Urban Artistry partners w/ ALBUS CAVUS

This Fall the Albus Cavus workshops at The Fridge DC are back and Urban Artistry is joining in for the fun! Starting this Saturday and every Saturday this Fall join the artist collective for a different workshop with a noteworthy local artist.

http://albuscav.us/classrooms/?page_id=529 (FULL SCHEDULE DETAILS)

Sunday, 10/28/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: Urban Artistry
Workshop: Dance
Fee: $20

Fall 2012 Albus Cavus Workshops are continuing popular educational series that we have offered on Capitol Hill since 2010. Each workshop is a unique platform that combines an artist talk, a performance and a hands-on learning session. You will learn about the roots of each presented technique or a style and get to meet some of the most notable local artists in informal and personal settings. The instructors were selected based on the participants’ requests.

Time and Location: If not noted otherwise, Saturday workshops are from 3pm to 5pm in Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street SE, Washington, DC. The workshops are followed by a social in the same location. Sunday workshops are from 10am to 12noon in The Fridge DC, 516 8th Street SE in rear alley, Washington, DC. Both locations are in walking distance from Eastern Market Metro Station. If arriving by car, please find a spot on near street.

Attire: In general Saturday workshops are indoors, mostly using materials that do not require work-clothes or any safety devices. However, we encourage being ready to get dirty. On Sundays, we plan on using spray paint (except the dance workshop by Urban Artistry) and we suggest wearing clothes that you can get paint on and have a respirator. We provide gloves but feel free to have your own gear.

Fees: Suggested donation is $20 per participant per workshop and $260 for the entire Fall series (15 workshops in total) . We collect the fees upon arrival. Please inquire about scholarships. The workshop fees are used to make this experience possible and they are fully used for the instructor honorarium, all materials and tools, safety supplies, and to support the hosting organizations that provide us with the space. We offer scholarships sponsored by the by AIGA DC and all donors and supporters who visited BLENDED exhibit in June.

Suggested donation for “Art Chill” is $3. “Art Chill” is a happy hour that follows Saturday workshops. It is free for the workshop participants.

Max Occupancy: We try not to turn anybody away, but sometime we must close the door after the limit has been reached. There are no reservations, please plan on arriving a few minutes early to secure your spot.

Schedule:

Saturday, 9/15/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: DECOY (Alicia Cosnahan)
Workshop: Wheatpasting
DECOY will present the history of poster-making and wheatpasting, relating it to her own popular and prolific work. You will experience all the steps the instructor uses in making her art and you will be encouraged to create your own posters. You can take your posters home or test them by pasting them onto a wooden substrate during the workshop.
Materials: Paper, house paint, rollers, markers, acrylic paint, projector, wheatpaste
Fee: $20

Saturday, 9/15/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, 9/22/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: CRI (Juan Pineda)
Workshop: Drawing Heroes and Ordinary Characters
The artist will present his unique style, discuss helpful drawing guidelines and explain all steps that go into drawing on a small scale and enlarging the drawing into a large mural.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers, rulers, projector
Fee: $20

Saturday, 9/22/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, 9/29/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: WHO? (Matt Riegner)
Workshop: 3D Art in 2D Space
The instructor explores all three dimensions in his own paintings and drawings. He will share the tips and steps to consider if you want to draw letters or objects that appear rising up from the paper.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers
Fee: $20

Saturday, 9/22/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Sunday, 9/23/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: WHO? (Matt Riegner)
Workshop: 3D Graffiti
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/6/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Aniekan Udofia
Workshop: Weapons of Choice
The instructor builds the workshop around his popular series “Reloaded” that portraits weapons that spread creativity, imagination and peace. These weapons are pencils, markers and other creative tools. As you meet the artist, you will learn not only about his philosophy behind the artwork but will create your own piece with his directions and help.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/6/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, 10/13/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: JAZI (Kevin Irvin)
Workshop: Stencils
The stencils are some of the oldest art tools that humans ever used. Recently, stencils have gained notoriety as an effective and fast tool for street artists. JAZI will summarize history and highlight some of his favorite international artists. Hands-on section will contain basics of image preparation, material selection, safety tips and instructions on how to cut paper and acetate.
Materials: Paper, projector, acetate, x-tacto knives, acrylic paint, sponges, pencils, markers
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/13/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, 10/20/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: REI XXI (Bryan Conner)
Workshop: Art and Graphic Design
The instructor’s unique and clean style in his pieces goes hand in hand with his graphic design experience. He applies the same principles to a variety projects, whether they are on a brick wall, computer monitor or a printed brochure. You will get an insight into his creative process and valuable tips on how to create understandable and well-composed work of art.
Materials: Paper, pencils, markers, color paper, scissors, glue, rulers
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/20/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Sunday, 10/21/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: REI XXI (Bryan Conner)
Workshop: Aerosol Art
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/27/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Mark Jenkins
Workshop: Tape Sculpture
The instructor’s art is well known in DC and globally. You will learn about his beginnings and influences and will create your own tape sculpture. This is a rare opportunity to create art with Mark who is constantly on the road making art all around the world.
Materials: Packing tape, scissors, cutters
Fee: $20

