Writng projects

Over the years I have written a substantial amount of Poetry which I am compiling and editing to make a book. I have always enjoyed writing since I was a kid. There are so many things I have witnessed,experienced and gone through in my life that I finally feel comfortable to share with others. In addition to that I am working on 2 other projects one is an inspirational guide for girls and a book compiled of essays about Mothers/Sons. So I have been trying to stay focused and put everything together. I am working on developing a screenplay which will also double as a Docudrama about my life. So stay tuned and enjoy the Sun.

Thank You Michael Jackson!

What can I say.... Michael Jackson to me was like a Deity! Not only for his musical genius, dance moves and persona but for the fact that through all the bullshit and pain he endured I always connected with him on the fact that through it all he was a lonely person. I can remember being like 7 or 8 years old and sleeping with the Thriller Album under my pillow, I had a red zipper jacket that my mother beat my ass for wearing one day because it was freezing outside and the jacket is like plastic. I wore it anyway. I think my first introduction to MJ was listening to the We Are the World Song in school I must have been in like Kindergarten or 1st grade. My mom bought me the single Album and I played it so much it broke. I was immediately in love when I saw him. He didn't look like anyone I had ever seen before. His clothes were different, his hair. I got a Jheri Curl and rocked it for years! Along with my penny loafers which I put nickles in. He had a regal sensitivity about him. I can remember dancing in my room by myself for hours to him. I am an only child so Tv/Books/Radio were my siblings. I am glad to have witnessed the many accomplishments he made in his career as an entertainer. Without him we wouldn't even know the Chris Brown's and Rihanna's I'm still not too sure I want to know them. He will truly be missed but through technology he will never be forgotten. His words will take on a whole new meaning and a new chapter of his life will begin. . . . .

Peace,
The Empress

My Essay Entry to TOMS Shoes to Deliver Shoes to Children in Durban,South Africa

I would love to take advantage of this opportunity for so many reasons. The main being that it would be a great example of what I have raised my son to believe. I am a single mom in NYC. I had my son when I was 17 and all the time I heard what life should be like for me because I had him so young, and was unwed, and being raised in one of the hardest areas of the South Bronx. I never bought into the hype. I have always believed that you can do whatever it is you set your mind to, and when you get to that place you to come back and help those who have less than you. Then and only then can you call yourself a decent human being when you put materialism, money and things that just don’t matter aside and you judge and allow yourself to be judged based solely on your actions against others. My son Jalan will be 14 in December and I am constantly telling him that one of the greatest things you can do in life is be a great human being first! Everything else is Secondary. One of the best ways to be a great person is to help others especially those in need. Not only do you make them feel good but you feel good! From the time he was a baby I have instilled the value of sharing and caring for others. So by me doing this he would see I practice what I preach. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for children; they are the most precious gifts that can be placed on this earth. They are our legacy and if we don't teach them compassion and empathy now for one another the human race will be in major trouble. I would love to see the expressions on their faces, to be given something as simple as a pair of shoes, something that so many of us take for granted. I went to Nicaragua recently and stayed in a hostel and upon leaving I asked one of the women who worked there what size clothing she wore. I went to my room and literally gave her clothes that I knew once I got home I would probably not wear again but to her it was a whole new wardrobe. Things like this are embedded in my core they are a part of my DNA. Some of my hero’s share my zodiac sign and helping people is what we do. I am an Aquarius and I have the pleasure of being in the company of Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey,Bob Marley, all of whom are not only great people but are also outstanding Humanitarians. This work is what I am meant to do it truly is my passion. So not only would I be honored, humbled, and proud to be a part of this Mission. It would just add another piece to the puzzle that will eventually complete my legacy and the memory I want to leave my son with of his Mother. In so many ways parents want to be proud of their children. I want my son to be proud of his Mom. I want him to see that life is bigger than here and now. It stretches far and wide and as long as you are willing to see the bigger picture you will always be rewarded. Also that fact that life doesn’t end once the breath has left our bodies. The work we have done, the people we have inspired, the memories we have created, the people we have helped all of these things will live on for 3 lifetimes. This would be a gift to him and me. I have overcome so much in my life and I am truly grateful and thankful for any and every opportunity that I get to help someone is very important to me. I would hope that me doing something like this would inspire more people to take action and figure out ways that they can help others. Shoes are so important and symbolic they give us balance, protection; they are the base of our foundation. With shoes we are not limited we can run, dance, walk, ride a bike, jump rope kick cans, climb trees, make or break our outfits etc. I don’t think anyone more than me would love to live in a place where you never had to wear shoes but it’s just not the type of world we live in. With shoes these children are not getting just some free footwear they are getting a piece of reality, they are getting freedom to kick cans, climb trees and run and play like all other children. Sometimes I wish if we would just put our own crap aside and paid attention to others we would be so much better off. Sometimes all you need is for someone to give you a chance or maybe a little push in the right direction. These children will now have confidence that may not have existed within in them before, this may give them the power to walk down a new road, discover a new place like a library. They will grow up to remember this one simple act of kindness and turn it into their own mission. So many doors have been opened by TOMS for these children. They have been given a solid foundation which is the basis and must have for all things successful. To be a part of this would be a Dream come true for me! I am so glad that companies like TOMS exist it lets me know that I am on the right path. So many people have called me crazy for volunteering with different organizations, or ask why would you want to do that for free? No longer do I explain. I simply reply “Because I’m helping people and it makes me feel good”

