#my favorite poet issa

[silentstaresfanficandfanart]

3 in the morning

My music sounds much sweeter

everything else...bad.

[soracities]

hello!! i was wondering if you or any of your followers had favorite poems about spring? i am writing a letter to a friend and wanted to enclose one to her, thank u for any help!!! love ur blog and all the energy u bring to this site!!

e.e. cummings is great for spring and an absolute Spring Poet™ to me, a few i love:

"[when faces called flowers float out of the ground]"

"[who knows if the moon's]"

"[spring is like a perhaps hand]"

"[sweet spring is your time]"

and a few others:

"The Trees" by Philip Larkin (this is one of my all time favourites)

"Instructions on Not Giving Up" by Ada Limón

"Late Spring" by Mary Oliver (also a favourite!)

"Poppies" by Mary Oliver

"I Have This Way of Being" by Jamaal May

"A Light Exists in Spring" by Emily Dickinson

"Today" by Billy Collins

"O Taste and See" by Denise Levertov

also really adore these two haiku by Issa: (1) and (2)

[arisukingdom]

this is discord's fault ok

The @feudalconnection server now has a prompt event! and I just had to write this little pice for my Inuparents thing (this wip will be published someday ok I promise).

In this Meiji era AU Touga is Izayoi chauffeur and they are still knowing each other..

ps: this needs editing hhahahhahhah

ps2: the prompt was dancing under the stars.

She left the car without waiting for her youkai driver, in trance with the way the moonlight illuminated the cherry blossoms, their sweet scent calling to her, she walked to it stopping only when she could touch the bark, rough, ancient, and so much alive, despite the harsh conditions it was submitted to.

“From time to time The clouds give rest To the moon beholders...” Touga’s voice was solemn, in contradiction with the poem.

Izayoi turned to him, startled to find him so close to her, almost at touch distance “Matsuo Bashō” She said simply.

“You know your poetry my lady.”

“Under the cherry blossoms strangers are not, really strangers” Izayoi murmured the poem, blushing furiously and turning away from him, hoping that the darkness would hide her features and the breeze would take her words away.

Touga hummed, blushing to the point of his ears but he couldn’t avoid noticing that she answered with another poet “Kobayashi Issa” he quietly replied.

They stayed there for some moments, an awkward silence in the air until they could hear music, it was coming from far away, but given their position they could hear clearly, the melody was ethereal at first, a pair of flutes playing lightly adding even more the the already otherworldly scenario they were contemplating.

The intertwining melodies of the two flutes dance gracefully in the air, beneath them a koto joins the party adding a rich and rhythmic foundation to the melody. The flutes' grow on a playful and agile melody, dancing across the rhythmic backdrop of the koto, the joyful rhythm is contagious, Izayoi’s body moving along without her consent, swaying along with the rhythm.

Touga was mesmerized by her, in the past weeks he’d been researching poetry, he never had much interest in it, but since the passionate defense of it by Izayoi he had procured a few books from his favorite bookstore, and in one of them, by Mary F Robinson he found a perfect poem for this moment:

“O beat and pause that count the life of man, 

Throb of the pulsing heart! 

Ripple of tides and stars beyond our scan! 

Rhythm o' the ray o' the sun and the red o' the rose! 

Thrill of the lightning's dart! All, all are one behind our world of shows.” He recited, his voice growing strong with each word.

By the end, Izayoi had paused her dance, she lifted an eyebrow in defiance and inquired “Western poetry?”

He grinned “not everything they do is wrong and immoral you know?” 

“Yes, you have a point” she acquiesced and, in a mocking of western etiquette she invited him to dace, as a men would do, offering her arm and politely bowing "May I have the pleasure of this dance?"

[liothediabolus]

i read your tags about the tattoos n i just wanted to drop by bc i found them interesting (some i dont know the context/reference of ngl) 😅 i searched the japanese one but im really curious why. hope you get one from those some day! :>

aw thanks!! and if u don't understand the references for my tattoo ideas that is honestly for the best bc they are all incredibly cringe lol

the Japanese one is a haiku by famous poet Kobayashi Issa and my favorite English translation is

O snail

Climb Mt. Fuji

But slowly, slowly!

something about the imagery of a little snail slowly working his way to the top of Mt. Fuji really stuck w me. is he struggling and persevering? is he simply going at the pace that is best for him bc he is a fucking snail? is he pausing to enjoy the scenery?

it intrigues me greatly!! and it totally doesn't matter that i first encountered this haiku in a daisiga fic LMAO

thanks sm for the ask!!

[badgalkatzha]

What's up Alpha Gang!! Welcome back to my channel if you're new here hi i'm BadgalKatzha but feel free to call me Kiki this is my corner of beauty where i do reviews, full faces of brands, challenges, transformations, 8/10 hr wear test and much more if you like what you see and wants to be part of the Alpha Gang u just need to hit da subscribe button and bell so u don't miss any of my videos you can also follow me on simstagram BadgalKatzha where i have my IGTV/KIKISGLAMTV and i also have more makeup related content. Alright my luvz now da the intro is done let's get started on the actual review

This is the brand new Tati Beauty Textured Neutrals eyeshadow palette i'm very excited to review this palette right of the back is very luxurious the packaging is like matte texture on the outside you get a huge ass mirror you get 24 shades to play with something different da this palette haves is the set up of the shades as you see not all the shades haves names underneath it daz cuz is set up in into four different textures and in six different tones so the textures are glitter, metallic, sequin and matte so daz why they across and each tone have a shadow in each texture this palette retails for 48 dollars is cruelty free and vegan

I don't believe in swatches cuz we all apply our palettes in our lids not in the arms and also ik this is debatable but a formula and pigmentation not all the time can be judged by a swatch this are the colors i will try to combine this shades for today's look is been a while i don't do smokey eyes so idk how this is going to go so y'all wish me luck

