Sunday, May 31, 2009

Character

Earlier today, I was at this temple in the Hollywood Hills that I love to go to and pray. There is a bookstore that has many different books of different religions, saints, yogis, etc. I found this book for $1.00. It is called, "How to build Character". It was probably the best dollar that I have ever spent in my life. I literally gained a million times over what was spent in the natural. Here are some excerpts that really inspired me and helped me to grow. Enjoy the richness. LOVETiana

The character of a man is but the aggregate of tendencies, the sum total of the bent of his mind. We are what our thoughts have made us. Thoughts live; they travel far. And so take care of what you think. Evey work that we do, every movement of the body, every thought that we think, bears an impression on the mind-stuff. What we are every moment is determined by the sum total of these impressions. If good impressions prevail, the character becomes good, if bad it becomes bad.

The man of character develops upward, the man without character slips downwards. The man of character makes history, the man without is marred by history. The man of character is the hope, solace, well being, peace and inspiration of mankind; the man without character causes trouble, strife, worry, and misery in society.

When we do not have enough character, our enemies will be more powerful than our friends, there will be more wars than peace, more killing than healing. When we do not have enough character, our trains will not run on time; factores will not produce goods to their full capacity, industries will founder, fields will not yield the expected crop. Our world will end up in complete chaos.

When we do not have enough character, ugliness will reign everywhere, our faces will lose lustre, there will be no light in our eyes, hope in our heart, power of conviction in our mind, and joy in our soul.

Granted enough character, young men and women will be full of grace, dignity and self control, staying youthful to advanced age, and old people will become things of beauty to see. Granted enough character, our culture will be sweetness and light, art revelation of God the beautiful, and literature on high endeavour for self expression and transcendence. Granted enough character, our faces will shine, eyes sparkle, our hearts will bubble with hope, our minds will be full of firm convictions, and our soul scintillating with joy supreme. - Swami Budhananda

Such great words of wisdom. Daily, I see so many amazing and talented men and women but lack character. In my opinion, a talented man without discipline or character is plain, uneffective, ordinary and boring. Strive to be different and stand out from what has already been shown to us for years.
Even when everything in life seems to have been stolen from you, your character can never be robbed.
Peace and God Bless Tiana

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Crushin

I'm so in love with love, as you can see;)But on the real, I pray for 80's love to make a come back. I'm a sucker for song dedications, love poems, holding hands at the mall, feeling young and in love. Here are SOME of my favorite love songs from the 80's early 90's. Blackford Highschool Prom with Terrance, lol, MAKE IT LAST FOREVER was our songLOL Prom at Blackford High, best.

Man! all the New Edition links are disabled, got to copy and past. MY FAVORITE!
Mr. Telephone Man - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umEbhFKV6mc
Cool it Now - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYgxifjHsb8
Mr. Telephone Man



LIfe and Works of Hildegard von Bingen

I love learning about men and women who did great things on this earth and made major contributions to humanity. Saints, inventors and scientists really fascinate me and I love learning about their history. I stumbled across the book that was a biography of a Saint named Hildegard von Bingen. I never heard of her before but when I read her story and how much she helped influence the world, I was so inspired and wanted to continue to learn more about her. If interested, here is a little about this incredible woman.

The Life and Works of Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Introduction
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a remarkable woman, a "first" in many fields. At a time when few women wrote, Hildegard, known as "Sybil of the Rhine", produced major works of theology and visionary writings. When few women were accorded respect, she was consulted by and advised bishops, popes, and kings. She used the curative powers of natural objects for healing, and wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and stones. She is the first composer whose biography is known. She founded a vibrant convent, where her musical plays were performed. Although not yet canonized, Hildegard has been beatified, and is frequently referred to as St. Hildegard. Revival of interest in this extraordinary woman of the middle ages was initiated by musicologists and historians of science and religion. Less fortunately, Hildegard's visions and music had been hijacked by the New Age movement, whose music bears some resemblance to Hildegard's ethereal airs. Her story is important to all students of medieval history and culture and an inspirational account of an irresisible spirit and vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical, cultural, gender barriers to achieve timeless transcendence.

Hildegard was an abbess, prophetess, poet, healer, theologian, and musician. She was born in one of the most innovative and creative centuries of the Middle Ages, and is herself symbolic of the apex of medieval culture. One of the most educated, prolific women of all time, she preached against heresy and corruption, wrote massive works on medicine and visionary theology, was a prolific and highly original composer, and commanded the respect of an entire continent. Although she called herself but a "simple creature," and "a poor little womanly creature," she was known to others in her age as the Sibyl of the Rhine and Old Wrinklegard.

