Accidently on Purpose

When I am out I love to survey a crowd and look at what people are wearing. I am often curious about what inspires a person to dress up or down. New York city is one of my favourite places and I am amazed at how style saavy people are there. The last time I was there I was at a small club with my girls having a GREAT time on the dance floor when I accidently bumped into the most stylish gentleman there! I loved his look and I just had to introduce myself and ask him about his outfit. He was such a nice guy! Meet Marlon, a Trinidadian-born, Brooklyn-based stylist. We joked back and forth for awhile...I asked him if he was in disguise with his well coiffed thick beard and sunglasses (inside!). He laughed and referred to me as Madame Mohawk. It is no secret that he is way into fashion. Check him out! I love his mix of patterns...from the bow-tie to the sweater to the blazer. Hot. And I am always a lover of accessories, like his lapel and pinky ring.

'Twas great meeting you, Marlon!

Asha

xoxo

AVATAR

I saw the much talked about movie Avatar lastnight. I am not that much of a movie person but when my cuz asked me if I would join her to see it, I must admit I was excited to see what all the buzz was about. I couldn't remember the last time I even put on 3D glasses so I was anxious for the upclose thrills. I hardly care for special effects or high tech graphics but I knew this would be a treat. The story line is really what was so rich.

The movie is set in the future where corporations and scientists work side-by-side with the military in a lab (spaceship?) fully equipped with robots and chambers that can teleport humans to another life form. Without giving too much away, the movie's protagonist, Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine, is sent on a mission to view this other life form/race called the Na'Vi.

Although the movie set waaaay into the future the movie is so much about the past. I could not help but think about the environmental and social implications of a 'take-over'. The movie is a direct example of what my own ancestors in the Caribbean would have fallen victim to decades ago. More interestingly the futuristic movie is very much present-like since it has a direct correlation to the devastation that is Haiti right now - a sacred homeland now not just destroyed due to a natural disaster but also from years and years of an ostracization from the free world. France and America...there are no words. Hmph. I digress...

Moreover, I think the movie was very much about tolerance. Jakesully (yes, one word) came to realize that what is different can be beautiful and that one's home can shift or change...loyalties can multiply and strengthen.

The Na'Vi people in the movie inspire me to be my best in terms of teaching and learning....done patiently and purposefully...life long journeys. And their bodies were magnificent!...long and lean...I may have just found new inspiration for my 5am sweat sessions. With all the physical gorgeousness in that movie, it is no wonder there was room for a love scene amongst the violence and 'bad mind'. The Na'Vi also help inspire a higher level of spirituality. I don't think it is a coincidence that I see this movie while I am reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol where the power of positive energy is explored.

The movie also got me thinking about one of my passions - Carnival! I told my cuz (who just happens to be an amazing costume designer) that this year our make-up will have to be scale-like just like the Na'Vi people! Gorgeous hues of blues, greens and purples...hot! Can't wait.

This movie is a must-see for those who appreciate dynamic characters and special effects alike. Director is James Cameron is just brilliant for not only thinking/creating so vividly but actually conveying it over the big screen is just awesome. I would love to spend just 10minutes inside his head.

Go and see it!

HairSpiration!

Although I am loving my mohawk, thanks to my AMAZING hairstylist Adrian, I can't help think what to do next. I love experimenting - I've had looooong locs....short-almost-not-there shaved head...big 'fro..u name it. Anything goes. I've often been asked if I am afraid of how a new 'do will turn out. The answer is always no. I've never feared not getting a job because of my hair - I'd like to think that my credentials speak for themself - if not then that place is just not for me. I am a true Gemini and thrive on change and new adventures. Only now am I experimenting with colour. The only thing I'm adverse to doing is relaxing/texturizing/perming. Chems are a no-no for me. I'm not big on weaves either. No judgement for those who have them, I just don't think they are for me. Anyhoo, how happy was I when I found this website chock full of natural hair 'dos of stylish sistahs. It is called Le Coil. Love the name! Oh! And even more esctatic when I found saw my girl Mariamma (pic on the left)whose hair I've envied for awhile now. She is also super talented photographer. Be sure to check out her website http://www.mariamma.com/. Special shout out to my cyber-friend Nyree who liked my hairstyle and even did a post about it on her blog, The Sweet7.

Drool over these pics and others. Maybe you'll find some inspiration of your own...

Your media darling,

Asha

xoxo

Show Dem Monique!

Many many many congrats go out to Monique for winning both aCritics Choice Award and a Golden Globe for her outstanding role in Precious. I am SO happy that I found the courage to go and see the. Monique's acceptance speech at the Golden Globes was superb...the delivery was eloquent and heartfelt. I cried. She graced that stage in flawless make-up poised in a gold grecian goddess gown. Hot.

Go dey Monique! Show dem why yuh BAD!

Oh, and if I could age half as well as Stacey Dash or Halle Berry I'd be a happy woman. Talk about Hottest Chicks in Da Game! Wow.

Seriously.

