Bird's Eye: The World through the Eyes of Lady Bird SF

Poetic Justice...

2008-12-20T00:42:00.000-08:00

Today one of the youth I work with reintroduced me to Def Poetry Jam, she showed me a poet named Gemineye who's words inspired the tagline she used for a Peace March she spear headed; "Would you rather die for nothing, or live for something?" . Her and I watched a bunch of clips on youtube,I almost forgot how much I love poetry that means something that says something. Although sometime the spoken word style is a little hard for me to digest and listen to, all those choppy cadences and guttural stops, but, there are those few that have something to say and can say it with a passion all their own.

And Yo this Next chick I watched tonight when I got home. Still high on the poetry that my youth showed me earlier I've spent the past hour watching Def Poetry Clips. As a Gangsta of Love and the Vice President of the Responsible Cupcake committee, I hella feltIshel Yi Park's poem even though her steez is a bird of a different color I feel her content... from her economic standpoint to her description of the strain of living life and being in a relationship where one deals not only with their own life experiences but is in love with another person who has life experiences that aren't dealt with. Love is War...

And her "Love Poem to Myself" is pretty fly too. The journey to racial identity and personal identity it a tough one in American Society...

Message from a Bird: Why Women Should Vote

2008-11-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share another bit of wisdom that my Lady Bird Sistren past on to me. Thank you Xuan.

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

"This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920

that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.> > T he women were innocent and un menacing, but they were jailed for picketing the White House, carrying signs for the right to vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. >
Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'

> > > (Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.

> > (Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack.

> Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twi s ting and kicking the women.

> > Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917,
> when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

> For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

> > (Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they
tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks > until word was smuggled out to the press. >

> http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf > >

So,
refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because- > -why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work?
Our vote doesn't matter?
It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.> > All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote.

Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history,
> saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk > about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought > kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. >

'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.'

The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'> > HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in > their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think alittle shock therapy is in order. It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently> institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse.

Alice> Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for> insanity.'

> > Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know.

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so > hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic,> republican or independent party - remember to vote.
>

> History is being made. > "

I've been going over my absentee ballot and will have to drop it off at the voting station. I've been dreading election day because I have to be up at 7am on a mission reminding people to get out and vote for the non profit I work for. But after reading this I am happy that I have the opportunity to be able to so.

Get out and vote!!

Messages from a Bird

2008-10-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by one of my home girls and I have found it empowering and comforting at the same time. Hope that it does the same for you.

1. Family First
2. Create a 5 Year Plan
3. Stay dedicated during times of hardship
4. Learn to juggle hustles
5. Master your craft
6. Develop a mouth piece
7. Be able to predict your industry's potential movements
8. Keep your network alive, and check in frequently
9. Don't burn your bridges
10. Building solid Relationships are key to setting up big moves
11. Surround yourself with talented minds
12. Research everything in your industry
13. If you do spec work, make sure to leverage a new solid contact
14. Get out of your comfort zones
15. Know how & when to Sacrifice & compromise
16. Educate those around you.
17. We all need mentors, young and old
18. Stay goal oriented and knock out all your tasks asap
19. Dress the role you want to be and keep shop clean
20. Stay Focused (& keep your team focused)

Lady Birds' Messages: Excelsior Youth Push For Change

2008-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

If you could please help pass the word that would be great! This is the third peace march in the Excelsior this year. Which goes to show that the youth in the community are calling for your support. The community has suffered a number of losses this year, as have many Bay Area communities. We as a people need to stand together in solidarity and make a stand. "Would you rather live for something or die for nothing?" lweitz@bhnc.org

Also a the Excelsior Teen Center is begging to provide more activities to bring the youth together. On October 17th we will be hosting an open Mic. If you know of any youth that would like to share something please let them know that this is available. If it goes well hopefully we can make it a monthly event, but it can only work if we have your support.

If you have any questions Please Contact.

Leah Weitz
Excelsior Teen Center
Case Management
Girls Group Coordinator
lweitz@bhnc.org

One Reason I Believe in the Possiblity of having a Past Life

2008-09-27T18:29:00.001-07:00

How else would this really be possible that a kid has this much swagg at such a young age? Maybe it's John Lenin re-ecarnated as a little asian kid. He did marry Yoko Ono. =)

Young Hey Jude @ Yahoo! Video

Michelle Obama Rocks!