HILDEGARD'S MUSIC
At the heart of Hildegard von Bingen's extraordinary creativity was her accomplishment in music. In the poetry and melody of her songs, she reveals the full authority, intelligence and striking originality of her genius. She wrote profusely as no woman before her. Even though she received no formal training in music, her talent and motivation drove her to write 77 chants and the first musical drama in history which she entitled "The Ritual of the Virtues." She writes in her autobiographical passages: "I composed and chanted plainsong in praise of God and the saints even though I had never studied either musical notation or singing." Unlike the mild, mainstream music of her day, her lyrical speech breaks into rhapsodic emotion; her zesty melodies soar up to two and one half octaves, leaping and swirling into flourishing roulades which leave the singer breathless. The poetic vision and thematic themes of her hymns encompass the vast expanse of all her writings.
Choir of Angeles - Hildegard of Bingen
Choir of Angels
THE WIDE COMPASS OF HER MUSIC
Hildegard's music can only be fully understood in the light of all her work. The beauty and depth of theme found in her theology, philosophy, cosmology and medicine, can all be found condensed in her music as in a jewel. For Hildegard as for the medieval, music was an all-embracing concept. It was the symphony of angels praising God, the balanced proportions of the revolving celestial spheres, the exquisite weaving of body and soul, the hidden design of nature's creations. It was the manifest process of life moving, expanding, growing towards the joy of its own deepest realizations and a profound unity of voices singing the praises of God here on earth. It was beauty, sound, fragrance and the flower of human artistry. Over 300 times in her writings, Hildegard uses music to illuminate spiritual truths.

Beautiful and angelic. Musicians are gifted from God. Oracles. There is power in music. It brings healing to our spirits.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Day Dreaming



The man of my dreams

A love poem;)

When it is time.
I don’t know who he maybe but I know he will be man of
greatness.
His reputation is respectable and his presence is acknowledged.
He strives for excellence in all that he does that is why is an
honorable man.
He is held in high regards within the upper echelon.
His appearance may fool spectators or maybe viewed as ordinary.
But there is nothing ordinary about him.
Without a trace of a degree many are confound by the words of wisdom
that comes from his lips.
He carries a spirit of greatness that cannot be denied.
His eyes gleam with confidence because he knows that it is not him but
the Greater One that lives within him.
He is an urban prince that roams about the cities but still carries a
heart of a servant.
That is why he is favored among the poor and the rich.
He recognizes his influence is powerful that is why he chooses wisely.
He should be associated with only the elitist but still chooses to eat
among those who men look down upon.
He understands the importance of servant hood and does not look down
upon it as a weakness but as a prerequisite to authority.
His discipline makes him attractive and is openly rewarded by his
obedience that has been done in secret.
Never wasteful nor lazy.
He uses his time wisely because he knows it leads to poverty.
A skilled worker is he.
He always puts his hands to good use.
He has been misunderstood and not appreciated the way he deserves by the
women in his past.
For they cannot see the greatness within this man because they cannot
see the greatness within themselves.
These lovers in his past have been nothing but mere pawns.
Chess pieces that carry the least value and only obstacles to obtaining
his goals and full potential.
Undeniably, he has learned from these pawns but now reached a place in
life where he is open to love in it’s purest form.
Grown weary playing this predictable game of love and now ready to win
with his equal.
As one we will be a powerful force on this earth and do many great
exploits together for the sake of peace towards mankind.
We recognize that our communion is not intended for self-fulfillment but
for the serving of others so that they may in turn serve others.
We are merely forerunners.
We both see the future as if somebody has given us a map to our destiny
but in fact we have only been led by the dream that’s been within our
hearts.
It’s the light that has lead us out of our dark past towards one
another.
But for now, we are just strangers among the crowds doing what we know
to do.
We don’t know how or when this day will come but we just know that it
will. When it is time.
We will be at peace with one another because for the first time in our
lives we have found peace within ourselves.
We will enjoy the fruits of our labors and appreciate the blessings that
God has given us.
We both have come from little but know that the little is what caused us
to love great.

