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An Afternoon with Elizabeth Catlett..... Cuernavaca, Morelos: Eternal Spring.. Music.. 30-Something..
Contents:
An Afternoon with Elizabeth Catlett...
Today, I was able to be graced by the presence of Elizabeth Catlett. She is a renowned sculptress and printmaker. I traveled to her home and chilled with the beautiful artist in Cuernavaca, Morelos. I thought that we would talk about her longevity as an artist in the states and abroad, but instead she asked me how my Spanish was doing while residing in her country.
She was laying down when I walked up the stairs, all the while reading a book. I was very unaware of what was about to happen while sitting in a chair next to her bed.When I first looked at her I could not believe that she was ninety-three years young. A beauty right before my eyes. I wanted to cry, but held back my tears. She asked how I was doing and what was going on with my studies at the Spanish school that I am currently attending. Needless to say she saw that I have been cheated on both ends (mine and the school) for the lackluster words and phrases that I readily repeated. I wanted to speak more, so she asked if I would take out a tourist Spanish packet that I keep in my backpack and we began a lesson right on her bed.
It was amazing. She made me repeat every word in the packet and stated that I needed to study more if I wanted to excel in the language. Mrs. Catlett stated that she learned the language on the subway by counting numbers, continued with training at a school for one month, and then marrying her husband (who died a while back). I was not star-struck but just in awe that I could possibly live to be her age. I mean if you could just see how humble, and graceful she was it was a moment that I will never forget in my life.
We talked about my age, love, and how one day I too will be married, with kids. Elizabeth said it, so I believe it. :) I have never in my life seen someone who shows so much character and love and not even knowing the slightest thing about me except from what my god-mother told her in an email. It was a pleasure to sit and listen to an elder speak to me about something that has been so challenging for me these past few weeks. It was more of a life lesson in learning that whatever I want to achieve I can do if I only have patience with myself.
I am very proud that I did not take one picture of her, because those moments will be with me for life. We talked about Freida Kahlo. I asked her if she knew Robert Brady ( an art collector), and she stated, "NO!" I think that was enough for me to realize that he was not really major either because she isn't in his collection (which he transformed his house in to a museum) you can visit the place when you come to Cuernavaca.
Well the other things that we discussed I will keep for me... but, please do check out Mrs. Catletts work.
She is a treasure: OUR TREASURE-----------------BLACK.
Amor,
kYm
Cuernavaca, Morelos: Eternal Spring
 I have been chilling in Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico) for the past three weeks and it has been a challenging experience, but I believe that I am learning a lot about the country-city of Eternal Primavera. I had many expectations when I found out that I would be traveling to the country. I should have left those inhibitions out the door when I left Estados Unidos.
As you can see that I am now learning new words from el libros and the culture of the country. I am enrolled in an Espanol escuela which is very hard to digest... because I always see things that can be changed versus being comfortable with what is before for me. I now understand that you can't go through life believing that everything will go your way regardless of your talents, and success in life. I know that this has been the most challenging experience that I have encountered in my young years as a writer and traveler.
There have been many things that were told to me before I left the states about the country that are totally untrue. It has been hard learning the language and realizing that it is beautiful and very different than Ingles. I have a new found appreciation for foreigners who arrive in the Estados Unidos and have no clue as to where to begin when learning a new language--I am that individual now.
It is a very uneasy feeling and I think that this has allowed me to open up and write more about the situations that are coming towards me on a daily basis. I have never cried so much, been in a state of conflict with life and the surroundings that have been placed in my rear-view mirror, because trying to learn a new way of thinking and spelling-pronouncing words is muy dificul.
I have tried thinking day in and out if this was for me, it is ... I think that I have just been so use to having things giving to me without many questions and speaking a familiar language. If you have never been abroad you must take that journey. I suggest that we all travel to countries and learn new languages and experience what you haven't before, it is an eye-opener. I am not going to say that everything is just wonderful in this country because a lot needs to change in the way the people think and live... but it is their home, just as Houston, Texas is my home.
I wanted to say one thing for sure: GO OBAMA! Okay back to the original plan in writing this excerpt... this will be the biggest accomplishment of 2008 for my life. I will continue to grow, the pains have hit in ways that I never thought would, but after traveling to Ghana, West Africa and seeing what I have so much to be thankful for and what I see in Mexico; it is all joy.
I will be returning back to the United States in four weeks and I count it as I see it in regard to things going up rather than down. I have been very lonely, wanting my family/friends, and heart (that special someone), but I know that if it is meant we will see each other again= good TIMES.
I'm out!
kYm
Music
The Definition of Soul Tried and tested, Rahsaan Patterson is now on his way to becoming what his new label entails: Artistry Music. He contends, “I kind of lost it, my faith had diminished, hope became a joke, and I just needed to go through the dark to get back to the light... to appreciate the light, to know that the light was real.”
