Afro Zen Amazon - We are Everywhere!

Thought

2009-06-12T08:17:00.001-04:00

We don't even talk anymore.

Sister Friends

2009-05-28T11:36:00.002-04:00

They come
They love
They hurt
They move
They stay
You grow
They leave imprints

It is a Forever Bond

Really!!!

2009-05-19T15:44:00.001-04:00

It is what it is...

Giving Back

2009-05-06T12:25:00.003-04:00

One of my main goals this year was to give back to the community. I always talked about doing it but this year I wanted to make a point to take time out to help someone that is in need or share something I have to see someone else go farther.

Recently, I am privledged to work with some great projects including
Bone Marrow Drive
Shop for Shelter
Breast Cancer Walk
The Evolution Exchange

These events are helping me stay humble and realize that my success is not just for myself but for everyone that I come in contact with.

It is a special feeling that I get from being able to do something for others. The reward in the end of it all is knowing I fulfilled a goal and made someones day.

What have you done lately to give back?

If you haven't made the time it is not to late to donate...

Peace & Blessings.

Breakthrough

2009-04-30T07:39:00.002-04:00

It has to be coming. I have been working long days and nights. Dealing with all kind of issues so I know the light will be shining soon. Isn't that how it works?

The storm comes but when it is over things are elevated to a higher level.

The dream of the higher level is what keeps me moving forward. The fact that whenever I turn around opportunity is presenting itself also confirms it. I won't be down here long. Well I am not really down I am just busy as all get out. Ha.

In the mist of it all I smile, find things that confirm my path and touch souls where ever I go.

For that I am greatful and hopeful for the Breakthrough.

Know That "I Love You!"

2009-04-04T07:10:00.002-04:00

I woke up today with the most vivid dream. I was with a very good friend and his two children. He was extremely sick and trying to get to the hospital. His son was being a "little man" and his daughter didn't know what to think. It was a long ride. We were on the bus and he finally found a way to get comfortable. His son laid on us and I stroked his head. I kissed his cheek and told him that "I Love You." Tears fell in my eyes. He mentioned how he hates that. I just stroked his head more...

I am not always the best communicator. I don't call everyone everyday to make sure they are doing well. I loose many hours in my own mind but I love who I love no matter what. At times I try to send a catch up email, text or voicemail.

I hope while I am here my family and friends feel the love I have for them even when I am absent.

There are some open doors of confusion but I love those who have hurt me as well. God has taught me love unconditionally and I only pray it is felt.

Thanks for being here...

"I Love You"

Where am I in the vision?

2009-03-11T15:38:00.006-04:00

Starting to feel like things are not getting finished. I am so involved in being helpful and productive but my dreams and goals have been put on hold. I feel like I give to others dreams and mine take a back seat. Is that what I really want?

The vision I had in life was to use my gifts and talents to help others and also evolve as well. Maybe I missed something in the vision. Maybe the vision board needs to be re-visited.

The question now is
What Does Carla Want?

Weird concept and that alone will take sometime to address. I guess the good thing is that I see the issue and want to address it.

Hmmmm

Isn't life grand?

2009-03-11T09:30:00.003-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Making Sensuality a Reality
Kimberly C. Gaines Goes for Her Dreams

Washington DC - March 10, 2009 The Name Your Dream Assignment Competition was launched March 3rd and Kimberly C. Gaines has thrown her hat into the ring. What is the Name Your Dream Assignment you ask?; a contest for photographers of all backgrounds. "We’re looking for the most creative, inspiring photo shoot idea out there. The photographer with the winning idea will win $50,000 to bring his or her dream assignment to life."

Photography is Kimberly's first love. She is excited to participate in the competition. Entrants rely on friends, family and associates to "PIC" their dream to catapult them to the top 20. Once the public votes are counted the top 20 will be narrowed down.

“From March 3 to April 3, 2009, the ideas will be open to a public vote. The Top 20 ideas with the most “pics” coming out of the vote will then be judged by an expert panel, who will select the winner based on the originality and creativity of the photographer’s idea. The panel will also take into consideration skill and experience.”

Currently Kimberly is ranked 98 and is slowly making her way up the ranks. " I think that my dream is something that we as a global society all need." Her dream assignment, to be Sensual, is a project that explores sensuality as a full bodied experience. " I have always been a sensual person. I love real hugs, the fresh taste of cilantro, the smell of lemongrass, beautiful bold colors; it has always been a major part of who I am. I think if more people took the time to engage their senses fully this big green and blue moving rock would be a better place."

to be Sensual will take Kimberly to four continents and back to the States to engage us all in how sensuality exists across the world while showing us how to live a more sensuous life. Her appreciation of that which is sensual will make a remarkable visual conversation culminating in an exhibition that indulges all of the senses. The only way she can bring this exhibition to light is through the help of her family, friends and associates. To vote for Kimberly's to be Sensual Dream Assignment go to the world wide web at http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/sondaiexpressions/to-be-sensual/

or click on the badge below:

If you have already voted for Kimberly's Dream Assignment you can support her by spreading the call to your friends and acquaintances as well!

