Good Morning Shining Stars!
I am so thankful to see the first Sunday of October. September was a full month - one of accomplishments, transition, and continued analysis. After many months of planning, I achieved quite a few major goals including launching my debut web series Sellout on http://www.visiontube.tv/, successfully executing the http://www.visiontube.tv/ launch event, finalizing the feature version of Sellout and sending it to the Cosby Writing Fellowship, and producing my reel - www.vimeo.com/kristenvcarter. It's a really awesome feeling to check off goals as 'done' and 'in progress.'
Even with hitting the goal list and checking it twice, the most humbling part isn't so much the success of reaching the goal, although it is a proud moment, but understanding the bigger picture. It takes a village to move mountains. It takes love, support, and guidance to cross one finish line and walk to another start line. It takes emotional and spiritual growth to achieve in the physical realm. Our physical accomplishments are only reflections of our continued spiritual work and inner-most progress. I have taken a good, hard look at myself and just said, 'wow.' At the most financially challenging point of my life thus far, I am most creatively open. I thought last year was transitional, hmph, but I was just being prepared for the many changes of this year. This has been a phenomenal year because I was prepared for it. I was weight training so that my spirit could remain a little stronger, I could love a little harder despite what situations I face, and I could walk more confidently through the rain and the sunny days.
I hope the same for you. I hope that my weekly ramblings are received in the spirit in which they are written. If I want you to internalize anything, it's to step out on faith and let the miracle happen. It's to trust ourselves more and walk in the light and love that we are...we are bright beams of light, placed here to impact this world in various ways...if we only believed in the gifts and talents that we instinctively possess...
So, does anyone remember the Straight Line equation aka the Slope-Intercept Form? Last week, I substitute taught at a Public School and my Math student asked me about the 'M' in the equation. What does that mean? Although I haven't touched this equation in over 8 years, it all came back to me in a second. 'M' refers to the slope of a line, more specifically the rise (vertical growth) and the run (horizontal growth) of a line. I explained the entire equation to her and immediately thought about personal growth. When we focus upward and onward, we soar. When we challenge ourselves physically and spiritually, we mature. The maturity is so evident that people can see our exponential growth. They can see that we are rising and running, as opposed to remaining stagnant. Is your life on slope? What are you doing to rise and run so that your lifeline continues to grow?
At this moment in my life, I am (as I said in the last Chronicles) focused on the following - I am a patient person who is always on time. I will add another line to this. I am a forgiving person who sees the good but is aware of the other elements of life. My intention is happiness. My intention is understanding. To get to my greater good, I must be more accepting of people, I must be less judgmental and more open to the world WHILE still remaining clear on what I will and will not accept in my life.
I had a really interesting week. My emotions were all over the place as I observed various situations for what they are and observed my instinctive reactions to them. Very rarely are my emotions scattered but it's not a coincidence that I faced these challenges as I celebrated one of the biggest accomplishments of my creative life thus far. So here are a few challenges - I am not happy when people want me to understand them but could care less to understand me. I am not happy with the state of the Black community (more specifically the Black family and male/female relationships). I am not happy when people waste my time and their own, when people take my kindness for weakness, and when people don't realize you (just like I) can be replaced so stop acting up! (Within the last two weeks, I have a new found appreciation for Beyonce's Irreplaceable AKA To the Left. I hated that song two years ago.)
However, I am happy when I can stay calm a day longer. I am happy when I can take a moment to reflect and try to see the lesson in a situation. I am happy to be challenged because without obstacles, I will not grow. I am happy to be at the helm of a burgeoning production as I prepare for bigger experiences. I am happy to learn and exhibit self-control during a chaotic time. I am happy to be a better me. I am happy to be happy in this moment because I control my happiness. Balancing the different emotions and circumstances of life is a juggling act but we can do it!
I will not learn to rise and run if I don't stay focused on the exponential growth. So although I was emotionally tried this past week, I am happy to learn, grow, and transform into my best self. Where's Oprah? I want a hug! Actually, I seriously do want a hug. :)
I love you all.
XOXO,
Kristen Victoria
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The ‘Ground Rules’ Chronicles of Kris – 09.17.10
Happy Friday!