Alright luvz i'm blending the shades Memory in matte with Aura i will also try to apply the shade Memory in glitter to make this look pop whenever i play with glittery shades i use adhesive or something to stick the glitter better but i want to try miss Tati by herself the shades blended together very nicely they do look pretty good also the pigments are amazing one issue i have w/this palette is da people might not get her idea witch is very unique also lazy of naming the palette by section the down below is the shade names and the left corner saids the texture of the shade like i said before is literally six shades repeated in different textures issa everyday palette w/nudes and neutrals cuz Memory in Metallic and Glitter looks very cold tone but don't get me wrong they still performs well in case you wondered i use P Louise base to prime my eyes also if you don't see the bangs daz cuz they fake i would never cut my hair for bangs y'all i bought 2 in brown and black to create once in a while looks with em and right now i'm flexin em cuz they make me look like a all different person ok guys now let me finish my other eye off camera and i'll be right back with my final thoughts

I'm back and the look is done just like my thoughts on this palette the packaging is stunning the problem for me is this is six shades repeated in different textures all tho they have different formula i don't think this is necessary i would have been more interesting for me the palette with different colors and different formulas meaning textures and not six shades repeated 4 times in different textures we all have glitters, metallics and mattes in our favorite palettes da makes us confident to use em and we know perfectly the Sequin shades daz something new i would love to see more cuz da Poet shade is STUNNING DA HOUSE this palette is pigmented the glitter formula is to die for however this palette is not for me i'm a colorful bitch i only use neutrals and nudes when i'm on meetings, meet and greets, events, dinners, parties etc but for my looks you guys know i'm always colorful i ain't afraid of color in my eyes this palette is also for the people who wants to support Tati Westbrook and her brand da loves her and supports her from day one i don't see myself reaching for this all tho i will continue using it to maybe grow the hype of this palette in me but i don't see myself doing several looks and hype this to y'all for me this palette is worth the coin but the thing is DO YOU NEED IT? Only if you want to have new formulas in your palette collection as a business standpoint the palette is amazing but as a makeup consumer do we need this? Only if you don't own a neutral and nude palette with different formulas and you feel Tati Beauty is your call this palette is also perfect for people who are intimidated by colorful shades and are just into nudes and neutrals and this palette is perfect too for beginners in makeup but this palette ain't for me but might be for you just keep in mind do you need this palette? Is this going to satisfy my nude and neutrals hunger? If you're interested Tati Beauty Textured Neutrals is sold out so be alert for the restocking day alright luvz this is all for this review i hope you find this helpful thank you guys so much for watching and leave in the comment section what are you into nudes, neutrals, metallics, sequins or mattes would you pass or snatch miss Tatilynn? i'll see you on the next one bye guys 🐺

[starberry-cupcake]

mommakittysworld replied to your photoset “Rachel Chavkin receiving the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical...”

I wouldn't watch a film that was directed or produced by a woman just because I dont think I'd be interested in it. I like horror. The more disturbing, the better. I just dont think most women have the right personality to create a good horror film. I hate comedy, and especially romance. My tastes aren't very feminine.

Ok so, I received this reply on my post about Rachel’s speech on the Tonys. I’m going to block this person outright and I won’t engage in any type of conversation with them. However, I want to post this reply with two intentions: 

1) I appreciate when blogs I follow show these kinds of behavior toward their content so that I can block them and not have to cross paths with them in the future. I highly advice you not to engage in conversation with them, not even to dissent, but if you find their answer as insulting as I did, you might want to block them. 

2) I am going to take this opportunity to talk about a very favorite subject of mine: women in horror. Here is a list of several women who have created content in the realms of horror in the past or who are doing it today, from various standpoints, with various origins and for very different tastes, as well as a selection of examples of their work (there’s so much more they’ve done!). Tread with caution because horror is not devoid of triggers. Whatever I haven’t seen or read in this list is at least included in my to-watch/read lists. This person might not appreciate them, but I know someone out there will. 

Ann Radcliffe (writer)

The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794)

Mary Shelley (writer)

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (writer)

The Yellow Wallpaper (1890)

Daphne Du Maurier (writer)

Jamaica Inn (1936), Rebecca (1938), My Cousin Rachel (1951), The Birds and Other Stories (1963)

Shirley Jackson (writer)

The Haunting of Hill House (1959), We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962), The Lottery and other Stories (1949)

Joyce Carol Oates (writer)

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? (1966), Zombie (1995)

Alejandra Pizarnik (writer and poet)

The Bloody Countess (originally called: La condesa sangrienta) (1971)

Anne Rice (writer)

Vampire Chronicles (1976–present)

Debra Hill (writer and producer)

Halloween (1978), The Fog (1980), Halloween II (1981)

Angela Carter (writer)

The Bloody Chamber (1979), The Company of Wolves (1984)

Susan Hill (writer)

The Woman In Black (1983), The Mist in the Mirror (1992)

Kathryn Bigelow (director)

Near Dark (1987)

Narumi Kakinouchi (mangaka)

Vampire Princess Miyu (originally called: 吸血姫 美夕) (1988-2002)

Mary Lambert (director)

Pet Sematary (1989)

Marina Sargenti (writer and director)

Mirror Mirror (1990)

Fran Rubel Kuzui (director)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Jennifer Lynch (writer and director)

Boxing Helena (1993)

Laurell K. Hamilton (writer) 

Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter (1993-present)

Tananarive Due (writer)

The Between (1995), My Soul to Keep (1997), The Good House (2003), Trial Day (2003), Aftermoon (2004), Ghost Summer: Stories (2015)

Octavia E. Butler (writer)

Bloodchild and Other Stories (1995), Fledgling (2005), also has a lot of sci-fi themed books

Kei Fujiwara (writer and director)

Organ (originally called: オルガン) (1996)

Kelly Link (writer)

The Specialist’s Hat (1999)

Mary Harron (writer and director)

American Psycho (2000)

Guinevere Turner (writer)

American Psycho (2000)

Karen Walton (writer)

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Linda Addison (poet)

Consumed, Reduced to Beautiful Grey Ashes (2001)

Ann Hui (director)

Visible Secret (originally called: 幽灵人间) (2001)

Marina de Van (writer and director)

In My Skin (2002)

Elizabeth Kostova (writer)

The Historian (2005)

Helen Oyeyemi (writer)

White is for Witching (2009)

