Coffee Talk

What does your daily listening consist of?  Be mindful of the things you listen to...take note of the positive affirmations that come into your life.  Speak them, believe them, and live them.  You can always motivate yourself with your thoughts and your actions.  Your spirit should be in agreement with your mindset.  You can accomplish so much when you build your mind.  Get your coffee and wind up to positivity!

Artist of the Day

Rafaella Sanzio da Urbina (Raphael)


Raphael who was known for his paintings during the Renaissance period, has always been considered as one of the "master's" of art.  His paintings possess images of clarity and great composition.  These images cause us to think about what art actually is and if the visual art of old is as profound as the modern art we see today.  I would have to say that a lot can be learned from painters like Raphael because they gave us an idea of how to create images and portraits through their eyes.  Their world became our world because of how they presented it.  Picturesque paintings are one thing, but I like to think about what the artist, themselves wanted us to see and remember.  I still enjoy Raphael's paintings and who he was an artist...so much that I even named my youngest son after this magnificent Italian painter.  Below is a picture of two angels...note the expressions on their faces and the gorgeous tapestry of clouds behind them.  If paintings could talk, I can imagine what they might say and how Raphael brought them to life.

Visual art has evolved in the present but the past still captures our attention...What does visual art mean to you and how do you incorporate it into your world?

Food for Thought:  Raphael in American and Italian means God has healed.

The Avant-Garde

In order to remain relevant one must keep moving forward.  You might ask how can an individual move forward when there are so many obstacles standing in the way?  To keep moving forward and pressing toward your goals, you must implement forward-thinking.  Try writing down your dreams, goals, or aspirations and think about what positive changes you can bring about once you achieve them.  Also, while you're focused on reaching your goals, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and help someone else.  Sometimes when you're making moves, you can empower others to do the same by being there or lending your knowledge and advice.  The best avant-garde thinkers are not only concerned with themselves but also how to lend a hand to mankind.  Have a blessed Friday friends and keep thinking ahead to the greater possibilities!

Dreamscape...

Here's a dreamscape compliments of myself...Where would you like to be at this very moment?  I give you permission to dream.  Dream of beauty, dream of fun, and dream of love if you'd like, but whatever you do just dream...and allow yourself an escape.  God bless!

Soul Searchers

So often individuals can feel an emptiness within their being.  They spend a lifetime trying to do things that feel some sort of void.  Empty feelings can leave a person longing for something special.  What is it that we desire?  Many times it's love, acceptance, and a better quality of life.  I think it goes without saying that what we seek, we must also become.  We must become loving, accepting, and create the lives that we deeply desire.  All we have to do is stop, reflect, and take the time to answer the questions to what it is that we really want.  This takes a little soul searching and we have to be real with ourselves.  Look in the mirror and write down what type of person you want to be.  Can you be that in which you desire?  Instead of looking to others...simply search YOUR own soul my friends.

Celebrating Earth Day!

Today I am appreciative of our earth and its bounty.  The natural elements that engulf the planet can be so lush and beautiful, however if we don't do our part to take care of it we can't benefit from its glory.  Being a good steward over the earth is man's way of showing God that we are grateful for all of His artistic formations and are richly blessed in what He has given us.  To live and to be on a planet that can provide for us should make us all want to do MORE to preserve it.  Happy Earth Day my friends!  #staygreen

Sipping the Tea

Be careful what you choose to listen to.  Whenever people want to place bugs in your ears with regards to negativity such as gossip, doubt, and fear...do a double-take and simply walk away.  Your spirit should only be nourished and fed with good fruits.  Good fruits supply our beings with the best energies to be able to survive and conquer in this world.  Sipping the negative tea from individuals who bare the worst fruit is so unhealthy and has the potential to break us.  Let us continue to seek out the things that bring us wholeness and blessings and neglect sipping the tea of negativity.  Meditate on how to discern the fruitful tea from the negative tea...and nourish your spirit.

What does your journey look like?

Is your journey looking rough and rocky?  Get out of the rut and do something about it.  You have the power to uplift your own heart and reach goals, perform tasks, and hone in on the talents that live in you.  Tonight I will meditate on my journey and reflect on the direction I'm headed.  What will you reflect on about your journey in the days to come?  Is there something that you want to change?  I challenge you to do so...Good night friends...