Monday, May 25, 2009

This is my family...R.I.P Uncle Bob...We miss you so much

As I write this, I am sitting with my mom and my brother. This memorial weekend I was so fortunate to spend time with the people that mean the most to me, and that is my family. I was able to fly out to Colorado and see my brother graduate from high school. I got to sleep in the bed with my mom and fall asleep watching movies. I enjoyed my mothers cooking and waking up to the smell of coffee and a great breakfast. Family is so important. My family is my life.
I understand this grind. We are all trying to make something of ourselves and follow our dreams. But always remember who you are. Where we came from and most importantly remember our families that have helped support our dreams and made it possible for us to do what we do.
At the end of the day, the red carpets, paparrazi, photo shoots, our faces and names up on the big screen won't mean a thing after we leave this earth. This fame will fade so quickly just as it came but the thing that will remain stable and real is the love from our loved ones. Actually, it's the only REAL thing in our lives.
Make a lasting impact in this world. Don't become this fly by night success and then no longer heard about. Represent the real and the things that matter most in life. Stay true, ALWAYS.
It's not the groupies, the fake relationships within this entertainment industry that say they have your back. It's your praying wife, your kids and the guidance from your mother and father that helps us get through this game.
I apologize for the curse word but this is how strongly I feel. I have always said, "F*** Hollywood, it's all about my family". And I will stay true and consistent to the end.

May 26th, 2007 marks the date when one of my favorite family members passed unexepectedly. My Uncle Bob's death was probably the most PAINFUL news I have ever received. Worse then when I found out that my father passed away. I hurt then too,but it was different because I didn't know my dad.
My uncle Bob was the epitomy of LOVE. People loved him because he embraced all walks of life. He made them feel like he knew them. Like they were family. He greeted everyone with a hug and kiss even if it was the first time he met them. I aspire to be like him. So if I meet you and greet you with a hug and kiss on your cheek, don't feel weird. This is just my culture and all that I know.
He taught me how to be a professional instead of this little hood rat drinking 40's. At least I drank Old E but then could flip it corporate in the right setting, lol. Gave me my first real job. Taught me to take pride in myself. Taught me how to smile and shake people's hand and look them in the eye. My uncle Bob taught me how to sing Reasons by Earth Wind and Fire before I knew my ABC's. We would sing "Always and Forever" together by Heatwave every holiday. Our family would do the electric slide and sing together in the living room, drink and eat EVERY TIME we got together.
My uncle Bob was the coolest. He was the funniest and I miss him so much you have no idea.
I told him right before he passed that I was going to make my family famous and tell the world about our families story. He smiled and said, "Alright T, do your thing". Well I am beginning that promise to him now.
RIP Uncle Bob, I know your with me. Every time I hear Reasons and Always and Forever, I know you whispered this request into a DJ's ear just for me. I love you. See you Uncle.
Your niece, Tianska
Mu Uncle Bob. RIP May 26th. I miss you so much.




Rob's Birthday 2008 Dance


rob being goofy


Christmas 2004 at Robs

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Live life for the children...Save the babies

I had the opportunity to attend and take pictures at the 10th Annual celebration of Day of the Child. Every single child that was at this event were in foster care. Parents gave them up for whatever reason. This was a day for them to be free. A safe place to dance and celebrate. I was so sleepy when I got there but by the time I seen these little ones dancing, their spirits and energy filled my heart and gave me energy. I still get emotional looking at these pics.
I know we are all busy, but if you feel challenged to give more of yourself, check your community outreaches and see how you can get involved. Even if it's volunteering for one day. Become a mentor.

One person can make a difference to change and inspire a life for the better.
At the end of the day, this is what it's about. It's about the children.

This is true LOVE.
This picture makes my heart overwhelmed









Save The Children - Marvin Gaye

All is Vanity

In my opinion...
I feel like we live in selfish times
It’s so scary how we can carry
An “All about me” mentality
Today we see the industry
Influencing society with their prideful philosophies
Misusing talents and God given gifts
Producing men and women with unattractive ego trips
What does it profit a man with an inheritance
Who uses his skill to belittle to gain his confidence?
Really, it’s a sign of impotence
Such a waste
It’s like a prostitute with potential
Or man who lost it all to drugs and alcohol
I look at all the labor that’s being done under the sun
So many pearls are being cast into the sea
It’s so sad to see that All is Vanity
Material minded are entering fields of no interest
Just for the purpose to gain interests of investments
Four years are being wasted towards a degree
To achieve unfulfilling careers
Pursuing a title or status from peers
It’s the simple minded who stress their importance
With things that have no significance
That’s why today’s relationships don’t last
Cause they had to use material or exterior to attract
I laugh at man who pull out their cell phone
and make conversation with dial tone
when they see a pretty face
These kinds are usually chased by testosterone
But the say, “like attracts like”
Just like women who get with men for the dividends or their regimen
Determined to find their soul mate at the bank or the gym
But if they only knew that it takes a lot more than good looks to keep him
Wisdom is virtue
That’s why there’s so very few Proverbs 31 women
Because today most females seek advice from the Cosmopolitan
It is written in Ecclesiastes 7:1 that a good name is better
And the day of one’s death than the day of one’s birth
Because the world recognizes your works after you left this earth
Naked you came and naked you will leave
Only a fool believes there is power in his possessions
Cause you’ll have no power in the day of your death
You’ll just be left with things you can’t take
When you take your last breath
So you can dress your flesh in the very best
or surround yourself with the top notch
But where does it stop?
You might be attracted to all the glamour and the glitz
But I’ve seen the rich hit the bottom once they reached the top
I look at all the labor that's being done under the sun
And there isn't any NEW thing that hasn't already been done
So what does it profit a man with an inheritance
when he’s the only one who benefits?
So many pearls are being cast into the sea
It’s so sad to see that all is Vanity