2008-09-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

The Lovely lady of "Gangstarr Girl," put me on to Clockwise Clothing and their sick new line of "Michelle Rocks" tee's for men and women. As we have already seen Obama's face and message has been the Artistic inspiration to musicians, poets, painters, print makers, photoshop and muti media techs... the artistic mediums can go on. But what about Madam Michelle. Remember behind every strong man their is an even stronger women. ( To be strong for herself and strong for the strong man when he is feeling weak) Oose.. .to Madam Michelle for representing for the strong women everywhere. I need to grab one of these tees after payday too. =)

Soundtrack of My Life From August 2008

2008-09-16T11:43:00.001-07:00

I must have watched Sister Act 2 a hundred times when I was a kid. It's all about following your dreams no matter what.

I remember seeing Lauryn bust a few bars and feeling empowered to develope my own voice.

" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OcgscTnXRzA&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" height="200" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">

Flying High

2008-09-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

I know that there hasn't been much motion on my website and blog over the past few weeks but I've been inside meditating and making new cranes for the holiday season.

It's funny this time last year I was in school and working odd jobs and making cranes because it was the only way I could sit quietly and just breath and reflect. There has been a lot of growth since then.

People started to show interest which led to the creation of the site and the blog. What started off as a few cranes here and there turned into much more than I could of asked for. It's been a struggle but thanks to individuals that have faith in the ideas behind Lady Bird SF creations I will continue to do my best at taking the care to make this grow.

Today, once again saw life change right before my eyes. As soon as I came to terms with the changes in my life and embraced them the world looked and felt different or maybe it's just the shift in weather in San Francisco, the fall chill already showing it's head after what I can only describe as the first time I can remember having HOT weather in long spurts through out the whole summer and not just our usual "Indian Summer." Maybe it's global warming, maybe because for the first time in decades there has been an invisible social bridge built between The Bay and L.A. , bringing the HOT ass So Cal weather with them.

At any rate it's given me an excuse to sit outside while I lacquer the cranes, so each one has been dried by rare SF sun shine.

It's been a great summer full of revelations, epiphanies, new stories and new inspiration and all that new newness =) has gone into the new Lady Bird SF Creations. Additionally new Lady Bird SF feature artist will be revealed over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned.

The other side

2008-09-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

I thought this was beautiful...remember there is no love with out thorns.

I am...

2008-09-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am...
I am tired
I am alone
I am lost
I am on my own
I am in the moment
I am lost in space
I am loosing control
I am in the race
I am the time I spend dedicated to what I love
I am a force to be reckoned with, I wear no gloves
I am that heart that beats inside of my chest
I am my dreams when I lay my head down to rest
I am trouble and the solution neatly packaged all together
I am strength
I am distruction
I am revolution
I am,that,I am
and I am not that one
I am what I've always wanted to be and I am what I most feared
I am a child
I am a victim
I am a theif
I am a prostitute
I am a Lover
I am a sister
I am a brother
I am my mother and my father
I am the mediator
I am nothing
I am everything
I am a lock
I am the key
I am a beast and I will never stop
I am my mistakes I am my lessons learned
I am a new person reborn as a bird
I am gossip
I am an addict
I am at times blind and problematic
I am a preistess I am a Goddess
I am a Alchemist I am honest
I am a liar
I am a storyteller
I am a healer
I am the bridge that links us all together
I am...I am a women... I am... I am man... I am..
I am the balance... I am...

Women's World: Lady Bird SF's study of Feminine Power: Part Une

2008-09-01T15:23:00.003-07:00

For thousands of years women have been living in a man's world, where we have been discredited and looked upon as secondary unless you are a women of color... which is a different story, where we are look as a 4th rate citizens.

Embarking on the Lady Bird SF endeavor has given me a platform as well as a greater reason to expand my knowledge of a women's role in our society. While researching I have discovered (not the first one) the idea of a sacred feminine that has been lost through out the ages.

One upon a time women were great leaders and the ones who were respected as the weavers of life. The concept of the Goddess has been lost through out the ages. Disconnecting humanity from life death and everything in between. ( The Holy Trinity) Which is the Father the Sun and the Holy Spirit (which has many truths in its belief) has omitted the Mother and the Moon, the other half of life. Which can be seen if you just live.

