Alone But Not Lonely: My Trip to The Art Museum

Over the past few months, I have been moping around about not having a companion. (I was dating someone long distance and then prior to that I had a summer fling (local partner) that I attended events with.) Once those dynamics ran its course, I was feeling lonely especially since it is the winter time. Bummer! However, my friend reminded me that being alone doesn't mean you are "lonely". In hopes of raising my "Debbie Downer" spirit I begin to do simply things that I once enjoyed prior to my relationships.

The wonderful thing about living in Detroit is, there is something to do daily if you are open minded! Yesterday, I went to do some research for my semester project at the library but adjacent from the library is the Detroit Institution Arts (DIA). When the bus arrive in front of the library, I decided to go look at some artifacts instead of textbooks for inspiration. BOY! I am so elated that I did because the DIA is not only AFFORDABLE but breath taking!
I spent a few hours enjoying the art, crying at the small features films with guests and even inviting myself to school tours by blending in. (Shrugs, I mean all I had to do was write in my notebook and ask questions. I am a student after-all).

I had an amazing day because I did something different than my usual coffee shop routine. It felt good to do something different and exciting alone for a change.
and as for my Winter Blues, well what winter blues?

*What is your favorite activity to do alone?
**I will continue to keep you posted on my favorite outings that I enjoy alone through my Alone But Not Lonely series.

This how the Greeks cleanse themselves with Olive Oil. 

This is from the Egyptian Series I am not certain who this was. I believe  a man and his wife. I do remember reading this piece was in honor of what they desired in their next life. Youthfulness and love. 

From the Americas Series, Two Lovers Kissing. A Older Man and a Younger Woman believe to be the Goddess of the Moon. 

African Art Series: A Man on Horse from Nigeria

This is a palace door. I recently learned that a door  with writing and symbols told wonderful messages about their family. Or even warned a intruder about the family as well. This door is not translated but I love the imagery.

Combs or commonly known as Afro Picks in America

Arabic Bowl from the Islamic Art series: The writing reads "Sincerity demands deeds..."

A modern piece of art from the African Art series. The bowl represents a woman. The long neck of the bowl is in honor of the hairstyles of Kenyan woman & the larger and round bottom is to represent the curves of the women. 

If you want more information about the DIA, visit their website at http://www.dia.org. 

You can also see the artifacts up-close by typing in the title in the search engine on their site.

I apologize for the poor photos. I used my camera phone due to leaving my camera at home. 

Perhaps One Day...

Gratitude

"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."

Henri Frederic Amiel

Personal Writing ~ Part ll

Secrets hidden under funny bones that do not reveal my depth

Sometimes they play peek -a -boo with my friends and lovers

I try to keep packed up and stored away

Maybe perhaps I will reveal them on a rainy day

For a while, I present this facade of goofiness, playfulness

Leaving others to miss my bliss

My intellect

My story that could possible heal someone

Save someone

Build in the community

Attribute to someone's growth

Inspire them

I have robbed them of the bliss

Broken the connection

Sitting like spy watching and observing

Carefullly choosing my wording

Avoiding certain verbiage

When I have something to say

The secret pushes on my funny bones causing them to crack.. and makes me cry

She wants this shift

Where laughter is a temporary relief that leaves my cheeks dry, 

Tears brings cleanse

She wants healing

The time has come to give up on this act

She is attacking the roleplay 

She wants HEALING

Yet it's painful

Growth stretching and bounding me 

Separating and dissecting

Performing surgery on my soul

Opening wounds that were once unspoken

Tracing scars with her full pureness 

Removing the voices of judgment

Embarrassment

Comparisons 

 Replacing it with enlightenment

Snap

Snap

Snap 

Breaking free of this false authority 

This isn't act of desperation

This isn't a reflection of confusion 

This isn't her cry for help 

She is just ready to control this vehicle 

She wants to create progression

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I originally posted this list in January of 2010, 
refer to this links:
 http://conversingcaziah.blogspot.com/2010/01/fun-fund-your-lifestyle.html

and

 revise it in September of 2010, 

http://conversingcaziah.blogspot.com/2010/09/goal-revised-for-atlanta_17.html

 I thought it would be nice to see what I accomplished as of date!

Check out what I have done for the year 2011 thus far!!

·         pursue my goal of my DREAM career..  starting a youth staffing firm and becoming a socialite :)

·         enrolled in school again at Geogria Gwinnett College 

·         living in Atlanta  or maybe the suburbs of Atlanta because of traffic 

·         start a saving account towards trips to Europe and birthday trip

·         start rainy day saving account 

·         attend 3 concerts in the city of Atlanta
( * I attend more than 3 but in Detroit.. Chrisette Michelle is top on the list! )

·         visit the CNN for a tour 

·         Atlanta Aquarium

·         Coke Cola Factory

·         Attend a service at International House of Prayer 

·         Atlantic Station 

·         Buy some items for Ikea for new place

·         Visit Cincinnati and Detroit to see family and friends 

·         Road trip to Savannah, Georgia

·         Maintain a workout  schedule  and look for a workout buddy 

·         Begin to start painting art and taking some course to enhance skills 

·         Visit friends and family on the West Coast

·         Attend a few entrepreneur events

·         Start to seriously think about investing funds into a nest 

·         Find a Trader Joe’s

·         Obtain my passport

·         travel to Toronto, Canada to see my family member and visiting BC, Canada 

·         building and expanding my wardrobe, portfolio and scrapbook again

·         buying a some tech items: digital camera, stereo and a new laptop

·         focus on growth

·         refine what is my healthy health journey: natural hair, nails, and balance diet 

·         to grow spiritual whole and FREELY 

·          BLOG MORE OFTEN 

Did you accomplish any new GOALS in your life? 

