month June Coming to an End>>Already???>>> Keep Moving Forward>>>

I cannot believe how the months are passing by, every time I BLINK IT IS RENT TIME>> Besides that, the month of June starts the Summer Solstice, I have attended a celebration of Bee's event, layed on the lawn of botanic gardens while reading a Billie Holiday book, watched many movies, a rocking time at a summer stage concert, had insects and animals follow me,Cardinal birds sing to me at my window,friends visiting from abroad.. Booked some cool gigs> So many things Blessed things have been coming to me and will Continue God Willing>>> Overall I am looking forward to my trip to ATL>>>> " Breath Life Live Beauty" MJ

Movie of the day: La noire de : Black Girl 1966 Director: Ousmane Sembene

I never heard of this film, was snooping around Netflix and Bumped into this one
A must see!!!! I felt her passion to want a better life for herself>> to see the world in a new place> Tragic it was to watch the end> Working for a selfish family> that needed hired help> kept her in a prison state of mind>>>

Support & Love

I received this email from my old roommate that was an actress on set with me the other day>>

Givethanks for the Love




Miyako!
I hope my words find you well. Firstly, it was great bumping
into you on the Broadstreet project recently. It's amazing how
small NYC is and how fast time flies. :-) I had a blast on the
Broadstreet project and hope you did, as well. It's great to
see that they've hired a "sister" and you were definitely doing
your thing!!! congratulations and keep up the good work!
If there is an opportunity for us to reconnect, I look forward to
it. So, take care and enjoy the journey.

Peace -


AMY-MONIQUE WADDELL
Actress/Writer




"If there is no struggle, there is no progress" - Frederick Douglass

"Breathe Life Live Beauty"

A moment in time,

My daily ritual giving morning praise to the father above for guiding me in the right direction, Thanking him for all his wondrous works he does in my life. The beautiful ray of a Monday sun, shines on my face as I dress for the day. Kit ready I head out the door. Music in my mind cause my ipod earphones are M.I.A. I don't let that bother me as the birds sing my playlist> I move forward and look ahead to only meet a figure of a mother caressing her child giving her Love as she heads for school, I pass and feel the love as the woman dressed in African garb, looks back at me with a look of proud, I felt a flash back of another time as the little girl yell's back I Love You Mommy, I smile with joy as I know time will come for me to be a mother and I will embrace it and cherish it as she did>>> Love>>


My work day was long, but a blessed one. I prep my area, took a bite and started work. A woman taps me and says is that you?>> one of my roomies I had when I first started this craft years ago. She said wow you are still at it, She was very proud of me>>> Love> Give Thanks

12 hours later> after my shoot> Thinking> will I make it thru the night> Movements were in play to attend the Fela event. I am to tired to even think about it> I head towards the train> Looking ahead & in the sky as I always do and see 2 Monks, I thought how beautiful and peaceful they look> not even a second passes from thought someone asks can I help you> THE MONKS> I just mentally greeted take my heavy kit and walk me to the train, as his fellow brother takes photos.... so strange( I have a photo with A Monk and a Monk took the photo That is a blessed Photo>> LOL To say all that Love, Love , Love Is all around >>>

If you Ask You Shall Receive>>>>>>

" Breathe Life Live Beauty"

xoxo Miyako J.

sex-and-the-city-racist-against-black-people-arabs?

Sex and the City has never been that kind to black people to begin with — with few African-Americans ever making so much as a guest appearance in a city as diverse as New York, (aside from Samantha’s brief dalliance with a music exec and a recurring role for Blair Underwood as Miranda’s love interest, both which seem to fulfill every existing myth about black male sexual prowess) but in “Does Sex And The City Hate Brown People?” one DC blogger claims the racism is even more blatant in the Sex and the City Films:

Despite the number of Black women who love and patronize SATC, the franchise refused to return the favor in the first movie. As Carrie’s personal assistant, Jennifer Hudson’s sole responsibility was to take care of Carrie and bring her “back to life.” And just like a mammy-god-mother should, she twitches her rented Louis Vuitton and disappears back into the country when her work is done.

In the second installment, during the pointless karaoke scene in which the girls sing some random female empowerment song that nobody knows, the only Blacks with speaking roles in the entire film are two dreded buffoons wearing sunglasses and loud outfits who are shuckin’ and jivin’ on the stage over the women from America.

Kind of makes me sorry I complained about mammy in the first movie.

She’s not alone in her complaints about the second film. Set in Abu Dhabi, Arabs and Muslims aren’t treated with any more sensitivity. In her Huffington Post
piece Jane Huckerby argues:

Sex and the City 2 turns truly ugly when it fixates on the wardrobe of veiled Muslim women in Abu Dhabi, UAE — the holiday destination of the film’s four main characters. The film is unsubtle in its disapproval of women who wear the veil: the characters crack jokes about burqinis and Carrie — in the film’s lowest point — openly mocks a local woman for eating French fries under her veil. When the gals stumble across a women’s book club and discover bright clothes (designer of course) lurk beneath the burqa, it is unclear whether they’re more shocked that veiled women eat, read, swim, and gossip or that they too like fashion. What is clear is the message that we can, and should, judge women and their entire religion or culture based solely on what they wear.