2 Weeks! Damn!

How could I let 2 weeks pass without writing something for you wonderful people? Well I have been busy but I haven't forgotten about you. It was a busy week. Jalan graduated from 8th grade next stop High School! (that sounds so weird) I launched my Children's Event Planning Service and the first party was a success! I have just spent the last hour writing an essay for a contest with a company called TOMS if you don't know about them check them out here Http://tomsshoes.com a great company with an even greater mission. They are sponsoring a contest for 2 people to win a trip to drop off shoes to the next selection of children in Durban, South Africa. Winners will be announced in August/September cross your fingers for me.

Peace,
The Empress

The Weekend

My weekend was pretty chill and fun. Friday night it was rainy and I was too wiped out to go out so I dropped Jalan off @ his sleepover and just went home and slept. I spent Saturday in Williamsburg. I went to the Renegade Craft Fair @ McCarren to cheer on my friend Kim. If you don't know check out my 1st Phenomenal Woman! Her booth looked amazing! It was so Serene and Chill..I guess like woman like booth?. Afterwards me and my friend headed to Charleston Bar and had some beers and pizza this place is cool for every drink you buy you get a small mini pie. It was cool to just hang and have some girl chat and relax! We walked around BK for a bit, we were approached by a guy who apparently was giving away free hugs to all the pretty ladies. . .We declined his offer. . I wonder if that line ever works? We hop back on the L and go into Union Square and by this time after we walk around for a bit I need some coffee, so we head to MUD for Dessert,Coffee and more Girl Talk! Who knew women could talk so much? Eh! We headed over to St. Marks were I was released into the custody of a certain someone and we enjoyed dinner at Candela Candela, eating outside sipping mojitos and watching drunk people fall out of the bar next door.. Ahh NYC in the Summer I love it! Yesterday was pretty chill Coffee, Good Company and laughs! and might I add a great Playoff Game! Although the Magic loss they gave LA a run for their money! I can't wait till tomorrow!

Peace,
The Empress

6th Phenomenal Woman -Gemma Fleming- Photographer

What is your name and where are you from?

Gemma Rosalind Fleming (so far as my legal name goes; any other ones
you might know me by, well…). Born in Naples, Italy. Made a little pad
in Brooklyn my new home, but most of my life I spent trotting about
Washington State.


What kind of person are you?

One word: LOUD.
A closet introvert, but that doesn’t last too long.


