http://12thofjune.wordpress.com
http://12thofjune.wordpress.com
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Update yo bookmarks (for now)...
I'm taking a break from Deep Fried Funk for a little a while. Trying to consolidate all the many blogs I write for thus forcing this one to be on hiatus for a bit. But don't think DFF is dead. I could never kill it. So check back again in the next month. DFF will hopefully be given that face lift she desires.
Until then head over to 12th of June - my new wordpress for the time being. I'll be writing on there til I can get this magazine project finally up and running.
Until then head over to 12th of June - my new wordpress for the time being. I'll be writing on there til I can get this magazine project finally up and running.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Slim pickins, Gemini.
What I wanted is what I got. And now that I have it, I don't know what to do with it.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Was, has been, am, is
A year ago, I was this person.
I was optimistic, energetic, and full of life. My mental state fed off of self-inflicted positivity and no one could shake me. I possessed feet that never rested and eyes that never shut. “Sleep can happen when I’m dead,” I used to tell myself. Cause in my mind, I never needed to be asleep to dream. Instead I believed if I stayed awake my dreams would alter into my reality.
I had a vision and I was never blinded. I was hopeful, but not naive. I deemed myself prideful but humble in many ways. Through the interactions with the folks around me to mishaps within my family to the changes before me, life always knew how to balance me. It didn’t matter how many curve balls came my way, or how many signs pointed left or right, I never felt lost. I never needed a map. I had my own direction. My heart knew where to lead and my body always knew where follow. And rarely did I ever allow hesitation or fear of failing get in the way of my path. I just always kept my head up, kept moving and kept pace.
I was in constant movement.
Moving whether my momentum shifted me forward or kept me in a limbo between my present and future, I kept pace. And I kept pace amidst ever-changing environments. Every new challenge, every new situation, every new person I came across, I trusted myself to adapt to it all. I stood my ground and embraced the universe surrounding me. I knew how to trust the changes happening. And I knew how to trust myself.
But fast forward to the present and I’m no where near this same person I was. I’m far from the universe I used to live in.
Here I stand still, confused, unable to decipher what my next move will be. Here I am among those same signs, in which point toward possible futures, but fear and hesitation stand in the way of my path. Instead now I stand still between my present and the haziness of my future hoping that somehow, someway this person I used to be a year ago will soon be this person I am today.
I was optimistic, energetic, and full of life. My mental state fed off of self-inflicted positivity and no one could shake me. I possessed feet that never rested and eyes that never shut. “Sleep can happen when I’m dead,” I used to tell myself. Cause in my mind, I never needed to be asleep to dream. Instead I believed if I stayed awake my dreams would alter into my reality.
I had a vision and I was never blinded. I was hopeful, but not naive. I deemed myself prideful but humble in many ways. Through the interactions with the folks around me to mishaps within my family to the changes before me, life always knew how to balance me. It didn’t matter how many curve balls came my way, or how many signs pointed left or right, I never felt lost. I never needed a map. I had my own direction. My heart knew where to lead and my body always knew where follow. And rarely did I ever allow hesitation or fear of failing get in the way of my path. I just always kept my head up, kept moving and kept pace.
I was in constant movement.
Moving whether my momentum shifted me forward or kept me in a limbo between my present and future, I kept pace. And I kept pace amidst ever-changing environments. Every new challenge, every new situation, every new person I came across, I trusted myself to adapt to it all. I stood my ground and embraced the universe surrounding me. I knew how to trust the changes happening. And I knew how to trust myself.
But fast forward to the present and I’m no where near this same person I was. I’m far from the universe I used to live in.
Here I stand still, confused, unable to decipher what my next move will be. Here I am among those same signs, in which point toward possible futures, but fear and hesitation stand in the way of my path. Instead now I stand still between my present and the haziness of my future hoping that somehow, someway this person I used to be a year ago will soon be this person I am today.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Throwback Thursday(s): Chief Rocka
But they don't understand how I feel bout the funk. I walk with the funk. I talk with the funk. I eat with the funk. I sleep with the funk. I live for the funk. I die for the funk.