Karyn Kusama (director)

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Diablo Cody (writer)

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Gemma Files (writer)

A Book of Tongues (2010), A Rope of Thorns (2011), A Tree of Bones (2012)

Tiffany D. Jackson (writer and director)

So I Married A Vampire (2010), The Field Trip (2011)

Seanan McGuire (writer)

Feed (2010), Deadline (2011), Blackout (2012, Feedback (2016)

Asa Nonami (writer)

Body (originally called: 躯) (2012)

Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska (writers and directors)

American Mary (2012)

Lauren Beukes (writer)

The Shining Girls (2013), Broken Monsters (2014)

Melissa Hunter (writer, director and actress)

Adult Wednesday (2013-2015)

Axelle Carolyn (writer and director)

Soulmate (2013)

Jennifer McMahon (writer)

The Winter People (2013)

Marisha Pessl (writer)

Night Film (2013)

Jennifer Kent (writer and director)

The Babadook (2014)

Kelly Sue DeConnick (writer), Emma Ríos (writer and illustrator) & Jordie Bellaire (colorist)

Pretty Deadly (2014-2016)

Ana Lily Amirpour (writer and director)

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

Julia Penner (writer)

Stage Fright (2014)

Leigh Janiak (writer and director)

Honeymoon (2014)

Krysty Wilson-Cairns (writer)

Penny Dreadful (comic books and tv series) (2014-2016)

Diane Ruggiero-Wright (writer)

iZombie (2015-present)

Agnieszka Smoczyńska (writer and director)

The Lure (2015)

Anna Biller (writer and director)

The Love Witch (2016)

Julia Ducournau (director and writer)

Raw (2016)

Sarah Adina Smith (director and editor)

Mother’s Day segment in Holidays (2016)

Mariana Enríquez (writer)

Things We Lost In The Fire (originally called: Las cosas que perdimos en el fuego) (2016)

Mariana Travacio (writer)

Flowerbed (originally called: Cantero) (2016)

Issa Lopez (writer and director)

Tigers Are Not Afraid (originally called: Vuelven) (2017)

Jac Jemc (writer)

The Grip of It (2017)

Carmen Maria Machado (writer)

Her Body and Other Parties (2017)

Emma Tammi (director)

The Wind (2018)

Teresa Sutherland (writer)

The Wind (2018)

Nicole Snyder (writer)

The Perfection (2018)

Stacie Passon (director and writer)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (film) (2018)

If anyone wants to add some more to this list, you’re welcome to do so. I absolutely also recommend, if you’re interested in the subject, following @horrorladies​ ♥

[achraf1149]

100 MUST-READ HILARIOUS BOOKS

Mara Carlyle’s senior year goes as usually as might be expected until—we-bam!—fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes throughout playing period pre-calc. Katelyn is that the 1st, however she won’t be the last juvenile person to increase unexpectedly or clarification. because the seniors still pop like balloons, sensible and humourous Mara narrates the tip of their world as she is aware of it. however, inside associate degree, explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, long friendly relationship, and also the hope of creating it to graduation lies a funny, super honest, and moving story of being a teen and also the sorrow of claiming auf wiedersehen.

There’s virtually nothing I like quite a literate comedy. If you, like me, fancy each an excellent book and a deep belly-laugh, I’ve compiled an inventory of must-read books only for the U.S. (in no explicit order as a result of they’re all hilarious).

I know you’ll have felt regarding this list, as a result of all book lovers have felt regarding book lists, am I right? Let ME grasp what I incomprehensible, what you're thinking that I got wrong, and what you're thinking that I got right.

1. Is everybody Hanging Out while not Me? (And different Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

2. Has Anyone Seen My Pants by wife Colonna

3. Neil Patrick|St. Patrick|Apostle|patron saint} Harris: opt for Your Own life story by Neil Patrick Harris

4. The transient Wondrous lifetime of honor Wao by Junot Bartholomeu Dias – This one has each mirth and poignancy, therefore it’s a small amount a lot of mixed than another title on this list.

Crazy wealthy Asians5. Crazy wealthy Asians by Kevin Kwan

6. A enter The Woods by Bill Bryson

7. symptom by Nora Ephron

8. Varano by César Aira – Translated from Spanish, it’s got a small amount of Monty Python-esque shtick hidden in beautiful prose.

9. My Man Jeeves (Jeeves #1) by P.G. Wodehouse

10. Gil’s All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez

11. the way to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston

12. mindlessness by Horatio Castellanos Moya

13. Texts from Jane Eyre: And different Conversations together with your Favorite Literary Characters by Mallory Ortberg and Madeline Gobbo

See You Next Tuesday14. See You Next Tues by Jane Mai

15. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

16. Bossypants by Tina Fey

17. solace Farm by Frank Stella Gibbons

18. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis

19. Go the Fuck To Sleep by Adam Mansbach

20. to mention Nothing Of The Dog by Connie Willis

21. Misconceptions by Blu Daniels

22. Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

23. The poor Diaries: The fully True and humourous Misadventures of a decent woman Gone poor by Angela Nissel

24. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

25. a foul plan I’m on the point of Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and spectacularly Awkward journey by Chris Gethard

the lake affair by opaque gem Fforde26. The lake Affair by opaque gem Fforde (a whole awing series!)

27. The blue blood Bride by William Emma Goldman

28. The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by easy lay Brooks

29. the way to Be a lady by Caitlin Moran

30. Blonde Bombshell by Tom Holt

31. The perfidy by Paul Beatty

32. exaggeration and a 0.5 by Allie Brosh

33. I speak Pretty in some unspecified time in the future by David Sedaris

Lamb34. Lamb: The Gospel consistent with Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Saint Christopher Moore – the sole Good Shepherd comedy I do know that's beloved by nonbelievers and Christians alike.

35. The Cry of the Sloth by Sam Savage – This book honestly had ME in stitches. If you liked A Confederacy of Dunces, browse this one.