Peace
LOVETiana

So you think you can dance? NOT

Man, everytime I watch these clips makes me laugh so hard. Enjoy T



Back up! So they can see me dance! LOL

Monday, May 18, 2009

Through the eyes of Gustavo Sanabria

WOW, I just stumbled across this amazing photographer, Gustavo Sanabria. I absolutely love his photography. He is an excellent artist. The reason why I immediately fell in love with his work is because he can make what the world may call ugly and ordinary into something very beautiful through his photography. It is all perspective and how we look at things. I definitely appreciate his work, if you get a second take a look:). LOVETiana

Photographer Gustavo Sanabria

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanabria-/page2/

Pass the Information...Extend the Knowledge

Remember all of these names of great men and great women who have contributed their love, compassion and energy to better mankind. Pass it on to the next generation. Let your name be on the next. Peace LOVETiana

Saturday, May 16, 2009

I Love You

We are living in end times. I feel it is my mission and my one soul purpose to remind my brothers and sisters that God loves them. However that maybe. I am a small voice but I just want to do my part and be obedient to my Fathers instructions that He has placed within my heart. I don't care if this seems weird or too deep but this is my blog and I can pretty much write whatever it is that I feel. And most importantly, I do what He asks of me regardless of what people may say.
I understand when it comes to the topic of religion, it becomes a very sensitive topic and people start busting out scriptures and theologies. Then it starts getting heated and folks start straying from the simple message and that is LOVE.
I'm not perfect, I like to cuss, lol and other things but I strive daily to represent Christ's love to everyone every day, I try. I don't judge cause I sin. I don't preach cause I sin. I just receive His love and extend that what He has given to me to others.
I know what I am saying may not be foreign to a lot of you that maybe reading this because you are sons and daughters of preachers. Or you got moms and grandmas praying for you. We all are part of this hustle and grind and I don't care who you are, at the end of the day we need the prayers and love from our families. Most of us are alive today because of the prayers that carries us from our loved ones. I just want to take the time to thank all of my friends and loved ones that have prayed for me and showed me love when I was down and out. I don't care if you are a rap thug or whatever, we all need love to get through.
I don't know why I feel so compelled to write this blog. It's saturday morning and not even 7 am yet and I should still be sleeping. I had a bad dream and woke up praying. I started praying in the spirit and it reminded me of the scripture that says, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We are spirits and we all have callings upon our lives. We are children of LOVE and please know I pray for you, your children and families, I ask you to please pray for me. I pray that your sleep is peaceful, for healing in your bodies and spirit and that God leads and directs you into all truth by His Holy Spirit. I truly love you and I pray that you fulfill all of God's dreams that He has placed within your heart. With His courage and His strength. LOVETiana

This picture was taken a few years ago when I took a drive by myself to the Bay. I just felt like going back home and visiting my grandmas house in San Francisco and the park she used to take me to. This was March 12th, not realizing it was my fathers bday. I believe he brought me to this sunset and at this moment I was listening to Holy Wholy by Marvin Gaye. I will never forget that moment. God is real.
At this moment I was listening to Wholy Holy by M.Gaye. SF Sunset