Work space
The outcome and overall quality of my writing relies heavily on the environment that I'm in.
Open space = open mind.
Clutter = writer's block.
Just how it is.
Open space = open mind.
Clutter = writer's block.
Just how it is.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Recipe for hungry minds:
Make (create), meditate (marinate), and enjoy (indulge).
Food for your soul, soul for thought:
Feed(ing) knowledge. Fuel(ing) growth.
---
*Noted: 6/17/10
Just something random Mel & I thought up while we were talking on the phone.
Food for your soul, soul for thought:
Feed(ing) knowledge. Fuel(ing) growth.
---
*Noted: 6/17/10
Just something random Mel & I thought up while we were talking on the phone.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
"Visual Volumes" by. Jason Angeles
This past Wednesday (Sept. 1) my homie, Jason Angeles published his first photography project titled: Visual Volumes, a 70-page composition of his latest work as a freshly acclaimed photographer (and graphic designer). This project features portraits of different individuals stemming from all over the Bay Area network. From SJ to SF, each photo encapsulates a different scene aesthetic complimenting Jason's vision.
To sum it up: Every inch of this book truly illustrates the capacity of his imagination.
Below is the piece I wrote for this project alone. It revolves around the title I created for him. You can find this featured in the intro of his book.
(click the photo above for more pictures)
Again special thanks to Jason for allowing my words and I to be apart of this project. You're on your way to doing amazing things, bruh. I'm sure this is just one of many future projects to come. DFF 2.0 perhaps?!
---
Take a peek at all the photos here.
Purchase the book here.
To sum it up: Every inch of this book truly illustrates the capacity of his imagination.
Below is the piece I wrote for this project alone. It revolves around the title I created for him. You can find this featured in the intro of his book.
Visual Volumes (August 18, 2010):
"In creation to the volumes of our vision, we seek a universe where our creativity comfortably illuminates the art our mind cultivates. Whether the art form we see is just a mindfield of our own imagination or a mere projection of our ambiguity, our perception is captivated by the endless possibilities of our chosen lenses." (c) Aileen Pagdanganan
(click the photo above for more pictures)
Again special thanks to Jason for allowing my words and I to be apart of this project. You're on your way to doing amazing things, bruh. I'm sure this is just one of many future projects to come. DFF 2.0 perhaps?!
---
Take a peek at all the photos here.
Purchase the book here.
Wondering if a face that wears a smile like yours has ever heard a "no" before
A couple days ago (#latepass), The Foreign Exchange released "Maybe She'll Dream of Me," the lead single off their 3rd full-length album, "Authenticity" that is soon to drop on October 12.
(click the pic above for the free download - via +FE Official Website)
Being a huge fan of their work (as a duo and as individuals), best believe I was psyched yet again to hear a new track off their upcoming project. The way this duo continues to stay on their grind, and maintain a place above continues to amazes me. By dropping this synth-driven groove tastefully... they done did it again. Because again, it evokes my anticipation*. I really can't help but leave the first track that's released on repeat until the project drops completely. I can't.
---
*I loved the promo for LIAB:
(click the pic above for the free download - via +FE Official Website)
Being a huge fan of their work (as a duo and as individuals), best believe I was psyched yet again to hear a new track off their upcoming project. The way this duo continues to stay on their grind, and maintain a place above continues to amazes me. By dropping this synth-driven groove tastefully... they done did it again. Because again, it evokes my anticipation*. I really can't help but leave the first track that's released on repeat until the project drops completely. I can't.
---
*I loved the promo for LIAB:
Monday, August 30, 2010
(Un)productive
I feel like the whole day all I've been trying to do is find a song to help me get going.