I am wide awake, patiently waiting for The Cosby Show on Nick at Nite. I can't believe the programming department has limited Claire and Cliff to one hour a night! I don't want to watch The Nanny or Family Matters. This is a travesty and the main cause of decreasingly insomniatic habits.
Let's get right to it. Recently, a family member of mine (close in title/role/name, but not so close in actual relationship) has been contacting me incessantly. (S)he has been extremely persistant about my participation in a professional project. Although I do reply to his/her emails to offer minimal advice, I am not interested in doing business with this person at all. In my eyes, we can barely handle our personal relationship, let alone money politics. I don't know what's more agrivating - not hearing from someone at all or only hearing from them when their hand is out. This pattern became very obvious to me a few weeks ago and after that revelation, 'something' told me to keep my mouth shut while I was experiencing it. 'Don't react, don't mention the situation to anyone, and don't analyze it. Make no judgments and just give it some time.' The person called me that weekend and said (s)he just wanted to say hello. I really appreciated the call and at that time, (s)he asked that I partner on the project. It wasn't a pressuring ask so I said I would give it some thought. I am going to eventually say no, according to Kristen 2010. Maybe that'll change in 2011. *shrug* When I got off the phone, I thought of a few things.
We're two people, coming from two points of reference, who do seem to want the same end result - a growing communication level and relationship. However, we have very different (and somewhat conflicting) modes of operation. Through the years, I've fought about the M.O. as opposed to focusing on the end result. Wait, I'm being too nice. Quite frankly, it is very hard to be the bigger person when you feel that person should try to look at the entire picture. So, as the weeks go by with emails and asks, I am growing in my use of the word NO with a pleasant tone. I am learning to say HOLD ON, WAIT A MINUTE, GIVE ME A SECOND, I AM NOT INTERESTED. And I am loving it.
I am learning the power of acceptance and self-control. I am learning to see people for who they are in this moment as opposed to referring to the past or getting emotional because they don't understand where I am coming from. This kind of growth feels so good. By controlling our emotional responses, we show people how to treat us. I will not be overly emotional. I will not pick a fight but I am also not going to be used. So I will pick up the phone when I feel like it and I will answer emails when I get to it. And you will respect that because I am respectful when standing my ground. If I feel like chiming through or not chiming through, I will follow my instinct because I am determined to only do things that make me feel good.
Maybe I am experiencing this to really internalize that it is necessary to set boundaries with those we come in contact with in any relationship. I have developed the following mantra - I AM A PATIENT PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS ON TIME. AHEM. I AM A PATIENT PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS ON TIME. In order to get to the next level, I must challenge myself to be better when I know I 'get it.' I must not react to old emotional triggers because there are new, more mature ones. 'Try to work on my patience' has been on my yearly goal list for over 10 years but I never mastered it. But I've come to acknowledge that I was trying and not doing; I was saying it but definitely didn't act on it. By trying, I was giving myself the option to give up and do what was natural for my old self.
It's a new season, a time to reinvent ourselves and get rid of old ways and baggage that aren't producing positive and happy results. Who's ready to move onto the next and set some ground rules?
XOXO,
Kristen Victoria
I am wide awake, patiently waiting for The Cosby Show on Nick at Nite. I can't believe the programming department has limited Claire and Cliff to one hour a night! I don't want to watch The Nanny or Family Matters. This is a travesty and the main cause of decreasingly insomniatic habits.
Let's get right to it. Recently, a family member of mine (close in title/role/name, but not so close in actual relationship) has been contacting me incessantly. (S)he has been extremely persistant about my participation in a professional project. Although I do reply to his/her emails to offer minimal advice, I am not interested in doing business with this person at all. In my eyes, we can barely handle our personal relationship, let alone money politics. I don't know what's more agrivating - not hearing from someone at all or only hearing from them when their hand is out. This pattern became very obvious to me a few weeks ago and after that revelation, 'something' told me to keep my mouth shut while I was experiencing it. 'Don't react, don't mention the situation to anyone, and don't analyze it. Make no judgments and just give it some time.' The person called me that weekend and said (s)he just wanted to say hello. I really appreciated the call and at that time, (s)he asked that I partner on the project. It wasn't a pressuring ask so I said I would give it some thought. I am going to eventually say no, according to Kristen 2010. Maybe that'll change in 2011. *shrug* When I got off the phone, I thought of a few things.
