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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Happy Birthday Fela Kuti! What a Wonderful Time! Part 3



I have to take a nap. My friend, Khadijah wants me to attend the Felabration. It’s Fela Kuti’s Birthday.
Khadijah and I paint our faces in the car before going into 595 Avenue.

I do not dance; however, I just move to the wonderful rhythms and watch the other dancers perform. Two of the women were in the class earlier today.

So far, I’ve lost 4 lbs since I’ve started about 5 weeks ago. I have worked my behind off doing Cardio 3 times a week. I have incorporated weights to my plan this week.


If you want to know more information go to on Fela Kuti: http://blaxploitationjive.blogspot.com/2010/07/legend-fela-kuti.html

Fela Anikulapo Kuti ( 15 October 1938 — 2 August 1997), or simply Fela , was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, pioneer of afrobeat music, human rights activist, and political maverick.
The musical style performed by Fela Kuti is called Afrobeat, which is a fusion of jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African chants and rhythms. Afrobeat also borrows heavily from the native "tinker pan" African-style percussion that Kuti acquired while studying in Ghana with Hugh Masakela, under the uncanny Hedzoleh Soundz. Afrobeat is also characterized by having vocals, and musical structure, along with jazzy, funky horn sections. The endless groove is also used, in which a base rhythm of drums, shekere, muted guitar, and bass guitar are repeated throughout the song. His band was notable for featuring two baritone saxophones, whereas most groups were using only one of this instrument. This is a common technique in African and African-influenced musical styles, and can be seen in funk and hip hop. Some elements often present in Fela's music are the call-and-response within the chorus and figurative but simple lyrics. Fela's songs were almost always over 10 minutes in length, some reaching the 20- or even 30-minute marks, while some unreleased tracks would last up to 45 minutes when performed live. This was one of many reasons that his music never reached a substantial degree of popularity outside Africa. His songs were mostly sung in Nigerian pidgin, although he also performed a few songs in the Yoruba language. Fela's main instruments were the saxophone and the keyboards, but he also played the trumpet, guitar, and took the occasional drum solo. Fela refused to perform songs again after he had already recorded them, which also hindered his popularity outside Africa. Fela was known for his showmanship, and his concerts were often quite outlandish and wild. He referred to his stage act as the Underground Spiritual Game. Fela attempted making a movie but lost all the materials to the fire that was set to his house by the military government in power. Kuti thought that art, and thus his own music, should have political meaning.

What a Wonderful Time Part 2




After class, I decide today I’m strong enough to go to the African Dance Class at West End Performing Arts Center. It’s been a while (2007) since I taken an Introduction to Africa Dance Class. Apparently I wasn’t prepared.

My knees were under so much stress, I didn’t have the strength to endure the moves.

My knees swelled up around the time before an upcoming show. There were men that came from Ghana to show us these new moves and this did me in.

The day before the performance, I could barely move. I didn’t think I was ready for this performance when the instructor mentioned I would be a part of it.

Since I showed up to class faithfully, the instructor said I could do it. I thought I could bounce back in a couple of weeks, but it got so bad I had to an orthopedic doctor. He told me after x-rays and physical therapy I need to exercise daily and I would be fine.

Now, 4 years later and after bike riding last year up to 35 miles. I’m back stronger this time and it’s the best feeling in the world. I love the drums! I’m not a best dancer in class, but I’m doing okay for my first class. Keep in mind, I exercised earlier for an hour, but I really wanted to take this class today.

What a Wonderful Time Part 1

Sunday, October, 9 2011

3 miles walk with Pepper

Monday, Columbus Day 2011

Rowing/ Pilate’s DVD workout. Hula hoop workout on front porch

Wednesday. October 12, 2011

Today is Cardio at the gym at the office

Thursday, October 13

I think I’m going to die OMG!! I didn’t realize weight training can make me so tired. Thank God I have a grapefruit to eat afterwards; I’m back to life.