Salon’s Wajahat Ali describes the film as an “Orientalists wet dream” stating that:

Michael Patrick King’s exquisitely tone-deaf movie is cinematic Viagra for Western cultural imperialists who still ignorantly and inaccurately paint the entire Middle East (and Iran) as a Shangri La in desperate need of liberation from ignorant, backward natives… It’s like the cinematic progeny of “Not Without My Daughter” and “Arabian Nights” with a makeover by Valentino. Forget the oppressed women of Abu Dhabi. Let’s buy more bling for the burqa!

Ali also observes how, despite their critiques of the culture, the women fail to even attempt any real communication with Muslim women:

If our cultural ambassadors truly cared about saving Muslim women, they surely would try to help them during the film’s interminable two and half hour running time, no? Sadly, instead, these incredibly shallow mock-feminists can’t even bother to have one decent conversation with a Muslim woman, because they’re too immersed in picnics on the desert and singing Arab disco karaoke renditions of “I Am Woman.” In fact, Abu Dhabi is just peachy when it’s a fantasy land where they ride around in limos and get comped an extravagantly vulgar $22,000 hotel suite. However, only when that materialism is taken away do they worry, in only the most superficial way, about sexual hypocrisy and women’s oppression.

As beloved as the Sex and The City franchise has been, these critics all make very valid points. That said — should we still continue to support this franchise? How could the film have offered better representations of “brown people” and “brown cultures” while staying true to the brand?

A Gift From God

After I prayed this Morn there was a Blue Jay Over my head in the tree>> Soundin like a Crow> What an amazing creature GOD Sent me as a gift>>
The Blue Jay >>Loquaciousness, Communication, Determination, Assertiveness, Faithfulness,
Intelligence, Advantage, Curiosity, Vibrancy, Clarity, Energy....

The jay is fearless when it comes to protecting its partner,
young and territory. So too are those with this animal as their totem.
They will defend their positions against adversaries who seem much more
powerful than themselves – often with successful results.

Blue jay animal symbolism resonates truth, faithfulness, and
solidarity because they are vigilant in their tasks. They also
keep the same mate for life, which is symbolic of endurance, patience
and loyalty. The jay is an excellent symbol for those wishing to honor
their long-lasting bond between friends, family and lovers.

In the spiritual realm, the blue jay speaks of clarity and
vision. In Native
American symbolism (namely the Sioux
Nation) the azure of the jay against the blue sky indicated a “double
vision” or double clarity. This visual/spiritual “blue on blue” concept
speaks of purity of the soul, truth of the heart, and clarity of
thought.

Movie Of The Month>>>>>>

The Red Shoes- 1948 UK (2 Oscars) Directed by:Michael Powell &
Emeric Pressburger

By no means do you have to be a ballet fan to appreciate and enjoy the story or the settings. While fully convincing in themselves, they are also set up so that the most important aspects and conflicts of the plot could easily be applied to those working in other creative fields as well.

Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, and Marius Goring make a nicely balanced and intriguing trio of main characters. The opening scenes work very well in bringing them together while being enjoyable to watch in themselves. From there, the creative tensions are built up steadily as the story itself becomes even more interesting. The script makes use of the best conventions of its genre, while never allowing itself to become formulaic.

There is also a good deal of creativity in many of the individual sequences. The opening scene at the opera is particularly clever in playing off of a viewer's initial expectations. The most spectacular sequence is the "red shoes" ballet segment itself, a very imaginative and enjoyable mini-movie that also parallels some of the main story's most interesting ideas. All in all, "The Red Shoes" well deserves its reputation as a distinctive classic.

Jeneil Williams- i-D Summer 2010

I worked with Jeneil on her very first shoot for Pride magazine>> She has come far!!! Congrats>>











Photo:Daniel Jackson and styled by Marie Chaix in the summer ‘10 issue of i-D.