See I have this tendency to rely on music to get me moving. Literally. When I wake up, the first thing I do is head straight to my iTunes to put something on and I leave it on till I'm done getting ready. Then when I head out the door, the mixtape continues as I grab my iPod and start listening to each track till I get to my destination. Now this internal playlist of mine continues to throughout the day never really allowing my ears to stop playing my own music until I hit places where I don't need it. For instance, I figure the only time I'm really not listening to music are in situations where I'm doing something with either music already playing or when I'm interacting with other folks and all I wanna do is listen to them. But other than those moments I somehow always have a soundtrack playing throughout my day, which is something I've become accustomed to. It's my habit where I imagine every action I make on a daily is parallel to a beat. As if the soundwaves from my headphones evoke my every movement so effortlessly.
So when I can't find a song to help me get through a day... that's when you know I haven't done shit. (It's like I'm a fkn robot! haha) Today I'm having one of those moments where I can't choose a song or even a beat my ears are satisfied with. Nothing I've heard today has provoked any kind of movement. It's been a stale Monday and the only thing I've heard are show tunes from everything on my tube. As a result - I've wasted today as a couch potato.
I guess I need new music.
See I have this tendency to rely on music to get me moving. Literally. When I wake up, the first thing I do is head straight to my iTunes to put something on and I leave it on till I'm done getting ready. Then when I head out the door, the mixtape continues as I grab my iPod and start listening to each track till I get to my destination. Now this internal playlist of mine continues to throughout the day never really allowing my ears to stop playing my own music until I hit places where I don't need it. For instance, I figure the only time I'm really not listening to music are in situations where I'm doing something with either music already playing or when I'm interacting with other folks and all I wanna do is listen to them. But other than those moments I somehow always have a soundtrack playing throughout my day, which is something I've become accustomed to. It's my habit where I imagine every action I make on a daily is parallel to a beat. As if the soundwaves from my headphones evoke my every movement so effortlessly.
So when I can't find a song to help me get through a day... that's when you know I haven't done shit. (It's like I'm a fkn robot! haha) Today I'm having one of those moments where I can't choose a song or even a beat my ears are satisfied with. Nothing I've heard today has provoked any kind of movement. It's been a stale Monday and the only thing I've heard are show tunes from everything on my tube. As a result - I've wasted today as a couch potato.
I guess I need new music.
You only want me cause I don't want you back
I was diggin' this video until the dude on the toilet stood up and walked straight outta the door WITHOUT washing his hands. *cringe* haha
Friday, August 27, 2010
Note to Self #4: Life be beauts
Life IS beautiful. Just gotta be mindful to keep balance. Keep the good folks, good vibes and good music in your presence and it’ll stay beautiful.
(via fckminetoo)
Playback: April 21, 2010
Where I was 4 months ago...
I’d like to think I’m getting used to living back in here.
I mean I’m not crying anymore wishing I were somewhere else and each day I’m learning how to deal with my inevitable situation. Plus it’s almost been a month and amidst the month I’ve been here, I think I’ve become a little stronger? I classify dry cheeks as a good indication that I’m getting by.
But still there are some moments where I’ll slip, I’ll get weak and long for San Francisco again. I’ll wake up one morning and forget I’m in SJ. My mind will go on this mad trip wanting to believe I’m just dreaming.
Though eventually reality quickly hits as I glance out my window for a second. There I see nothing but bushes, flowers, and an empty sidewalk corroding my vision. Instead of feeling peaceful among this image, I’m instead thrown back into withdrawal – me wanting to be back in the city.
I’ve had mornings like this. But this morning was slightly different.
I woke up feeling like I shouldn’t be here. I woke up with the intention of leaving SJ, whether momentarily or permanently, my heart felt like leaving. And for no other reason than to just be in the presence of the city, my body wanted to relocate itself for that moment. I had this sudden urge to hear the city traffic, to feel the wind in my face, to feel the rush on the streets. My state of withdrawal was deep. All my senses were reflective of a bad case of nostalgia. My nose could smell the streets, my eyes could see the MUNI, and my body could feel the fog.
