The Thoughts Within Us

streetetiquette: Pleased to announce that we’re working with a...

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:22:57 -0400

Pleased to announce that we’re working with a new artist by the name of Jimi Nxir who’s a singer, songwriter and producer who’s currently living in NYC. For a long time now I have found myself passionate about music, outside of the fact that I play instruments myself, so this was my outlet to post all things that I liked music wise.

Glad to have the brothers MeLo-X / Jimi Nxir work on something in an organic fashion, straight random 2-3 AM in East Flatbush vibes and they both created something awesome in the span of 30 mins or so lol (crazy I know)

So here’s the first song titled ‘Sensation’ off of his debut EP coming this fall.

Download, share, listen to for hours all of that good stuff, just spread good music and good vibes.

kwesiabbensetts: #kwesiabbensetts

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:22:53 -0400

kwesiabbensetts:

#kwesiabbensetts

abstractelements: 132/365 self-portraits

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:22:33 -0400

abstractelements:

132/365 self-portraits

Adam.

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:38:41 -0400

themovementsmoving:

I had a talk with Adam, and he told me:

when you choose a woman,
make sure
she is stronger than a serpent,
and stronger than a fruit,
for if she is not,
she is not your woman.

-Jaime Lee Lewis

Masterful.

jiminxir: And while it is all beautiful, appearing strong, the flower is still delicate. Roots,...

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:06:12 -0400

jiminxir:

And while it is all beautiful, appearing strong, the flower is still delicate. Roots, stem, petals and all.

“Staring” // entry 02 She spends her days just...

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:15:56 -0400

“Staring” // entry 02
She spends her days just watching. When you’re so new to the world every sight is an adhesive to the eyes; glued to any new stimuli whether joyous or tragic. Because even the most traumatic occurrences cause us to be entranced. In a constant state of staring. Maybe she was intrigued by his glasses and the lenses that were optical obstacles preventing her from seeing what’s really inside this man. She has already witnessed baritones walk in and out of this home. What is your purpose? I think she was giving him a lesson. Reminding him that silence is the way the soul distinguishes strangers from future friends. He picked up his camera. Click. A snapshot of unblemished innocence. A lesson in humility.
#YOHbyTeckandJK

I’m participating in a collaboration with my good friend...

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:11:49 -0400

I’m participating in a collaboration with my good friend @phototeck. Check it out!

Intro // “Youth of Haiti”
Though there were many disturbing scenes captured while in Haiti, the one thing my camera continually found in its viewfinder was the smile of a youth. Narrated by @jkschwaza, “Youth of Haiti” is a collaborated series dedicated to those kids who despite their struggles always find a way to shine.

People from far and wide travel long distances to be greeted by the islands’ divine light. But for the youth of Haiti reality is far from cruise ship stops at Labadee. They probably think that the sun still shines only to mock their scars. The children are rich but the land is poor. Their first language is struggle. This is taught through survival prior to learning how to articulate the sounds of Haitian-Creole. Despite it all, the stomachs that seldom have food and the feet that barely know shoes, the youth continue to be incandescent. And their straw-like skin always finds room to let their light peek through their pores for all to see.
#YOHbyTeckAndJK

“Closer” // entry 014 // Conclusion Today makes a...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:30:10 -0400

“Closer” // entry 014 // Conclusion
Today makes a year. The days have passed in a blur as I’ve watched time elapse in a haze. The pain visits me sporadically. It’s remedied by these wonderful memories and this faith that you’ve helped to instill in me. I learned endurance by your example and patience through your prayers. One of the last words you said to me was, “You have to be strong.” I can still see the conviction in your eyes as the words exited your mouth in the likeness of an angel’s arms sent to correct my posture. I was made to stand. To withstand anything because my spine, too, is spiritual. I take comfort knowing that you are safe in Jehovah’s everlasting memory. And since you’ve been gone, He has also remembered me. The year that has passed simply shortens the distance of time set for us to meet. A year closer to you living again. Isaiah 26:19.

Thank you all for your likes, comments, text messages and words of encouragement. Reading of your personal experiences and expressed sentiments strengthened me beyond measure. I hope that the tribute moved you to improve your existing relationships with loved ones or just aided you in viewing life differently; heightening your appreciation towards the precious privilege of living. Some of you have asked for the series to be published and I will make arrangements to do so. Remember, you can only have memories if you create them now.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Held” // entry 013 My sister and I used to tease my...