To find out more about Kimberly C. Gaines and other projects she is working on check out her blog here!

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Change has come - A sista lost some weight

2009-03-07T02:28:00.002-05:00

If I would've known what I know now I would be that size 125 that I aspire to be. I did the Suze Orman challenge which made me not eat out at all. Would you believe I lost 15lbs?

I have been joining gyms, going crazy watching what I eat and altering my lifestyle thinking that would help me with my weight loss goals.

What in the world is in the restaurant food that was keeping me blown up?

I am more than overjoyed that the weight is off and I am declaring to not let it come back. I am actually taking new steps to watch my intake and take better care of Carla's health.

My new friend is www.sparkpeople.com. It is a cool website that allows you to input what you eat (it tells you the calories and stuff), offer workout suggestions, reward your accomplishments, let you see other peoples motivation and it is all free.

My body is more than happy that I have made adjustments so that I am healthier. I have always been a mover and shaker but now my body is prepared to keep up with all that I am doing.

Thanks for letting me share this new accomplishment.

Peace & Blessings

Stand still

2009-02-26T17:32:00.005-05:00

Well I was moving and shaking in business and my personal life when everything stopped. I was put down by a bug that took my voice and all the energy I had to produce anything. It sucks so bad because I am that my family and friends think I am a flake.

Makes me wonder
Am I doing too much?
Does the support I have for my life and business need to be more structured?

I hope to have my system back in motion in March but until then I am slowly coming back.

It helps me to know that in the mist of all that has happened this month I am still standing.

Peace & Blessings

"Loving Self" Workshop: Saturday, February 14th

2009-02-02T16:33:00.001-05:00

Greetings Everyone-

I have been wanting to conduct more workshops, so I am partnering with my AZA sister Andrea on a first of many to come. The point of these will be to present information in a "bite-sized" format so that attendees can enjoy the information without being overwhelmed. This first one will explore herbs, rituals and moon cycle basics.

"Loving Self: Herbs, Rituals and Moon Cycle Basics"

Saturday, February 14th
2:30pm-4:00pm
Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC)
733 Euclid Street, NW-WDC

Event Overview:

This workshop will offer three mini-sessions in one!

* Herbs for whole female self-care;
* How to create daily rituals for physical, mental and spiritual well-being;
* Introduction on lunar cycles and how to create your own lunar rituals.

Presenters:
Risikat I. Okedeyi, Iya Agba Centering Services
Andrea R. Thompson, Daughter of Waters

Light refreshments will be served. Loose tea, bath and oil blends will be sold at special seminar pricing.

Woman Powered By:
LiL SoSo Productions, Make It Happen Consulting, Daughter of Waters and WomanSphere by Amina

For more information and registration log on here!

Self Checks and Ego Trippin'

2009-01-19T10:47:00.007-05:00

In the past two months there has been a strong message following me around and no matter what I do I cannot escape the truth if it. In recent conflicts, conversations and healing sessions the issue of self-checking has been prominently displayed. By self-check I don't mean a cursory glance in the mirror to make sure the face and clothes are right, but a deeply engaged and involved conversation with self to see what's going on and what needs work.

I have said it many times before and will probably say it again: "I will not apologize for who I am." I have also said in the same context that I do recognize when I need to make changes. Well, changes are coming and these will initially feel drastic, but it is quite clear that they (the changes) are necessary. In doing my own self-check I realize that I have become lazy and take a great deal for granted, one of which is that I am on the same page with the people in my life and that the long-term goals that I have, mirror those around me. Simply put, I thought I was on a shared journey.

In looking forward, I see that much of what I have tried to accomplish in group work, was not in vain. It is good to work collectively because it lessens the burdens, but as with any relationship, sometimes people need to go their own way. In moments of reflection, I realized that it's possible to be a lone traveler in a shared journey. The key is taking responsibility and that doesn't happen without honest self evaluation.

Self-checks have also led to the discovery that I have been ego trippin', but in reverse. Ego as I see it isn't a bad thing, it just needs to know when to speak up and when to sit down. I think I reduced mine a little too much for the sake of others and in the end there was still conflict. The ego is a powerful and necessary thing, but if left unchecked it can either swell to unmanageable proportions or be reduced to a whisper. In either case, the results are not good. I spent all of 2007 being aware of ego and self -checking on the spot, it changed how I dealt with everything in my life. I found that it was really hard to take unwarranted criticism seriously or be harmed by someone else's negligence. On the other hand, I was able to better hear valid critiques and recognize my faults in a very clear and objective manner. Another great thing about self-checks is that you learn to accept things about yourself that you may have felt bad about in the past or underestimated.

