Don’t Get Ready, STAY READY. For any and everything. Let nothing and no one stop you. Find inspiration in all things. Put your heart and soul into your work, because in the end what you put out into the world is what you get back. Be sure of yourself and those around you. Finish what you begin to the best of your ability. Choose your friends wisely, for in time their ways become yours. Do not waste time or effort on those who make you a choice and not a priority. FOCUS, but do not cut yourself off from those who love and support you. Do not drown in your talent. Do not waste your gifts. Learn to recognize your blessings, and do not be afraid to embrace them. Maintain BALANCE. TRUST is EARNED, and not simply given away on a whim. Let people earn a place in your circle, and vice-versa. Love and respect yourself, and you will get love and respect in return, for one cannot exist without the other. SMILE.

Most importantly, BELIEVE. Don’t let anyone steal that joy from you. And keep the door cracked, so God can get in. 

It’s the end/beginning of the week again. 

I’ve been thinking about perception. What we see when we look at other people and how they see themselves is two different things.

When I was a kid, alot of people made it a habit to tell me how smart I was, especially when I messed up or got into trouble. I was pretty shy back then, and people always telling me I was smart didn’t help. I WAS smart, but I only felt more introverted and withdrawn because of it. I was short and skinny and my eyes were big. I remember not being a really big fan of myself until I was around other kids like me who loved movies, comics, reading, science, etc. 

As I got older I realized it was ok to be smart, though I often hid that part of myself to fit in. We were a military family so I’d been to places and seen things that many of my peers (and most of the adults) had not. I was still short and skinny and my glasses were huge. Around the time I started to like girls I didn’t really think any of them would like me. I was wrong of course, but when you perceive yourself a certain way, it doesn’t matter what other thinks, until you begin to realize you are who you are, and truly accept yourself regardless of public opinion.

When people like you for who and what you are NOW, regardless of who were were, that’s a real blessing. No conditions, no picking and choosing what you like and don’t like about someone. Just plain old admiration. I’ve been in many situations where I’ve realized how much I loved or admired people for who they were but refrained from telling them, so as not to “gas them up”. But I’ve also lost some people before I ever had the chance to tell them, and that hurt me deeply on many occasions. Many times we feel what we feel before we say it, and hold it like a good card at poker. And sadly, sometimes we play that card too late.

Love, respect, and admiration is not a card you hold. On the same note, SHOW people how you feel, see, and value them. I lost so many people that I sometimes let the love flow like an unchecked river. In these cases there’s alot of love and admiration just bubbling and I forget my own favorite lesson: BALANCE IS ALL. It’s why they called that most memorable of kindergarten activities SHOW AND TELL. Do both, in moderation.

But don’t be afraid to DO. We are all as God made us, and are therefore worthy of love. We must also all be open to it, when it is honest and true and nurturing. Honestly, after surviving a few bad experiences, its hard enough excepting that we do indeed deserve the good in life. It’s difficult to be “emotionally nude”. It’s easy to simply stand in shadow, looking at the sun and wondering why we can’t have it’s warmth, when all it takes is a few measured steps to bathe in, and truly appreciate, that glow.

After all these years, I know that I am smart. And many other things that are awesome and worthy. Giving and receiving all that is worthy in this life, however flawed and imperfect we are as human beings, is the most perfect thing we can do. Because God loves us, and God is Love. 

On that note, SUM DIGNUS. 

Until next time family…

There is one thing in this world, more than fear, that can handicap us in this life. That thing is the PAST. 

When we are children, we have no backlog of emotional experiences that shape how we feel about new experiences or how we handle them. We leap into each new adventure with wide-eyed wonder. As we grow and “mature”, that changes. Each victory emboldens us, but each failure or hurtful encounter can cower us, embittering us in future endeavors. From these scenarios come limitations, caging ourselves in self imposed bubbles meant to shield us from further hurt, when in fact we are building thick high walls that become emotional prisons which very few people can break into. These limitations find their way into every part of our lives, stifling everything.

Like everyone else, I’ve had bogus and painful experiences. I’ve felt rage, betrayal, disappointment, and the lack of confidence and feeling of being lost that accompanies life’s potholes. What I had to learn, and am STILL learning, is that building a fortress around yourself not only hurts you, but the people around you. You cannot live in the past anymore than you can exist in a future that has not happened yet. Past wars we have fought, whether we triumphed or failed, have only allowed us to become stronger and wiser…if we KEPT THE LESSON AND LEFT THE REST. It’s like keeping old garbage in your house, or rotting food in your refrigerator with fresh food. 

It can be hard, because fear of being hurt or repeating bad experiences is what keeps us in our fortresses. There are people in the world who are careless with others, walking emotional terrorists who cause destruction and ruin wherever they go, leaving bad energy in their wake. Most of us have been in this zone once or twice, and it’s usually because we’ve encountered this kind of person and in trying to cope with the painful aftermath, accidently mimic their behavior for a bit. 