During the Renaissance, not only was there a resurgence of craftmanship and philosophy but its was the "Rebirth" of the goddess. The understanding of a divine and earthly balance. The Sun, The Moon, The Earth the Sky, Water. Heaven, Earth and everything in between.

Lady Bird SF is dedicated to the recognition of the balance of the feminine and the masculine in the world. (Stay tuned to see where I go with this concept.)

Coming Soon

2008-08-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

2008-08-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

Fly Women are hard to come by, ones that have beautiful exteriors and dreams that have wings.

Yesterday I had the honor of sitting down with Miss Kristia of Doorknockers, to discuss school, love, family, and visions. Here's a little bit about Doorknockers.

1. WHO IS DOORKNOCKERS?

A blog run by and for women, as well as the larger Hip Hop Nation. We are women who were raised on hip hop, make hip hop, and of course love-hate hip hop.

We come from the streets, and as J-Live would say, the sidewalks. While not everyone here is anti-capitalist, we are all seriously critical of a profit-focused way of life. Some of us went to college, some dropped out, some graduated with honors. Most did all four just not in the same order. This means we aren't afraid to philosophize, spit theory, or get serious. We ain't afraid of book knowledge, in fact we seek it. But we don't depend on books for our lessons.

2. WHY "DOORKNOCKERS"?

I chose this name to (1) celebrate a distinct form of hip hop and hoodrat adornment, (2) shout out Black and Brown women of our age group and older who have defined beauty and strength for me since day one. There's also that bit about knockin on the door of your mindtstate, your ears, the doors to the powers that be.

3. WHAT'S THE POINT?

I'm tryna to fill a void between the petit-B (petit-bourgeosie) streetwear femme magazines, and the often White-dominated world of revolutionary feminist publications. Basically, I'm too critical to read MissBehave without bein disturbed by the fact that my people can't afford that shit and need healthcare. Yet I maintain gold hoops in 3 sizes, keep my nails fresh, and my humble kicks clean.

This is a space for us to discuss these issues and to encourage women to stay critical of the hip hop they consume, the ways they measure their happiness, and the patriarchy they allow to exist. This is one Filipina's way of contributing to the intellectual blog culture of hood scholars like Davey D.

Be sure to click the link to read more by Kristia and the sistren at Doorknockers.

Bird Tales: 1333 Minna is Out of the Box

2008-08-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Some things are meant to be kept secret, but then again some secrets are meant to be unleashed only when the time is right. It's been along time coming but some heart is being brought back to the hat game and 1333 Minna is being let out of the box.

Hats have always been a defining accessory in fashion and in history, helping to illustrate the personality of the wearer while still conveying an air of mystery.

1333 Minna is a collective of artist based in the Mission District of San Francisco, who's aesthetic is rich in craftsmanship and who's products are like nothing I've ever seen before. The Master minds behind this endeavor... world renowned graffiti artist Steel and fourth generation hat maker Ben Goorin this unlikely team has created a new level of millinery craftsmanship fusing family and culture and fashion with the help of other art "G's" such as Reyes ,Ewok, Miss Amanda Lynn, Norm, Retna, The Mac, Ben Belsky, with their look book shot by Dylan Maddox. And with a list that grows each season. I can't even explain in words how FLY these hats are ... Just Check it out for yourself and if you're in San Diego for the Agenda Trade Show stop by their booth they will be giving away a limited amount of the of Limited Edition Posters that they hand sceen printed for the trade show. (Damn!) And here are a few shots of their creations.

Statues of Living

2008-08-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

When I was 14 years old my cousin Krish recommended that I read the book "The Alchemist" By Paulo Coelho. The story is a coming of age story that can speak to everyone who has asked themselves where do I belong in the Universe. Before reading this book I'd never really thought of life as a personal journey. I was living life for the approval of other people instead of just living life, with the intention of being someone that I could be proud of.

In 2005 I spent a semester abroad in Europe, and while I was getting my text books I stumbled upon a day planner inspired by the writing of Paulo Coelho which ironically is where I kept a log of my adventure. My own chapter of my own personal legend. =) But I haven't looked at it for a long time until recently, almost forgot that it existed. It was like unearthing a lost treasure with in your self. When I found my self in a bad place a few years ago, I called my cousin Krish crying on the phone, the best advise that she gave me was that I needed to take everything I was feeling and learning and write it down so that you never forget. So you can remember the steps along the way.