My goal is balance and that takes work. My goal is also to be successful in various ways and that also takes work. I cannot expect as my mother would say, "everyone to be like me", but I can be the best me possible. In checking in, I am better able to navigate the conflict that ultimately is part of a living a human existence and discern when needed changes are internal or external. It doesn't mean that I always have a handle on things, but by checking in on consistent basis, I have seen my growth and I am quite proud of what I have accomplished so far. My horoscope today said it best, "Those who matter will see the true you." I couldn't agree more with that statement.

IA

This Week on Sophies' Parlor

2009-01-17T18:16:00.005-05:00

Ahhhhh... It is the Art Therapy Show. We will have healing songs, thoughts and ideas. Also, we will have a special guest join us in the Parlor. Sophie loves visitors and this week Sharon Burton is coming to sit a spell.
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Sharon J. Burton is a DC area art dealer, artist and independent curator. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Authentic Contemporary Art (formerly Authentic Art Consulting), a visual arts and curatorial company based in the Metro Washington, DC area.

Authentic Contemporary Art (ACA) was founded in 2005 and now serves as an alternative source for emerging and contemporary artists. The company provides emerging contemporary artists a unique opportunity to show their work in alternative site exhibitions and through a juried online art gallery.

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Join Kimberly C. Gaines the diva in Sophies' Parlor this week on WPFW 89.3 FM from 1-3pm for the Art Therapy show!

This is a Rant...Keeping It Real

2009-01-13T15:45:00.005-05:00

Really, these financial services firms are SHAMEFUL...and just plain get on my last nerve.

Situation 1:
Back in December, all was going well but the cash flow was a little off due to the holidays and people just taking their sweet old time. My mortgage payment is due on the first, but I have until the 15th to pay with no late fee. Great. I finally receive funds and I deposit the check thinking that all is well, and the payment will make it on time. Keep in mind this is a pretty much guaranteed check and the funds could have been debited from the payor pretty quickly. So I look online the next day and see that they have placed a 5 day hold on the funds. Problem is, the funds will be released AFTER the 15th. I promptly call Thieving Ass Bank and tell them what the issue is, and ask them if they can release the funds. After a lot of back and forth the answer is NO. Well ok, if you can't release the funds, the payment will be late...simple as that. I can't pull the money out of my ass, you see the funds are deposited into the account, what more do you want?( Ya'll are not stressing me out, making me add medical bills on top of triflin amount student loan debt I have.) Payment gets made a few days late, I get them to forgive the late fee and all is well right? Wrong...now I continuously get calls for Thieving Ass Bank inquiring about my next months payment.

I definitely take responsibility for my part...and OK, I understand the whole "make sure they get their money" but I'm saying... does my 3 years of on time payment and 700+ credit score not speak for itself? Have you ever not got your money from me?

Situation 2:
I check the credit cards and notice that CC#1 has more than doubled my rate: from 6.9 to 14.4%, & CC2 (had a zero balance) reduced my limit from thousands of dollars to $300. Yes, I use my cards, (admittedly, the have been used a lot as of late) but they get paid on time (if not early) every month. I have been a card member for more than 10 years. Really...whats the deal?

This is quite frustrating. As a regular person....I can now understand and fully appreciate why people tend to say "F**K IT" and not be bothered...claim bankruptcy and start over in 7-10 years...and often a lot sooner than that. Its almost as if you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

As a financial coach, I am keeping my wits about me and retooling the financial freedom game plan so that I can free myself from this unchained slavery called debt.

It seems quite odd that I would go through a situation like this, but it just goes to show you that:
(1) I am human

(2) As a small business owner, I am not immune from cashflow issues.

(3) These institutions are fair weather friends, have issues and I shouldn't take any of this personally. You are their friend when your money is right. When things get tight...forget it...save yourself. I understand the reasoning behind their actions...but dude...seriously. Besides, who are they to judge, they are the ones going bankrupt, not me.

(4) I need to stay EVEN MORE on top of my spending plan and keep a watchful eye on cash flow and dates. I also need to take my own advice and rethink my relationships with these shameful financial institutions. I think I need to explore working with local banks where I can build local relationships and be treated with the respect I deserve as a client. "I want to go where everybody knows my name" (c) Cheers!

It use to be that folks who were not responsible with their funds, felt the brunt of the financial smack down...BUT as a result of the current financial issues, slower economy and the tightening of the credit markets, folks who had good credit, good cash flow and a decent amount of cash, are now facing the same financial smack down.

I ask you Mr. Greedy Ass Bank. WHY do you think that DOUBLING an interest rate is going to HELP someone pay their bill any easier? What kind of FOOLISH reasoning is that? So that you can spend more money, paying people to chase down debtors and eventually charge the debt off? No wonder your company is in bankruptcy you big dummy. That line of reasoning makes NO SENSE. If you ...big greedy ass bank...think that I am having "issues"....why not cut me a break....like the break that you got from the federal govt? Pass that helping hand around.