We're two people, coming from two points of reference, who do seem to want the same end result - a growing communication level and relationship. However, we have very different (and somewhat conflicting) modes of operation. Through the years, I've fought about the M.O. as opposed to focusing on the end result. Wait, I'm being too nice. Quite frankly, it is very hard to be the bigger person when you feel that person should try to look at the entire picture. So, as the weeks go by with emails and asks, I am growing in my use of the word NO with a pleasant tone. I am learning to say HOLD ON, WAIT A MINUTE, GIVE ME A SECOND, I AM NOT INTERESTED. And I am loving it.
I am learning the power of acceptance and self-control. I am learning to see people for who they are in this moment as opposed to referring to the past or getting emotional because they don't understand where I am coming from. This kind of growth feels so good. By controlling our emotional responses, we show people how to treat us. I will not be overly emotional. I will not pick a fight but I am also not going to be used. So I will pick up the phone when I feel like it and I will answer emails when I get to it. And you will respect that because I am respectful when standing my ground. If I feel like chiming through or not chiming through, I will follow my instinct because I am determined to only do things that make me feel good.
Maybe I am experiencing this to really internalize that it is necessary to set boundaries with those we come in contact with in any relationship. I have developed the following mantra - I AM A PATIENT PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS ON TIME. AHEM. I AM A PATIENT PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS ON TIME. In order to get to the next level, I must challenge myself to be better when I know I 'get it.' I must not react to old emotional triggers because there are new, more mature ones. 'Try to work on my patience' has been on my yearly goal list for over 10 years but I never mastered it. But I've come to acknowledge that I was trying and not doing; I was saying it but definitely didn't act on it. By trying, I was giving myself the option to give up and do what was natural for my old self.
It's a new season, a time to reinvent ourselves and get rid of old ways and baggage that aren't producing positive and happy results. Who's ready to move onto the next and set some ground rules?
XOXO,
Kristen Victoria
The 'Visiontube.tv' Chronicles of Kris - 09.07.10
Good Morning!
I hope you had a great, non-laboring weekend. I'm sleepy but not without good reason and great things to do today! I woke up with our family on my mind because it is with great excitement that I announce *the launch of visiontube.tv.*
Visiontube.tv has been in the oven for quite some time and we cannot wait to unleash the projects that have been stirring in the pot. A few of you have been here since the beginning as I ran ideas by you, some came into the fold as I was brainstorming and beginning this journey, most of you were around as I started and stopped and started again, until the ball of energy rolled up to get these works off of the ground.
Thank you for your words of encouragement, your inquiries about 'When will see your work?' even when I wasn't quite sure, and your friendship for seeing me through to this stage. Family comes first so you all are receiving the first visiontube.tv blast ever. Get excited...LOL. (A few of you may receive this information again later in the day.)
There's more to come. Thank you for your support!
******
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE LAUNCH OF VISIONTUBE.TV –
A NEW DESTINATION FOR ORIGINAL WEB CONTENT
WEG Media Inc, JazziDreamer Entertainment LLC, and MarchWealth Media are proud to present the debut of visiontube.tv, an online channel dedicated to original programming. The official site launch is Thursday, September 30th!
Visiontube.tv is the brainchild of Emmy Award winner Charles E. Williams. Jr., who is also the founder of WEG Media Inc. He has partnered with Kristen V. Carter of JazziDreamer Entertainment LLC and La Shell Wooten of MarchWealth Media to create a slate of innovative programs which include scripted, reality, and talk formats for the Fall 2010 - Winter 2011 season.
The first release on the visiontube.tv slate is the dramatic web series entitled Sellout about a Harvard graduate who returns to his hometown of Harlem, New York after the death of his mother. Sellout marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Kristen V. Carter. The series stars Pierre Downing (BET’s Harlem Heights), Kimberly Holloway (Duane Reade’s ad campaign), Matthew Jenifer (better known as lyricist SahRil), and Kristine John (Tony Clomax’s 12 Steps to Recovery). Sellout launches on Thursday, September 30th and will premiere a new episode every Thursday.