Saturday, 10/27/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Sunday, 10/28/2012, 10am-12noon in The Fridge
Instructor: Urban Artistry
Workshop: Dance
Fee: $20

Saturday, 11/3/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: CON (Tim Conlon)
Workshop: Graffiti Letters
The instructor, an experienced graffiti artist will lead the discussion about the history and tradition of graffiti and presentation of styles from around the world. You will learn about color schemes, letter concepts and perspective while you work on your own sketches, developing your own style.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper
Fee: $20

Saturday, 11/3/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Sunday, 11/4/2012, 10am-12non in The Fridge
Instructor: CON (Tim Conlon)
Workshop: Graffiti Letters
The instructor will continue the workshop from the previous day by explaining and presenting the same principles using spray paint on an outdoor wall.
Materials: Spray paint
Fee: $20

Saturday, 11/10/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: Jay Hudson
Workshop: Bike Art
Cranky Style is a DC-based business that specializes in complete customization of bicycles. The instructor will present his most recent models and will share his secrets on how to create your own rideable masterpiece.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper, scissors, glue, metal pipes
Fee: $20

Saturday, 11/10/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, 11/17/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: PORE (Bobby Moore)
Workshop: From Characters to Abstract
In his own art the instructor lets his imagination run. Come hang out with him and see how he masters various techniques to draw and paint various types of cartoon characters. They are getting more and more complex, sometimes on the border of abstract art.
Materials: Markers, pencils, paper
Fee: $20

Saturday, 11/17/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

No workshops on weekend of 11/24/2012: Thanksgiving Break

Saturday, 12/1/2012, 3-5pm in CHAW
Instructor: VICE VERSA (Eric Ricks)
Workshop: Metal Sculptures from Recycled Paint Cans
The instructor’s beautiful murals contain stenciled artwork as well as miniature sculptures and mobiles in shape of butterflies. He creates them by cutting empty and recycled spray paint cans. You will explore this technique under his guidance and create your own sculptures from sheet metal.
Materials: Recycled metal cans, sheet metal, metal working tools
Fee: $20

Saturday, 12/1/2012, 5-7pm in CHAW
Art Chill
Fee: $3 or free if for workshop paying participants
Art Chill on Saturday evening is a weekly social hour (or two) for all Albus Cavus artists, students, supporters and friends to relax together, make art, doodle, brainstorm or even critique each other’s portfolios. No planned programming unless noted otherwise.

ILLEST INGREDIENTS 8/24 & 8/25

Adding a New Ingredient... The Illest!

The Illest Ingredient is a regular monthly jam that Urban Artistry has held, most recently in a partnership with U Street Music Hall.

The jam is an opportunity for dancers of all styles to interact and be inspired by one another. The Illest Ingredient has been the mixing of genres, styles, music, beats, and locations. People come from all over the East Coast, and from other countries to compete against dancers with different backgrounds. From Virginia to Sweden and New York to France, the dancers who have entered The Illest Ingredient Battles are diverse! We have had club heads up against choreo heads, popping vs. waacking, and the person who is battling for the first time up against people who have battled in their own communities.

But what is the "illest" ingredient?

What makes these battles so interesting? Is it the joy of battling someone who interprets the music completely different from yourself... a freaking of different beats.. a mix of different genres. Maybe it's like the recipe for grandma's 7-Up cake.. a dash of this.. a hint of this, a dollop of something sweet.. something different every time, so that the mix of ingredients is never the same, but it is always just as good.

While the main ingredient of The Illest Ingredient has been dance, Urban Artistry is about to shake it up!