Does loyalty and stellar payment history count for nothing? In these times no, but maybe...just maybe, if I damn my financial record to high hell, someone will come and bail me out too. Word.

Of course, I am not going to do that, but again, it just lights a fire under my tail to get my financial action plan in full gear. It also reminds me that this is what I signed up for when I agreed to leave my well paying job to become an entrepreneur.

AND CCB, I am warning you now, if I get one more "courtesy call" me asking about my payment (which already was submitted)....they will get the WHAT FOR.

Rant Done...Going to Rework my Game Plan

A New Year???

2009-01-04T07:28:00.003-05:00

Wow, each calendar year that goes by really offers perspective on just what I have learned. This new year's cusp there was no rush for me to find things to do (cause there were events in spades and I had to turn things down). I had no mad dash about outfits (cause I put on a sweater, pants and of all things, sneakers). Even nearing the midnight hour, I just calmly decided to wait to leave one event for the next.

What did hit me is that I now see the new year in a more lunar way. I told myself about three years ago I wanted to begin aligning myself with the moon, nature and cycles, well, seems like I am more at that place than I realized and it is just nice to see that I am comfortable with my own commemorations of life.

So as I await the lunar new year (in February), I say to everyone, be bold, be blessed, and be willing to do what you need to in this new calendar year.

Drea

2009-01-02T17:38:00.006-05:00

December 31 ~
I have been reading everyone's Year in Review, Recap, Wrap up, Wind down and whatever else it has been called and realized that a lot has happened this year. I can not call it the worst year of my life... I think 2007 from a more personal and emotional stand point was hella rough. But there were some actual positive things that occurred in 2008. Earlier in the day I was prone to random wet face moments as I sat and reflected on the fact this this year is over. It is not that I am sad to see it go but more like wow that was some shit. Kinda like having your head in a vice for hours and then the person who put it there takes it off and just leaves like nothing happen.

Today was odd. I over slept. The wind was talking but I haven't figured out that language yet. When I got on the train it was dry as a bone. When I got off at my destination it was like some one poured a bucket of water on everything. Apparently there was a mini blizzard/hurricane that took place all as I was underground traveling. Evidence that 2008 is being cleansed away. With the wind in full force and the kooky weather that is nothing but a purge of the old to bring in the new. I have been rather melancholy over the past coupla weeks. I was really trying to figure out why I was so glum and emotional about the New Year.

I elected to stay home tonight. Not really in a party party mood. There are 5 minutes left in this year (apparently 6 they said something about a leap minute). Happy New Year!
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So I stayed home and made some greens and blackeyed peas.

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January 2~
While the other AZA honies (DC term) are fasting I have decided to fast starting on Monday. Fasting last year was so difficult for me. I was uber reluctant and I couldn't figure out why. Hopefully fasting this year will provide those answers. When my head was a whirl and I was sitting on the train platform this week with tears in my eyes thinking they would soon be icicles stuck to my cheeks, I gave a friend a call to ask if he would pull some cards for me. He graciously obliged though he was at work. I asked
What is the overall theme for 09 and why am I so emotional over the end of this year?

When you are in your little bubble, you don't think about the goings on of other folks like you should. He told me a lot of folks are emotional '08 wasn't the best year ever. But he also pulled the Empress in Reverse which kind of held me in shock a bit. Ok... that is my card my archetype what is she doing showing up in reverse that can't be good. He did a past, present and hidden influences pull. He interpreted it as meaning I haven't been following my intuition. Damn... there are to many balls to juggle I must have dropped intuition somewhere accidentally. If it isn't following my destiny, living my truth or being honest with myself it is the intuition. How am I supposed to keep up? I think I may have found it over there in the corner by the mirror now the goal is to pick it back up and figure out the reimplementation it back into the rotation. Here is the clincher... with out dropping any of the other balls.

So I am revamping things. Spending more time with me, rearranging my altar and my altar time, allotting for vacation time because I realize that is important to me. On the business side of things new business policies... new ways of attracting clientele and new marketing schemes. The word of 2009 is Change. Some folks are not going to like it. Hell, I may not like it myself at times. But I am putting in the work to change the outcomes I have been getting. Pay attention it is a new dawn which equals a new day.

This blog entry was 3 days in the making please excuse any disjointedness (it is a word now)

Do you know where you are going? - Happy New Year Reflection

2009-01-01T11:06:00.004-05:00

I always love to hear Diana Ross - Do You Know Where You're Going To? It is a song that I play over and over in my mind as I move forward in my life. Do I really know what I am doing or where I want to go in this world? The reality is that my plans consistently change. When I look in the mirror I still see Carla but each day, each week, each month, and each year my life has transformed beyond the plan. The plans are just the idea but the ultimate vision in my life is something that I do not fully have control over. The universe is more and more active in my actions. Just being able to admit that brings a *smile* to my face.

I have always wanted to be in control. Direct the scenes as I thought I was suppose to do. I can't control life.