Friday, May 15, 2009

My Exodus

I had to walk through desert sands
Like the Israelites when they had to pass through the wilderness
In order to get to the Promised Land
The purpose of this wilderness was to show me my wickedness
A place to escape after He delivered me from Egypt
Which represents my flesh
This quest also brought deliverance
From things and people that didn't benefit
Like old habits and corrupt relationships
All this was the Genesis to my Exodus
It started out like this
Like the kiss of Judas
I was betrayed
Been played
Always afraid what people would say
I swayed back and forth like ocean waves
Tossed to and fro
Who would have known my foes were those close to home
Now I've grown and I see there was no trust or no love
Sharing nothing in common except drugs thugs and clubs
Foundation of these friendships were vain
While they remained I started to change
My mind was reaching higher planes
Conversation not the same
Relationships I thought were significant
Became stagnate and a hindrance
Rejected and left forsaken
But no hard feelings taken
These situations only strengthened and my eyes were now awakened
God closed doors on the people I ran towards
Inside these glass shields were the only place I could be healed
From the spirit of rejection that had taken deep root from no fatherly affection
Correction was needed as I proceeded
But before I could continue all flesh had to be shed
I was broken like bread before the multitudes could be fed
I had to understand that it wasn't about me
So many nights I would cry as I stared towards the sky
Asking God, 'Where you at in all of this?'
I couldn't feel His presence
Even doubted if He exists
Such a lonely place when the only person I could be embraced
Was by a man with no face
But still I would chase after a dream I couldn't see
I grew through this journey of long suffering and pain
So for me to stay the same
My exodus would be in vain
To have learned without love
This all don't mean a thing

LOVETiana (1996)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

EFFECTIVE Leadership

We are all leaders. Whatever level of capacity, we are all leading someone whether we know it or not. We all effect one another, positive or negative. I've been surrounded by negativity my whole life. I choose to finish the rest of my life here on earth as positive as I can and make it a purposed decision to LOVE people, however that maybe. I'm not perfect. I am all about LOVE but it's funny to me how the word B***! can fly out my mouth as soon as somebody cuts me off. LOL. I am sweet and kind but don't get it twisted, there is a hood demon that likes to jump out every now and then. This Love walk is not easy. Especially loving people that are rude, that spitefully use you and talk about you right in front of your face. I have encountered many people in my life. Good and bad. People are fickle. Emotions change at the drop of a dime. People come in and out of your life. I understand that their are seasons for everything. Your grade school friends may not be the ones who will continue to be by your side throughout your journey. I choose to keep good people around me at all stages in my life. Drama free is the way to be.
I've changed over the years and love to learn about becoming a positive and EFFECTIVE leader. Especially, in business. I have been working since I was a teenager. I have always been an artist but to pay the bills, service and hospitality has been a huge part of my working experience. I have experienced that demeaning feeling from someone over me. I've been talked down to, embarrasing me in front of people to make me look stupid. Experienced ridicule, gossip at the work place, and all the other bulls*** that bored ass employees with no dreams thrive after in the corporate place. To be honest, all that work place politics is BULLS***. I see people striving for titles treating others poorly just so they can feel important. Well guess what? LOL, you need to be kind to people no matter who they are because you NEVER know who they will turn out to be. People like that are respectors of persons anyways who only kiss your a** because of who they think that you know. It's the same wrong heart motive spirited people that treat their assistants or employees mean like their dumb a**es and then kiss the a** of people who are more recognized. Phony WEAK corny YES MEN. If they only knew the secret to respect and effectiveness is when you make people feel empowered not belittled. In "How to win friends and influence them", by Dale Carnegie there is an excerpt that says, "Let us PRAISE even the slightest improvement. That inspires the other person to keep improving". Even dogs are trained with praise and meat than a whip.
This life is about fulfilling our dreams and making a difference in the lives of people that we encounter day to day. It's all about the PEOPLE. We forget that we need one another and along the way we inspire others to be their very best. Why do some love to see people fail and not succeed? This world is already hard as it is, why do people want to keep people down and cover others light? I believe it's the insecurities within themselves and don't know how to be happy for anybody because they are unhappy with themselves.
One day, I will have my own business and I will MAKE IT a decision to be good to ALL people who work hard WITH me. Be good to the people who are helping you, at ALL times.
Here are some books that really have helped me to grow and become an EFFECTIVE leader. Some of my FAVORITE authors who have helped me grow over the years is John C. Maxwell (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership), Napolean Hill (Think and Grow Rich) and Dale Carnegie (How to win friends and influence them).


This acting gets a Pause and a negative 4 stars for the acting but I love this guys message.



If you lead people to FREEDOM they will follow you. WOW, Powerful!


You know I have to end it with a poem:) Peace LOVETiana

Wishing Upon a Starbucks

It's sad when I see
Wannabe actresses and models
Giving up their asses for a role
I'm no role model but I'm working my ass off
To get this dough
This industry is mean that's why I keep smiling
While I'm humbly climbing
Up this ladder of politics
Making my way through haters, publicists and top execs
That's why I say always respect the servants
Who they are today may not be who they are tomorrow
You'd never know that standing before you
is an undiscovered star
From the receptionist
Answering the phones
To the personal assistant
Who has the keys to your home
You never know
There maybe a day when positions could switch
And now were the ones who signs your pay checks
And you'll be living in regret
Cause you can never take back
That day when you laughed
When I had to go fetch bottles of water for the staff
Now guess who's going to have the last laugh?
Just remember these words
The last shall be first and the first shall be last
This is not a threat but facts so take heed
In fact my job is not an assistant
But a Gardner planting seeds
Until then I just trust in the divine
Cause I know in due time
A harvest will come back to me
So what you see
Is just history in the making
I'm not complaining but I'm just saying
I'm getting tired of running to Starbucks for the stars
One day, I'll be running my own Starbucks like Magic cause like him I got charm
But this dream can only be achieved from me working hard
That's why I remind myself to stay on this grind
And I'm not talking about coffee
but writing these rhymes
April 2007

