Halloween For Me

I went to my altar and offered flowers, candlelight, water, incense, prayer and libation to my dearly departed.

On this night when the veil between this world and the one they have transitioned to is the thinnest, I had to show gratitude for my time together with each of them.

They have influenced me, saved me, inspired me, brought me joy, taught me life lessons, and became a part of me.

I am eternally grateful.

Love and Peace to them all.

I picked out flowers that I know Marcos would have loved!

Sipping Some Organic Junior Juice

The darling Junior over at Juice With Junior just turned 30! He posted some little words of wisdom that he will use in moving forward. Check it out by clicking here. And, pass on some of your wisdom.

However, before you do, read what I passed on to him:

Happy Birthday Hooker!!! Let this 44 year old pass this on to you: 1. It's the shit that you don't worry about that will hit you, so don't waste too much time worrying. 2. You have 10 years left to complain about your parents. In the words of John Waters "complaining about your parents in your 40s makes you look like an asshole." 3. Start to become a connoisseur of things, rather than a consumer. 4. You will find 20 somethings to be rather silly but hot. 5. Identify one or two people in your life that are true friends (even if a family member) and cultivate that relationship. 6. Take bold steps in your work life to get to another level. 7. Keep a bottle of Witch Hazel in the fridge, and wipe your face with it using cotton balls. 8. No more highly-processed carbs. Whole grain all the way. 9. Don't eat anymore mammals. 10. When in doubt, check it out. 11. Read more. 12. Get rid of any remnants of a colonial mentality. 13. People will show you who they are and believe it. (I got that from Marcos waaaaay before Oprah said it!) 14. Accept you are a bit crazy, sane people are not paying attention to the world around them. 15. Get through a shitty day as best as you can, get some sleep. What a difference a day makes.

Princess Rei Rei Goes to the Movies - Part 1

I gagged the other day when I was chatting with Princess Rei Rei. I found out that my little, 6'3", sistah from da Bronx had seen very little, if any, classic movies that queens of a certain age, hold near and dear to their hearts. I done fucked up.

The thing is Princess Rei Rei and I have a reciprocal relationship that is firmly grounded in always learning from each other. I am the big sistah at 40-something, and  Rei Rei is the little sistah at 30-something. How is it possible I never told her about the films listed below?

These classic films have the holy trinity of all classic films, a fierce script, brilliant performances, and intelligent direction. Can I get an amen?

Princess Rei Rei has been given viewing orders.

All About Eve

It all started off innocently. Then it became bumpy.



Auntie Mame

Rosalind Russell was a divine woman. She ate the role of Mame Dennis with such relish, that she left me wanting to have an Auntie Mame in my life.



Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

The ultimate performances of Liz and Dick, gave me the ultimate mind fuck. This film will never leave your system.

A Living Doll

Hey Good People,

How lucky are we to find little gems from our childhood available via the Internet? We are very lucky. I needed me a hit of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang today, and here it is.

Supporting The Music Makers On The Fringes

When music artists turn me on, I make sure to seek them out from time to time, especially if they operate outside of the mainstream pop world.

Many of these artist don't get the heavy radio play or big budget promotions. They work in solitude and have to do gig after gig to make a name for themselves.

With that said, I had posted about this woman's blog, vibe and music awhile back. I was turned on again when I  found new music from Tokimonsta.

The second track below is a wicked remix of Eight and a Half's song; Scissors.

She needs to get over to my neck of the woods and do a show, so I can get my groove on and support her efforts.

Oh and you can find more of her music on Soundcloud. Click here.

Diana Vreeland - The Documentary

Good people, come Sept. 21, 2012, the documentary Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel will be at select theaters in NYC and LA.

Diana Vreeland is a truly legendary woman in the world of fashion and culture.

I am hyped for this doc. Here is a tease.

Now You Have It, Now You Don't

So, looks like stripping medals, honors, or titles is the thing to do these days. 

Lance Armstrong punked out against his fight with USADA, that accused him of doping in order to win his Tour de France titles. The result being he is stripped of those racing titles. 

I am of the firm belief that if I am innocent of something, I would fight until my last day. 

I am not surprise about Lance's actions. He knows what he did, along with many others in his sport during that time.

I guess Lance stayed true to himself by punking out. Ya recall when he dropped singer Sheryl Crow soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Now, I just read that John Galliano was stripped of his Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

This is another blow to Galliano, after he made the big mistake of spewing anti-Semitic remarks, while getting shit-faced at a bar.  Johnnie also got the boot at Dior and his own namesake label. 

The moral of the story is cheaters never win, and God don't like ugly. 

The Ying and Yang of Teaching 10

I had a very interesting summer. I taught in a program that services children with multiple and/or severe disabilities. Most of my students, ages 7-15, were non-verbal and are at a Pre-K level in terms of academics.

It was very challenging and required me to be creative at finding ways to reach each child.

I was humbled when after a full-days work a student would suddenly produce results at that moment, however, the next day that child would have no recall and I was starting from square one.

Often, a big smile would spread across my face when the students with autism were able to produce work that revealed they are learning and aware of the world around them. It was also very special when they would make eye contact with me. I felt they were acknowledging me.