I am happy that I reached a lot of my goals this year.

 I haven't reflected on this list since September 2010! 

WOW!

Let's Catch Up! Meet and Eat at The Motor City Brewing Works

As we all know, life can be a little hectic!

 I wanted to do some reconnecting with the different friends I met over the summer and regroup, 

check in with one another! 

So, I decided that a meet and eat was needed.

 We had a great time at The Motor City Brewing Works.

The MCBW is a nice little spot located in the Midtown area of Detroit. 

The funky pizza parlor serves several unique and tasty pies along with their flavor full sodas 

(I personally like the Ginger Beer)

 that the Brewer makes in house and of course BEER! 

Here's some funny moments from last night: 

I murder my pizza with topping (spices) haaa.. inside joke

My lovely friend and actress Celestial Love

We played Guess What Number I Am Thinking .. so I could give away a painting!
C.L won!

I am such a cute eater aren't I?

NOT!!

Brandon ask for my button.. I also made him laugh at one of my bad jokes! 

One the members of The Single Trio Blog, http://thesingletrio.wordpress.com made an appearance, Mz.I Am Chocolate.
 She was really cool! It nice to put a voice to the text!

One of my best friends since Kindergarten.. 

The Writers

Group Picture

It's Halloween Weekend so we saw a lot costumes. This guy name is James and I swore  to the Heavens that he was a teddy bear but he's a Panda!
Thanks James for being a good sport about taking this wacky photo.. 

Minnie Mouse ~ Lauren,
Pocahontas~ Brittany
Panda~ James
with
C. Love and I 

Acting like a Goofball

Rachel's side eye at me after my randomness and bad jokes.. 

I thought this was a dope little display

BEER.. nah, we drank soda..sorry to disappoint you!

My Buttons.. I hear BUTTONS because of Ettaflyy Espy and JennyLou
(the Naturally Flyy Detroit Organizers)

More Buttons!

I am so thankful for those of you who could make it out to hang with me. 

Crown made an appearance too but had another event to attend!

 Thanks for showing love everyone!

Public Display of Affection

The Urban Dictionary Reads:

PDA
	Public Displays of Affection, can be seen in the form of kissing, touching, hugging, nuzzling, cuddling, crossing hands into each other's opposite back pockets, etc.

Let's also add.. blogging.. 

             My heart is so full right now with love..

              My life is sweet...

                              I don't think I could ask for more at this moment...

                        and yes there is a mister in my life now.. smiles 

I am not quiet here yet with the PDA thing but I like this song.

baby steps.

cReAtIng. CREATion...Create

I have been in a bit of rut when it comes to my creating.

I decided that it was a much needed moment for.. 

SOLITUDE!

I spend time embracing myself and writing many notes to myself

My energy was so vamped up that I created 5 vision boards 

Here's some snap shots:

Personal Writing

I recently wrote this piece for my English course class. I thought it would be nice to share some of my personal writing with you.

(Please share some of your thoughts about this piece...) 

       Usually when someone asks me "Who are you?" the first word that comes to mind is artist. I am artist, eccentric, colorful being emerging herself in her creative ability. Many people would envision watching a painter in a frenzy creating vivid interpretation of life. Yes, that is a layer of who I am but also someone entangled in the beauty of life, exploring the capabilities of its pleasures. Life is art. I am constantly evolving, stretching, and eliminating the limitations of one's expectation of what is art.

        Over the summer, I spent time thinking and reflecting on how to break barriers within myself. Many evenings I spent journaling, mediating, and reading; searching for new ways to explore my mental being. I made some new discoveries such I have issues with anxiety. Anxiety has been the source of under achievements. The fear and tension weighs so heavy on the heart at times it is unbearable to move forward. There has been many opportunities overlooked because the lack of confidence. This is something I really regret. Unraveling the ties of this discovery was not comfortable at all but helpful insight. It begins to shape my outlook on myself.

         One thing I accomplished this summer that I am proud of was emerging back into the local art scene. After many conversations with friends and mentors, I decided it was time to face this fear of mines. An opportunity arose out of nowhere. The event was a live painting session at festival called Naturally Fly Detroit, dedicated to women of color with natural (non chemically straighten, i.e. curly) hair. I agreed to "perform" at time event. Sweaty hand palms, beads of sweat on my forehead and trembling, I went in thinking to myself, "How can do this?... Would they even like my artwork?"

     While I painted quietly to myself, many participators admire the painting in progress. They asked questions about training, inspiration, and contact information. I was completely shocked! If I had let my fear dominated over me, I would have missed this lesson of life. There would not be progress to follow. Life's paint brush would be dry and my canvass would be empty. Now when people ask me what is my favorite piece of art? I respond that is a work in progress, my evolvement as a growing young woman, shaping and molding of myself. Yes, indeed I am artist and art.



Saturday Afternoon Blues

Today has been a rough day for me..mentally.

I have been doing some SERIOUS thinking about myself and considering the question we all ask ourselves:

Who am I?

I do know some pieces of me, like that I am:

an artist

a daughter

a sister



a friend

a goof ball

Perhaps I do know a lot pieces of me..

and those pieces make me into a amazing person..