FEIST :
Last night my friend Sonal treated me to Feist’s concert near Times Square. It was amazing. Feist did an excellent Nina Simone cover, rocked the house, and was completely otherworldly. I love that she cranked out a tune on a manual music box at one point. You don’t get much more awesome than surprise tap dances from “The ghost of vaudeville past” and a youth choir jamming with one of the coolest singers in the land. Grizzly Bear opened for Feist and their music was amazing, chill, calming, and woodsy. I felt like I was in a really serene space right in the middle of New York madness. I loved their humility and modesty as well as their use of natural sounds, whistles, and a recorder. The only thing that would have made the night more perfect would have been if Feist performed her version of Broken Social Scene’s “Lovers Spit”.

Cool DIY Digs: I met Adwoa Agyeman at a Reproductive Justice conference on Smith’s campus a year ago. A few weeks ago, I saw her fierce self again at the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Conference selling her HOT designs. Addwoa takes traditional African fabrics and “integrates African aesthetics with contemporary design” making the most vibrant and delicious coats, caftans, dresses, and bags. Support her amazing business. Where we spend our money is powerful. I bought one of her designs and have been getting so many compliments. I’d rather support an amazing independent designer than big corporate clothing giants anyday… Plus these are one of a kind.

The spiritual nature of Jazz:
My sweetheart is recording so many beautiful songs right now and performing his piano magic all over the place. I have always appreciated jazz and its beauty, but i’m learning so much from him about music, the power of silence and timing, and leaving my mind open to experiencing with out thinking. — about being present in the moment.

Jamba Juice:
Pomagranate Paradise. Need I say more?

“No” :
A documentary about intraracial sexual violence against African-American women and girls. As much as this film outraged me it healed me and made me feel whole again. The stories of pain from other sisters filled my blood and grabbed at my heart and my throat. It empowered me and filled me with fire.
Check out

Salamishah Tillet:
I was lucky to have met Salamisha from A Long Walk Home at SisterSong. I love Salamishah for giving us space to use art to heal. Check out her website to find out how you can bring her two hour performance on sexuality, spirituality, self-esteem post-sexual assault to your campus or community. Also be sure to check out their HOT t-shirts that say “Got Consent?”. I have one and rock it all over town.

Dr. Sezelle Gereau Haddon:
For giving me Western and Eastern medicines to help me heal in spite of the pollution and filth that fills my allergy and sinus affected self every day. Without her I would be miserable and the adjustments she has asked me to integrate into my lifestyle have been extraordinary. YAY for MD’s who are also skilled in integrative medicine. It WORKS.

Ryan Adams:
For taking me home when I feel cold in NYC and i’m too far away to get there.

Dead Sea Mud and Salts:
I’m scrubbing with some I bought from Sabon and it is amazing. My skin loves it and wants to roll around and bask in it all the time. It makes me feel closer to the sun and beauty of the Middle East.

Womanist Theologian bellhooks:
I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote all week–
“The rise in black anti-feminism, often spearheaded by a focus on endangered black masculinity, has rekindled false assumptions that black women’s efforts to resist sexism and sexist oppression are an attack on black life. Backlash from whatever source, hurts.”

Jamie Bley:
Jaime Bley is an AMAZING photographer. We connected as a result of a mutual ex-beau who linked us together. I’m glad he did. She is a beautiful soul who captures the essences of life’s pain, struggle, beauty, and joy with her camera. Jaime is one to watch and I promise you won’t be dissappointed. She’s one of my favorite surrealist artists of all time including Dali and Kahlo.