Good Days

Do you have those days when life is so good it's scary.  I used to feel like that, however I have learned to embrace the good times without overthinking and analyzing about whether something bad is going to happen next.  If we worry and dwell in fear, we can't enjoy and focus on the good. 

I have learned to accept the fact that if something bad happens, it is necessary for my good and it will only strengthen my character and that it "good" in itself.  Enjoy the good and be thankful for them...because it is the good days that will get you through the tough ones.  #goodtimes

Signs

Saying farewell to one of my fave artists...Prince Rogers Nelson.  When I heard the confirmation of Prince's death as I was driving down the highway, I felt a lump form in my throat and I squinted back tears of sadness.  I grew up listening to all the great music he has provided this world over the years and I drew so many images of him as well as collected his many posters as a true fan would. Today I felt a sense of great loss for the artist I've respected so much.  Some people call themselves artists, however Prince proved his art through his living and preaching of the "music" and shared his soul with us all.  I hate I missed his final performance but I appreciate the fact that he left behind such a tapestry of music and a legacy of challenging the industry and standing up for genuine ARTISTRY!

Prince Rogers Nelson...Thank You for the music!

Artist of the Day

Mary Cassatt

Every time I see this painting, I can't help but to remember when I first saw it as a child.  It was in a children's book that my mom had purchased.  Mary Cassatt's "The Bath" illustrates the care of a child from her mother.  This painting has muted hues of greens, pinks, reds, and mauve.  The painting tells a story of femininity and may evoke solemn but sweet emotions from the audience.  Cassatt is celebrated as an outstanding American painter as well as a woman painter.  Yes...I almost want to caption this one...hmmm

The details of the ornate patterns on the floor is beautiful.  What significant things comes to mind about your childhood that makes you the person you are today? 

Shall We Dance?

Dancing is art in motion.  Do you ever just start moving when you hear that song that just gives you so much life?  This is the song to keep in your head to motivate you on the days you feel so blah...I challenge you to bust a move when you hear it and acknowledge that you're well and alive with feeling and emotions.  Don't be afraid to just let loose and DANCE!

Breakfast In Bed

As the days pass much too quickly, it's so easy to get caught up in the daily rut.  It's ok to take time for yourself once in awhile and sleep in.  We all have responsibilities, but we must also give ourselves permission to breathe and enjoy.  Other than snow days, vacation days, or sick days, many won't take a time out. 

It's so much sweeter to take an unplanned day off of your grind...and still away just for some YOU time...even if it's only for "breakfast in bed."  Enjoy the journey my friends!

A little Esperanza!

Beautiful!
Crowned and Kissed...Esperanza Spalding

https://youtu.be/-IMh9bJmoU0

Just Because

We all need a place where we can gather our thoughts and surround ourselves with amazing moments whether it be over a good book, food, wine, or with an old friend...Shall you dare to venture to someplace wonderful and have awesome experiences?  Live amazing...just because.

Iconic

Coco Chanel

Her sophisticated style continues to rock the world...As one of my favorite designers, Coco Chanel celebrates femininity.  I like the fact that she always stood for independence and creativity.  The world of fashion has always needed her signature style and grace.  I'm a fan of the Chanel brand and I choose to live with elegance and sophistication.  Thanks to the House of Chanel for inspiring little ol' me!  Muah!!!

What fashion icons inspire you?...I'd love to hear!

Today is Your Day!

Promote your positive energy to becoming the best and greatest YOU!  Strive to create good habits!

Artist of the Day

Jacob Lawrence

When you have hope, you have a new beginning.  I think of my own life and how just having an ounce of hope has helped me accomplish many new things and given me the chance to embark on new opportunities.  I have always been inspired by visual artist Jacob Lawrence's paintings.  These paintings were of African Americans leaving the Jim Crow South migrating to the city in hopes of finding better job opportunities and better housing.  These brave individuals took everything they had in order to travel to their new beginnings.  Cities like Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C. and New York are now homes to African American mom and pop shops like barbershops, salons, cleaners, and restaurants.  Some of these institutions would not have been possible without someone having hope and dreaming in something greater than himself.  Friends, remember that your hopes embody possibilities...

The Great Migration by Jacob Lawrence

Unexpected Blessings

Sometimes when you least expect it...Life offers you a surprise.  Living in expectancy is one thing but when the unexpected happens...you can roll with it and count your blessings.  Take time to recognize the lessons that life offers you...and enjoy every minute!