Hey Folks,

I’m seeing through things these days. Feeling the clarity that comes when I sit still and give my attention to what’s in front of me. Then, regardless of circumstances, life is good. Corny as it sounds to the uninitiated, it’s working for me. “From the bottom, everything is looking up”.
-HOPE you are well.

True,
da’shon is.




"That just happened!"

I AIN’T NO JOKE

To say there are double standards in America is like saying the Sun is hot. DUH! That’s why it’s not surprising that people got away with having guns at protests against President Obama. There are people who actually think HE is the anti-Christ!? Consider what that last dude did during his reign. The most deadly weapon to get near him was a flying shoe. -There are still many people in this country who believe a Black life is joke, including many Black people. I suppose the appropriate response is to be offended by this blatant racism. But in my experience that reaction hasn’t changed a damn thing. I KNOW better.

LEGENDS

Saturday night, or should I say Sunday morning, 2 Atlanta giants made people sweat it all out! Kai and Kemit did one of those late night house joints people be lookin’ for. Some of the tastemakers like Tak, Twa, Soul, Tiffany, and Elika came out and made the night right. Camille was in from China, Queen Nirobi blessed the spot, and my girl Afeni got to hear the master Kemit spin for the first time. And to my pleasant surprise, a blast from the past, Akanke snuck up on me. -I need to get out more.

NO COINCIDENCES

So that whole day I was focused on starting the SKF documentary shoot, ASAP. The idea is to get on camera and share some of what I know. I had reached out to a few people to help in producing and shooting the project. But everyone either slept or was too busy to answer. No sweat; I keeps it movin’. So when I ran into Akanke, all the pieces came together. She’s a feature filmmaker and a documentaries! –I was in Fahamu’s office on Monday, asking him if he remember her from back in the day. In she walks to photograph him for a coffee table book! With a smile she says to me “my 1:30 just cancelled. You ready for me to shot you for this book?” Life is beautiful.

DREAMIN’ DREAMS UP

I know this woman named Sahar; she’s incredible. To say we’re friends would be inaccurate since we’ve never had a real conversation. And in the 4-5 years I’ve “known” her I’ve been in her company maybe 5 times. But since day one I was impressed by her shine. She’s a dreamer/doer. I’ve peripherally watched her speak on goals and then birth them at Godspeed. Of course we all have these abilities, but it’s awesome to see it in action; it inspires. Friday evening some friends and I attended one of her newest manifestations. She held a social to launch Dare to Dream, a foundation for young women. Big Up!

COCKTAILS

Miss Meredith invited me to spin at her weekly cocktail party. The room felt good and I had a great time entertaining for a birthday gathering. –I’m a selfish Selector because I’m really spinning for my pleasure. But birthday girl Zoë was feelin’ what I put down so it worked out for everybody. If you’ve never been to P’cheen, it’s definitely worth checkin’ for. I tried the mussels and a side of fries… they were correct!

GOODBYE GEMINIS

Two of my good peoples chose August for their exodus from the A. Eden bounced to New York to show ‘em who’s boss. In her new gig working with a historic photographer, she’s making herstory! And the incomparable Kerisha is leaving Atlanta to flip the script on fools. I’m use to the comings and goings in life, but always feel something when that situation I love comes to an inevitable end. But I love to see growth. *Travel safe and live your highest version of you!


Something I wanna address…

YES WE ARE YOU


So me and the God have been buildin’ a lot lately. I posed the silent questions that used to haunt me. The answers resonated in my chest and abdomen, my head dizzied with excitement. As the truth about who I am pour through me like Niagara, I mastered each breath to maintain my balance. That was a freeing Friday.

I’ll spare you the details of my questions because I imagine that they are the same as yours. But my answers are noteworthy.

I am God. I am the Creator of all that is, so everything that manifests in the life and times of da’shon is. are of my creation. There is no one else to blame for my happiness, no one to thank for my woeful lessons. All the blessings I receive along my journey come from within. The white man is not my oppressor and the Black community is not my celebrator, unless I say so. I can do, have and be whatever I want because the NO-THING that created EVERYTHING designed it to be this way. So I don’t have to strive for success, no lookin’ for love, and trying to be happy becomes an exercise in futility. I AM THAT I AM.