36. The company by easy lay Barry

37. You Can’t bit My Hair And different Things I Still need to justify by Phoebe Robinson

38. the color of Magic (Discworld #1) by Terry Pratchett (You don’t even have to begin at #1 in Discworld; I believe I started with #33 and it was extremely pleasurable. There’s a graphic here that outlines the various sub-series and their 1st books, just in case you wish to leap around.)

39. smart Omens: the great and correct Prophecies of Agnes oddball, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

40. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by The Little Giant Adams

41. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Such a fairly Fat42. Such a fairly Fat: One Narcissist’s Quest to get if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look huge, or Why Pie isn't the solution by Jen Lancaster

43. Don Quixote by Miguel Diamond State Cervantes Saavedra

44. Home Land by Sam Lipsyte

45. Typical Yankee by Gish Jen

46. The Importance of Being Earnest by writer

47. I used to be Told There’d Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

48. life story of a Fat Bride: True Tales of a fake Adulthood by Laurie Notaro

49. The Regional workplace Is beneath Attack! by Manuel Gonzales

50. trendy Romance by Aziz Ansari

Adulthood may be Myth51. Adulthood may be a Myth: A “Sarah’s Scribbles” assortment by wife Hans Christian Andersen

52. What If Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd hypothetic queries by Randall Munroe

53. somebody may Get Hurt: A Memoir of Twenty-First-Century parentage by role player Magary

54. The Adventures of Holly White and also the unimaginable Sex Machine by Krissy Kneen

55. Killing aunty by Andrzej Bursa

56. I'm Not thespian by Percival Everett

57. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

58. The Grass is often Greener Over the storage tank by Erma Bombeck

59. Shrill by social dancing West

60. On Beauty by Zadie Smith

61. Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

62. the net may be a Playground by David Thorne (side-splittingly funny)

63. A summer solstice Night’s Dream by a poet (SHAKESPEARE IS HILAIRE)

64. Blackass by A. Igoni Barrett

65. Let’s fake This ne'er Happened by Jenny Lawson

I Hate Fairyland66. I Hate Fairyland by Skottie Young

67. Mother, are you able to Not? by Kate Siegel

68. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

69. The Misadventures of Awkward Black woman by Issa Rae

70. saint Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

71. It Gets Worse by Shane town

72. Octopus Pie by Meredith grandmother (fave webcomic ever . . . perhaps favorite comic ever)

73. Redshirts by John Scalzi

74. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

75. Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut

76. ar You There, Vodka? It’s ME, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

77. Smashed, Squashed, Splattered, Chewed, Chunked and Spewed by Lance Carbuncle

78. The completely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

79. vocalizer and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan

80. I'm America (And therefore will You!) by author sauce

Dora A Headcase81. Dora: A Headcase by Lidia Yuknavitch

82. the space by Jonas Karlsson

83. American state Roadkill by Tim Dorsey

84. associate degree simple Abroad: The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington by Karl Pilkington

85. The Gun merchant by Hugh Laurie

86. The unabridged Devil’s wordbook by Ambrose Bierce

87. I’m judgment You: The Do-Better Manual by Luvvie Ajayi

88. Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen

89. The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

Clown Girl90. Clown woman by Monica Drake

91. this is often wherever I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

92. biscuit by Fran Ross

93. The Sugar opaque Nutsack by Mark Leyner

94. part Blues by patron saint Wensink

95. The Road to Wellville by T.C. Boyle

96. The Assimilated Cuban’s Guide to Quantum Santeria by Hector Hevodidbon Hernandez

97. a woman Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

98. Job: A Comedy of Justice by Henry M. Robert Robert Anson Heinlein

99. Ella cyprinid fish Pea: A increasingly Lipogrammatic epistolatory Fable by Mark Dunn

100. Super unhappy True story by point of entry Shteyngart

[lolitasbelleepoque]

tagged by: the beautiful  @quinnpacqard

nickname: D, Rose and Dory among others - i have many-

Star sign: Capricorn

Height: 5′2

Last film i saw: Dead poets society

Favorite Musician: Half Alive, Blossoms IDKHBTFM, Alec Benjamin

Song stuck in my head: Cool people by Alfie Indra

Other blogs: A personal blog dedicated for my school portfolio about literature.

Blogs following:  446

What im wearing:  White crop top that says ‘intuition’ and the meaning of it, blue bell jeans and black vans.

Dream Job: Im studying to be a Lawyer but id love to be a writer or a tattoo artist someday too.

Dream trip: Paris, France. Basically take a picture with the Eiffel Tower.

Favorite food:  Spring rolls and Seafood.

Languages: Castellano (a derivation of Spanish), English and a BIT just a BIT of Russian.

Favorite Songs: Crazy by Gnarls Barkley.

Random fact: My birhtday is on December 24th, so i get extra presents.

I tag: @sharkchunks and @ari-issa-larry

[obsidianarchives]

Black Woman Creator: Afiya Augustine

Hailing from the tropical isle of Trinidad, Afiya Augustine is a writer, freelancer, podcaster, and creator of Pretty Poet Ink, an online handcrafted accessories boutique. Afiya finds tons of inspiration for her work from her love of pop culture, nostalgia, history, science fiction and fantasy. When she is not crafting, she spends time listening to music, tweeting, writing poetry and prose, posting photos of her family, catching a flick, or learning something new. We spoke to Afiya about being a creator, balancing creating with a nine to five, and who some of her favorite Black women creators are.

Black Girls Create: What do you create?

I create quite a few things, actually. First and foremost, I am a writer. I’ve been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since I was twelve and have been a professional entertainment writer/editor for well over five years.

Next, I am the creator and founder of Pretty Poet INK — an online boutique of handcrafted wonders. I both design and create a plethora of things, which (at the moment) includes wearable and useable art otherwise known as jewelry and accessories. With my jewelry,  I often use actual semi-precious stones, crystals, glass and wood beads, in addition to plated and precious metals. My accessories are mostly fabric-based items like bow ties, hair bows, and I’m slowly venturing into things like wallets and pouches. In addition to pieces that are of my own design, I also do custom pieces for others, usually for special occasions like weddings.

Lastly, I host a podcast, called ‘Adult-ish’, which is tackles the everyday trials and tribulations of transitioning into adulthood and all the responsibilities that comes with it no one ever really tells you about.