Visiontube.tv will continue into October 2010 with a premiere lineup of programs which includes the talk show Journey into Manhood: A Conversation. This series features a group of men challenging the current state of relationships, family, and education. Journey into Manhood: A Conversation is a prequel to director/producer Charles E. Williams, Jr.’s rivoting documentary Journey into Manhood, which asks the question ‘What Is A Man?’
Screenwriter La Shell Wooten will debut the web series Slipknot, a family drama about a divorcing couple who is struggling to keep their family intact. The series features an ensemble cast including Anthony Laurent (Third Eye Productions’ Jackpot), Vanessa Evans (director, Talking Drum Theatre Arts Program), and Marjuan Canady (Sepia Works' Girls! Girls? Girls). Slipknot, directed by La Shell Wooten, will launch in December 2010.
Visiontube.tv is a premiere destination for original programming addressing contemporary issues. Stay tuned for updates on new content and partnerships throughout the coming season! For media inquiries and information on the company, contact Kristen V. Carter at kcarter@visiontube.tv.
‘We are what you watch.’
I hope you had a great, non-laboring weekend. I'm sleepy but not without good reason and great things to do today! I woke up with our family on my mind because it is with great excitement that I announce *the launch of visiontube.tv.*
Visiontube.tv has been in the oven for quite some time and we cannot wait to unleash the projects that have been stirring in the pot. A few of you have been here since the beginning as I ran ideas by you, some came into the fold as I was brainstorming and beginning this journey, most of you were around as I started and stopped and started again, until the ball of energy rolled up to get these works off of the ground.
Thank you for your words of encouragement, your inquiries about 'When will see your work?' even when I wasn't quite sure, and your friendship for seeing me through to this stage. Family comes first so you all are receiving the first visiontube.tv blast ever. Get excited...LOL. (A few of you may receive this information again later in the day.)
There's more to come. Thank you for your support!
******
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE LAUNCH OF VISIONTUBE.TV –
A NEW DESTINATION FOR ORIGINAL WEB CONTENT
WEG Media Inc, JazziDreamer Entertainment LLC, and MarchWealth Media are proud to present the debut of visiontube.tv, an online channel dedicated to original programming. The official site launch is Thursday, September 30th!
Visiontube.tv is the brainchild of Emmy Award winner Charles E. Williams. Jr., who is also the founder of WEG Media Inc. He has partnered with Kristen V. Carter of JazziDreamer Entertainment LLC and La Shell Wooten of MarchWealth Media to create a slate of innovative programs which include scripted, reality, and talk formats for the Fall 2010 - Winter 2011 season.
The first release on the visiontube.tv slate is the dramatic web series entitled Sellout about a Harvard graduate who returns to his hometown of Harlem, New York after the death of his mother. Sellout marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Kristen V. Carter. The series stars Pierre Downing (BET’s Harlem Heights), Kimberly Holloway (Duane Reade’s ad campaign), Matthew Jenifer (better known as lyricist SahRil), and Kristine John (Tony Clomax’s 12 Steps to Recovery). Sellout launches on Thursday, September 30th and will premiere a new episode every Thursday.
Visiontube.tv will continue into October 2010 with a premiere lineup of programs which includes the talk show Journey into Manhood: A Conversation. This series features a group of men challenging the current state of relationships, family, and education. Journey into Manhood: A Conversation is a prequel to director/producer Charles E. Williams, Jr.’s rivoting documentary Journey into Manhood, which asks the question ‘What Is A Man?’
Screenwriter La Shell Wooten will debut the web series Slipknot, a family drama about a divorcing couple who is struggling to keep their family intact. The series features an ensemble cast including Anthony Laurent (Third Eye Productions’ Jackpot), Vanessa Evans (director, Talking Drum Theatre Arts Program), and Marjuan Canady (Sepia Works' Girls! Girls? Girls). Slipknot, directed by La Shell Wooten, will launch in December 2010.