Do I know where I am going to?

Nothing specific but where ever I am going it is a loving and peaceful space. It is a place where I am living in my passion to help others, spread love, write and see the gems of the world.

Do You Know Where You Are Going To? I would love to hear it.

Peace & Blessings
Carla
AkA
Precious

Is it Me?

2008-12-22T16:47:00.004-05:00

Sitting here, looking online at different cats & kittens up for adoption, still feeling very guilty about the dog I gave back to the adoption center, and wondering why, as of late, I like being by myself.

I have been taking all of these free personality test and basically I have skewed from the extroverted side into the world of introverts. One test I turned out to be INTP (Introvert, Intuition, Thinking Perceiving) and on the other test..I skewed towards the "Mastermind" category...both which have the least amount of people in the population (3-5%) who identify with such. Certainly explains the natural tension that exists in my life of being an internal creature.

Or, maybe because I understand myself best. If I don't feel like smiling and carrying on, I don't have to explain myself to anyone, I can just be. I don't have to work to make other people comfortable with who I am. People are just not comfortable when you are not laughing, smiling and giggling all of the time. Interesting conundrum to have to balance. What happens when you are just a reserved person who does not do "all of that" all of the time? Sometimes you are tagged as unapproachable, and "must not be having fun". This is not necessarily the case. Many times, I struggle to not feel like I am personally under attack, because I know that folks are just trying to do what they think is helpful...but yet in still, it is still somewhat hurtful to be misunderstood.

Am I reserved? For the most part yes. Do I shield myself? Yes, because I have to. I am extremely sensitive to other people's energy and I amplify other peoples feelings-that is just a part of my human design, that and the ability to read most people very accurately within the first 10 minutes of meeting them. These are not gifts that I asked for and on a lot of days, I wish I could give them back, because all they seem to do is complicate things. Having high level skills in a world that celebrates "basic simplicity" sucks monkey nuts. Before I knew how sensitive I was other people's energy or how powerful my mind was, I use to be a lot more "open" in new situations. The result was sensory overload...it was too much. I was taking on others people issues and emotions, and it just wasn't a good look. (Didn't feel to hot either). As I am still learning how to work with my empathic abilities, I have no choice but to protect myself until I am able to better manipulate this power.

On the same token this reserved girls' personality has done a lot of things like keep people out of jail, saved friends from dying for alcohol poisoning, counseled people out of bad relationships and bad situations, saved people from themselves, helped people with their finances, helped people with their businesses, helped folks graduate from college, motivated folks when other people told them they sucked and would never amount to anything, provided practical and creative solutions for impossible problems, given money, given food, given shelter, given the clothes from my closet and overall tried to be the best kind of friend possible. But yet in still, most people can only focus on the fact that "I look too serious". Not saying that you can't still do all of the above with a carefree attitude...but it does take a special kind of person to be able to deal (and deal well) with other people's issues, and still give practical, non judgmental advice.

Everybody has their role and plays their part. Do I wish I could throw off the cloak and be care free? Hell yes, maybe I would go out on more dates LOL....but again, that is not necessarily my path. I am working on trying to balance things out more...and let my "softer side" show,be more "approachable" even when folks are on that bullshyt, because that's what makes people most comfortable. I get it. I just wish there was more appreciation for us folks who were "chosen" to be the "guardians", "protectors" and the "watchers"--Those whose job it is to remain serious and efficient...because without us, very little would get done.

WomanSpeak and Getting Older

2008-12-22T13:18:00.010-05:00

On Friday, December 12th I had the honor of presenting at "Woman Speak". This amazing event is the brain child of Christine Celise and features women every other month who share their life stories. I shared the space with a spectacular sister and midwife named, Marialuz Castro Johnson. "Luz" spoke about the transformative power of birth as a metaphor of life. I think my presentation was a great complement to her discussion and in sharing I learned a great deal.

My story is fraught with loss and pain, but there is also great joy, particularly in the friendships and that have resulted. In my presentation I shared how the deaths of my mother and then my sister, marked my transformation and spiritual growth. There is only change with sacrifice and the changes that I have experienced have only added to the expansion of my life. As I said at the event, my goal is not the length of my life, but the width. The talk I had planned was not the the talk that was given, I felt myself getting downright emotional. I think I zoned out at one point as I tried to "keep it together" and was trying to figure out how to ground myself in the midst of talking about Sofi's pasing. At some point I looked up the familiar faces of the AZA were right there holding me down and sending supportive energy. By the time I was done, sisters were smiling and crying and it was just a beautiful night of honest sharing.

The biggest lesson for me was the fact that sharing is healing. I think that is obvious and I don't think it's a great epiphany, but the stories that were told were needed by some of the women in the audience. I was really moved by how raw the emotion was for some and the confirmation that many felt the night had provided. It was the first time I talked about Sofi and my mom in public from a personal space, and I am really glad I did it.