Rahsaan the singer, songwriter, and actor began his career on the popular 1980s television show Kids Incorporated. Appearing alongside future stars including Fergie, Mario Lopez, and Shanice, after the run with the highly rated television show, he began singing background for several artists including Martika. He has gone on to become a multifaceted artist in the music industry.
Writing the critically acclaimed single “Baby”, for the multiplatinum artist Brandy, and the hit, “Back to the World”, for Tevin Campbell, Patterson is now ready to look in the rearview mirror and watch his life tell its own story. The keen artist says that his most memorable song penned was, “...Joy, because it was dedicated to my grandmother.” Music stems from his, “...life and prayer.” Working with other noted artists including Van Hunt, Keith Crouch, and Jamey Jaz, Patterson set his music career in position to last.
The neo-soul movement began its entrance in mainstream music in the late 90’s; Patterson says of his success in the genre, “I believe that I may have been one of the people in the forefront bringing back soul music.” Signing with MCA records in 1997, Patterson disclosed a self-titled album, and in 1999 released Love in Stereo. Though receiving acclaim from the industry, the albums did not fare well in the states; yet he garnished a warm welcome abroad.
Concerning neo-soul as of late he adds, “I don’t feel that compared to mainstream it has changed pretty much. The neo-soul movement set a pace for new people.” Rahsaan Patterson has always stayed centered in what he believes true music and style encompasses. As an artist, Patterson has had his share of frustrations, “Just the fact that people always are trying to alter what I did, or how I did it, including A&R representatives and the music companies was annoying.... I felt there was level of respect that was lacking; I decided to go my own route.”
Leaving MCA at the turn of the 21st century, the talented artist continued to perform live, contribute to the soundtracks Brown Sugar, and Steve Harvey’s Sign of Things to Come. While working on his latest album, he experienced the death of his father, delved in “drugs,” isolation, and by his own omission, “searching... trying to see if God was real.” Surviving and not giving up his passion for music, he utters that his strength came from realizing, “...the grace of God, belief in myself, creative music, perseverance, and my love of art.” Pain and grief birthed the creative production of Wine&Spirits.
The new album, resonates Rahsaan’s growth as a man, writer, and artist. Patterson’s creative intentions with this project were to, “...convey what I have been through the last ten years summarizing who I am at this point.” Debuting at #42 on Billboard the later half of 2007, Wine&Spirits is a musical ride featuring jazz, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and rock providing for a long cruise on the highway. With lyrics to match the musical ride, the effectual-soul singer can’t be compared to anyone; he is the new genre: Artistic Music.
The soul singer provides a declaration of the vicissitudes of fame on the single ‘’Stars.” On the track ‘’Stop Breaking My Heart’’, he sings beautifully, “Often I sit wondering why love makes you cry...its all about loving.... stop breaking my heart baby...its not suppose to be that way baby.”
Now older and wiser the powerful singer says, “This album, may be my most vulnerable, I don’t dress anything up... What this album reflects more so than my previous ones, is that my first album I was 23 years old, this one I’m 33 years old.” The future looks bright with Patterson’s new label After Hours, touring and continuing to pursue his passions.
Looking over Rahsaan Patterson’s career it is befitting to say he has transitioned in to a man of reverence and well on his way to becoming the next definition of soul.
30-Something
“Grown Woman Status” There are no manuals in cyberspace for a woman to use once she turns thirty years young. Many dread the day when it creeps up like a thief in the night. I thought I would lose my mind at the age of twenty-nine. Since surpassing the mysterious number and turning thirty-two years younger in September this year, I feel that I am now at a place where I can say it is time to face and absorb Grown Woman Status. Throughout my twenties, I was not fully comfortable with my body, sexuality, and soul. I was in an abusive relationship, in college, working, and becoming a walking nightmare internally. Think back when you were twenty-five, are you still doing the same things. If so, then you may need a therapy session. I had four sessions with a life coach earlier this month. I am not doing the same things, but accepting me is a daily challenge. Society has taught women first, white is the acceptable color of skin, and being black is a downfall. A white woman is more inclined to receive an ad in a magazine than I am as a Black woman. Read any dictionary that you have right now, both the words are totally opposite of each other regardless of the American cultural melting pot. In reality, I know that a Black woman was blessed with hips, thighs, full lips, legs—a shape that is replicated today in Hollywood only on a different levels and with more money. To counteract the process of being downtrodden in my life with images displayed by media, I expect nothing less from myself but to do what I feel is comfortable and fit for my life. I am designing a sofly-caramelbeauty-wholistic regimen to live by. There was a distinct moment when I realized that I was at Grown Woman Status it was last year during Christmas. I had an epiphany and saw that it was my responsibility to have my back, regardless if I am family or not. No one can take care of my needs anymore; they have no idea what they are, so how can I expect them to know how to satisfy me. The decisions that I have now made will be lasting ones. I think that moving away from my relatives, friends, and familiar surroundings has also allowed me to advance to the level of Grown Woman’s Status. I have no family in the city that I reside in, still have not made any real friends (that is due to staying on campus and being serious about finishing college). However, I can write freely without others looking over my shoulder. I make my own decisions. I have the pleasure of dating who I want without anyone saying two-cents about them. I will graduate from college with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in December of 2008, and studying abroad this summer for the second time. I do miss my family though, but having the freedom to live my own life, with terms created by me for me, is the greatest feeling I could ever have in the world. I am not saying that my life is perfect, but day, by day, I am moving to a better place with myself. Ready to live, love, and accept love is where I currently stand. What are your experiences like now in your early thirties? Are you happy with where you are in life? Are you at Grown Woman Status? Share your thoughts with the soflynmythirties online community.