Visiontube.tv is a premiere destination for original programming addressing contemporary issues. Stay tuned for updates on new content and partnerships throughout the coming season! For media inquiries and information on the company, contact Kristen V. Carter at kcarter@visiontube.tv.
‘We are what you watch.’
The 'Workout Plan' Chronicles of Kris - 09.01.10
Good Morning September!
Ah man, Summer is officially turning into Fall. I'm not too happy about having to switch out my wardrobe but Summer has been very good to me. Good enough that I don't mind being passed along to the next season.
This past weekend, my mom, uncle, and I road tripped to Georgia to surprise my grandmother and my great-grandmother. I'm so happy that we were able to sneak up on Nana for an early birthday surprise, as her big 7-0 falls on September 7th. Amidst the family fun, a 'down home' fish fry, and Scrabble challenge against Mom (my great-grandmother) and Mommy, I was able to do some reflecting. I mean, when am I not reflecting? It's just what I do! No matter how short a visit, I am always able to hear my great-great grandmother Granny's voice in a very special moment.
As I was brushing my teeth at 5:45a on Monday morning and preparing to leave Newton, I started thinking about a conversation I had with a good friend of mine last week. In that convo, he expressed how shocked he was that I've always been shy of a 'relationship.' Not by situation but by title. I've managed to like alot of people, maybe even love a few but we've never really seriously been together enough for stamps or proclamations to the world. And just when I'm feeling confident enough to mention something, the situation fizzles or disappears. He told me that he felt that I am being 'saved' because there's obviously something great and filled with awesomeness. 'I can't understand why you would be exempt from relationships or ahem, complete heartbreak, so that's the best way to sum it up. You've never doubted being able to be happy with someone. You've never been down about it so when that time comes, it's gonna be amazing and you're gonna beam brighter than the sun.'
We spoke for another hour or so about it all and whether he knew it or not, he really eased alot of my frustration. I speak candidly and comically about dating because it feels like one big joke sometimes. But through all the laughter, there's a ton of learning and observing that I've done and I suppose that's all I can ask for. Learning of oneself. But there's always a nagging wondering - why does it seem so easy for someone to walk away from me?
As I washed my face at 5:48a on Monday morning, a voice just came to me. 'You've always felt like men run away from you, but they're actually getting out of the way. Although you may think you want them around, they're getting out of the way so that they aren't blocking what they (and you) know you want and deserve.' I kinda looked around because the voice was so distinct and LOUD. I could not pretend I didn't hear it. I just smiled because that's the kind of resolve I really needed, and I really hadn't thought of it like that.
I have always thought, 'I'm too much but I can't help it. Maybe if I dim my light a little bit, I won't be so blinding. As spoiled as I act with family and friends, I'm really not demanding in dating. Maybe I'm not demanding enough so I'm accepting tomfoolery.' All of these thoughts have been jumbled in my head for a while. But that powerful statement Granny made has kicked around in my head for the last 53 hours or so.
And you know what - if Granny says it, it's true. LOL. More seriously, if my heart says it, it's true. If I (and some of you) can really relate and absorb that, then it's done. I'm not surprised I've made peace and provided a few emotional closures for myself in this short time because those words are ringing in my head. They're sinking in and making sense to me in a way I probably wouldn't have understood if I was given the same wisdom at a different point in my life.
Things always work out, not the way we mapped out but always as they should. Let's just walk along the journey. My goal continues to to be that of 'Have more patience with myself and others.' So far, I'm making some headway. Of course from my impatient side, I haven't made enough progress...but I am getting there. :)
HAPPY SEPTEMBER EVERYBODY! LOVE AND HUGS ALL AROUND. XOXO TO THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD. BASK IN THE GLORY OF YOUR LIFE :)
I am happy to be here in this moment.
Love Always,
Kristen Victoria
Ah man, Summer is officially turning into Fall. I'm not too happy about having to switch out my wardrobe but Summer has been very good to me. Good enough that I don't mind being passed along to the next season.