Eight days later, I celebrated my 36th birthday and I thought about how difficult the last few months had been. The talk served not only as an opportunity to share, but also as the end of a cycle that had been nothing short of challenging. It was no surprise that the talk was on the night of one of the fullest moons we have had this year. It is also no surprise, at least to me, that since the talk, things are righting themselves in profound ways. I was surrounded by a lot of love and light during my birthday and the wishes and hugs are just confirmation of how wide my life has been so far. As I prepare to greet 2009, I am making the best of the last remaining days of this year and creating a springboard from which to jump head first into 2009. I am sure I will blog some more before 2009, but for those reading this, take heart in who you truly are and know that in all change is a lesson that probably needs to be learned.

Risikat

Slipped?

2008-12-21T16:18:00.004-05:00

"I have acted out my life in stages..." and at each stage gathered another trait that makes my character more robust, tangible yet tough and strong. I am more prone to express my distaste for wrong doings to myself than I was ever before. It is a form of demanding respect. Those teachers, who started everyone out with an "A" and your work and deeds in class would determine whether you kept that grade or not, were my favorite... that is how I view life. You have my respect as a human but your actions and your words will determine whether or not you keep it. I live up to the sign of Virgo, I am a generous, caring and loyal person, sometimes to a fault but there are certainly ways to lose my favor.

While doing my hair for this evening I had time to reflect about life. Funny how the most mundane things lead way to revelations. I have come along way from the young girl born in Camden, NJ. It has been a transformation and growth that I could not possibly have traded for the world. But sitting in the mirror today I had to stop and ask the question:

Have I slipped back into old habits?

You know sometimes these things just pop out of the blue. Sometimes events lead you to these ponderings. I would say today was a mixture of both. I think the question of old habits came up because recently I have been feeling like I have been taken advantage of and that I was allowing it to happen. One AZA member said to me some time ago that she learns collectively from the mistakes of all of us. I didn't get it. How could my pain or f - up help you learn a lesson if you didn't do it yourself? I know I am one to recognize mistakes whether it be my own or those of others. I recognize others mistakes quicker, unfortunately, than I recognize my own. I can be a little slow on that one. Plus like my grandmother I can be really nosy.

So I wonder if my old habits are dying easier than they once would have. I have a three strike and you are out rule. I have had it since about 1997 though I don't normally tell people that. I figure if it works for sports and the state of California(not really) then it is alright for me. I got tired of getting hurt by people I "let in" but figured the "nice" thing to do was to give them a chance to do better. But almost always they used up the three strikes and the hurt that it took to either cut them off or pick up the pieces of me propelled me to another level of grown-upitness (it is a word now). I still have a ways to go but in this life you live and you learn but it is important that you learn. Recognizing and questioning whether I have "slipped back into old habits" is a sign that I have learned something that is for sure. As for whether I have done so I will need more time to examine that.

AZA - Sophie's Parlor - Playlist

2008-12-21T16:11:00.004-05:00

For all those checking out our Afro Zen Amazon Divas on WPFW (Andrea and Kimberly) you can always check out their playlists at the Sophie's Blogspot here! Tune into WPFW 89.3 FM on Thursdays to hear the Divas of Sophie's Parlor from 1pm - 3pm Midday Jazz and more!

2008-12-17T20:09:00.003-05:00

Our own Andrea Thompson

Check out WPFW and tune into Sophie's Parlor on Thursday from 1-3pm. In honor of the coming of the Winter season, Sophie’s Parlor Diva of the Day, Andrea Thompson, will be producing “The Light of Winter”. This program airing on Thursday, December 18th will explore transformation and the coming Winter Solstice through music programming and an interview with Singer/Songwriter Navasha Daya, Lead Vocalist of Fertile Ground.

Check out Navasha at the UNITED LEGENDS SPECIAL LIVE SET in TOKYO at the CROSSOVER/JAZZ FESTIVAL

Focus

2008-12-11T21:51:00.004-05:00

Focus - a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity

So many times I have heard people say "You can do whatever you set your mind to?" I always heard the words but didn't think too much into it.

Now that I am older and really taking the time to reflect on my life I see that when I have zoomed in on projects or goals things have always gone above and beyond my expectations. It is when I felt passion for something that I really made it happen. I have yet to do it in every aspect of my life but I am learning that if I can do it in my professional life then I can also do it in my personal life.

So as I take one day, one step or even one moment at a time I work to focus on everything so only success is the outcome.

It is all up to me. It is nothing stopping me from being #1 but me.

As I focus I only ask that you also take a look at your life and establish what you need to focus on.

The change happens right now

I'm focused man!

Rant: Staying the Course...

2008-12-04T14:22:00.005-05:00

It's hard moving out on your own and sometimes the hardest part is in taking the first step. As I bring the year to a close, I am finding the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter than ever before. Staying true to who you are is an element of humanhood that is hardest to maintain. It's easy to get caught up in who you "should be", but as a truth seeker, I find that pretending to be who you aren't will always catch up with who you are. As an AZA, I don't apologize for who I am, but I don't ignore the changes that need to be made.