I suppose that if these thoughts have never occurred to you, they may seem a bit jarring. But I know that I am God, and so are you. It seems to me that when we listen to “them” we end up feeling ashamed, embarrassed or confused about who we are. The good book and other religious doctrine, although helpful in establishing an initial connection with the Higher Power, can become a buffer between knowing the word and experiencing your truth. I bet that even if what I’ve said feels a bit uncomfortable, you can still sense your truth in there. Fortunately, you’re not required to believe me. In fact, I’d prefer you didn’t. We’d all do well to discover truth by our individual excavation, through our own remembering.

Present in the answers I received was the rhetorical promise to adhere to my remembered truth. But I now know that I don’t even have to do that. In fact there’s nothing I have to do “but stay Black and die” as my mom’s used to say. Profound. Since I have acknowledged that I am the creator of God’s creation I recognize that the only thing I have to do is what I want to do. And that’s all there is to it.

My prayer is that the whole of humanity has such epiphanies and walks their truth.

Amen.
EVERY BIT OF IT U! by da'shon is.


Corny, politically incorrect, or just silly-ass stuff!

FOX GOES HARD



“The most I can show you is Love”.

ON DEPRESSION




Points of interest…

FILMMAKER ANGELA CARTER (AKA AKANKE), DOES IT BIG ON AT LEAST 3 CONTINENTS!

PEEP THE TRAILER OF HER FIRST FEATURE "NINA".


“MITTE” -MY GIRL INGRID PUT ME ON TO THIS ONE. BRILLIANT (AND NORO IS BEAUTIFUL)!

MITTE from Noro Ejaita on Vimeo.

FROM THE HEART, AKI KEEPS IT FARM FRESH IN THE COMPOUND BROOKLYN! IF YOU’RE IN THE AREA, THERE’S AND EVENT ON AUGUST 22.



Thank you’s and shout-outs and presents…

THE GIFT:

The Traveler VOL.4- JUST PLAYIN' by da'shon is.

SATURN’S MOM: TALKIN’ BOUT “I AIN’T FAMOUS.” YOU SHINE LIKE A STAR TO ME
MARCIA : )


KEMIT THE INCOMPARABLE MAKES MAGIC HAPPEN! AND SHOUT OUT TO THE QUEEN AISHAH FOR THE LIGHT SHE SHINES. GIVE THANKS FOR SPREADIN' MADD LOVE.


MU & BRU DELIVERED A ONE-TWO ON THE NY ART SCENE. BIG UP TO ZEIN AND EDEN FOR HOLDIN' THEM DOWN!




And I’m out. So, until next time…

Stay up, up, up^. (boosted this from crissy's fb page. yes, i be jackin fo' pix.)

Peace Good Peoples,

This month has been a whirlwind. Travel, busy-ness, friends and feminine attention has had my head spinning! I’d like to share some of what I’ve seen and learned. Be wealthy.

True,
da’shon is.



"That just happened!"

COME CORRECT

So I finally got out to LA and did the first new SKF Lounge installment. I promise I’m not being a typical critical Virgo when I say it wasn’t my best performance. I allowed technical difficulties and fatigue to take me off my game. But I did get what I wanted from the experience: fotos, footage, and feedback. I learned a lot about what to do to make it better. So I’m counting this one as a success. Big up to the left coast for showing me madd LOVE!

AMEN

If you recall, I sent out a public notice that I wanted to speak with Dr. Sunyatta Amen, a belly dance instructor and sexual kung fu practitioner. Well apparently, she heard about it and reached out to me on facebook. At first I didn’t believe it was she. There was no pic with the message and I couldn’t click on the name to lead me to a profile page. With today’s identity theft and general internet f**kery, I wasn’t buyin’ it. When she gave me her personal email, I loosened up, a little. I’d like her to be a part of my future events; I’m waiting to hear back. So I’ll keep you posted as to when and the next joints are going down.