What is the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

Photo related: Assisting on a test shoot during my first few months in
New York. It was during the summer and I was sweating so horribly that
I almost ruined a roll of film with my own sweat.
First Job Ever: I was a security guard at a grocery store for a month.
I sat on a loading dock in an over sized orange coat reading comics and
falling asleep. One time a drug addict tried dragging me away from the
store. I only made $10/hour.
Lesson learned: I should be more selective with my choice of work and
antiperspirant.

What is the phenomenal work you are doing now?

I’m working on producing more stop motion and video pieces to
accompany my photo shoots. Right now the next couple of projects will
involve the following: bullets, a vinyl box, and my stepfather.


How has it changed your life?

Photography has taken over my waking and dreaming life. Being
engrossed in it has filled me with discouraging and rewarding
experiences. I can’t imagine doing anything else with myself at this
point.

What is the strangest photo assignment you’ve ever done?
My last shoot in Coney Island where I walked around in public in
nothing but my underwear. I’ve never experienced worse stage fright in
my entire life.

If you could work with one person and could shoot them anyway you
wanted who would be and what would you do?

As of now: Quentin Tarantino. I would be too enamored by his presence
and addled over the rate of his speech that I would probably forget I
was shooting. Then I would throw up on myself shortly afterward.

Where can we learn more about you?
www.gemmafleming.com
…or in person. I’m friendly; promise I won’t bite.

What's next for Gemma Fleming?
Producing new work to shoot during my stay in Japan. Oh, and a good
cup of coffee.

Cupcake Truck

Some people are serious about food, others about wine. My obsession is cupcakes! I love them! They are small pieces of heaven on earth. You have the satisfaction of a cake without the guilt of eating a whole one. There are some key factors in a good cupcake one is the icing it should always be fresh and creamy. It can be sweet but not overpowering. The cake should be moist and have flavor. If you are like me I like to have a little icing with each bite of cake so if both of them are too sweet it becomes too much. There have been several places I have been very loyal to including Magnolia,Cupcake Factory and Crumbs. Today I was reading the NY Times and came across an article about a mobile cupcake truck! Genius! I love the MUD truck because I love their coffee and the concept of it being mobile adds to the allure. So as I am reading the article I learn the truck will be debuting today in 2 locations. I quickly friend them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter this is serious business. The truck is going to be in Chelsea until 10pm so I make sure to get all my errands and motherly duties done so I can reward myself. Its 8pm and I'm done I get on the 5 train head to union square and take a nice walk up to 23rd street. As I approach 7th avenue I see the truck in all its sweet glory with lights around it and adorned in painted cupcakes.. Beautiful! I cross the street and avoid getting ran over by cars whizzing down 7th avenue.. The closer I get my hearts starts beating faster..Cupcakes,Cupcakes,Cupcakes! I walk up to the truck and order the Oreo. I ask if they did wholesale. The guy working the truck points to the genius who came up with the idea his boss Lev Ekster who I shake hands with and inform him that I have been waiting for this moment all day. I let him know I am serious about my cupcakes. He asks me where I usually go and I tell him Crumbs he tells the guy in the Truck to give me another cupcake and tell him what I think. I let him know I can't lie about these things. It was a damn good cupcake! So I got to meet the owner, enjoy 2 complimentary cupcakes and make a business connection. I also suggested a new flavor white chocolate hazelnut. So make sure to check them out http://cupcakestop.com you won't regret it. If you are lucky and early enough try the Red Velvet. The prices are great $2.25 for a regular and a buck for a mini!

Sweet Peace,
The Empress

5th Phenomenal Woman- H'Rina DeTroy Journalist

What is your name and where are you from?
H'Rina DeTroy, from New England, lived abroad and on the west coast for a minute. But if any place qualifies as what I would call home is where I am now. Brooklyn.

What is your Phenomenal talent?
Getting lost in music, dancing and writing. And making it seem like talent.



What is your mission?
I could've been on the streets on Saigon. But my mother fled Vietnam and I was born American. I'm working towards a degree in talking to people and telling their stories through words, pictures and sound. Can't complain. My mission is to make people heard who rarely get the chance.