As usual, fear is the root of these scenarios: fear of failure, fear or more pain, fear of being vulnerable. The thing is: THE PAST IS DEAD. Ghosts of painful pasts only have as much power as we give them. I know I don’t want to miss out on amazing, wonderful things or people in my life because of allowing experiences that should be dead and buried to control my present. Fear, as we should all remind ourselves from time to time, is a THIEF. Having faith, belief in ourselves and those close to us, and an unbreakable edict to live without fear, will allow all of us to build a future free of influence from our painful pasts. 

It can happen, when we allow it. 

There’s an old Cherokee legend I like that I read somewhere as a boy. An old chief sits his grandson down and tells him that in all men there are two wolves: one made of light and the other made of the dark. Both wolves struggle with one another, always fighting and always hungry. The boy, curious, asks “Grandfather, which one of the wolves wins?” The old chief replied, “THE ONE YOU FEED.”

The past is dead, and the future is unwritten. The only thing that really ever matters is RIGHT NOW. Nurture your present, and the people in it.

Let’s take care of each other out here family. 

I haven’t written in a long while, and since I’m on the eve of new things I’ve been thinking about alot. New opportunities create an uneasiness in us sometimes, a kind of frenetic energy that can be both negative and positive, depending on the person. I usually become extremely reflective during a period like this: wondering what will happen and also looking over my shoulder at everything that got me to this point.

Some years ago a professor of mine was having a conversation with me about something I’d written for class. I was in my early twenties and was not yet comfortable with what people were calling my God-given talents. My professor was telling me how engaging my piece was while still giving me critical feedback. I remember thinking that no matter how good he thought it was, I didn’t think it was all that great. Nothing he said changed my mind, not even the high grade I received later. The very same professor told me at some point later in the year that I was a futurist. It was the first time I’d heard the word used in real life: a person who studies the future and uses current trends to predict it, or an individual who believes that we create our own futures by the things we do or don’t do now (I certainly have grown to become the latter). He told me if I wasn’t afraid and learned to trust my gift, and in essence trust ME, I would be building an amazing future for myself, one step at a time.

Which brings me back to the present. It took me awhile to trust myself and my gifts, and that set me on roads that did not mix well with my path. I survived some rough periods and lost people I cared about a great deal, and became mired in my grief and loss for awhile. Eventually I found my way back to myself, and to my path. Which most recently have led me to the edge of several interesting opportunities, all related to the thing I love to do most in all the world: CREATE and tell a good story. I plan on giving my all to these endeavors in the hopes that they will pay off and be another building block in that future my professor was talking about. 

Recently I was conversing with someone I care about very much, someone who’s always talking about how sure I am of everything I doing. I asked if they were afraid of the future (which is common and happens to us all at least once or twice) to which they replied “No, I’m afraid of the past. And the present.” That made me think about that moment years ago when my professor was trying to to talk to me about my talents and I wasn’t hearing it because I couldn’t see it in myself…so I DIDN’T BELIEVE IT. Though I’ve tried to encourage and support this person, I realized after remembering my own struggles that nothing I say or do will matter until they see it for themselves. I try to help those I love and care for, and want them to see what I see in them: strength and talent and beauty. Fire. But I can’t make them see it, because if they don’t believe it, its not real to them. Being fearful of your past and the present means whatever future you want will never exist. You are essentially preordaining it. That’s scary because this person is full of talent, but has done exactly what I did early on: whenever things got rough, or it was time to put in the real work to get to closer to my goals, I ran. But eventually, the fun things I did to distract myself became hollow, and the good time people and yes-men disappeared. And I was alone, pondering the time I had wasted being afraid. Afraid of the future. Afraid of the challenges. Most of all, afraid to trust myself. The mind is such a powerful thing.

THAT WAS THEN. NEVER AGAIN.

Dreaming about  the awesome life we’ll have in the future is pretty cool, but eventually we have to WAKE UP AND DO THE WORK. It’s hard sometimes, working towards your goal. But as one of my favorite aunts used to say, work builds character. When we’re honest and open with ourselves and surround ourselves with others like us, we realize that God gave us everything we need to build the future. God doesn’t give us anything that isn’t useful. Your talents, abilities, and/or gifts are meant to be used. BLESSINGS. Wasting them, giving in to fear and doubt, and running away from the things that will give you the life that you want…well…it’s a loss. Because the world does not stop turning, and time keeps moving. We should be moving with it. BOLDLY AND WITHOUT FEAR.

I look forward with excitement to the work I have ahead of me. One more brick in the wall. Hopefully some of you will be along for the ride. Until then…

FOCUS OR FOLD.

FEAR NOTHING.

victoriamahoney:

The #CameraSutra…

AWESOME.

There’s no such thing as simple for most of us. Simple is hard. People seem to avoid simple as often as possible for the complications that, in many ways, make their lives unbearable. If simple is hard, I prefer it. Be upfront. Be frank. And smile….