Physically I was in SJ, mentally I was in the city. I couldn’t connect the two as if at this moment I didn’t want to. As if my heart made a decision to stay this way and will continue to feel this way until I’m back.
It’s a bittersweet feeling, really. But more so a vicious cycle I’m stuck in.
---
04-21-10
I’d like to think I’m getting used to living back in here.
I mean I’m not crying anymore wishing I were somewhere else and each day I’m learning how to deal with my inevitable situation. Plus it’s almost been a month and amidst the month I’ve been here, I think I’ve become a little stronger? I classify dry cheeks as a good indication that I’m getting by.
But still there are some moments where I’ll slip, I’ll get weak and long for San Francisco again. I’ll wake up one morning and forget I’m in SJ. My mind will go on this mad trip wanting to believe I’m just dreaming.
Though eventually reality quickly hits as I glance out my window for a second. There I see nothing but bushes, flowers, and an empty sidewalk corroding my vision. Instead of feeling peaceful among this image, I’m instead thrown back into withdrawal – me wanting to be back in the city.
I’ve had mornings like this. But this morning was slightly different.
I woke up feeling like I shouldn’t be here. I woke up with the intention of leaving SJ, whether momentarily or permanently, my heart felt like leaving. And for no other reason than to just be in the presence of the city, my body wanted to relocate itself for that moment. I had this sudden urge to hear the city traffic, to feel the wind in my face, to feel the rush on the streets. My state of withdrawal was deep. All my senses were reflective of a bad case of nostalgia. My nose could smell the streets, my eyes could see the MUNI, and my body could feel the fog.
Physically I was in SJ, mentally I was in the city. I couldn’t connect the two as if at this moment I didn’t want to. As if my heart made a decision to stay this way and will continue to feel this way until I’m back.
It’s a bittersweet feeling, really. But more so a vicious cycle I’m stuck in.
---
04-21-10
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Lose in love, we lost some
Yesterday the folks at okayplayer released Carlitta Durand's first solo music video for her track titled "Lost Love" feat. Jabee from The Doug & Patty EP; a project that originally dropped last year. Watch the vid below:
I've had this project since it first came out and it's never really stopped rotating for me. Ever since I first downloaded it I've been giving it some heavy love. So if you haven't already cop the EP, do so here. If you grew up in the 90s like myself, I'm sure you'd appreciate this take on the Doug Funny & Patty Mayonnaise's love story. Enjoy.
Carlitta Durand - Lost love feat. Jabee from BECAUSEUS on Vimeo.
I've had this project since it first came out and it's never really stopped rotating for me. Ever since I first downloaded it I've been giving it some heavy love. So if you haven't already cop the EP, do so here. If you grew up in the 90s like myself, I'm sure you'd appreciate this take on the Doug Funny & Patty Mayonnaise's love story. Enjoy.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
RE: Strangers (II)
I'm hungry for some real human connection.
For speech with real substance, where a conversation doesn't always have to lead with what happened last night or what drama started this morning. I'm feenin' for some straight verbal exchange provoking thoughts we've never come across and thoughts we never thought of without this encounter. I want to talk news. I want to talk literature. I want to talk music. I want to talk about life. I want hear to hear your story. I want to hear you. Educate me on your views. Allow me to see the other side. Enrich my being. But do so in away without the necessity of mentioning bullshit actions or our faulty past to engage me.
I want a real connection between you and I...
where our exchange can trigger a trend of words and lines of emotions fueling a dialogue that'll challenge me, but leave me inspired and motivated. Where we speak with honest tones and create a dialogue beyond fear, worry and hesitation. Where it's simply only our minds doing the talking.