BGC: Why do you create?

I started creating because quite honestly, I liked it. I’ve always been a person interested in creating. I like to express the way I’m feeling through my various crafts. I use my writings to express my emotions, thoughts, daydreams, and wishes. I used my jewelry to convey a feeling, a connection to a certain aesthetic, imagery. I love the idea of bringing something from my imagination to life. It’s very calming and it's also a feeling of accomplishment to see something start as just a few beads or a thought and watch it come together as a necklace or a poem.

The same kind of goes for my podcast. I record to connect; to share my experiences with others who may have gone through the same things I have.

BGC: Who is your audience?

I create for an audience of like-minded individuals, which at times is a very small group. As it pertains to anything I write or record, I’m reaching out to an open-minded audience, individuals who aren’t afraid to push their boundaries or ask silly questions. With regard to my jewelry, a lot of my pieces are for those who are OK and accepting of something “different,” who can find a deeper meaning in the baubles and connect to them on the level from their inspiration.

For instance, I really love historical content so biographical films or movies set in different decades fascinate me and can be reflected in my work. I also love MCU and DCEU films and books, so you’ll find pieces dedicated to that. Science-fiction and fantasy are genres I’ve been reading since I was a child, so some of my pieces are emblematic of those worlds as well as countries and cultures I’ve never seen but wanted to.

Overall, everything I create is for the nerds, the historians, the world traveler, and those who can find themselves lost in fantasy and wonder.

BGC: Who or what inspired you to do what you do? Who or what continues to inspire you?

I can’t recall when I was first inspired to write. I just remember picking up a pencil and making a story. I can remember when I was about seven or eight years old, I was with my mom visiting my aunt in the hospital. She was dying of cancer and so my mom was there with her speaking to the doctors. I was moving around a lot, so my mom fashioned a little book out of medical tape and napkins. She gave me a pencil and so I wrote a little story with illustrations. I remember my aunt even peaking, asking my mom, “What is she doing?” and I just kept making my little story. Since then, I’ve just kept a pen and a piece of paper on my person at all times.

I was inspired to start making jewelry when I worked in the bead shop of a craft store. It was one of my first jobs out of college back when trying to get a job in editorial was a long shot thanks to the recession. I would glance in magazines like Beadstyle or Stringing and see all these beautiful pieces and think, “how can I inject a bit of myself into this?” I loved the color compositions, the textures, and I wanted to make them expressive of who I was and what I could do. It was about bringing something to life… even though it’s an inanimate object, proving to myself that yet again, there was something I could do. And I’m continually inspired by the idea of being able to make something new. Putting a new object into the world. A sense of pride and accomplishment washes over me with each piece. So much so that I often find it hard to sell them! It’s me saying to myself, “Yes. I made that. I can make it and I did make this.”

The podcast came out of a conversation with a friend who thought our random, off-the-wall chats would be fun to listen to and so, after meeting with a few people interested in our chatter about turning into adults, a podcast was born.

BGC: Why is it important as a black person to create?

It’s important for Black people and especially for Black women to create because there aren't many of us who can have our voices heard. It’s very endearing to hear or see another Black person creating, whether it’s a book, a comic, a clothing line. I feel like we, as a community, have a super strong purchasing power and are always hungry to consume new things and as such, we should be investing in one another. Why not lift up those who can relate to you? Who can create items for you — that not only speak to who you are, but what you are? As a Black female entrepreneur, I’m trying to reach other Black people with similar interests to let them know 1. You are not alone and 2. Here’s a way that allows you to express yourself.

For me, I feel it’s important for us to create to connect to individuals like ourselves and to do so with our creations.

BGC: How do you balance creating with the rest of your life?

Terribly. LOL. I work a full-time job that requires me to travel upwards of 4 hours a day (and 5 hours on a bad day). But I do my best to think of creating. During my commute, I might jot down an idea for a design, write down combinations of colors and shapes that I like, or brainstorm ideas on how to sell or pitch a product. I’ll spend my downtime at work scrolling through websites for ideas, tips, supplies, etc. Maybe put some in a shopping cart and save it for later.

In the past, I used to commit to writing at least one new piece of prose a week, usually about something I observed on my commute home. But that’s when I used to get a seat on the trains. Now, if I have a thought for a story or a line for a poem, I may either jot it down in the Notes section of my phone or post it on Twitter.

On the weekends, I try to record an episode with a co-host one day and craft the next day. The only thing that sucks is that I have to limit my time when the ball starts rolling because I can find myself creating well into the midnight hour. And Lord knows I need all the sleep I can get to have the energy for work.

BGC: How do you balance creating when you feel drained or exhausted?

It’s very trying to balance creating when I’m drained or exhausted because when I’m in that mood, I really want to do nothing but relax and recharge. Sometimes, I will give in, but when I realize I’ve done for too long, I will put music on and sit in front of my table. Often times, touching my supplies, organizing materials, and going through my bins with all the little goodies, brings me back.

BGC: Do you have advice for young creators or ones just starting?

The first bit of advice — learn more about your craft. Next, take your time getting into it. Find a good teacher or mentors who can help you through it. Take a class here and there and see if you really like it or not. It’s OK if you realize it’s not for you.

In the very beginning, I was so excited about jewelry crafting that I spent a ton of money on beads and didn’t know what to do with them. I was also self-taught and found myself constantly looking for tutorials on the web to guide me through. Several years in, I’m still asking the pros questions and learning new techniques as well as understanding there are just some aspects of crafting that aren’t for me.

My writing is OK, but it can always be better. To improve that, I do my best to read one of the many books I haven’t cracked open yet on my bookcase. In seeing some of the different styles, vocabulary, structure, etc. I can better find my own voice.

BGC: Who are some other Black Women creators you admire?

Well, one is definitely my mom. She’s a seamstress and has been working a sewing machine for as long as I can remember. She’s also pretty handy with a glue gun when she’s ready, though I’ve probably surpassed her in that area. Other women I know include Tandeka Fable of Fabl Design and Shirley Blanc of SincerelyMe Sweets, both of whom are crushing it with their startups.