This week, we are hosting not only Illest Ingredient the all-styles battle at U Street Music Hall on Friday, August 24th, but we are adding not one, but two totally new ingredients...wait for it..... SKATING and ART.

That's right! Urban Artistry is doing it up at a skate park again! Remember the closing day of International Soul Society Festival...FLOW?! There was skating, parkour, graffiti, and dance... and there was that je ne sais quoi! It was that perfect combination of forces and physicality. Now, on August 25th, not only are there a bboy battle ($200 prize) and an all styles battle ($200 prize), but there is also a Best Trick Skating contest.

This month, there are two Illest Ingredients! The first all styles jam is on Friday, August 24th at U Street Music Hall. We have to let the next one marinate overnight. On Saturday, August 25th, Urban Artistry hosts The Illest Ingredient at Wakefield Skatepark in Annendale, VA from 5-11pm.

At this all ages event, there will be live painting on skate ramps and walls by Vice Versa, John Rivers, and Lightup! Art Under Pressure and 3 Pyramids will be there! There will be music by DJ Baronhawk Portier and DJ Mate Masie.

All ages and levels are welcome. If we each bring an ingredient and mix it all together in open cyphers and friendly competition, we will make something special!... 

And as if that isn't enough.. we have a some surprise dessert: An Afterparty at Love Lounge. See you there... and if you can't be there, make sure your are mixing up something good at home and we'll see you next time.

Influences by Johnte Cunningham

Johnte is an Urban Artistry performer.

Many musical influences have had a big impact on my life. Through music, style , dance etc. My musical taste is heavily influenced by the music I heard when I was a kid watching MTV. It was a mixture of Rock/Punk and Hip-Hop/R&B.   As I got older and started to meet new people who soon became my friends, they were listening to music I’d ever heard of. They introduced me to different producers and DJ’s so I got into different kinds of music like Prefuse 73 , Nujabes and DJ Shadow.

Prefuse 73 on Soundcloud

Nujabes on Youtube

Nujabes is best known for his approach to hip hop beats, often blending jazz influences into his songs creating a mellow, nostalgic and atmospheric sound.

DJ Shadow on Soundcloud: 

His genre-bending works of art merge elements of funk, rock, hip hop, ambient, jazz, soul, and used-bin found records.

so...

I blended everything together once I got my iPod. At the time I felt like I was the only kid in my neighborhood listening to this kind of music due to the influences of people who had other tastes.  The diversity in my taste in music had a domino effect and influenced my dancing on a more creative note. I had influences from the sounds I heard, the lyrics, the style of the artist and story. That’s what I love the best... because with all of that, there will never be a dull moment.

I’m a big melting pot of everything I’ve encountered, heard, seen or done.

How far can folk reach?

This week, Urban Artistry’s Executive Director, Junious Brickhouse, is teaching hip hop and house dance classes in Elkins, WV.   

Junious was awarded the honor of being named a Maryland Master through Maryland Traditions, a partnership with the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Historical Trust in 2009 for his work with Desmond Howard and other apprentices through Urban Artistry. He understands the importance of urban dance styles being recognized and included in folk dance intensives.  For house dance especially, the movement and culture is clearly a descendent folk dance culture. Urban Artistry has found great opportunity and collaborative spirit working with genres that relate to house dance, such as Appalachian flat-footing, West African Traditional, Lindy Hop and Tap.

The convergence for Dance Week at Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College is a key place not only for its deep commitment to preserving regional folk cultures, but also because it is part of a University that prides itself in doing just that. The Augusta Heritage Center’s mission is to encourage the wider understanding and practice of artistic expression found in local, regional, and ethnic traditional folk cultures.  

In the past year the relationship between Good Foot Dance Company and Urban Artistry, has grown tremendously. Urban dance and percussive folk dances are working together now, more than ever and these two groups are at the front of the line for that collaboration. 

In order to get a better understanding of the work that is being created through the sharing of folk dance cultures, master/ apprenticeship relations and collaborative projects, take a look at the spotlight Interview of Mr. Brickhouse by journalist Michael Lipin of Voices of America.

VOICES OF AMERICA: http://www.voanews.com/media/video/1474667.html  

Urban Artistry Goes to Artland

The summer months for Urban Artistry means more barbecues, outside jams, sweat, and of course opportunities to connect directly with local neighborhoods within our community.   

We continue our work in NE Washington, DC  by participating in yet another art festival---Artland.  