This past weekend, my mom, uncle, and I road tripped to Georgia to surprise my grandmother and my great-grandmother. I'm so happy that we were able to sneak up on Nana for an early birthday surprise, as her big 7-0 falls on September 7th. Amidst the family fun, a 'down home' fish fry, and Scrabble challenge against Mom (my great-grandmother) and Mommy, I was able to do some reflecting. I mean, when am I not reflecting? It's just what I do! No matter how short a visit, I am always able to hear my great-great grandmother Granny's voice in a very special moment.
As I was brushing my teeth at 5:45a on Monday morning and preparing to leave Newton, I started thinking about a conversation I had with a good friend of mine last week. In that convo, he expressed how shocked he was that I've always been shy of a 'relationship.' Not by situation but by title. I've managed to like alot of people, maybe even love a few but we've never really seriously been together enough for stamps or proclamations to the world. And just when I'm feeling confident enough to mention something, the situation fizzles or disappears. He told me that he felt that I am being 'saved' because there's obviously something great and filled with awesomeness. 'I can't understand why you would be exempt from relationships or ahem, complete heartbreak, so that's the best way to sum it up. You've never doubted being able to be happy with someone. You've never been down about it so when that time comes, it's gonna be amazing and you're gonna beam brighter than the sun.'
We spoke for another hour or so about it all and whether he knew it or not, he really eased alot of my frustration. I speak candidly and comically about dating because it feels like one big joke sometimes. But through all the laughter, there's a ton of learning and observing that I've done and I suppose that's all I can ask for. Learning of oneself. But there's always a nagging wondering - why does it seem so easy for someone to walk away from me?
As I washed my face at 5:48a on Monday morning, a voice just came to me. 'You've always felt like men run away from you, but they're actually getting out of the way. Although you may think you want them around, they're getting out of the way so that they aren't blocking what they (and you) know you want and deserve.' I kinda looked around because the voice was so distinct and LOUD. I could not pretend I didn't hear it. I just smiled because that's the kind of resolve I really needed, and I really hadn't thought of it like that.
I have always thought, 'I'm too much but I can't help it. Maybe if I dim my light a little bit, I won't be so blinding. As spoiled as I act with family and friends, I'm really not demanding in dating. Maybe I'm not demanding enough so I'm accepting tomfoolery.' All of these thoughts have been jumbled in my head for a while. But that powerful statement Granny made has kicked around in my head for the last 53 hours or so.
And you know what - if Granny says it, it's true. LOL. More seriously, if my heart says it, it's true. If I (and some of you) can really relate and absorb that, then it's done. I'm not surprised I've made peace and provided a few emotional closures for myself in this short time because those words are ringing in my head. They're sinking in and making sense to me in a way I probably wouldn't have understood if I was given the same wisdom at a different point in my life.
Things always work out, not the way we mapped out but always as they should. Let's just walk along the journey. My goal continues to to be that of 'Have more patience with myself and others.' So far, I'm making some headway. Of course from my impatient side, I haven't made enough progress...but I am getting there. :)
HAPPY SEPTEMBER EVERYBODY! LOVE AND HUGS ALL AROUND. XOXO TO THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD. BASK IN THE GLORY OF YOUR LIFE :)
I am happy to be here in this moment.
Love Always,
Kristen Victoria
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The ‘One In A Million’ Chronicles of Kris – 08.25.10
Good Morning All!
I cannot believe how the heavens have opened up this week! I am solar-powered so my productivity runneth a bit low but I'm feeling good, feeling great...feeling great, feeling good, how are you?
Today marks the 9th anniversary of R&B singer Aaliyah's passing. Although I never proclaimed myself a huge fan in the 90s, I really did follow her career through the years and I've continued to celebrate her life and music as I've gotten older. She seemed to be somewhat of a quiet storm, one who blazed trails without having to craft a life made perfectly for PR campaigns. I wonder how she would have dealt with the overly-exposed pop world of today. I venture to say she would have been the youth's Sade, one who dips in and out of the spotlight but always does it with grace.
Aaliyah was one of the first artists of the 90s generation to endorse a brand (Tommy Hilfiger) and move into film. When I listen to her music, I realize just how ahead of her time she was. She may not have had the best voice or the hottest track out, but she had a strong presence in the industry and a voice that continues to be heard. Aaliyah's influence can be seen mostly in Rihanna and Ciara's styles, although I'm no longer impressed with their overall imaging now that they are huge celebrities.
