Moon Mami Writes

So, this past weekend, I walked for Lupus with my partner. There hasn't been a new medication designed for Lupus in over forty years and the disease impacts women of color on far greater scale than white women, so, supporting the cause is a no-brainer since it hits close to home, but, my partner's mom is also a survivor. We went to Baltimore for the walk and I wrote about it in my examiner.com column. Read it HERE. After the walk on Saturday, there was a deluge of rain that fell. Thankfully we avoided it during the walk, but I still had rehearsal that evening. I had to rehearse for the upcoming show on Oct. 4, a benefit for the documentary Seen But Not Heard by Cyrille Phipps. Then we have the gig on Oct. 10 @ the Green Festival. Driving in the rain was no fun. I had a ball at rehearsal though, after getting lost to Gary's house. Gary is accompanying me on guitar for both upcoming gigs and my buddy Angela Shaw is helping with backing vocals. I had the best time with them o...

I will be at the store ArtSpring on Saturday, October 31 to sign copies of the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul (June 2009) and hosting the afternoon which will feature performers Ne'a Posey, Gary Young, Sadie Flick and Quineice Clarkson. This is on Halloween, so I have fingers crossed that folks will come out. We have some things planned for the kids. Trying now to see what artists want to help with the arts and crafts table. I'm thinking teaching the kiddies how to make witch dolls. Hopefully artist Sherry Burton-Ways, an incredible doll artist can lead this project, but, if not, I'll have to pull out the rolodex. It should be a great afternoon.

So, I'm beginning the next phase in my Artist Life by facilitating playacations for aspiring writers. I chose the name/term PLAYCATION as opposed to workshop because the fun and educational facet of the session will resonate more than the notion that this is "work". The key to allowing yourself be creative is attaching your spirit to that part of you that enjoys the artistry in you and finds your artistic and creative side to be fun, bold and interesting. When that is taking place, you are engaging in play all day, forget about that work stuff-- even if you are at work. When I have 9-5 jobs, I always begin the job by assessing first thing where can I infuse my own creative spirit. It's not about changing anything that is already in motion-- its about finding the space that will allow you to breathe, literally. When you recognize you are a creative being, finding space to be creative is akin to finding space to breathe. My playcation series for creative writers begins...

PurpleZoe, blogger of one of the best blogs around-- Ultraviolet Underground-- interviewed me a couple of months ago for a piece in the urban online zine S.O.U.L eMag. The article talks about my work with Liberated Muse and the Saartjie Project. You can read it HERE

Visit my DC Community column HERE

Today was a wonderfully busy day as I ran around handling things to make today a memorable birthday for my baby girl who turned six today. In between handling "Mommy business" I threw in a rehearsal with musician Gary Young for the upcoming shows we have in October. First and foremost, Gary is no joke when it comes to talented artist. He has been a staple in the book tour we have for the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul, performing with my former bandmate, vocalist Quineice Clarkson during acoustic sets and performing with as bandleader of his own band when we take the show to our favorite spot the Potter's House. Gary plays multiple instruments and is basically self-taught with strong songwriting and charting skills. His ear is superb. Check out his work HERE . We worked on a set list today but spent a lot of time catching up and just chatting like we used to do when we were in college together at UMBC. Even back then while he studied engineering, I re...

I had a really good time this past weekend. It began with our Liberated Muse production-- A Celebration of Freedom. The event, held at the Potter's House in DC was part of our book tour for Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul which was released in June. The evening was accented by phenomenal talent and the debut of our art exhibit. I was the host and my friend, who is also a member of LiberatedMuse.com, Sharon Burton, was curator of the exhibit. My life partner Hook and I were at the Potter's House early on Friday helping Sharon hang the art from the artists in the exhibit. Here are some vids from the evening: On Sunday, my family and I checked out the Adams Morgan Day festival. Read about some of the things we saw HERE