Artland is a 12 week public art celebration offering free cultural events and promoting creative expression. The events are housed in temporary art spaces (Temporiums), animating public areas and this time revitalizing two vacant store fronts in the Monroe Street area on NE Washington, DC.  

Artland is presented by Dance Place with guest curators from all over the creative community. 

These events will be going on until August 26, 2012.

At Dance Place just a few blocks away, one of our Apprentice Artistic Directors, Desmond Howard drummed for an African Dance class with Coyaba Dance Theater, while others from Urban Artistry gathered at Island Jim’s to perform our educational performance and workshop, Surviving the Times. 

One family brought their 70 year old aunt to celebrate her birthday. She danced with UA and taught us a thing or two!! The audience was especially excited when we played funk music and at the end of the show one woman thanked us for not just doing the dance, but for really going into the history and heritage behind the steps.

This moment in the show stands out, because it really speaks to our mission. 

Nick, an Assistant Operations Director for Urban Artistry and Martial Arts specialist in Chinese Kung Fu, reflects on the importance of creating a living history and archive for our movement.

“Events like this are important, because without the continual refreshment of arts, their respective histories would be lost. The last person who knows how it's taught may pass on and all that remains are their stories.  It is important to keep it going with demonstration, as well as the story. One of the special things about Urban Artistry‘s participation in cultural heritage events is that they are keeping alive traditions that are often 500 or 600 years old. For example, Capoeira, is the descendant of what enslaved Africans in Brazil were doing to hide their fighting discipline and preserve their culture. The same holds true with Shaolin Kung Fu, there is a story there, a story of  thousands of years of struggle and cultural preservation.”

Urban Artistry is committed to keeping the roots and heritage of urban dance forms fresh in the heart of everyone we encounter. One way to reach this goal is to continue bringing a cultural perspective to up and coming arts neighborhoods, like the Monroe Street section of NE Washington, DC. 

More than a Just Dance... by Miki Cabrera

Some time back I was going through some hard times. I wanted more than ever to keep dancing, except I was inevitably hitting an artistic block . On one of the days when I was feeling my lowest, I arrived at Urban Artistry rehearsal and coincidentally ended up having a conversation with one of our directors about my goals in dance. I was asked one simple, yet strong question that really hit home…

He said to me “ Well, you have to ask yourself, why do you continue to dance?” 

I thought to myself, “Well I love it, it's fun… it makes me look cool?” LOL

But if the answer were that simple it would not have gone to the trouble of being asked. The amount of effort that continuing to better myself in dance takes couldn’t be that vain. Somewhere along the way I had forgotten the real truth. I needed to look to my past before I could move forward. I remembered that I always felt an unexplainable need to continue dancing - something bigger than myself,  a connection to others around me. It was like fate, because this was a question I obviously needed to be asking myself. So,  I did and I will attempt to put into words...so bear with me ;-)

Looking back, dance has always affected me positively in life and it continues to do so now. I accomplished so much more when I was dancing, I had bigger aspirations in other areas of life. The late rehearsals taught me diligence, and the physical demands pushed me to be healthier so I could continue dancing. I’ve had to work even harder to continue now as a parent. Though I love dance more than words can express, it comes second to one, and that is my beautiful daughter Joella . She’s also the most important reason I keep dancing.

When she began to show interest in dance I was so happy encourage her in her inclinations. I’m always happy to encourage any activity she wants to try, artistic or not. 

I’ve heard again and again how extra curricular activities  improve  self esteem and help kids do better in other areas of their life.  As for  my own personal experience:  it really just makes for one happy,outgoing little girl! But why should these activities stop when we are children? I believe adults need the same in their lives. At least,  I know I do. It shouldn’t stop once we “grow up”. I’m blessed to be able to lead her by example and show that it's good for me too.

Dreaming big dreams together!

These past 4-5 yrs I’ve had to bring Joella from one class to another and then to rehearsals while she colors or something on the side. Now that she is dancing,  we are balancing her classes and practices with mine. It got pretty hectic at times trying to balance things, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m her biggest cheerleader and she is mine.  She has witnessed me fight to keep dance in my life, and I think that it is something she will never forget.  Kids look to our actions more than our words for guidance; we are their biggest heroes.