Women I admire from afar include Lorraine West of Lorraine West Jewelry, a handmade luxury brand based in NYC, as well as actor/writer/director Issa Rae because she’s hella dope. I’ve been admiring this woman since Awkward Black Girl on YouTube, and she even gave the OK for me to send her some of my jewelry pieces! Who doesn’t love her, like seriously?!  (Holla at me if you want more pieces, Issa!)

BGC: What are your future projects?

My future projects include expanding Pretty Poet Ink into several brands. As I previously mentioned, I do custom work for special occasions and am looking to bridge that into a bridal brand where I will be making custom bridal pieces and accessories — veils, bouquets, brooms etc.  In the not-so-distant future, I’d like to venture into home decor. It’s my dream to have people not only wearing but living with Pretty Poet Ink around them.

Also, I would ultimately love to finish and publish at least one novel, and a chapbook of poetry. And when it comes to podcasting, I’m hoping to land a spot on HBO or Showtime like some other famous podcasts out there. If not that, at the very least a live recording at a little bar with our few faithful fans.

You can shop Pretty Poet Ink here and subscribe to the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as find all her editorial work on her blog. You can also listen to the Adult-ish podcast on Google Play, iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, and Spreaker. Check out Adultish on Twitter as well.  

[sorjomagazine]

by Fabliha Anbar

Walking down in a field of sunflowers, a young woman with a black shirt tucked underneath a cherry red flowy dress passes by. In one hand, she holds a camera, and a notebook filled with untold stories laced in nostalgia in the other. 

photo credit: @@taraolaa

Meet Tara Olayeye. A 22 year old filmmaker and content creator who grew up in the suburbs of Texas. Tara, also known as taraola, uses her storytelling ability and visual art to convey her messages and experiences involving friendships, racism, entering adulthood and Black girlhood. Although the message she’s presenting can be intense and can bring back painful memories, she still provides fun femininity and an nostalgic energy in her short films. 

Tara’s short films have captured thousands of hearts, specifically more than 14,000 subscribers on her Youtube channel, and quickly gained attention. In Spring of 2017, she co founded Emory University’s first female production group, FemmeFilms, whose first film Petals won a Jury Award, the Silver Tripod award at Campus Movie Fest 2017 and was even nominated for a National Golden Tripod Award. 

With her art, Tara connects to young souls and reassures teens, especially teens of color, that they’re not alone. 

Creator and Editor in Chief of Sorjo Magazine, Fabliha Anbar, talked to Tara about how she finds inspiration to create films, the importance of storytelling and how she navigates her space in social media as a young black artist. 

FABLIHA ANBAR: When and how did you start having an interest in creating short films?

TARA OLAYEYE:  It’s kind of weird because I never really had a huge interest in making films. It’s only become a recent passion. I mean, I’ve always been a fan of movies and music videos and stuff, but I never thought to actually make my own stories until a few of my friends in college kind of forced me to take a narrative film making class with them fall of 2016. I had been making videos on Youtube before taking this class, but I was super intimidated and nervous to start this class because I had no idea what stories I wanted to share and how to make a film. I thought of film making as this thing that had a set of rules and practices, like there was a linear, standard way to make a film. But after I made my first narrative film, I started realizing that film making really can be a personal and artistic journey and I instantly fell in love with it.

photo credit: @@taraolaa

  FABLIHA: Your short films have a distinct artistic style promoting fun femininity and youth in teenage girls of today. What or who influenced and inspired you to develop your aesthetic? 

TARA: Not one thing or person really inspires the artistic style of my short films. I’m really inspired by so much and try to seek inspiration everywhere. I’m really inspired by music that I can dance or slay to, bright colors, nostalgia, and energy.

  photos credit: @taraolaa

FABLIHA: The short films you have created explores a wide array of topics that young teens face on a daily basis. Issues from sex, friendships, and even being the token black friend. Why do you think it’s important to emphasize on these topics?

TARA: Emphasizing these topics are important because of how relatable they are. These are real stories that are often silenced or minimized. I feel like it’s so necessary to shine light on these types of conversations and conflicts because seeing yourself/your struggle in film (or media in general) can really be a healing tool and it helps you feel less alone.

Tara created a short film called Token, which explores microaggressions black teens face. She says;

“I made this film to express and reflect on racially charged microaggressions and inner turmoil that I have dealt with growing up and I still deal with (Kemi O is lowkey baby me! surprise!). I hope that this project can work as a voice for all the black kids out there that don’t want to speak up/defend themselves because of the fear of being severely misunderstood and ostracized. Your choices are valid! AND I hope that this project will spark conversations about these issues.”

Watch Token here:

  FABLIHA: Each of your videos are completely original and holds their own stories with beautiful visuals as well with an inspiring narrative. Take us through your creative process and your routine of how you think of ideas for short films.

TARA: I don’t really have a process. Honestly each journey to make a short film is so different. I do a lot of brainstorming, just writing down ideas even if they aren’t the best. Hearing a song that I really like [helps makes me] grow super connected [and also] ignites ideas as well. Once I have a solid idea and write up a script I ALWAYS make a moodboard! . This is one of my favorite parts because I love visuals and figuring out the look and feel I want for a film project.

FABLIHA: Who are some other content creators (artists, writers, poets, Youtubers, etc.) that you’ve been interested in lately? Who are you inspired by?

TARA: I’ve been really intrigued by this band called St. Beauty. I haven’t actually listened to their music but there was a clip from one of their music videos that I saw on Instagram that blew my mind.

Content creators and fellow young artists that I’m forever inspired by are; Julia Ling Kelleher, Rian Phin, Glenda Lissette, Mark Aghatise and Mostyle. I’m also incredibly inspired by Issa Rae and Solange.

FABLIHA: You’ve posted a video a while back called ‘Internet Fame and Why It’s Discriminatory/Racist’ exploring the limited options for marginalized groups on social media and explained how popular social media influencers get the attention they receive mainly because they’re white and conventionally attractive. How do you navigate and create visibility for yourself on the internet while also creating a safe space for people of color with your short films?