It's interesting to witness how the lives of Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica panned out. All of them are/were normal girls who just had extraordinary talent. I never knew all I wanted to know about them but as their lives have played out, we've seen the humanity in them - the growth, the heartbreak, the family ties or woes, the transitions, etc. In this day and age of music, the artists are so different. Everything is for show. Nothing is sacred. (Although I love Beyonce, I kinda wanna see her make a mistake. Even just a small one, just to show us that she's not a robot.)
In different ways, Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica were my r&b heroes. Although Brandy was my ultimate #1 because she was the brown-skinned Cover Girl, I was pretty obsessed with Aaliyah's style; I never understood how she could be so cool ALL the time. I also loved the way she handled herself around the Super Friends - Ginuwine, Missy, Timbaland, & Playa.
Now that Aaliyah has transitioned, I am very happy that she was not around to be a part of the R. Kelly scandals. That would have been the worst. But I am most thankful that her music was pure and she seemed to really love the artistry, as opposed to the exposure. It was very nice to have an around the way girl just dancing and singing because it was a passion.
It'd be nice to see that again but we may never witness that kind of authenticity in pop culture again. Aaliyah is one in a million!
I cannot believe how the heavens have opened up this week! I am solar-powered so my productivity runneth a bit low but I'm feeling good, feeling great...feeling great, feeling good, how are you?
Today marks the 9th anniversary of R&B singer Aaliyah's passing. Although I never proclaimed myself a huge fan in the 90s, I really did follow her career through the years and I've continued to celebrate her life and music as I've gotten older. She seemed to be somewhat of a quiet storm, one who blazed trails without having to craft a life made perfectly for PR campaigns. I wonder how she would have dealt with the overly-exposed pop world of today. I venture to say she would have been the youth's Sade, one who dips in and out of the spotlight but always does it with grace.
Aaliyah was one of the first artists of the 90s generation to endorse a brand (Tommy Hilfiger) and move into film. When I listen to her music, I realize just how ahead of her time she was. She may not have had the best voice or the hottest track out, but she had a strong presence in the industry and a voice that continues to be heard. Aaliyah's influence can be seen mostly in Rihanna and Ciara's styles, although I'm no longer impressed with their overall imaging now that they are huge celebrities.
It's interesting to witness how the lives of Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica panned out. All of them are/were normal girls who just had extraordinary talent. I never knew all I wanted to know about them but as their lives have played out, we've seen the humanity in them - the growth, the heartbreak, the family ties or woes, the transitions, etc. In this day and age of music, the artists are so different. Everything is for show. Nothing is sacred. (Although I love Beyonce, I kinda wanna see her make a mistake. Even just a small one, just to show us that she's not a robot.)
In different ways, Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica were my r&b heroes. Although Brandy was my ultimate #1 because she was the brown-skinned Cover Girl, I was pretty obsessed with Aaliyah's style; I never understood how she could be so cool ALL the time. I also loved the way she handled herself around the Super Friends - Ginuwine, Missy, Timbaland, & Playa.
Now that Aaliyah has transitioned, I am very happy that she was not around to be a part of the R. Kelly scandals. That would have been the worst. But I am most thankful that her music was pure and she seemed to really love the artistry, as opposed to the exposure. It was very nice to have an around the way girl just dancing and singing because it was a passion.
It'd be nice to see that again but we may never witness that kind of authenticity in pop culture again. Aaliyah is one in a million!
The ‘Reynold’s Wrap’ Chronicles of Kris – 08.17.10
Good Morning Peeps!
How are you? I have so much to discuss with you, so don't be surprised if you receive multiple messages from me like rapid fire. As of last Friday, my show has closed up shop. We produced 91 really great shows that hopefully some of you got a chance to watch and if not, go to bet.com/thedeal. Message. ;)
A few months ago I shared that I had received a few opportunities simultaneously during this show's season. I felt like the universe was asking me if I was happy - after declaring to a friend days before that I wasn't, that I felt everything was all over the place. Well everything happens right on time. I needed that kind of jolt, that moment of reflection, because alot of times we're wishing and planning for the future so much that we don't STOP to take a look at all that we do have. It took the opportunity to weigh other scenarios that I realized I was content right where I was; that my contributions were valued, that I was growing more comfortable and confident, and that I was where I belonged in that moment...