I also had a hero once and still do…my dad. He is an amazing musician who has dedicated himself to it professionally since he was 16 years old.  I grew up around him playing music in Bolivia and admired his talent so much. He noticed my love for dance early on and enrolled me in my first Jazz dance class. Something that back then was somewhat of a luxury.  His faith in me is the biggest reason I ever even had to courage to push myself in dance. All the music and arts he exposed me to shaped who I am today and I’m eternally grateful to him.

I remember how I used to dance to loud music at parties amongst the adults till late hours of the night with him. No matter where I went; if there was music, I was dancing. I was that kid who just JUMPED at the opportunity to dance for an audience. There was one style of music that made me want to dance so much more than the others, it made my little heart flutter when it came on…. Bolivian Saya. I would pretend to dance caporales to it, even though I had no idea how back then. Once a year during the carnival, the parade would come through Cochabamba, Bolivia.  This was one of the highlights of my years growing up. I wanted to be a dancer in the parade so badly. It just made me so eager to start dancing as soon as I heard saya music approaching and caught glimpse of the colorful Caporal costumes. The only other time I fell so in love with a style of music  and dance this strongly, in case you hadn’t guessed it, was when I was introduced to soulful house music.  

No matter the style of music… we all know the feeling <3  

It's truly never too late fall in love with our passions again.  Never too late to try to learn more, to reach for what we want ..in fact as adults we NEED to keep learning. I’ve been trying to adopt this mentality and because of it, I FINALLY said F** it  and started dancing caporales with a group for the first time this year. It's one of the best decisions I ever made.  I freaking love it. It’s reminded me even more of all the reasons why I dance and how much I love my country’s culture.

In the beginning, my biggest motivation for dancing Caporal was to expose my little one to her culture and inspire her when she watched mommy dance. But honestly, it's her who truly inspires me when I watch her practice her little choreographies all around the house.  She even tries to teach me a thing or two… she is MY little hero <3 

There is much to find within ourselves to make us better dancers, better artists, better people, even better parents if we only allow ourselves to do so. Little by little I have been shown the answers to why I dance and I have Urban Artistry to thank for that. It was meant to be that I would find myself in a group who believes in the importance of the culture behind the music, the history behind the movements and in passing on these traditions while giving credit to the people who paved the way for us.  We all have other responsibilities outside of dance, but we come together for the same cause. I’m so grateful to be part of something so positive and real. With Urban Artistry it is truly more than just dance.

Every time I enter a house club or cypher, step on a stage or arrive at a rehearsal alongside other dancers…I feel I’m home. It gives me so much to look forward to. When I dance I can feel my pains, my joys, my insecurities ,my strengths, my cultural past and the passion in my heart.  It all can come through in that moment and I’m okay with that, because I want to share it with those who feel the way that I do. Positive or negative it is all inspiration for my art. For all intensive purposes, this is my religion, the higher power I trust to heal my soul. When I dance I am WHOLE!

Be Careful What You Ask For... by Giovanni Galleno

Many people go through their everyday life. How many actually enjoy their time? When I say enjoy, I mean they are satisfied with their actions before they fall asleep. This feeling comes from being able to do what it is you fight for everyday. Some ask for more time with children. Some ask for more hours at the gym. Or even some more opportunities to show what they are capable of to others. What would you do if you actually got that which you have been fighting so long for??? All of us in Urban Artistry have been fighting for something all these years. What have you been fighting for these past years??? Guess what….if you haven’t already noticed….we are getting exactly what we have been fighting for. Some of us are teaching full time, some of us are performing more often, and all of us are learning the arts and the business of arts at an exponential rate.


This brings me to my experience so far in this blessing we have been privileged to upkeep for so long. In a previous blog I spoke of my first real cypher experience. That was something I had been asking for and received in a big way. I chose to accept the gift and then show and tell to everyone (like back in Kindergarten). Now for the past 6 years, I have been asking and working for more opportunities in the arts, education, and my family life. What am I doing with all these things do you ask? I am ecstatic. I am grateful. I am nervous and scared to fail. My family and friends keep giving me strength to succeed. This tells me I have to honor them and myself by maintaining focus on these goals. Taking care of business has become my full time job. Things like more family time with my daughter, more hours at work, taking on more responsibilities with students, and enrolling in community college. This will all take up all of my valuable time. Yet I realized that all these aspects of my life are more than necessary not  just for survival, but sanity. This means showing up for everyone on an all the time basis. This blog won’t really have a cool ending because it’s supposed to be like the cypher… keep it goin yall!