LIFE’S A…

I got to spend some much-needed beach time with the Fam. Sun and sand and ocean, Moms, Sis and my nieces made it a perfect day. Having traveled a lot, I’m probably a beach snob. If you’ve seen the Mediterranean from both sides, you know what I’m talking about! But LA’s good ole Venice beach did me right day. I slept like a baby that night : )

TUNE UP

I finally got a chance to take yoga class from Ms Elika. Wow. It’s been a minute since I’ve been in a real class so I was a little rusty. But her grace and general kindness is welcoming and puts one at ease. Her manner of leading a class is confident, gentle and hums with an undercurrent of love. I’ve done weight training, martial arts, biking, but yoga is my favorite type of workout. It works out the three parts of being, all at once. When I walk away, spirit has been touched, mind is clear and the body moves fluidly. And with Elika running this I felt well cared for. Give thanks for the alignment!

TRUST

My homie Fahamu has immortalized me again. He finally finished the second piece that I modeled for in the “Black Presidential” Series. The first joint I was in, “Can’t Truss it”, the upside-down one, was placed in the Artist Pension Trust (APT). -The thing to note about this joint “Mothering the Evolution” is the absence of the artist. First of its kind.

TRUE
After 9 years on the campaign, last summer I ended my run with the truth™. For those who don’t know, it is the largest anti-tobacco campaign in history. So I just got a chance to meet one this year’s travel teams. We quickly exchanged some tales form the road. Then they had to bounce to work on their video blog. -The first team I had no hand in choosing. And I must say my protégés have done a dope job pulling together the correct squad. Cool kids are runnin’ it!
-

FLOWERING
Just got a hit from my friend Ingrid LaFleur, art lover. She’s been growing this fly brand called Promiscuous Eye. I can try to explain what that means but I’m sure she can do it better: www.promiscuouseye.tv. And peep this video when you have time:

PE in Detroit from Promiscuous Eye on Vimeo.

Something I wanna address…

NONE OF MY BUSINESS


Before I left for LA to do that SKF Lounge event I had a timely blast from the past. I ran into this woman that was a part of a major life lesson, unbeknownst to her. When I was the doorman at a popular nightspot, she was one of the regulars that I wished I’d had the cahones to step to. Turns out she was a fan. Funny how this life works.

One of my biggest fears in life was public speaking, especially in front of Black folks. For the non-Black readers, see Show Time at the Apollo to get a glimpse at how intimidating my peoples can be. So back in the day, I helped my roommate produce one of the first and hottest open mic spots in ATL, “Elevation”. It was so popular that at times the sign-up list to get on stage was down the block. –Anywho, while he was traveling one summer, his girlfriend and I held it down. One day she heard me spitting a rhyme under my breath and was like, “you should do that on stage!” Up until that point, I’d never considered it. My phobia kept this from being a consideration. People will clown me. I’m not gonna make an ass of myself! But her suggestion stirred something in me. I had to crush this fear.

So I used my roommate’s return as an occasion to challenge myself. I remember, on the day I decided to take the stage, I was physically ill that whole day. Sitting in class, I thought I’d pass out. By the time I got to the door that night and signed up on the poetry list, I was in a cold sweat. My roommate sees the list and surprised, asks, “You’re gettin up there?” “Just say my name right man,” I mumbled. By the time I heard “most of you just know him as the doorman. But welcome to the stage, my brother HOPE 2-5!” I could barely walk. Applause? I was so shook, I couldn’t even stand on the small 2’ high stage. So I sat. From this position I was actually lower than to guests sitting at the tables. What are they thinking? I look stupid sitting down here. Here goes…

Strangely enough, after I spoke the first sentence, all the tension that accumulated throughout the day began to dissipate. But by the time I got to the middle of the piece I was struck by the silence. I’d never witnessed that type of engaged stillness in my life. I’d never seen this room that quiet for any real poets. They’re waiting for me to f*** up. So I stopped. Unsure, I asked, “Are you guys still wit me out there?” Standing ovation!!! “Wow! OK, I’m not done yet.” After everyone finally sat back down, I finished this rhyme-turned-poem. In the end I received a second standing ovation. Still dizzy from the receding nervous energy I made a beeline for the men’s room. Before I could reach the handle, that gorgeous woman stopped me in an archway. She clutched my hands in hers and said, “Your words were beautiful”. Is this happening? “Give Thanks.”