Welcome Back…

It’s been awhile. I guess life kind of took over writing every couple of days. Now I’m at the doorstep of another years ending, so as usual I’m reflecting. Alot happened this year. ALOT. I’m sometimes amazed at all of the shit that can be crammed into 12 months. Things were born. Other things withered and died. There was rebirth. Some finality. A few disappointments. Some bridges were bombed and atomized. A few were mended or completely built from scratch. Despite the little wars, wounds, and losses…I’m still here. As always, searching. Learning. Letting go. Beginning again.

I love a new start. My grandmother used to say the every single day you wake up is a new beginning, a “day the good Lord has made” and a chance to do it all over again, or do something totally new. I feel that way about a new year. Especially a year like this one. While I’m kind of glad to see it go, I’m excited to see what I can make happen in the new year.

I usually thank a few people, and this year is no exception. I’d like to thank my StripeGang fam (Adidas Originals for the uninitiated) for being a constant source of joy, amusement, annoyance, and inspiration: especially my brothers Flacko, Vic, Andrew, my homegirl Cory B, and last but not least Jeff, who kept me current with all the underground music and fashion blogs. Salute. I want to send love to my homegirl Stephanie and my bro (and her boyfriend) Sonny Daze. Sonny and I are old friends, while Steph and I became new ones. We had some interesting adventures together and I think it’s made us all closer. Family, in all of it’s various forms, is extremely important.

I’d like to thank my brother in arms Kyle Dixon for being there in a major way and holding me down in a few precarious and emotional situations. I truly learned a bunch of stuff about myself in those moments, and I’m glad you were there. Let’s take this Precise Minds/Rogue Agents thing upward and onward. Next up is Kevana Nixon, an old friend who looked out several times and made sure I didn’t lose my mind or my confidence a few times. Nikki Mitchell (my WonderTwin!)…there are no words. our journey of brother/sister love continues to grow and thrive. We’ve both gone through some crazy shit and came out stronger and more truly our authentic selves. My love for you knows no bounds. Netesha Reid checked in with me when I was in ninja mode. I appreciated that. Krystal Menez made me laugh, ponder a few things, and appreciate perspective. Tommy Johnson, for being a big bro/mentor and showing up at just the right time every time. Our convos on music, film, and culture are always appreciated.

I want to thank my little brother Antwon for reminding me, without trying, who I am and where I come from. My baby sisters Chantel and Danielle for growing up to be amazing young women. My parents for doing a bang up job raising us all. Shouts out to Dad for dragging me around the globe my whole childhood. I appreciate it more and more everyday. I wouldn’t be the guy I am today. Tiffany Hardin for being amazing and super cool and the kind of inspiration you can be to your peers when you just have the courage to do you. The homies OG from the NoisyBoys and Daddy Kremix for the overseas opportunities. This year we’re going in!!! The homie Damon Middleton for being an extra cool ass dude and a good sounding board for ideas and thoughts and things. Salute bro. The homie big Jaysun Loushin for being a good and patient editor and for saving our asses in a rough patch. Ola Mobolade for the shot she gave myself and Precise Minds to expand the portfolio and become better professionally and the friendship born from that. Let’s make some moves! My brother Robert Poole for being someone I respect and admire and love like my own blood, and have since day one in New Livingston Hall back in ‘99. Let’s finish the script and do some serious work brother. Ever On The Altar…

I could thank some more people but the list would be a long one, and this thing is starting to feel like the liner notes of an album! I could certainly thank one more person in particular, and I’ll just say what I’ve learned will be with me for the rest of my life, for better or for worse. The important scenarios make a serious impression, but it’s the lessons I hold close…so that I never walk in my own footprints again, but make new, more meaningful ones.  On some Stevie Wonder “Rocket Love” type of shit. As usual, I must acknowledge I’m a soldier’s son and the last of some of the best. Peace to my brothers Peanut and Dino for always holding me down, even from across the pond. To Taj, Nalige, Omella, and the others we’ve lost: I miss you and hope I made you proud this year.

As for 2013: BIGGER. BETTER. STRONGER. MORE FOCUS. NO FEAR. NO HOLDS BARRED. Precise Minds, Rogue Agents, and beyond. Film, writing, and more creative collaborations. MORE. As some things end, other things begin. Saying goodbye can be a rough one, but saying hello is something beautiful. In the words of Frank Sinatra, “It Was A Good Year…”. Until next year, I’ll be preparing to walk on the sun. I hope you all come and join me…

HELLO GOODBYE,

K

HELL YEAH.

HELL YES. ‘NUFF SAID.

dreamhampton1:

• We are making an honest attempt to solve the most significant problems of our day.

• We are building a network of people and organizations that are developing long-term solutions based on the immediate confrontation of our most pressing problems.

• Wherever there is a problem, there are already…