TARA: I feel like I navigate and create visibility for myself by just being me. By creating what I want to create and doing what I want to do with my art. Being both black and a woman on the internet is a challenge and can be terrifying at times. I’ve experienced the fear and anxiety that comes when people attack you simply because you’re black and a woman demanding space online, but out of love for myself and a desire to share stories that people like me can relate to, I’ll continue to raise my voice by creating what feels right for me.

FABLIHA: Do you have any advice for young creators who are having difficulty getting through their creative block and are trying to navigate their own style?

TARA: Creative blocks are tough but trying to fight it or resists can make it worst. Just embrace the fact that it’s happening, it’s all a part of process and it will pass. 

My advice for finding your own style would be to really tap into yourself as you make your art. It’s so easy to look at other creators (especially online) and feel pressured to make work that’s similar but honestly your greatest power as a creator is your personal perspective. If what you want to make isn’t trendy or super “in” at the moment, that’s fine. Do what feels right for you. If you have no idea what your style even is, I think the best way to find it is to just create. Even if you’re not happy with what you’re making. Just create. No one knows what they’re doing or going when they begin! The most important thing is that you’re creating something. You’ll be surprised by how your personal style naturally unfolds and blooms.

FABLIHA: Lastly, what are your long term goal(s)?

TARA: I’m really just taking life one step at a time so I don’t really have any super long term goals. I just want to continue creating and growing as an artist and filmmaker and see where my work and creative energy takes me.

It’s easy to get lost in the world and feel as though you’re alone. Thanks to Tara and her extraordinary magical art, she’s breaking barriers while constantly connecting to thousands of teen souls with a camera in one hand and a notebook filled with untold stories laced in nostalgia in the other. 

Subscribe to her channel here & 

follow her on instagram @taraolaa

Meet this young filmmaker who’s connecting to teen souls through storytelling

by Fabliha Anbar Walking down in a field of sunflowers, a young woman with a black shirt tucked underneath a cherry red flowy dress passes by.

Meet this young filmmaker who’s connecting to teen souls through storytelling by Fabliha Anbar Walking down in a field of sunflowers, a young woman with a black shirt tucked underneath a cherry red flowy dress passes by.

[lovelacemagazine]

Chantelle’s Favorite Books of 2017

When the year 2017 first began, I made a pact with myself that I would get back into reading books. This was somewhat important to me because growing up, I was always reading. My shelves at home were beginning to bend from the amount of books I have sitting on them, but dust was also collecting there from lack of being used much.

The Borders bookstore near my home closed down a few years ago so it became harder to get access to books over time. (I’m not a huge fan of e-readers as I prefer to have a tangible book in my hand.) When January began, I went to my local library and started checking out books as well as ordering a few off of Amazon. I didn’t read a ton of books in the year 2017 but I’m proud to have read the few that I was able to get my hands on. Of the handful of books I got lost in this year, here are the top four that I couldn’t seem to put down.

4. Black Against Empire: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party by Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin

Black Against Empire tells the story of the Black Panther Party from start to finish. How Fred Hampton and Bobby Seal met in college and how they took their stand against police brutality towards people of color and turned it into the Black Panther Party. I particularly enjoyed this book because it cleared up any judgements or misconceptions I’d formulated about the BPP prior to reading.

I think many of us can agree that when learning about the racial tension and Civil Rights era of history, many truths were left out and/or twisted, often times against the oppressed. When it comes to the BPP, I was taught that the Panthers were a polar opposite of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his followers, using violence to get their point across rather than peaceful protests. The afros, guns, ammunition, and all-black outfits made this believable for a 12-year-old.

Black Against Empire proved the Panthers to be so much more than just violent social justice warriors. The Black Panther Party took care of the Black community, provided free breakfast for less fortunate children, and held free clinics for Blacks who could not afford healthcare and so much more. They were, in fact, militants and radicals who fiercely stood for the rights of African Americans against racist law enforcement officers, only using violence in retaliation or when necessary.

3. I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

https://www.amazon.com/Know-Why-Caged-Bird-Sings/dp/0345514408

An oldie but a goodie. I actually read this autobiography years ago in high school and even then, it had been on shelves for decades prior. I have a habit of reaching for books I’ve already finished so Caged Bird was a definite when I was looking for a book to re-read.

Caged Bird is an autobiography written by Angelou in 1969, detailing her early years living with her grandmother in the south. The book is as painful to read as it is enjoyable. I flipped through many emotions reading through Angelou’s recounts of hate, bigotry, and assault at the hands of the many oppressors she and her brother encountered growing up. It helps that Angelous was also a phenomenal poet, as the imagery and word-flow of the memoir has been embedded into my mind all over again.

2. Assata: an Autobiography by Assata Shakur

https://www.amazon.com/Assata-Autobiography-Shakur/dp/1556520743

This autobiography may be one of the best autobiographies I may ever read in my lifetime. Social justice and racial inequality is my passion so, naturally, I opted to read about the ultimate black radical of a generation, Assata Shakur aka JoAnne Chesimard.

Assata was a suspenseful and intense read. Quite similarly to Caged Bird, Assata delves deep into her early years living in New York City with her mother and aunt. The memoir bounces back and forth between Shakur’s childhood and what lead up to her role as a powerful Black Panther Party member, to her time in prison as she awaits trial for the infamous New Jersey Turnpike shooting that claimed the life of a white state trooper, being tortured by guards and state police during her stay.

If you want a personal account from a powerful Black Revolutionary about the politics of the government and white supremacy, this is a read for you

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

https://www.instagram.com/p/BauylxzjAVy/?taken-by=angiethomas

Every now and again I will come across a book whose pages stay engrained in my being for a week or so even after I’ve already finished them; The Hate U Give – yes, just like the Tupac song–is one of those books.

The Hate U Give or THUG as it is sometimes advertised is a piece of fiction written by new novelist Angie Thomas. THUG tells the all-too-familiar story of 16-year-old Starr Carter, a black private school student who alternates between her fancy prep school during the day and her poor, black neighborhood at night. Starr witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer and her world changes almost instantly.