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:34:28 -0400

“Held” // entry 013
My sister and I used to tease my aunt by calling her the “Visiting Nurse.” Mom would quell such remarks by saying, “That’s my sister!” with the most enthusiastic yet warm and appreciative tone in her voice. They were twins but even more endearing they were best friends. I’ve never seen such an inseparable bond between two individuals. Their conversations were endless and the generosity displayed amongst one another was an example of Jesus’ gospel in action. My aunt cared for her sister as if she made a pledge within her heart before the heavens. I have held on to her seeing that her DNA is the closest match to my mom’s. And I held her just yesterday as she tearfully reminisced about the seasons she spent with her sister. We have all missed her but no one is rightfully more nostalgic than my aunt. I’m just happy to have the other half of my mom and to continue my privilege as a royal woman’s son.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Portraits” // entry 012 I didn’t feel like...

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:03 -0400

“Portraits” // entry 012
I didn’t feel like writing today. Jealous is the word that best describes what I feel seeing the plethora of photos, flowers and public embrace dedicated to the multitude of mothers. All I have are these memories devoid of your touch and this portrait of you. I rubbed my fingers against the artist’s rendition of your face desperately hoping to feel your suppleness like satin brushing past my hand. You know that you were too special to be honored for a mere 24 hours. And that I made sure to use each day on the calendar throughout my life to show you that I lived for two. I was your Siamese-son. Joined at the hip, connected at the chest for heartfelt conversations and glued to your cheek for kisses. My fingers are slipping across this screen, still moist from the tears that I had to wipe from my face today. I recently placed our portraits side by side, hoping to relive the euphoria that came with the scent of your skin next to mine. It didn’t work. But that’s alright. Because as I look at your eyes, I know that they were staring towards the future of forever…Forever is what we’ll soon be able to spend together.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Her Image” // entry 011 “You and your sister...

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:03:05 -0400

“Her Image” // entry 011
“You and your sister need to get along.” My mom did not tolerate dissension. Our imperfections complicated the interactions between my sister and me. When I took this photo of her this morning, there was something about her beauty that mirrored the image of our mom. Her stunning single mother silhouette. That smile gracefully grazing her jaw. I’ve silently been in awe, seeing somewhat of a second coming of my mom as my sister has triumphed over trial. And has grown into the divinity that God bestows upon a woman responsible for the lives of precious souls. Although we’ve traversed among rough terrain, the rockiest roads still lead to the most gorgeous beaches. I just want us to be there to greet our mom when she comes looking for you and me. Lack of courage prevents me from saying this to you in person but I love you. I have so many reasons to…@chashluv2
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Thread” // entry 010 Buttons fall off from repeated...

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:46:02 -0400

“Thread” // entry 010
Buttons fall off from repeated use and hems become undone through wear. But these are trivial affairs when mothers seem to possess the innate ability for mending. My mom would sew on buttons in seconds. Teeth, needle, thread. Hand and eye coordinating to keep the cloth covering my skin befit for a queen’s progeny. She probably learned to do so from my grandmother. I say this because after grandma passed seven years back, my mother was the family’s thread. Sharing the title for the youngest out of, now, seven, I saw her mending emotions. Repairing the seams of unraveled sentiments. And crocheting a spot on her shoulder soft enough to subdue the sorrow of relatives young and old. I pray for my heart to be as homespun, tender and threadlike. That people may see the seamstress as they get to know her son.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Yon ti bagay” // entry 009 Pronounced...

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:40 -0400

“Yon ti bagay” // entry 009
Pronounced [yon-tee-ba-guy],this Haitian Creole saying is translated, “a little something,” in English. That’s what my mother and I called wine or any alcoholic beverage. The grown-ups in our family were not shy in exposing us to “strong drink” at a young age. Haha! My mother was someone of moderate habits who would seldom take a drink. She would be in bed watching a movie when I’d walk in her room with a glass cup exhibiting a crimson color. She’d smile as I approached her bed and say, “w ap bwè yon ti bagay?” Chuckling, I responded, “Yes,” and she would proceed to ask me for a drink. Our hearts would rejoice from the contents of that chalice to the point of our tiring out from laughter. Then we’d find the TV watching us as we succumbed to a sweet slumber. The kisses that I left on her cheek as she grinned in repose were more saccharine than my wine-stained palate. As I reflect, I can surely say that she was the sweetest thing that I’ve ever known.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“May I have this dance?” // entry 008 I come from a...