Back on my perch at the door my truth began to arise. Growing up, I was always too Black or just not Black enough. Not down enough, too nerdy, too different. I imagine everyone goes through stages of projected inadequacy. But this first solo stage experience taught me that whether people are singing my praises or talking s*** about me, I can’t allow it to matter so much. There’s nothing to prove and no one to prove it to. I have to do the best I can with what I’ve got and KNOW that it’s good enough. Today this mantra manifest as what people think of me is none of my business. When I allow public opinion to be louder than my truth it interferes with God work.

So when I ran into this woman, before going to take the stage in LA, she expressed how happy she was to see me. “Your energy is always so great!” That does an ego good, to be sure. But what’s more important to me is that I radiate good energy and hope that it is being received. My job is to set the good intention and detach from the outcome. When I remember to do that I feel good about me.


Corny, politically incorrect, or just silly-ass stuff!

URGE!



“The most I can show you is Love”.

The views expressed here are my opinion. These notions come from personal life experience, current challenges, or things I’ve helped others with. These are my truths. My only intention is to be helpful and share great advice I pick up on my journey. It is my hope that what I share will help you to find your own truth.





Points of interest…

LIBERATING STYLE MAG INTERVIEW WITH DJ PHIL MONEY- Talking new music movements.


BRIAN FOUNTAIN MURRAY-Photog on the move!


CHICO MANN, part of the Afrobeat Band AntBalis got something new in the streets. If you don’t know about him, please wake up!


BLISSFUL BODIES- With the Mistress of Stress Relief, Lady Elika.


SOL MESSIAH- Talk about “super-producer”!? This is dude is an OG. -He just put up this site>>>


SOL FUSION- The TEXAS addition.

Sol-Fusion Dallas, TX Promo from kdygitle on Vimeo.

Thank you’s and shout-outs…

MY MOM- I’m proud of you for going back to school! Guess it’s my turn…?


ASKI and NOVENA- Give thanks for hosting my first event in this series. Yall took care of a Brotha!


AMBER OJEDA- your energy was just right for SKF Lounge. Give thanks for sharing your light! Muy sexy.


BRIAN FOUNTAIN MURRAY- for the fly skf pics! Good look Bro.


THE COBB-PHILLIPS FAM FOR HOLDIN UNCLE DA’SH DOWN! Love yall.


THE LINKS- Celebrating 3 years of marital bliss. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Love you guys.

Peace Fam.

It’s another hot one in the A, but I stay chillin’! There are plenty of things to be upset about, but I prefer the happy route. This now is mine so I’ma make the best of it. What are you doing with yours?

True,
da’shon is.


"That just happened!"

DOWN WITH THE KING

This morning I was listening to yet another Michael Jackson tribute on the radio and it sparked something I forgot about. I just remember ed rockin’ sparkly socks and one glove to a holloween party when I was like 11. (I was obviously the chocolate version : ) –He’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My moms has a great story about him: One hot and sticky summer day in Brooklyn, a young MJ and Diana Ross came to the projects and did a free show outside. Say what?! Wish I was there… Alas, the closest I ever got to the King of Pop was watching him moonwalk across the Grammy stage. I’ll never forget that feeling. It’s all me and my friends could talk about for weeks! Regardless of what people feel about him, he made an indelible mark on the planet. Give Thanks.

GARDENING

Despite promoting for less than a week, the Rock Garden party was fun under Atlanta’s setting sun! Some of the homies like Esther, Kamal, and H fell through to support. We had two dope artist projecting their work on a brick wall. Hot. Kembo King and yours truly provided eclectic music creating a perfect backdrop. Very Hot. Corbin kept the beer and wine flowin’ and Tara held down the rest. Cool. The scene was sprinkled with friends and fam and Art Strollers. Even cooler. Throughout the evening the vibes were lovely. -The Garden still needs more tilling, but we expect beautiful growth. See you next time!

REMEMBER GOBOTS?