What do you believe in Most?
Love surpasses all. Have faith. Don't be afraid to live and make mistakes. Mistakes mean you have something behind you and you can build up from it.


What has made you most humble?
My mother's struggle.

What is one moment in time if you could change without anyone knowing you would change?
Not sure, but I would love to have been there to tell a few people to beware. Perhaps they would still be alive today.

Who are you most proud of?
My little sisters. I have three of them and they're smart, beautiful and awesome.


What is next for H'rina DeTroy?
You might find me running around with a pad and pencil, camera or recorder, probing someone with questions ranging from generic, to completely absurd, to very personal.


Where can we learn more about you?
Hanging out with Taneesha! A website is forthcoming, someday. But until then, joining in on a Taneesha night is the best bet and tons more fun than a website. Gauranteed.


One memory you have that has and will last the rest of your lifetime?
The smell of rice wine in the tropical heat. Dancing, not in a particular moment the many where the memory is physical sensation that arrests me, waking or dreaming, standing or sitting. Kind of like vertigo.

Busy Making Progress

So I owe you guys another Phenomenal Woman which I will I am working on right now. Sorry I am a day late. It was a jam packed weekend of events. I had one of the best weekends I have had in a while. The weather was amazing and just the random events on spontaneity were awesome. It also helped that I had some company for the whole time which was a welcomed gift. So I got a glimpse of Obama as he was leaving Blue Hill Restaurant and although it was a split second thing it had such an impact on me. To be alive to see this man running our country with such an effortless style seems surreal. I am most impressed with the fact that the Obama family unit seems tighter than ever. I truly wish him the best Professionally and Personally. I have also been busy with looking for new projects for myself 1 being Voice over work. I took a workshop and got some great information. I may also dabble in some acting stuff. I am looking forward to summer and traveling for fun and to see family. I also have a huge endeavor that I am working on but can't say anything just yet. So stay tuned.

Peace,
The Empress

4th Phenomenal Woman- Laura Kaiser- Nutritionist

What is your name and where are you from?
My full name is Laura Michelle Kaiser. I was born in BK and grew up in Nassau County.



What do you do for a living?
I am a Registered Dietitian focusing on community nutrition. I work for a national non-profit which is affiliated with a hospital in order to provide nutrition education and counseling to homeless children and families in NYC. I also have a special interest in educating diabetics because I myself have Type 1 diabetes.


Why is that so important?
Because you really are what you eat. And some of us are at a marked disadvantage to eat as well (or as much) as others, which adversely impacts longevity and quality of life.


What impact has your career had on your life?
I don't have enough time for myself! Oh, and I'm pretty broke most of the time!

I am very grateful for all that I have: a roof over my head; a hot shower and/or meal whenever I want it; family and friends who love me, support me, would protect or shelter me; an excellent education.
I sometimes feel frustrated and sad and angry about the way the world works.
Consumerism and frivolity in spending and usage disconcerts me -- especially with regard to the earth's natural resources. We, as a race, disrespect our planet so much. Have lost touch with it. It troubles me that most of the kids I work with wouldn't know how to grow something....something they could eat. Would rather eat a Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pocket than a plant that comes from the earth. It's very hippie chick, I know, but it's disturbing to me.


What's the dating scene like for those in the Medical World? anything Like Grey's Anatomy?

Well, I'm not a medical doctor, but I certainly attest to the difficult dating scene here in NYC if you want to know anything about that!



What would you rather be doing right now?
Lying on a beach.


What do you do for fun?
Swim, bike, cook, knit, dance (salsa), hang with my FRIENDS or my SISTERS....read.



What it is the one thing you haven't tried yet but will one day?
My mother would be so happy if I said "gefilte fish." But I'd really like to hang-glide. I am completely enamored of birds and flight, and I'd like to feel what it's like to soar like they do...I think hang-gliding is maybe as close as you get without real wings.

Where can we learn more about you?
Facebook