Now a decade later Paulo Coelho's writing once again puts me in awe and gives me faith that there are still people who are pushing for the progression for the generations.

So I wanted to share what has once again inspired me. Click on the bottom right corner to turn the pages.

New Lady Bird Header

2008-08-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

Growth

For the Made Women

2008-08-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

I met the Ladies of MADE Jewelry at The P.A.C.E Fashion show at San Francisco State earlier this year. Abigail and Debbie are two women on top of their hustles. The two of them have been juggling studying for their B.A.R exams, running their jewelry line AND organizing a Mix Tape for all those MADE Ladies out there. Come out and help them celebrate Tuesday at Club Otis on Maiden Lane. Downtown SF. Also hosted by Acrimony & The Brooklyn Circus

Viva la Vida

2008-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Finally! Every week since the Frida Kahlo exhibit opened in June I've been trying to make some time in my chaotic schedule of photos, the developement of a few Lady Bird SF mini collections and some new product developement (yes, new things to come) to view the life work of the very amazing Miss Frida Kahlo at the SF MOMA.

All dolled up in my Lady Bird SF earrings and red lipstick and black Nisa sunny dress, I went to pay homage to one of the greatest artist is history/Her-Story.

Frida's life story has been a major inspiration for many artist including myself. Born to a Hungarian Jewish father and Mexican Indian mother she exprienced a multi -racial up bringing. As a youth she was a tom-boy who wore mens clothing which was un heard of for any traditional Mexican female. She was a surrealist artist before there was a world movement in surrealist art, illustrating her fiery vivatious personality and life through bright bold colors, and cultural symbolism. I could talk about this women and her work for hours and create a lifetime of work inspired by her spirit that reinvented itself as her life progressed. Here are a few of my favorite Frida works. And if you get a chance check out the exhibit at the SF MOMA up until September 28th 2008.

This peice is title "Moses." The painting was inspired by the essay "The death of Moses" by Sigmund Freud that made a link between Ancient Egyptian beliefs, Moses and the origins of monotheistic religion.

"The Two Fridas"

Here is one of her very few large scale paintings, here she illustrates two facets of her own personality. Saying one is the Frida that her husband Diego Rivera loved and the other Frida that Diego did not.

And the last painting that she ever painted. A still life of cut watermelons with the words "Viva la Vida," "Long live Life."

Lady Bird SF: Tribute to Miss Nina Simone

2008-08-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

This BBC interview with Nina Simone Nina Simone is such an inspiration to me in regards to her ideals, career, and activist dedication, not to mention she knew how to use her voice.

Gold Medals and Gold Grills - Support Female M.C's

2008-08-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video Mix: Girl Time

2008-08-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just One of them Days- Monica

Weak- SWV

Right Here-SWV

Just Kick it- Xscape

Female Lemurs Adopt Male Coloring to Escape Competition from other Females

2008-07-27T12:23:00.001-07:00

I love National Geographic! There is a lot we can learn about the natural world. And in many cases by understanding the world around us we can learn much about ourselves. Check out the article on red-faced lemurs of Madagascar.

"Male and female red-fronted lemurs—with red and white heads, respectively—drink from a pool in Madagascar in an undated photo.Young female red-fronted lemurs adopt male coloration to avoid conflict with their aggressive female groupmates, a study released in July 2008 found.The young females grow into their true colors once they are old enough to withstand hostility from their elders, experts say."

To Read the rest of this National Geographic article Click Here

What's your Horoscope say?

2008-07-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here is my horoscope for my sun sign and and my rising sign. Check out your Horoscope for this Leo Moon at These Little Drops.

Aries: Ah, satisfaction is sweet! This new moon wants you to sit back and appreciate the result of some sustained patient effort. (A brief pause in your headlong drive.) Something you’ve been nurturing a while. Congratulate yourself on your commitment and accomplishments thus far and then consider carefully the next few steps since it’s not quite ready yet. It’s nice so far though, isn’t it? How can it be refined? What would make it even better? More enjoyable? There’s a finishing touch that will really fulfill your vision and possibly earn you the acknowledgement and admiration you’ve been hoping for.