Friday, October 14, 2011

I’m so tired and I promised my close friend, Jay Man I would go to see a horror movie with him (as scary as I am). I have to cancel.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

I wake up a little late today and I didn’t prepare my workout bag last night. I’m running behind for my fitness class.
I ate an apple before class. I pray this apple doesn’t come up while doing this mountain climbing exercise on the floor.
Lisa, my trainer adds more weight to my workout today. She knows I want to get into weight training. I want muscles!
Lisa is trying to kill me (maybe I’m just taking this personal for some reason).

I think I need to sit down. I’m lightheaded!

Last week was our first time in the gym and I loved it!

I ask Lisa to go over the exercises she taught us in class, so that I can concentrate on them during the week.

Lisa mentions I’m somewhat strong .Wow, that’s an honor to hear this from her.


If you want to challenge yourself in an excellent Fitness Camp and see results.Contact Lisa Tanker at: lisatanker@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Columbus Day 2011

Today, Pepper(my dog), me and my inner child spends a great part of the day sitting on the front porch together. Pepper loves to watch the activities of the neighbors. She barks occasionally at strangers, dogs, and running children pass by.

I love to see her lay her head on the bottom of the railing of the porch. She's adorable and so sweet!!!

I need a place to store my hula hoop without it looking like a playground. Well,I have a doll that laughs, a stuffed monkey, a large teddy bear and most recent, Prince, my frog(not a real one) in my bedroom.

I decide to put the hula hoop on the porch behind the bamboo sticks in the decorative flower pot. Perfect!

I stare at the hula hoop and decide to exercise. I concentrate on working my arms and add some good ole regular moves.

I want Pepper to join me. I gather her treats from the kitchen and try to entice her to jump through it, but she keeps going around it. Shortly after, she walks through the hoop and gives a little jump to get the treat. I think with a little more practice maybe Pepper and me can take this hula hoop show on the road!

At least some of my neighbors got a good show!

May The Frogs Call Rain...

May The Frogs Call Rain

I have a new love for frogs, why I don't know because I'm too afraid to pick one up ,yet I have 2 new editions to my frog family collection at home. Two are on the porch along with my chicken and the most recent(the cutest)in my room. He is the prince so I named him Prince.

I had to look up the frog animal totem and I understand my fastination with them.


FROG
Transformation

The frog is the totem of metamorphosis.
It symbolizes coming into your personal power.
It reminds us not to become bogged down with day-to-day living.

It is the totem of water.
Its voice calls forth the rains.
Emotions are associated with water and
a frog totem may be telling you to get in touch with your feelings.

People with frog medicine give support and energy
where it is needed.
They can cleanse the negativity from an environment.


For more readings on animal totems look at the website:

http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/frog.htm

Friday, October 7, 2011

Lizz Wrght at Variety Play House




The opening act "Lyric" is from Asheville NC. The female singer in the band has a strong and beautiful voice. I'm truly enjoying her flow. Lizz Wright mentions she hears a voice while walking amongst a crowd in a plaza in North Carolina and the voice literally hits her and moves through her back. She tells the people she's with to wait for her while she goes back and speaks with the female singer. Lizz Wright says when she hear God she listens. Now "Lyric" is an opening act! It amazes me how God moves when people open their hearts and listen. At one point of the concert Lizz brings Lyric back on stage and they sang a song together. What a special moment. I love Lizz Wright's voice. As she sings I can see a long country dirt road, a small church, a juke joint and I feel God as she sings. I have a few concerts under my belt and this one was the most fun. Tonight, I clapped, screamed, raised my hands and danced in my chair. I'm leaving this performance feeling refreshed, happy, and at peace. Thank you Lizz Wright. You are the truth and truly annoited.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Customer Appreciation Week

 

Feeling extra special. I love to feel great!
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National Customer Appreciation Week

 



Feeling special:)
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I made it to the red carpet!

 


I couldn't resist being on the red carpet.
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