As we bring 2008 to a close, let's do more than be thankful, let's do better. I am not waiting until 2009 to re-energize and motivate. It starts in this moment, with keeping my word, returning a phone call, finishing a project and taking responsibility for every moment that I am in. To all of the AZAs in the world take heart in yourself and your sisters and know that who you are is not anything more or less than the perspective from which you act. Sometimes you are the problem, if you can see it enough to change it, you can live it enough to towards better everythings.

Rant Done

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2008-11-22T23:28:00.008-05:00

As one who has watched The Secret on several occasions I try to ascribe to being grateful everyday. I can't say that I am always perfect in doing so. In fact I could quite possibly say that many think that I can be overbearing with idea of it. I can't help the feelings of others in that regard and I don't do it to be a pain. I merely think about the blessings we all have and how sometimes we get caught up in our daily grind to realize them. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Even as a little kid the idea of Turkey Day has been divine. There are so many people telling me "This is just one day you should be thankful everyday." Yes this is true and I am. One of my co-workers expressed that indigenous Americans died on Thanksgiving Day. It was a morbid idea especially for a lover of the holiday.

But I have always been grateful for the fact that my family were all in the house at the same time. Not running in grabbing a bite and running out. We all sat down around a table with food prepared by my pop-pop with assistance and specialties from select folks like my uncle's eggplant parmigiana. I can smell the creamed onions that my grandfather would make. It wasn't a favorite of mine though it was our tradition. I was always partial to the TURNIPS and mashed potatoes! Folks in DC don't know what I am talking about when I start talking about the side dishes that my grandfather would make for dinner. But this time of year lately I get a little melancholy. After my grandfather past, Thanksgiving dinner was not the same of course. He always made it no matter how much folks were bickering with one another or who was angry with who. He was our glue. They don't make that kind of glue that fits with our family anymore. Traditions change and it can definitely be hard to take. Take for instance... a seafood Thanksgiving... "Mom where is the turkey."

But seriously my traditions are slowly changing as I journey through life. It doesn't disappoint me in the least. I am grateful everyday and tomorrow I will be grateful as well. I think about those people who don't have any family to have a meal with, those who have lost someone dear and for them, this holiday will be a tough one to get through.

Earlier this evening I thought about those new to America who have adopted its traditions. What is their celebration like? In the future beginning my own family what will my traditions look like. Tonight, I did a pre- holiday dinner. On an evening that I thought "my cabinets are bare" I was able to create a meal of yams, mashed potatoes, string beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce and rice with a mushroom gravy. The only thing that was missing was the turkey, but I have gratitude for the Blessings that have been supplied.

Evelyn says....

2008-11-21T14:25:00.005-05:00

Hi!

hmmm...where to start and what to say. Well my (almost) full name is Evelyn Antoinette. For those who know me, do I look like an Evelyn Antoinette? Funny enough, when I was younger I always wanted a name like Jennifer, Michelle or Crystal because there were a lot of them, and I just wanted to fit in. I was the only "Evelyn" in school so I stuck out by virtue of my name (but that's not the only reason why I was unique). It's interesting that when we are younger all we want to do is fit in and then at some point, we do everything we can to stick out and differentiate ourselves. Yep, I went through that phase too, but that got old...quick.

Now, I am at a pretty good equilibrium. I have a pretty good understanding of who I am, and that understanding changes almost every day. The biggest success in my life at this point is finally becoming comfortable with who I am...the good, and the not so good (because yes, everyone has a shadow side).

In terms of personality- I am a sharp-minded and creative entrepreneur. I teach, train, develop, coach, consult, advise and write. I vacillate between being funny and being serious. I have serious Type A tendencies, and I am task master. Another AZA recently referred to me as an M&M (think about the tagline). Thats a pretty accurate description. I'm just happy that she didn't refer to me as a Peanut M&M.

I am also a pretty simple person. Integrity is everything and "word is bond". I am a rather deep person, but I don't think that I am too complicated. I say what I say, I mean what I mean and I am very honest. I don't like to waste time and I value people who are honest as well.

Let's see- what else, I am accepting my role as a healer. For a while I was confused as to how I was supposed to go about that task...and I got frustrated. But I have figured out, that I heal through writing and teaching. If I must toot my own horn- I am a natural when it comes to training and teaching. I am glad that I was brave enough to leave the comfort of a FT job to pursue my natural-born talents.

I mentioned this before but I am a highly creative individual. At some point I lost the drive to pursue my creativity, but I am happy to report that it is back in full effect. This time, I am expressing my creativity through makeup artistry and jewelry design.

I think I will leave it at this for now...besides, if I give away everything, how else am I going to entice you to come back and visit?