THIS IS ME EXPRESSING MY FLAIR! one of my all time favs..Office Space

Monday, May 11, 2009

Let Her Be Elevated

I was listening to Imeem and stumbled across this poem, "The Thickness" by Jill Scott. It was refreshing to hear her speak truth so poetically. It reminded me how beautiful and amazing us woman are, we just forget sometimes. It reminded me of a poem I wrote years ago, about a girl who lost herself and her identity because she was trying to get love from a man who didn't love her the same.
With Mother's Day just passing, I wanted to thank the women who take care of their families and continue to work so hard to give their children a good life, with or without her husband by her side.
My mother was a single mom and back then I didn't realize how hard that must have been. My mom did the very best she knew how. So I just wanted to acknowledge her publicly. Thank you mom, love you for always coming through for me.
LOVE to the single moms
Sweet 16
Great GPA

This poem is for the ladies who forget they are fly. We are the Creator's daughter and we deserve the very best. Love ourselves first. LOVETiana

Radiance

She was a beauty queen with low self esteem
Who gave up on her hopes and her dreams
Put aside her own life to become the wife
Of a man who won’t make the same sacrifice
She tries for him
Even compromises sin for his attention
That’s why there’s no respect because for him she’ll always give in
She never waited nor was patient for God to lead her relationships
She noticed it all began when he stopped doing the simple things
The sweet things that made her shine
Around his friends she became like all the rest
He could care less if his friends showed her no respect
Like a silly girl she would fight over a guy
That had other girls on the side
Putting the blame on the other women
When the enemy was the one she was sleeping with
Everyday became a battle
The minute her eyes would open to the new morning sun
She’s overwhelmed with frustration and unappreciative of God’s creations
Her feelings are like a roller coaster
Unstable moods
Her days are even ruled by his attitude
She continues to pray that his ways will change
But in exchange she’s left spiritually drained
Tries to maintain strong in her weak little frame
Her days at work are filled with thoughts of what he did
A man she can’t stand but if he asked for another chance
She’d give in
Crazy love
Conjuring thoughts to ruin him
But the next minute she’s pursuing him
She can’t rest
Unforgiveness and bitterness sits in her chest
But still she holds on
Reminiscing of their first kiss to their song
While he’s moved on as if nothings wrong
She’s mad at herself because she promised she wouldn’t let this happen again
She was even hesitant before she stepped in
Even told him of what others did to her last
But despite her past she decided to give love another chance
It was a rushed romance
She always had somebody there and if they left
She moved on to the next
She didn’t understand where she kept going wrong
Since friendships were never established from the get
The foundation of respect was replaced with feelings of regret
He really wanted to do right
But he was never challenged to act right
He could only see her as she seen herself
I wish I could have told her that her righteousness
Can make a boy want to change and become a man
But understand no matter what sin she fell in
When she looks to Him
She will always be radiant in His eyes
She shall never be put to shame.
Psalms 34:5

This poem by Jill Scott is so real and so beautiful. "Let her be elevated".

Extremists for LOVE

Let's all be extremist for LOVE. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's letter, "Letter from Birmingham Jail" dated April 16, 1963

"But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for LOVE: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Was not Amos an extremist for JUSTICE: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream." Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel; "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. "Was not Martin Luther an extremist?: "Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God. "And John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a buchery of my conscience, " And Abraham Lincoln: "This nation cannot survive half slave and half free. And Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal..."So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be?. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime-the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in the direct need of creative extremists.

- Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.

Let's all be creative extremists for LOVE and strive after greatness and purpose like leaders like this. We are all created to accomplish great things on this planet but always remember these gifts were intended to bring us all back to one thing at that is to LOVE. And it begins with self. Before we see peace and love in our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our nation or even our world, this peace that we all desire to see on this planet must FIRST take place within our own hearts.