Her already volatile community becomes divided not only between the police and the residents, but also between the community themselves. No one knows what to believe or what to think. It seems the only thing that matters is the truth but the only one who knows the truth of that night is Starr.

Today in 2017, racial tensions in the country are at an all-time high. This Black Lives Matter-inspired novel is incredibly moving and relevant; So relevant that a school in Texas has already banned the book for reading.

Spoiler alert: The Hate U Give has been made into a movie adaptation starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, and Issa Rae*

-

Written by Chantelle Polite

[readincolour]

New Books Coming Your Way, October 24, 2017

A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter by Nikki Giovanni 128 p.; Poetry The poetry of Nikki Giovanni has spurred movements, turned hearts and informed generations. She’s been hailed as a firebrand, a radical, a healer, and a sage; a wise and courageous voice who has spoken out on the sensitive issues, including race and gender, that touch our national consciousness. As energetic and relevant as ever, Nikki now offers us an intimate, affecting, and illuminating look at her personal history and the mysteries of her own heart. In A Good Cry, she takes us into her confidence, describing the joy and peril of aging and recalling the violence that permeated her parents’ marriage and her early life. She pays homage to the people who have given her life meaning and joy: her grandparents, who took her in and saved her life; the poets and thinkers who have influenced her; and the students who have surrounded her. Nikki also celebrates her good friend, Maya Angelou, and the many years of friendship, poetry, and kitchen-table laughter they shared before Angelou’s death in 2014. Longthroat Memoirs: Soups, Sex and Nigerian Taste Buds by Yemisi Aribisala 357 p.; Cooking/Essays A sumptuous menu of essays about Nigerian cuisine, lovingly presented by the nation's top epicurean writer. As well as a mouth-watering appraisal of Nigerian food, Longthroat Memoirs is a series of love letters to the Nigerian palate. From the cultural history of soup, to fish as aphrodisiac and the sensual allure of snails, Longthroat Memoirs explores the complexities, the meticulousness, and the tactile joy of Nigerian gastronomy. Calling My Name by Liara Tamani 320 p.; Young Adult Liara Tamani’s debut novel deftly and beautifully explores the universal struggles of growing up, battling family expectations, discovering a sense of self, and finding a unique voice and purpose. Taja Brown lives with her parents and older brother and younger sister, in Houston, Texas. Taja has always known what the expectations of her conservative and tightly knit African American family are—do well in school, go to church every Sunday, no intimacy before marriage. But Taja is trying to keep up with friends as they get their first kisses, first boyfriends, first everythings. And she’s tired of cheering for her athletic younger sister and an older brother who has more freedom just because he’s a boy. Taja dreams of going to college and forging her own relationship with the world and with God, but when she falls in love for the first time, those dreams are suddenly in danger of evaporating. Told in fifty-four short, episodic, moving, and iridescent chapters, Calling My Name follows Taja on her journey from middle school to high school. Literary and noteworthy, this is a beauty of a novel, a divine and tender enchantment. Calling My Name deftly captures the multifaceted struggle of finding where you belong and why you matter. Courage Is Contagious: And Other Reasons to Be Grateful for Michelle Obama edited by Nick Haramis 128 p.; Essays In October of 2016, in response to Michelle Obama’s now famous campaign speech—a powerful salvo for women’s rights and common decency—T Magazine published a dazzling feature called “To the First Lady with Love,” edited by Nicholas Haramis. Here, Haramis expands the T Magazine tribute, by gathering together nineteen essays, fifteen of which have never been published before, from a stunning array of prize-winning writers, Hollywood stars, fashion gurus, and famous chefs including Chimamanda Ngochi Adichie, Tracee Ellis Ross, Alice Waters, Charlamagne tha God, Issa Rae, Jason Wu, and Gloria Steinem—and two of the new essays are by eighth-grade girls. Not only did Michelle Obama use her time in the White House to build a substantial legacy for women, minorities, and health and education advocates, she’s vowed to keep fighting for the causes that matter, now that her husband is out of office. And her impact continues to transcend easy categorization; her cultural imprint is as nuanced as it is indelible. Her influence, it was clear, had been felt in many different ways. Michelle’s persona freed people—especially women—to speak, engage, even dress as they wanted to; she was an accessible insider, representing a thrilling combination of establishment culture (Princeton, where she went to school) and the striving middle class (the South side of Chicago, where she grew up); she was an equal partner in her marriage and parenthood; she had an unabashedly ethical bent; and she had genre-busting style. Still Can't Do My Daughter's Hair by William Evans 96 p.; Poetry Still Can't Do My Daughter's Hair is the latest book by author William Evans, founder of Black Nerd Problems. Evans is a long-standing voice in the performance poetry scene, who has performed at venues across the country and been featured on numerous final stages, including the National Poetry Slam and Individual World Poetry Slam. Evans's commanding, confident style shines through in these poems, which explore masculinity, fatherhood, and family, and what it means to make a home as a black man in contemporary America. 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 496 p.; History The first edition of Joel Augustus Rogers’s now legendary 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Proof, published in 1957, was billed as “A Negro ‘Believe It or Not.’” Rogers’s little book was priceless because he was delivering enlightenment and pride, steeped in historical research, to a people too long starved on the lie that they were worth nothing. For African Americans of the Jim Crow era, Rogers’s was their first black history teacher. But Rogers was not always shy about embellishing the “facts” and minimizing ambiguity; neither was he above shock journalism now and then. With élan and erudition—and with winning enthusiasm—Henry Louis Gates, Jr. gives us a corrective yet loving homage to Roger’s work. Relying on the latest scholarship, Gates leads us on a romp through African, diasporic, and African-American history in question-and-answer format. Among the one hundred questions: Who were Africa’s first ambassadors to Europe? Who was the first black president in North America? Did Lincoln really free the slaves? Who was history’s wealthiest person? What percentage of white Americans have recent African ancestry? Why did free black people living in the South before the end of the Civil War stay there? Who was the first black head of state in modern Western history? Where was the first Underground Railroad? Who was the first black American woman to be a self-made millionaire? Which black man made many of our favorite household products better? October 20, 2017 at 11:00AM from ReadInColour.com http://ift.tt/2xTqRCW