Taurus: Looking good, Taurus! Very good. You’ve been making tough decisions, but the there’s no arguing with the results. Now is the time to really consider your creative vision and not to compromise it for anyone. There is something you’d really like to try. Something new? Try writing it down. Just to give it form. Then share it, later, with someone you trust. See what they have to say or what they may have to contribute. It’s still your vision, but I think others would like to see it too. Makes it more real. There’s no hurry. Take your time. Hide out at home for now. You’ll know when it’s ready to take flight.

Gemini: This is not a time for indecision and over thinking, but a time to sit and be in the wisdom of your experience. What have you learned so far Gemini? Try not to be distracted by other people and their opinions just now. Write down seven things you know for sure. Things you don’t bother to flip flop over anymore. It’s time for a little discipline and an assessment of your own research. A time will come when you will really have to stand by what you say. You have the knowledge to back it up. Do what you need to feel super confident about it. It involves being flexible, but firm, and doing your homework.

I can't even tell you how excited about this movie coming out

2008-07-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Yes I am a Harry Potter Geek and Yes I have read all the books.

Take the Pledge.

2008-07-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hey,Right now the murder rate in Oakland is over twice what it was last year. 80% of murders in the Bay Area are folks under 28.

Young people are struggling to find real opportunities and hope.Even though it's pretty grim out there, I just signed the "Silence the Violence Pledge," and and joined the movement for real solutions for violence in Oakland.

Silence the Violence:

1 - Holds exclusiveÊconcerts and parties to create more positive recreation in Oakland.

2 - Brings together community members to for peace vigils and other events.

3 - Is launching a new CD featuring Bay Area legends like Mistah FAB and Goapele.

4 - Helped win a community based mediation program in Oakland and fights for better programs and more recreational opportunities for youth.I hope you'll sign on too and part of the solution.

5 - Nina Parks just took the plegde. And is working on a new project. I would like to do a portrait series and a collection of stories of the friends and family left behind by those who have lost a loved on to violence. If you have a friend or family member who you've put on a memorial tee please share your story with me at LADYBIRD420@gmail.com.

Although we need to silence the violence, we do not need to stay silent about violence. Please share your stories, share the story of your lost loved one/s.

Check it out:http://www.bayareasilencetheviolence.org/

Thanks!

Respect,

Nina Parks

LADY BIRD'S YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS

2008-07-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Lady Bird Dreams in Color: Pain is Relative

2008-07-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Lady Bird SF is a supporter of the tattooed community. For me being tattooed allows me a place for things in my life that I want people to know about me but don't feel the need to tell everyone all the time. It allows people to see and seek if they want to know. Also I feel like it's a rite of passage in many ways.

The other day I went to Skull & Sword to get inked up by tattoo ronin, Lango.

Who you can now book an appointment with at Skull & Sword or at Seventh Son Tattoo

Brazilian born, self-taught, self motivated tattoo G.

I first fell in love with Lango's style at the Skin Vandels Art Show in San Jose.

He did an amazing painting of a women teathered to a stake in the middle of the ocean in green water color. (I'm still saving to purchase the painting LOL) But something about Lango's style was very intruging to me. Now almost a year after the art show I finally got my Lango tattoo.

I've been tattooed before. I have some small momentos of time on my wrists, inside arm, and above my elbow. But non of those tattoos were as intricate as my latest. Lango's tattoo guns were locked and loaded.

I sat down in the chair and the journey began... I have to admit this tattoo hurt and I was having trouble quiting my mind and sitting still which is a must when you are getting tattooed.

So let me explain the ink. 1 women 2 faces. In my life I've delt with some craziness as well as created my own drama and stress but at the end of the day all the stress and pain and struggle has made me. The flower is a Sampaguita the national flower of the Philippines and 1/2 of myself. The flower symbolizes a deep promise. But to me it's not of a marital promise to some one else. It's a deep promise to myself, to stay forever true.

Still I Rise

2008-07-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

I remember 7th grade litature class at the second middle school I attended. The teacher assigned us a poetry assignment, we had to memorize a poem and recite it in front of the class. I hadn't really interacted with the class except for the first day when they announced that I was the new kid and made me spew a few facts about myself.

I remembered hearing a poem at the black history assebly at my old middle school that touched me even deep even though I'm not of African decent. It spoke to me as a women and as a women that knows that she strengths that she shouldn't be ashamed of. It was a long poem and a lot of work to momorize it fully. I recited it in front of the mirror, I recited it on tape and played it back for myself and recited it along with myself. I figured I better go big or don't go at all.