Kimberly Christina Gaines - My Guberment Name

2008-11-18T22:25:00.013-05:00

Sondai All!
I am, as the title bar states, Kimberly Christina Gaines. Goddess, Empress, Sister, and Visualist. I handle up on the imagery for the Afro Zen Amazon. I let my sistren know what looks good and... what don't. For me it is about color, balance and texture. Within those elements of art you can surely make things fabulous.

From childhood I have always liked "pretty pictures", making them for myself and others. Hell, in high school when everyone did the practical thing and took typing, I was in art class creating line drawings with the end of a compass on black shiny paper. Anything creative I enjoyed, reading, writing and drawing were my favorites. I taught myself how to paint with my mother's left over paint supplies from the basement. I would sit for hours sketching images from Essence, Vibe... any magazine(thus I have an obsession with magazines) that I could get my hands on. My grandmother and mother both dabbled in drawing. A librarian and teacher respectively, they were both my inspiration for art in general but my uncle was responsible for my love of photography. Sometimes I feel like a broken record but I always have to say it. In a world of color... his camera saw me in black & white and that intrigued me. The image that he took of me definitely inspired the next level of art for me which was photography.

Borrowing my grandmother's 35mm that was collecting dust, I set off to document the underrepresented of Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill NJ. We were in the minority of the catholic school, black and latino alike so I set out to reverse that. I created my own documentation of our high school experience. It never actually made the yearbook but it was the beginning of something I loved doing.

Fastforward 2008, I am an Afro Zen Amazon... I have been called boho, also and elitist (not sure how a Camden New Jersey girl can be such a thang) I actually adopted bourgie-boho as a descriptor as of late... (mind you because of the artist in me that may change tomorrow... or 5 minutes from... NOW) Ultimately, I am a creator! From words to images, to playlists, to altars I create and share in this collective and beyond my talents, opinions, and spirit. Welcome to the minds of the collective, remember AZA is I as well as it is...you!

Drea

2008-11-18T18:59:00.005-05:00

wow!!! time and space escapes me...this force of us is long overdue and oh so necessary...women...for women...supporting women...being women....

as a girl growing up i often wondered what my peoplescape would look like and now i needn't question any longer. afro zen amazon....being who we are....doing what we do....taking it world wide.

i came to this group because the waters of life brought me. now, i give to and receive from these powerful women the gift of hope, peace, laughter, courage, beauty, creativity and love.

journey with us...as we explore it all

Risi...Kat...Iyabo...IA is/are in the Building!

2008-11-18T18:01:00.008-05:00

Greetings Good People!

My name is Risikat "Kat" Okedeyi and I am a proud member of this group that I have affectionately called the Afro Zen Amazon (in my head) for some years. The name came as I watched my sisters flourish around me. We work as "modern-day market women" and use our skills and gifts as part of our destined path of learning. I go by several names and adjectives, but the ones that remain consistent are: Healer, Teacher, Mother and Visionary. Within the "Healer" category, I work with people in need of spiritual guidance and under the moniker of Iya Agba Centering Services. Rituals that engage on the spirit plane, along with the medicinal use of herbs are where my powers lie. As IA, I am able to evoke the folk woman that exists within me, to serve those in need.

I am also known as LiL SoSo Productions, which is an artist management and event planning firm, that allows me to use my holistic approach to life, in the arts. I believe that balance is the single most important thing worth striving for and am constantly on the lookout for ways to engage balance on a daily basis. Most times, I fail, but sometimes I achieve balance and I see a glimpse of what life could be like if things were perfect. As a teacher, I share my experiences in hopes of learning how to do better and as a visionary, I follow spirit which guides my business steps in so many ways.

Finally, I subscribe to a Goddess theology that views women as divine beings who posses the power to initiate and maintain the change they want to see in life. Within the AZA collective, this understanding serves as our foundation. We are not victims and do not allow ourselves to be cast in that light. When you take responsibility for your destiny in partnership with spirit, things have a way of revealing themselves.

All of this being said, I welcome you to our journey and hope that as this blog grows you will find bits and pieces of insight, wisdom, and lessons that you can use and share. In the meantime know that we as the AZA are just messengers on a path of self-discovery and ultimately, so are you.

Take Care

Introduction from Carla

2008-11-18T13:31:00.003-05:00

Hi I am Carla L Thorpe writer, motivator, friend, business owner and most importantly an inspiration. I have finally found my passion in life which is to help others with my gifts.
For instance
Bi-monthly Persevere Newsletter that is teaching and inspiring the masses Make It Happen Consulting that is a business consulting firm turning dreams into reality Wedding Coordination service helping brides get and stay sane to the big day

I only hope that what I do assist people to be better than what they use to be. We all deserve only the best.

This collective has shown me my talents, made me want to do better and also helped me understand sisterhood. Things can be good or bad but no matter what we are still connected.

Please share in our experiences, comment and show love to the AZA.