Poetry
Today was an average Sunday Today was an average Sunday I woke up, turned on the television: ABC News, George Stephanopoulos He was talking about politics While I woke, up and stretched The phone rang it was MOM She said we could not have breakfast I hung up the phone and brushed my teeth The phone rings again; I run back in to the living room It was actually the alarm Daylight savings time begins today I am already behind in homework I wonder if I will know anything during finals I go back to the bathroom Standing in the mirror, I wash my face Then pull up my pajama shirt and look at my tummy Still flat, not as a washboard, but flat I put on my favorite new pair of jeans that cost $10.00 at Marshall’s I had to ride the bus to get them They are comfortable, fit, and just my size I wish I were Nia Long some days She is pretty, with a thin frame, probably a size six The panel gets loud with George on ABC I don’t like Hillary Clinton However, she is a woman, and so am I Does that really matter; I think not For some reason I believe that we are all the same Just average—like today.
Poetry
The Model She likes to dress up in big hats. At every da nce, she stands tall. All the boys hiss at her every move. Smooth like Lady Day, her smile is a killer. Miller Highlife beer caps open up quick. She is the bubbling mixture in the bottle: Every man’s desire, full throttle.
Politics
The Possibility of Black a President in the 21st Century As an African-American, I have always believed that it was possible for a Black man to lead our nation. Now in the 21st century, my thoughts have not changed. It will take honesty, and a willingness to work with all cultures in order for a Black man to succeed as the next president of The United States of America. Barack Obama is the first African-American male to exert characteristics that will implement change in the 21st century. Looking at his life, while reading Dreams for My Father, made me look deeper in to the history of our leaders and why we have not reached this point until now regarding an actual bid for the white house. One value that he inhibits is honesty. A president must be just with the people and his constituents. Being able to make sound adherences to policies and reshaping the United States identity is very important right now, and the president will have to be able deliver what he promises. Moreover, this attribute has nothing to do with the president being Black it has to do with an individual’s morals and values. Our country has been in the dark for a long time in the current administration’s political decision-making process that has now erupted in to a war that possibly will never end. The American people want change, a real democracy, and a President who is human. For a Black president to take us through the waters that we are now treading, he must be able to converse with other cultures. Traveling to Ghana, West Africa this past summer, became apparent to me that our country is very behind in acknowledging that we do have cultures that have rich histories that need to be represented in all forms of government. A Black president would understand how to bridge the gap regarding race-relations and politics because he has had to deal with them all of his life. The world I believe would have a sigh of relief if we were to elect a Black man to office. People of color and other cultures would finally be able to see that it is possible for non-whites to lead our nation. I would hope that a Black president would be personable, assure of himself and his cabinet if elected. Maintaining an ethical allegiance to the people of all races is of great importance in character, as he will be representing a nation. Becoming elected will allow African-American males to see that there is hope, they can succeed, and they can too lead others in the right direction. A Black president will have to be a man of reverence, determination, and of great character in order to lead a people. It is my prayer that he will be just as Sammy Davis, Jr., who said in 1968, “I never open a door; I never let anyone open a door for me, unless I am sure, confident, that the door will stay open for whoever follows me.” This is a true president.