The poem, "Still I Rise," by Maya Angleou. Here it is:

STILL I RISE
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame - I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain - I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear - I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear - I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

You are what you Drink

2008-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS BOTTLE! The Love Bottle is the creation of Miss Minna "The Love Bottle Lady." I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Minna at my day job, while she was picking up some cloths to rock on her interview on channel 7's The View from the Bay. She was telling me about her vision and her journey up until her walking into the store. We swapped inspiration and came to find out that we have a similar vision of promoting the transfer of positve and healling energy.

Minna's found her inspiration in a study by Dr. Emoto who has dedicated his life to studying the effects that the environment, sound vibrations and writing has on water. Check out more on his life's work at http://www.hado.net/. So in a similar spirit, Minna took Dr. Emoto's findings and applied it to her own life and created the Love Bottle after writing the word "Love" on her water bottle. And after a postive response fron frinds and strangers she founded Love Bottle inc.

So, me and the "Love Bottle Lady" swapped creations. And ever since I've been drinking more water, and wondering why I haven't felt this good about drinking water before. I've written all over my bottle with reminders to myself and words of motivation and affermation. I advise everyone to get a Love Bottle. It's good for you and good for the environment. Check out http://www.lovebottle.net/ for more on "The Love Bottle."

Finding My Signature

2008-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't noticed my logo keeps changing. And I've come to the decision that it will just keep changing as Lady Bird SF grows and developes. This is one of the first logos I attempted, I hand drew the feather and the bottle and used basic computer text for the lettering.

I felt like I was selling myself short by not developing my own text so I tried a signature... Still working on the Graphic Design skills.

And this... this is the latest developement of LBSF as a Monogram.Stay tuned to see what Lady Bird SF comes up with next.

Lady Bird of the Month: Hopie Spitshard: THE DIAMOND DAME

2008-07-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Diamond Dame, Hopie Spitshard's first solo album written by Miss Kae Hope herself and produced by the effortlessly, effervescently talented 6Fingers... The Diamond Dame is 13 original tracks and features Del the Funky Homosapien, Bambu of the Native Guns, EyeASage, Topkat, Kid Static and Smigg Dirtee.

The Diamond Dame is NOW AVAILABLE at Amoeba in SF & Berkeley and at various Rasputins around the Bay. Also, The Diamond Dame will soon be available through iTunes and CDBaby in the next couple weeks. Finally, you can grab em at www.ladybirdsf.com starting today!

Hopie Spits' has recently been submitted to URB's NEXT 1000 at www.urb.com/promotions/next1000! check out the artists and vote.

2ndly, Hopie recently had the opportunity to chop it up with MAMA herself -GDK of MAMA Clothing. Check out my exclusive interview at www.MISSCREW.com!

Lastly, She has an album release party at Etiquette Lounge in SF on July 17th! Be there check her out and then cop her album, support your independent artists!

www.myspace.com/hopiespitshard
www.youtube.com/hopiespitshard

The Streets of Gold

2008-07-08T22:28:00.001-07:00

Saturday July 5th, 2008 the fam at OH DANG! Magazine hosted "The Streets of Gold" a show case of local talent and young entrepreneurs at Cocomo's on Indian St. in San francisco, so of course Lady Bird SF was there. Here are some flicks from the event.

Working on the presentation.
Set up by the Miss Amanda Lynn
Who has a gallery show opening in L.A. August 2nd, 2008. I'll Post the flier when I get it.

Red Velvet Cupcakes, Cremesicle Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes, S'more Cupcakes, Cookies, Cookies and Cream Cake, and Brownies provided by Soul Desire Desserts.
The culinary master mind behind Soul Desire, Miss Lelani (you can find her shining like a star at Delessio Bakery on Market and Gough St.)

The wonderful Ladies who keep me on point and pushing towards success. Shannon (left) and Best Friend of 11 years Hopie Spitshard

A.Lynn & Gretta two talented women.

My adorable nephew Kahlil heard his mama recording "Married to the Hustle"
"Better tuck in your chain, I like them shinny things." -EyeASage

Elizabeth Travelslight and Fam

With performances from Hopie Spitshard with her Hype Man and mi familia MC Krush eLs

Their were other performances but I couldn't leave my table so I missed the photo ops. But Check OH DANG! Mag for full event coverage or Guerilla Busfare .

2008 Baby! We're taking over.