The decision to remain still was one of the best decisions I made all year. I received plenty of confirmations that I made the right choice for myself, considering I've walked away with tons of experience, confidence, and even a few mentors. So as this show closes its doors, I am thankful I walked out with it as opposed to jumping out of the window prematurely. Sometimes it takes weighing situations to appreciate them.
So, although it's really annoying for people to ask 'well, what are you doing next,' that is the question I am faced with now. But in the meantime, I'm happily occupied with independent projects and JazziDreamer business that should fill up my schedule for the next week or so. Reading scripts, writing, taking meetings. This is what the freelance life requires. :) I refuse to ho-hum it because there's so much to be done...now I just have to figure out how to manage this time. If you know me, you know that I've become not that great at budgeting my time. I'm not sure when that happened but I'm working on it.
Sometimes writing to you helps me find the rhythm for the day. But alas, I have another topic to dive into. See ya in a few minutes! And check out my writing/production reel on http://www.vimeo.com/13940419. Updates are coming this week to www.kristenvcarter.comAND my web series Sellout is on its way before September's out. I can't release the date yet but AJAJAJA!
Love you all,
Kristen Victoria
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The 'Time & Space for The Unholy Servants' Chronicles of Kris - 08.02.10
Happy August!
I hope all is well with you and yours. I guess we're gonna just blink 2010 away, huh? From the looks of it, this has been an incredible and progressive year for quite a few Chroniclers. Not without some blood, sweat, tears, and life lessons to boot! I am hoping that we stay on this kick and keep the energy moving.
I come to you very excited because I am waiting for my editor so that I can complete the final tweaks of my production reel and then update my website with some cool video clips. Ajajaja. I can't wait for you all to see the magic that's the visual resume. I am so humbled. Recently, I went through my closets to find the footage and was so moved to physically see my progress through the years. I read several essays and journal entries and realized that I've pretty much always whined about something. Although I felt like a failing student and social reject in high school, I was never those things. I've always taken the journey to heart and I need to stop that! But as I look back and reflect on the times I thought I was the 'worst,' I was really dead wrong. I've always been better than good enough...it's so much easier for us to criticize and pick ourselves apart as opposed to poppin' our collars and being happy with who we are in every moment. So I hope that as we set goals, I hope you are also looking at the greatness that is inherently you.
So, I have even better news --- I am sitting at my desk listening to Lance Drummonds' debut album with Andre Cole's next chapter of his online book 'The Unholy Servants,' printed out and ready to go for my evening ride home!
If you do not know who these fine gentlemen are, first off - they are Chroniclers. And secondly (but really firstly), they are really great friends. I call Dre Day my 'mentor #3' because he's always willing to listen and give me great advice. While we worked on The Black Carpet, I harassed him about reading his screenplays and chapters of his book and he always refused. Well months and months later, this baby is online and ready for viewing!!! Andre is releasing one chapter every Monday during the summer. I'm not gonna tell you what it's about...I'd rather you support him on www.theunholyservants.com. :)
Lance Drummonds and I go way back to college talent shows! It's been a good little minute but after perfecting his craft and going back to the drawing board to master his songs and get them nice and crispy for you, his album 'Time and Space' is available online. Go to www.lancedrummonds.bandcamp.com . Please tweet about it, facebook, the whole shabang!
It is with pleasure that I share the good news. I know there are so many accomplishments that are hidden behind your screen names. But please, tell me/us/our family about them so that we can cheer together as opposed to always crying together. LOL.
Love and hugs,
Kris
P.S. By the time I blast the next Chronicle, my reel will be up. It's on and poppington! Tiger Woods ya'll!
P.P.S. The Chronicles of Kris web show may be back in production in the Fall. Stay tuned to these weekly messages!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