Your media darling,

Asha

Fela!

How AMAZING!

I was in New York F'n City to bring in the New Year and along with hitting a few parties I really wanted to go and see Fela! I am SO happy that I got to see it.

Me and my girl braved what had to be the coldest night EVER to see the magnificentity that is the story of Fela Kuti - multi-dimensional musician and human rights activist. We walked the 7 blocks from the subway station to the TCKTS Discount booth. The winds were so powerful I didn't think we would make it there alive. My face and hands were numb despite my wool scarf and gloves. I was actually trying to walk with my eyes closed because I thought my contacts were going to turn into icicles. I kept bumping into the tourists who were caught up in the amazement of Times Square but I was too cold to even utter "sorry" (I feel bad about that now).

I was delighted to see that the line wasn't that long and even more happy when we got our balcony seats for just $67...regularly priced $125...score! Even though there was more than an hour 'til show time we decided to just walk to the two blocks to the theatre and wait inside the corridor where it was warm(ish). There stood some other eager patrons waiting for the doors to the auditorium to open. I had the pleasure of chatting (after macco'n) with a long time dance teacher. She beamed when she explained that she was Sahr Ngaujah's (who stars in the show as Fela Kuti) first dance teacher. She spoke of him like he was her child. It was wonderful. Some young dance students were in the line too and took the opportunity to ask Ngaujah's dance matriach insightful questions. She graciously spewed out names and numbers and websites of the essential...

When the doors finally opened we danced our way to the balcony to the rythms of an Afro Cuban band - sssssick! I surveyed the room as cool New Yorkers and tourists alike made their way in. I loved loved LOVED the decor of the auditorium filled with bright colours, grafitti and portraits. I took out my camera and started snapping away and behaved surprised when the handsome attendant told me, "Ummm...excuse me Miss...but there is no picture taking allowed". Right. Anyway, soon thereafter the music was getting louder I could see that the dancers were warming up ready to make their entrance. Excitement! Right away I noticed the friend of my AMAZING dancer-sistah-friend whom I had met yeeeeaars ago. I told my girl, "Look! There's Nicole!" We started clapping feverishly and I made a mental note that I need to 'up' my whine'ing skills. She was moving wid such ease and fluidity and I wanted to mimic every gesture! Dancers sprayed across the stage...climbed ladders...sang and high fived eachother. Fela Kuti made his way to center stage and welcomed us, to the Shrine! His opening monologue explained how he went to England to study medicine but fell in love with music and worked his way into the night clubs instead of libraries. I just adore how good music always errs on the side of rebellion and the movements of the dancers behind Fela demonstated just that - smoking and gyrating, slithering and grinding...

I wish I could have documented every note and tune and play it over and over. There was so much inspiration for me from this show...both new and nostaligic. I loved the make-up that the dancers sported - gave me ideas Carnival or just for a fun night out. The clothing was so beautiful and one could 'hear it' much like a Carnival costume too. The music and movements are a reflection of how strong and relevant our lineage is. Awesome.

The moments of love and hate, happiness and sadness, triumphs and failure were all savoured but yet gone too soon. I was sad when the show was coming to end. When each of the dancers came out for their final bow I yelled out, "Nicole!". She didn't hear me but I beamed the same way the dance teacher did of her student...

Scene.

Precious

Over the holidays I went to see the movie Precious. After recieving so much attention and being executive produced by Oprah, what was I really waiting for? Truth be told it takes me a loooooooong time to see a movie. I often have to get the recommendation from friends and family as well as credible media hounds. Actually one of my good friends thought that this movie 'isn't for you, Ash' because of some of the images...and I am prone to nightmares for weeks after seeing certain flicks. Well, this was one of those movies. Within the first five minutes I had to seriously talk to myself not to leave the theatre. I cringe right now as I remember the scenes featuring vaseline and fried chicken. It is the same feeling of fright when I remember scenes from Boys Don't Cry or Monsters Ball.

I know it is unrealistic but I always want only the fantasy from movies...the riding off into the sunset and the happily ever afters. But what are we to get from movies? The answer to that question is as broad as the Art imitates Life concept. That being said, the movie does a fantastic job at encouraging dialogue of the painful truths of incest and domestic violence.
I'm the eternal optimist and always find the good in any painful silver screening. Hilary Swank and Halle Berry got their Oscars from the very movies I feared although I was kinda mad that Halle had to get in that 'way'...while on all fours - but I guess a really beauty as such she is had to get plenty ugly - I don't know - that is a debate for another post, right?). And now the lead character of Precious, Gabourey Sidibe is receiving her own Oscar buzz. It is almost like deja vu with that of Jennifer Hudson - not just plus-sized perfection but the under dog winning. I love NOTHING more! Go get 'em Gabby...you've got my support! I look forward to your red carpet moments and acceptance speeches. And check her out looking all glowy on the cover of V magazine. Nice!

Happy New Year!!!!

I had some server issues that now seem to be resolved. Happy 2010! May you dream big and accomplish more and more!!!!