For speech with real substance, where a conversation doesn't always have to lead with what happened last night or what drama started this morning. I'm feenin' for some straight verbal exchange provoking thoughts we've never come across and thoughts we never thought of without this encounter. I want to talk news. I want to talk literature. I want to talk music. I want to talk about life. I want hear to hear your story. I want to hear you. Educate me on your views. Allow me to see the other side. Enrich my being. But do so in away without the necessity of mentioning bullshit actions or our faulty past to engage me.
I want a real connection between you and I...
where our exchange can trigger a trend of words and lines of emotions fueling a dialogue that'll challenge me, but leave me inspired and motivated. Where we speak with honest tones and create a dialogue beyond fear, worry and hesitation. Where it's simply only our minds doing the talking.
Lazy no more, DFF is due for a facelift!
I realize I haven't written anything here in a fat minute. Everything I've posted within the past few months have been past poetry, music, and pictures - anything and everything to depict my life in any way other than an actual update in written form. While I love doing all of that I don't think it's fulfilling enough. I mean at least for a writer it isn't.
So today I promise myself I'll use this blog more wisely, more efficiently and actually input some substance on here. Maybe I'll start talking about my future projects, collaborations, ideas? Who knows? But I know that somehow I gotta transform DFF into a "portfolio" or some kind of reference cause I'm sure with what I wanna do in the future, if I give DFF a facelift now it'll help me in the long run.
Riiiight?
So today I promise myself I'll use this blog more wisely, more efficiently and actually input some substance on here. Maybe I'll start talking about my future projects, collaborations, ideas? Who knows? But I know that somehow I gotta transform DFF into a "portfolio" or some kind of reference cause I'm sure with what I wanna do in the future, if I give DFF a facelift now it'll help me in the long run.
Riiiight?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday & Tuesday
My yesterday...
consisted of a 6-7hr skype hang out sesh with my Gem counterpart. While we probably could've been doing something with the outside world, we instead chose to reminisce about past crushes, past haircuts, past drunken nights, past relationships via photo albums on FB. With every photo we sent each other, we spilled a bucket of nostalgia (and sometimes metaphoric yack) all over our laptops. From "regrets" to bearded women to dudes we probably shouldn't have (...) we were reminiscing about the times that made us who we are today and laughing about it.On top of that we ate dinner together (we're nerds, I know. And I'm sure if you're following either one of us on Twitter, you saw it all happen in real time) and caught up on the present.
So you see? This is what happens when one of your good friends is thrown back to Los Angeles and is nowhere near you - you end up working with what you got to make the distance feel non-existent. And I know even though y'all are probably are thinking we just "wasted" our day leaving our laptops on - we really didn't. I wouldn't trade in yesterday for a night out at all cause for once life actually felt like it never changed - it actually felt easy again.
But today is a different story...
Today's gonna look the opposite cause the theme for Tuesday is... PRODUCTIVITY!
consisted of a 6-7hr skype hang out sesh with my Gem counterpart. While we probably could've been doing something with the outside world, we instead chose to reminisce about past crushes, past haircuts, past drunken nights, past relationships via photo albums on FB. With every photo we sent each other, we spilled a bucket of nostalgia (and sometimes metaphoric yack) all over our laptops. From "regrets" to bearded women to dudes we probably shouldn't have (...) we were reminiscing about the times that made us who we are today and laughing about it.On top of that we ate dinner together (we're nerds, I know. And I'm sure if you're following either one of us on Twitter, you saw it all happen in real time) and caught up on the present.
So you see? This is what happens when one of your good friends is thrown back to Los Angeles and is nowhere near you - you end up working with what you got to make the distance feel non-existent. And I know even though y'all are probably are thinking we just "wasted" our day leaving our laptops on - we really didn't. I wouldn't trade in yesterday for a night out at all cause for once life actually felt like it never changed - it actually felt easy again.
But today is a different story...
Today's gonna look the opposite cause the theme for Tuesday is... PRODUCTIVITY!
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