A Mid Summers Night Dream

This is dedicated to one fine gentleman
Is he fact or fiction?
Or just a figment of my imagination?
A mid summer nights dream that became a reality
This distant lover caught a flight
Landed on the beach and I arrived round midnight
You greeted me with a hug and a kiss on my cheek
It was just right & it was just like I prophesied
The moonlight reflected off your sparkling eyes
You made me so shy, you are so fine I had to look away
We walked along side the waves that crashed at our feet
You got me smiling like a school girl at every word that you speak
So handsome,sexy and intelligent
I could tell right away your a true gentleman
I love learning about you and your religion
I admire your integrity and your discipline you're really living it
I know this couldn't work were both from two different worlds
But attraction only knows truth and sees beyond any laws
This feels so natural it just feels right
No drug could ever make you this high
I prayed to the Most High in one of my darkest nights
I looked to the sky & prayed for a light
I opened up my eyes & now here you are
He answered my prayers and sent me a star
That's why I know your a gift from above
And if He is love
Then this could never be wrong
Even if we never become one
I am blessed because you inspired this song
You bring out the artist in me, inspire me, there's no right and no wrong
You just let me be me
You are my poetry
Your the reason for the glow in me
You make me feel safe that's why it was ok with me to walk back to your place
What's gotten over me? Your making this independent woman want to act domestically
Cook you good food to make sure your eating healthy
But only because your sweeter then the coconut tea you shared with me
Asking me questions about my family tree showed that you really cared for me
Never felt this close to someone fully clothed and your still into me
This is true intimacy with respect
Getting sleepy but I'm not ready to leave yet
Let me close my eyes and fall asleep on your chest
I am awakened at the beautiful music that comes from our silence
Your heart beating in my ear and the sounds from the waves of the ocean crashing outside your window
I am embracing this moment taking you in slow
Tasting your pheromones as I breath in your soul
This is beginning to feel too good now I really got to go
4 am now I'm driving home
Trying to stay awake
Listening to Love Love Love by Donny Hathaway
Sent you that text to let you know I got home safe
I fell asleep right away and when I woke up the first thing I thought about was you
Was this dream really true or just a case of de ja vu?
I want to fall back asleep so I can dream about part 2.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

The "Secret" Law of Attraction

Like attracts like
So my right type
Is a fly guy who typewrites
Rocks mics & rocks Nikes
Right now I'm feeling like
Explosive like some Dynomite
Tired of being a distant lover
So let me catch a flight
Make this fantasy in my mind come to life
If I were to die tonight
At least I could say I felt a love that felt right
Let's hold hands and slow dance on the sand
Underneath the moonlight
Been hurt in the past
But for you I just might
Give love another chance
Sexy in your B Boy stance
Loving the fact that your not too shy to dance
Attracted to your discipline
Most fools try to rush in
But you take your time
I believe we were a King and Queen in our past lives
Died and this lifetime we came back as butterflies
Now our purpose in life is to be like the One that shines bright
We are rays of light
Reflecting the love that comes from above
I pray at night God's protecting my love
A Golden bridge maybe between us but we still connected to a Golden Son
Just look at my name, we will always be one
We have so much in common
Even from the same hood
Now we're both grown-ups using our gifts to bring good
Making me want you more than just my brother
Want to become more like your secret lover
While your at work Ill send you a sexy text
For your eyes only I'll even send you a sexy pic
We on some alien shit
Connect on an intellectual and spiritual tip
Floatin minds coastin on a spaceship
But then can flip it and get
artistically freaky like Prince
Soft and wet I can't help but lick my lips
So thoughtful and so sweet
Telling me that I crossed your mind peacefully
so you prayed for the Creator to be gentle to me
You make me feel beautiful
Cause normallay I don't believe em
When the boys say I'm prettay
But you maken me feel sexay
Got me feeling myself like Kanye
I pray that this feeling never goes away
Holding out for you I'll wait
Patiently I anticipate the date
our souls will mate