Miyako J. Beauty Bar

Photo: Rick Wayne
MU: Miyako J

Everybody is a Star - Sly

Everybody is a star
Who can rain, chase the dust away
Everybody wants to shine
Ooh, come out on a cloudy day
'Til the sun that loves you proud
When the system tries to bring you down
Every hand to shine tonight
You don't need darkness to do what you think is right

Ba pa-pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba,
ba-pa ba-pa ba ba, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Everybody is a star
I can feel it when you shine on me
I love you for who you are
Not the one you feel you need to be
Ever catch a falling star
Ain't no stopping 'til it's in the ground
Everybody is a star
One big circle going round and round

Ba pa-pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba,
ba-pa ba-pa ba ba, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Swan And Shadow -John Hollander 1969

Dusk
Above the
water hang the
loud
flies
here
O so
gray
then
What A pale signal will appear
When Soon before its shadow fades
Where Here in this pool of opened eye
In us No Upon us As at the very edges
of where we take shape in the dark air
this object bares its image awakening
ripples of recognition that will
brush darkness up to light
Even after this bird this hour both drift by atop the perfect sad instant now
already passing out of sight
toward yet-untroubled reflection
this image bears its object darkening
into memorial shades Scattered bits of
light No of water or something across
water Breaking up No Being regathered
soon Yet by then a swan will have
gone Yes out of the mind into what
vast
pale
hush
of a
place
past
Sudden dark as
if a swan
sang

From the Book Of Borrowed Names -Jeannine Atkins

PICNIC-



As the locomotive speeds past sunflower fields and redbirds,Rose won't look back.She finds a future through the revolving glass doors of the Midland Hotel. Working all night,she taps her feet on the marble floor,stamps out and dashes, dots,
Sends messages across the country.Fingers flying, she telegraphs thirty messages an hour and earns $2.50 a week. She needs more in Kansas City, where good hat costs four dollars. For supper, she nibbles five cents' worth of peanuts, sucking off the salt to make them last, then takes on the day shift,too.

Charming, lonely salesmen ask her out for dinner or dancing. She says yes.
Mama writes, When are you coming home?
Not Yet, Rose answers at eighteen, nineteen, then twenty.

She can't go back with nothing to show but a few almost- out- of- fashion hats.

She meets a brown- eyed man with a glance quick as a match catching fire.
Over dinner, Gillette Lane talks about rivers he crossed and cities he's seen. Candlelight falls on the bones under his cheeks, which curve like question marks.
One Sunday he rents a horse and buggy. They ride through a park, discover a brook, spread a blanket in the shade. They eat hard bread, soft cheese, and apples. The small bones of Gillette's hands press his skin like roads on a map.
When they kiss, she smells wild mint, moss, and pine,
as old loneliness, grudges, imperfect face and body splash
away like water over rocks.

The next day they embrace as if at a long-awaited reunion. They devote weekends to each other, talking about music, moving pictures, motorcars. He brings a bouquet, says roses for Rose.
Lush loose petals fall. They walk to the edge of the woods where he asks,

Have you seen a Ocean?

This handsome man cares more for trains and traveling than houses. Rose hooks an ankle over that of the man who knows the song she loved as a child: Not here, not yet.>

Overhead, birds spread silvery- blue wings unclasping forgotten blue>> TBC

" The Prophet"

Give your hearts, but not into each others keeping.
For only the hand of life can contain your hearts..

And stand together yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each others shadow.. The Prophet -Kahlil Gibran


