Dear Shannon,

A whole year has passed since my lovely friend Shannon was killed. Its been a hard year with out her.....keep dancing sweety.

I saw her the friday before she was killed

She was so excited to start another year of school and work

She had barely started school..it was probably her 3rd week as a junior

She was so beautiful

She was so positive

I wish I had held her a little while longer

I will never forget that walk to the train

I will never forget her....

Taken Sept 30, 2009 NY, New York

The Traveler

I took this back in July. He seems like he's on a mission, no? I took a couple of images of him and he didn't mind at all. He was the perfect stranger.

Job Hunting While Poor(and Black)

Have you ever felt like being young and talented is pointless? (especially while black...I'm just saying) I have been unemployed since this summer. I had to borrow money (for metro cards) just to get to school. The money I received is was only ever enough for 2 months of school, I figured I'd have a job before I hit the 2 month mark. There was a job expo at my school today. The perfect opportunity to find some kind of job besides fast food joints. I don't own a lot of formal wear, but I figured as long as I was clean and put together I'd be OK.

I worn a nice cashmere sweater, a pair of pants(not jeans!) and the only other shoes I have, besides my dirty smelly sneakers, my converses. Two people said I wasn't exactly dress the "right" way and my resume and personality would have to make up for it. Which always has and will so I was OK with that. I finally get to the door of the expo after waiting an hour and cutting class and they turn me away! I try to explain my situation and I'm cut off with a cold "I'm sorry".

So here's my question how come I have to wear pants with a matching blazer, a crisp white button down shirt and a pair of pumps, before I can even get the chance to compete in the "real" "professional'" world? How am I expected to afford "professional" wear if I'm not allowed the chance to compete? They wouldn't let me into the expo because my pants looked like jeans at first glance(supposedly) and because of my foot wear.

A lot of times I've spoken to people or they've seen me work ,not of my race, and a look of surprise comes over there face. A condescending smirk. I used to think it was because I very quite in certain situations. Most of the time I'm just going over what I'm going to say and do to the last detail. But now I wonder, were those smirks because of the clothes I wear or my skin color. To be honest I always thought it was because of my skin color but I was OK with that. Mostly because I know who I am and what I am capable of.

I reached a new personal low today. Somehow I was able to hold thee tears back until I got out of the school. I sat on a random step on a corner and cried ducking my head anytime someone would pass me.

CBanks

"..the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice.."

I've known a couple of Christophers in my time.

Each one is a bit different from the other.

Though we never call them Christopher we call them Chris.

This one...well he's funny.

Very funny.

Like he'll piss you off but how could you not forgive him, he'll have you laughing until you pee yourself.

He's very funny.

Like if you make fun of him you better be ready to get tongue lash something fierce.

Some how he'll still make you laugh while he's cutting your ass!

I would know.

Though I'm not a sports fan. I can go on his blog and learn something, so I sound like a fan in front of the male species! And to continue to surround myself with creative and intelligent people he's on my list. The boy can hold a good conversation.

Nakeya Brown

"..the worth of a nation is defined by its women.."

And what a hell of a woman she is!! I don't remember how I came upon Nakeyas' blog but soon I was checking it daily for new post. Her work is such an inspiration to me, maybe because I want my work to look like hers someday. Picture my surprise when I found out we were the same age. Not to long after I meet her via Internet I had the opportunity to meet her in person at her first exhibit. Not only is her work fabulous but she's a beautiful person inside and out.

I think its very important to surround your self with creative and like minded people. I'm grateful to be able to call her a friend and hope she knows she can call me one too!

Mila Jovovich

I have always loved Mila Jovovich. Since I saw her in The Fifth Element. I love her even more now because it takes a brave women to take of her clothes and be photographed and then have them judged no matter what body type you are.

A quote I found....

"the heart asks pleasure first and then, excuse from pain- and then, those
little anodynes that deaden suffering"

-e. dickinson

To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent people and
endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty.
To leave the
world a better place, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed
social condition.
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. That is to have succeeded.

- Daniel Eldon

Found Here