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:25:30 -0400

“May I have this dance?” // entry 008
I come from a singing and dancing family. When we’re together and there’s music playing, it looks like reruns of Soul Train. The unaired Haitian version of course. My mother’s hand was the first one I’d grab at our gatherings. A lively waltz-like two step followed by a twirl as we’d groove to some Kompas. I would act a fool and she would laugh an audible sound of love. Finding this photo helped me to understand that I was born to your rhythm. And that prior to developing concrete comprehension, I was in sync with your smile. We’d choreograph compassion and make dancing seem like a conversation between mother and child. I can still see our footprints on the tiles of the kitchen floor from the mornings before I left for work. One day, in the near future, I’ll grab your hand and ask you once again, “May I have this dance?”
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Big Mama” // entry 007 My mom said that she would...

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:22:11 -0400

“Big Mama” // entry 007
My mom said that she would buy herself a new car when she reached 50 years of age. However, she wasn’t able to drive much during her illness. And her car began to experience a litany of problems. Therefore, she decided to purchase a vehicle for me. She said, “Since you’re driving me around, you should at least have a nice car.” Thinking about it brings a smile to my face. So with the help of a family friend, who happens to be a car dealer, I received a 2005 Chevy Equinox early last year. I eventually named the car “Big Mama.” It’s large, black, spacious and is able to carry friends and family alike to any desired location. Although petite, my mom had a heart nearly twice her size. That’s the only logical explanation I can conjure up seeing that her pulse was able accommodate herself as well as her altruistic endeavors. The gift that she presented to me is used to continue her legacy of giving. Need a ride? I gotchu.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Houseplants” // entry 006 For as long as I can...

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:08:38 -0400

“Houseplants” // entry 006
For as long as I can remember, my mother decorated our homes with houseplants. This bamboo piece is the most beautiful & impressive of all them. She was meticulous in watering her plants. They kept her company during the days when it was just her and the angels at home. I tried my best to water the plants when she passed. They did not flourish as they used to when they were under my mother’s care. Something tells me that they are mourning too. That the plants have not adapted to the vibrations of my voice and that their salt water weeping is preventing some stalks from growing. I want to believe that she saw enough growth in me before she left in peace.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“Short hair, don’t care.” // entry 005 This...

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:16:42 -0400

“Short hair, don’t care.” // entry 005
This painting was hung above my mother’s bed. I don’t recall when she bought it, but the illustrated scene would later become a visual reflection of her at home. Like many individuals who take chemo to combat cancer, her once flowing hair began to fall out. I was in the house with her when it happened. The strands seamlessly feel from her hand with the slightest tug. As I stood in shock, she laughed. “It’s just hair. It’ll grow back. At least I’m still alive.” Her hair did grow back. And she took on the appearance of the lady in the painting who read peacefully and basked in serenity. #MayFlowersbyJK

“Give thanks…” // entry 004 Although not one...

Sat, 04 May 2013 15:23:47 -0400

“Give thanks…” // entry 004
Although not one of many routines, my mother read the Bible daily. At night she would perch up on the right side of her bed. Her posture maintained by fluffed pillows resting at her lower back. Glasses balancing on the small bridge of her noise. Cradling the leather cover of the book that held the pages to her hope. She read with just enough volume for anyone listening to describe her undertone as speech. Her illness eventually made her too weak handle the most delicate things. I would read her specific verses per request. Psalms 118 is my favorite of her favorites. Come what may, Jehovah was her refuge, salvation and shelter. For that she was thankful. And He too found pleasure in her loyalty. #MayFlowersbyJK

“I Love You Big” // entry 003 It’s a saying...

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:01:47 -0400

“I Love You Big” // entry 003
It’s a saying that started between us when I was a child. She would bring her hands close together to convey something minuscule in size and ask, “Do you love me small?” Then widening the distance of her arms in imitation of an albatross’ wingspan she would ask, “Or, do you love me BIG?” I always responded BIG! Seeing that the vastness gestured by her open arms made it easier for me to embrace her welcoming torso. At that age, I knew that hugs were related to love. The bigger the hug, the deeper the love. A few years have passed since she posted this note on the reminder board in my room. And well, there are certain things that a man should never forget.
#MayFlowersbyJK

“1981” // entry 002 This is probably an old passport...

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:01:56 -0400

“1981” // entry 002
This is probably an old passport photo. The date at the back reveals that she was 19 at the time; possibly just arriving in the States. Being born in Haiti, she too heard of the “American dream” and life in the land of opportunity. I can only imagine how scared she must have been. But my mother had a great poker-face disposition. Even in this photo she manages to feign a smile faintly sketched from her eyes to her mouth. There’s no time to allow fear to cripple you when living is what you were born to do. She lived well and made life a dream for my sister and me.
#MayFlowersbyJK