Works Cited: Quote by Sammy Davis Jr., African American Wisdom Knowledge Cards, Compiled and Illustrated by Bob Johnson and Mary Margolies
Politics
“My Journey with Barack Obama” “You know, they said this day would never come,” Barack Obama stated in his speech when he won Iowa earlier this month. This morning, the Senator from Chicago has won South Carolina by 55% of the vote--BLACK. I have dedicated this year to learning more about this man, that Caroline Kennedy-the Kennedy’s have endorsed this morning. I now interpret that opening quote as The Day Has Finally Come! I went out and bought the first book written by Sen. Obama, Dreams From My Father, began reading it while traveling the past two weeks, and I’m literally smitten by the young democrat who is changing the face of my generation. As I read about his trials of learning his own fate, identity, and place in the world, I see myself doing the same thing. I believe that The United States is ready for a Black President. I have to recant on my earlier statements in past entries that he could be hurt if he took office (which still haunts me). I believe that Black people would be his shield just as they were for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. –The shield that I’m referring to is the support that is swarming the country and the budding fact that we actually believe in his ideals, and the need for change in the White House. In addition, he is waking up a new generation of leaders to take a stand. I can’t put his book down; I can't stop thinking about his intelligence, his brilliance, his tenacity, and realness. He is definitely the truth. I can’t say how he compares to John F. Kennedy because I was born in 1976... However, I do believe that he is the first person that I have watched bring an entire country together in the last four presidencies that include Regan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush. Hope has been a big word in his campaign speeches, and I believe that is appropriate. If we are not to believe that things can change then what are we really doing for our own country and livelihood as a people? I know experience matters as a leader of the masses. Sen. Barack Obama does have that experience he has lived life, been up and down. He has climbed just as many mountains as the next man. If elected the Senator states that he will be, “...a President who will be honest about the choices and the challenges we face; who will listen to you and learn from you even when we disagree; who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know.” I will end this brief excerpt this morning with a quote from Ralph Bunch, “I have a bias against war, a bias for peace. I have a bias which leads me to believe that no problem of human relations is ever insoluble.” Senator Barack Obama is the first man that I can say in my history who has created a revolution, a bias for peace, a bias against war, and believes that Human Relations is ever insoluble. Go. Obama. Go! Holla.Black
Hip-Hop
N-Response: Thug Violence and Hip Hop, the Bloody Beat
Recently, I read an article in the New York Daily News about violence in hip- hop and its negative impact in society written by Errol Lewis. The verdicts of several African-American stars in the music industry were exposed and once again, it is no surprise to see that the art form needs a makeover.
Rappers are now falling from their elitist platforms just like Goliath. Remy Ma jumpstarted the article, her quest for street credit ended in a possible sentence up to twenty-five years. Money, power, and respect have played a major force in the seduction of the fantasy world of hip-hop today. And, it all began with the pen. Lyrics now written today are a major force in the seduction of watered down words that hip-hop fans bob their heads to twenty-four seven--today. Within the lyrics, rappers boast how big their house, car, and jewels encompass. They go on and state what is currently in their bank accounts, and protest that they are the baddest B*t** in the street. These elements have always been a part of the music but in a different way. I remember when I would watch male and female rapper-poets battle for the best lyricist crown. Today, you can reap fatal blows and bullet wounds for spitting verbs, wearing the same color shoes as your opponents, looking at a crew, etc. It looks like having street credit is more important than being able to convey an ill verse. Remy Ma was convicted of assault, shooting a friend over two thousand dollars after suspicions of them stealing from her in March--2008. . Why would you have that amount of money on you in the first place? Not to mention, Ma sent a shout-out to her fan base after the verdict, asking that they write to the judge presiding over her sentence and plead that he be lenient--give me a break. Moreover, she is about to get married while in jail. Next track... Case in point with Clifford Harris, aka T.I. the self-professed “King of The South,” recently pleaded guilty to weapons charges and will serve one year in prison. Seems fishy, he proclaimed his innocence until he got a plea deal, then is quoted on the internet that God had leniency on his life. American Gangsta, the movie was a self-prophecy for the Grammy nominated rapper. In character, he portrays a young man who wants to be like his Uncle Frank (another gangster). Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this young man has invested in his community, built homes for the poor, etc., but what about his own soul? Not getting to religious let’s take three steps back... Trevor Smith, aka Busta Rhymes, the once highly regarded rapper from the Pharcyde who preached positivity, and knowledge of self back in the late 90’s, still has not came forth with information that could help solve his bodyguard’s murder. You would think that he would want to help the family of the deceased. Will he only rat when it is in the best interest for self or the crew? Lil’ Kim is the one to ask, I guess, on that one. On to the next, Kaceon Taylor, aka The Game recently was convicted of gun charges and spent 60-days for possession of a gun on a school’s premises. Why would a rapper feel the need to bring a gun to a school? I mean these are elementary questions. Sadly enough I do not think things are going to change. Check out Common (you know the person that recorded “I use to love her—Hip Hop,” and see what type of character he portrays in American Gangsta and his development in Hollywood movies thus far. Is it all about the Benjamin’s and street rep? Now as you think about that question, remember the peeps who are signed to the music (hip-hop) industry and booked in cells are Black people—the majority. Now who has the last laugh?
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