MY JOURNEY,

Everyday I learn something new, about me, the world, being human.... I am grateful for for each and every life experience I have had. To move to NY at a young age was scary but I can truly say that I have made it thru the NY Trenches(in My Own Way)Moving here in the 90's at the age of 18 was no laughing matter..Getting to Ft.Greene on the G Train then was a nightmare!! But this was my dream, to live in the big apple, like many others.. I am grateful to my friends who showed me the ropes to survival.... It is true what they say NY can and Will chew you up and spit you out if you cannot handle the heat>> Givethanks that I did not hit rock bottom, but a times it felt that way. I have lived in a closet, studio, shared house you name it>> My first job in NY was at Le Chateau store at Broadway and Lafayette
( now Crate & Barrel) the first time I had direct deposit>>( I thought I was rich lol) from there I moved on to various Soho boutiques, Only to return to my roots as a waitress/ bar girl in then renovated Sheilas restaurant> turned Brooklyn Mod, Owned by the most stylish man ever known to man Todd Johnson>> That is where I formed friendships that have lasted for years and new turns in my life from there I received a offer as bar maid a Chez Oscar, directly across from my former job. I took the chance>> Loved the energy there Lots of cool people>> by this time I had my own place in a tenants under duress building in Ft. Greene my rent was $250! Yep $250, there was a feeling of progress in the area around 97/98 but it still had its griminess, you would not want to be outside after a certain time if you know what I mean>>> Still with no certain direction of what I wanted to do as a career>
I continued working at the restaurant, surrounded by art culture, life> was comfort for me, until a dose of reality hit>> I was to be evicted> with nowhere to go one of my customers offer a couch and I gladly except>> a job but homeless was not cute for a now twenty year old with something to prove>> I took another job on the infamous Ft. Greene restaurant row to make ends meet while couch surfing, and received a message that would change my life forever>>> My friend at the time was an actress one of the few black actresses at the time, who had a nice roster under her belt so it was inspiring to see her work.> Taraji P.H. Had come to visit my friend, she took me to lunch and asked me what were my goals and what was I going to do to achieve them.> Then I really had no clue> I was a young girl from Cali> still searching>>>> There is a message for you my friend says>> There is a producer looking for a make up artist, Make up artist? I am not a Make up artist I say>> We'll you need money don't you!>> I take the job with no clue to what is in store for me> I go to the pharmacy on Dekalb Ave, bought what powders they had left and prepare to do a task that I lied to know a thing about>>>> The video goes without a hitch>> $500 cash in hand> Client was happy > I said to myself I can do this Yes I am a Make Up Artist>>> That was the day s Miyako J Make Up Artist was born>>> 12 years ago and counting>>> I started as groomer for rap artists, met photo editor D.Boardley of whom gave me my first editorial tears@XXL, From there Source,Vibe,Heart& Soul,Pure Playas,Enyce,Southpaw etc... and my defining moment was my first cover for Oneworld magazine w Q-Tip & Rosario Dawson. I also had a stint working as a personal assistant for Common> I got that job from one of my photo shoots with him>> By this time I had a new place and paying rent off of my freelance>> I had been offered a position at a M.A.C> By then M.A.C.trainer Nadine Luke ( Now Director of M.A.C.Europe( who was my neighbor when I lived on Dekalb. I use to wonder why they always lugged huge bags around to and from cars not realizing they were Make up artists>> Duh> We met backstage at the shows when I use to dress models>>( I am a jack of all trades>> And she asked me if I would like a position, but the location was to far so I passed>> Time went on.. work became slow> I was forced to give up my apt> to rent out a room at a friends old place that lasted for a few months, until I met a Shawty from ATL that took my breath at the time I instantly fell for him> he was a youngin at the time but with a mature vibe that was on the money>> He was living in Paris studying music and was in NY for just a bite>> we chilled, he sang to me>> We>>> Anyway That is where I came up with the bright Idea to go to Paris, This was around 9/11 so there was plenty of stress going on in the states and I felt the need to get away>> I placed my things in storage> and made a move> The only reason why I had a passport was because I was to travel with one of my clients.. that fell thru>> But hey it came in handy>> Before I left town I decided to stop by the M.A.C Fulton street counter, the manager called me for an interview I told her about my trip she said to call her when I returned>> of which I did>> Started me as a freelancer and there I stood for for 4 1/2 years as a M.A.C. Gal>> Finally I felt I had made something of my self for my family to be proud that I had my own Benefits,a 401k and money in my savings>> I still pursued my freelance while I worked there at times it would cause conflict> But I stayed driven on what I was passionate about>> I kept moving forward until I felt being at that counter was not progressive and felt the need to explore and travel>> I went back to Paris> St.Martin, St. Barths, Anguilla> That is when I thought I could live in the Caribbean> Low n behold my next trip would involve me losing my job> I took a risk and went back to freelance> doing gigs between NY and Miami> until months after I would get a call to go to Barbados to be apart of the make up team for their fashion week> The producer loved my work and hired me again for Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica> from there I would direct the show for another 2 years> At the time I had just moved into my third NY apt a studio> Just perfect for me> by this time I was rarely home most of my time spent was in the Caribbean> During my second year directing CFW, a model friend asks me if I would be able to do her make up for a shoot, I agreed> She Caribbean Magazine, Published in St. Lucia> Back to NY> Steady on the grind> Meet up with a friend over drinks at my house and he just starts to tell me about his country> St. Lucia>> How beautiful, natural resources, the vibe of the people, how Mystic>>> I just wanted to be there>> The next day I am on set> My phone rings and it is the owner of the magazine asking me can come to St. Lucia> What >>> How Crazy is that I said to myself> So I go to Lucia>>> I fell in Love> I just shot a Bangin cover> What else do I need??>> I was to only stay for a week and ended up staying for almost 3!> That was when I decided to move to the Caribbean> within 2 months I moved to St. Lucia> I worked my shoots and Became Beauty Editor>> Stayed there for 2 years and went back n forth to NY> Family thought I was trippin> But that is something I can say> I did IT! No turning Back<>>> late in 08' I moved back to NY only for a few months> I had some lessons to learn about life and relationships> I Learned>> Moved on and over heard that I was a nominee for best Caribbean make up artist> In a stressed time of my life> It was good to good to hear some good news>> I made my decision to attend> And felt Very lucky to be there It felt like all the years that I had been working towards something>>And it finally came to harvest> I know it's not a Grammy> but It meant that people liked my art and what I stand for> My Creative soul>I givethanks that people Show love towards my talent I have come along way and GOD willing to allow me to Journey Some MO> I am Back in NY feeling Blessed and ready to get to work>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Muchlove>> Miyako J.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Keep Moving Forward>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>2010>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>