GoBots were like Transformer wanna-bees. One Xmas I asked my pops for the Autobot Transformer “Shockwave.” But instead of spending big money on the quality product, he bought me a bunch of lame-ass GoBots! –Well, it seems Michael Bay has made a Go-Bot of a movie. I’ve heard nothing but bad reviews from m y friends who’ve seen the flick. One said he waked in the first half hour! Another said that beyond some useless stereotyping, he felt his intelligence was insulted by the stupidity of the film. Speaking of cooning, film critic Ty Burr said the characters Mudflap and Skid are, “Jar Jar Binks times two and the first known example of robot blackface.” Wow. Now I’m an avid movie watcher, and I’ll sometime pay to see a movie that I know is gonna be dumb. I just love going to movies. But this time I think I’ll save my money for quality product.

LINDA COSTA
Someone recently put me on to this photographer. I don’t know her, I just wanted to show some of her work because it’s dope!



Something I wanna address…

FREE WILLY?

Over drinks, I told this woman I haven’t put it on anyone in years. She straight up said, “I don’t believe you”. Because I’m quite earnest about such things, I was taken aback by her response. Shouldn’t a man of restraint be appealing to a modern woman? But I guess since we are all liars to some extent, her pause shouldn’t have been so surprising. Well, I’ve kept my good-goods in my pants for many good reasons. Only one reason holds weight for me, but the others are noteworthy.

First of all, living in the A is a challenge for me. It’s got its merits, but it’s very small. There aren’t many places I can go were I don’t run into someone I know. So discretion is an issue. If I happen to be out in the street with one of my lady friends, it’s assumed boots are being knocked. Second, this place is famous for it’s “down-lows”. I don’t concern myself with people’s sexual preferences, but lying about where one chooses to lay spreads more than just contempt!

The main reason I’ve been abstinent for almost 3 years is… you guest it, sexual kung fu. Real talk, sometimes I feel like the man who knew too much! It’s always been difficult for me to have frivolous sex. And before I started practicing this martial art, I always felt a bit of guilt (for lack of a better word) after the act. This happened even if I loved her. Now that I know a few things, when I am getting some, the only thing I feel is peace. At this stage in my journey, I need to be with a woman who knows what she’s doing, or at least patient enough to learn. Anybody can give good…love, but I’ve yet to be with a woman who knows what I know. So most of the time, it’s like Bruce Lee fighting some drunkard in a bar. Might be good for exercise, but ultimately not an equal match. This thing takes cultivation, and because of it’s power, can’t shouldn’t be share with just any ole shorty with a fat booty.

I thought I was the only weirdo out here until recently. I met this brother who’s 40 (looks 30) that’s been off the booty for 4 years! He has also studied skf and shares many of the same view points as I do. Then I ran into a sister who also hasn’t given it up in 4 years. (My 3 don’t seem so impressive). Another friend that I recently introduced sexual kung fu to says she’s about to lock it up too. When I asked why, her response was: “would rather preserve than waste”. That’s as good a reason as any.

I prefer quality over quantity. It’s a little more challenging to say that during the summer time when I wanna tackle any woman with the right curves! But I can have a 10-minute orgasm by myself; I don’t need a woman who can’t take me higher and deeper. But I’m a patient man; I know she’s coming any minute now : D


Corny, politically incorrect, or just silly-ass stuff!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

“The most I can show you is Love”.

ON ADVICE




Points of interest…

LINDA COSTA


STEREOLOVE


A NEW JOINT!


THEY NEED US. BIG UP TO J FOR THIS ONE!

DRAWCHANGE.ORG

BIG UP TO SAHAR! (LEFT) SHE'S LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR HER NEW FOUNDATION "DARE TO DREAM": info@brianasneighborhood.com


SUMMER FUN FOR THE FAM


COMIN' CORRECT>>>




Thank you’s and shout-outs…

THE GIFT: "GOTTA LOTTA POWER" -MY TRIBUTE TO MJ. ENJOY!
COPY N PASTE>>> http://www.mediafire.com/?ymmj1khzjll


NESTOR! BEEN DOWN AND SUPPORTIVE SINCE DAY ONE. GIVE THANKS BROV.


SASKWATCH AWAKETH AND POINTS TO TRUTH>>> COPY N PASTE>>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMjrTdUUVFM&feature=related

LOVE TO MY HOMIE MISS MECCA AND HER HUSBAND IN TOWN FROM OVERSEAS. LOOKIN FORWARD TO HANGIN OUT!