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

J Dilla Project/Jay Walkers- Finding a Cure for Lupus

I want to shout out another favorite family of mine and that is the Yancey family. I had the pleasure to meet them back in 07. Ma Dukes, Dewitt, Uncle Herm, Cousin Shon, Rita and Uncle Keith, R.I.P. Uncle Keith just passed a few weeks ago due to Lung Cancer. I am grateful I got to know him and spend some time with him and the family. Even though it was a short weekend, the love from the family was instant and we are still family till this day. It all began when I seen a myspace bulletin posted by House Shoes letting people know about a walk that was taking place in Detroit. At the time, I was working for the Wayans. I always wanted to do some type of positive documentary that show cased people in the community doing positive things. I thought the J Dilla Project represented that to the fullest and being a Dilla fan I just felt in my heart to be part. I had no loot, it was Mother's Day weekend and I needed three tickets to Detroit that day. The only rich guy I knew was Marlon, lol, and it was the same time when, "The Secret" came out, so my belief level was sky high.I said, Marlon you know how you said if I ever need anything to come to you? He said Yes. Then I hit him with the ?, Can you please buy me 3 tickets to Detroit? and I need to get them today. He looked at my crazy and was like for what??lol. I told him and he was like, "Who's Dilla?" So I had to educate. Him always being a fan of Common, Tribe, De La and so on and so forth and it was for a good cause he said, "Aight". So I got my tickets and the rest is history. So in reality, Marlon help bridge that gap. And to this day, many incredible divine friendships and blessings all stemmed from that day. To be part of the ALR (Alliance for Lupus Research) changed my life. It gave me the faith and knowing that we the people can REALLY change lives. I had the opportunity to help lead Los Angeles with Unc Herm, Shon and a handful of other teams walking for Dilla back in 07. I was even blessed with the opportunity to go to DC and represent all Dilla teams and go to Congress to help spread the word. This year, I believe the Los Angeles walk is going to be even bigger. Shout outs to Uncle Herm and Shon who even began this team and invested time, money, energy and love into starting the J Dilla Project. If there is anyone who would like to participate not only in the walk but if you have hook ups with T Shirt companies that would like to donate or ANY sponsorships, please hit me up and I can direct you to Uncle Herm. Please get involved this year. I promise you. You really do make a difference. Please sign up at www.lupusresearch.org to walk in a city near you or sign up for the Los Angeles team. Find team captain Shon Hayes. God bless everyone. We really are making a difference. ALR said we are extremely close to finding the cure. Can you imagine if the love from people coming together found a cure for this disease? Let's walk for Dilla, let's walk for LOVE. We can do it. LOVETiana



RIP Uncle Keith




Love Feat. Pharoahe Monch - J Dilla (AKA Jay Dee)


Monday, May 4, 2009

Hating is a sin

Hating is a sin

I moved recently. I was unpacking my things and I came across this poem/thoughts from years ago. Still relevent today.

There is no LOVE in Jealousy

Why do we hate and get greedy? Envy our brothers and sisters victory. Don't despise when you see others on their rise. Cause in due time you would want them to be happy for you. Rejoice when they rejoice. Mourn when they mourn. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There's no love in jealousy. I think it's just a sign that shows were not complete. Cause when you don't know who you are it drives you to compete. Remember we are a team. We are for one another not against one another. Forgetting that service is an act of LOVE. Sow seed unto peoples lives with asking nothing in return and with no strings attached knowing that your reward comes from above and not man. Do not use one another for selfish gain but know your gain comes from when you give. Speak life to one another. Speak LOVE to one another. Build and lift each other up with our words. Do not speak or act mean. Be kind at all times not just when you want something. It just reveals our own inadequecies. Our attitudes and motives to our dreams should be, "When I make it I take you with me". Not "I use you to help me to do me". And when I see you fly, It inspires me and drives me to continue to reach high. Thats why our dreams are not just for ourselves. Our dreams are not just for "I" but for "Us". Prefer one another more than ourselves. We need each other. LOVE one another. There is freedom in LOVE.

This is excellent:

Haters!!
Hater/ By Maya Angelou A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters... That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed... It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have... The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story... If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us! Some people envy you because you can: a) Have a relationship with God b) Light up a room when you walk in c) Start your own business d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn't about the right thing) e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home Haters can't stand to see you happy. Haters will never want to see you succeed. Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side. How do you handle your undercover haters? You can handle these haters by: 1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!) 2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you. 3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME! When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...' Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating on you including the person who sent it to you. If you don't get it back, maybe you called somebody out! Don't worry about it, it's not your problem, it's theirs.. Just pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters...BUT most of all don't become a HATER!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Write and Unite - Bay Area Artists

One thing that I miss being away from home is the scenery, people and the creative artistic energy that I have been fortunate to grow up in. I am proud to say that I rep the Bay area and there is no other city like mine. There is definitely a different energy than what I feel here in Los Angeles. The people are real, passionate, no Hollywood shit, hard working, and everyone is an artist in their own right. It's definitely a different vibe. No disrespect to LA but I definitely left my heart in San Francisco/San Jose. There are so many amazing talented artists known and unknown that rep the Bay. Most artists here don't care if they become famous or not. People just live and do what they love. These few You tube clips don't give justice to the thousands of artists that represent the Yay Area. HoodLOVE Tiana






These artists are not from the Bay but so dope I had to put up


Check out Photographer Franco Folini in Flicker
http://www.flickr.com/photos/livenature/3215959945/