A family member had asked me, "Why are these kids in school?" I responded by saying, "They deserve an education. We never know what content will click in these children's brains or their potential if we don't try."

I also talked about the fact the kids responded to the affection and attention we gave them, and it made them very happy. And, that in working with them I learned to give of myself to others on another level.

So, next week I return to work,and my K-4 students. I am looking forward to seeing them again. I miss them.

Ron's Turn at Metamorphosis

Ron Palillo passed away today. When I was a little kid I digged watching him as Arnold Horshack on Welcome Back Kotter.  I secretly identifed with him because he was nerdy and "not like the other boys," which is how I would describe myself back in those days,

I remember as a teen, I was hanging with my crew and we played, Which sweathog are you?, when it came to my turn, all the fellas said, "Oh, you're Arnold Horshack." I kinda remember wearing that title with pride.

BTW, back in '01, I got to see Ron in an off-off-Broadway show. He played a redneck homophobic daddy, and was actually very good. Who knew!

Thank you Ron. You made this little gay boy feel like he could belong. Now, go and hang with Donna, Dick and Don.

My Thoughts on Marriage

Back in 1947, Rita Hayworth did a little song and dance number in the film Down To Earth, that explored an alternative to the one man, one woman marriage. All parties truly were thinking about their own needs.

Most people rarely get married because of the sanctity of the institution of marriage. I believe our temporary earth-bound spirits get married because of a combination of reasons, like:

• companionship
• lust
• finances
• societal pressures
• fear
• hope
• pregnancy
• wanting a second mother or daddy
• ego
• taxes
• breeding
• control
• fidelity
• safety

Oh, and of course there is love. Ahh, love. Nature and nurture gave us the ultimate mind fuck. 

The marriage ritual usually attached to this practice gives us the hope that the promise is sacred, therefore, a source of protection, affirmation, and feeling you have a life-long beloved.

That is the job of rituals.  Rituals make our spirit's attempts of being protected by the divine seem possible in our very terrestrial experience.  

Which is why I appreciate rituals. Many of us feel the need to reconnect our divine part within us, to the divine outside of us. I also believe there is power in rituals.

Many members of the GLBT want the word marriage attached to their ritual, as well as, the legal rights attached to it. 

Keep up the good fight. In the meantime, say to the outside world:

• I am married.
• This is my wife.
• This is my husband.
• This is my family. 
• These are our children.

If people questions it, you come for them and explain what you have committed yourself to is no different from their commitment. 

Oh, and if they throw in God or the Bible in their argument, well, just say the conversation is over, because you are certain there are several parts of the bible they have not really followed to the letter. 

I was married for 20 years to Marcos Colon. We had an amazing journey together. He was handsome and had the best laugh. We taught each other so much, and were true allies in this world. 

Marcos passed on in 2010. In our time we had the highs and lows, were broke and paid, and turned on and turned off. How lucky was I in my attempt at marriage? I had the full experience. 

After he passed Marcos let me know he is fine, and that what comes after this earth-bound experience is pure love. Ahh love! I am open to being in love again. Oye! Marcos, if our perrito Gino doesn't approve of him he gets le boot. 

With all this said, if you are lucky may your journey of being married have more ups then downs, last a long time, and give you experiences that foster your spirit's divine evolution. 

Just The Tip of the Iceberg

So, Chick-fil-a's CEO let his homophobic slip show and everyone has been in a tizzy over the past few weeks.   He's don't like the idea of gay folks attaching the word marriage to their life-long commitments to love each other.

All I can say is as a tax paying, law abiding, citizen of this country, I want full participation and not an ounce of discrimination when it comes to my pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Don't fuck with my constitutional rights; bitches.

Oh and by the way, if we dugged deeper, we would find that most corporations both big and small have spread their money and influence in ways we would not like.

Think about the businesses that are exploiting workers, polluting the planet, and nickel and dime-ing us for points.

To keep you good people from getting overwhelmed, let's keep the focus on Chick-fil-a

Renee summed it all up: click here

Viktor is fed up: click here

And, this queen done tore it up:

From Virtual To Reality

A couple of days ago Renee, a fierce blogging auntie, squealed in a post for the bags my thumb is pointing to. I gagged because what I was just looking at online, was right in front of me in real life. 

I just happen to come across these cartoony bags in a cute little shop at Grand Central, that sells all sorts of knick-knacks and bric-a-brac. 

Renee, head on over to NYC for a weekend and return home with the bag of your choice. You deserve it mama. 

Phan·tas·ma·go·ria

I came across a word I have not seen, nor said it a very long time. The word is phantasmagoria.

Merriam-Webster defines phantasmagoria as (take your pick):

1

: an exhibition of optical effects and illusions

2

a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imaginedb : a scene that constantly changes

3

: a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage

I always loved that word and realized that this planet is in need of witnessing more of these types of events.

We need more magical mind blowing moments in our lives.

I'd skip the traditional spooky forms of this illusion, and would prefer something sexy, sublime, and organic.

Hopefully, it will come in the form of the Hedwig sequel,  Viktor wrote about in his blog.

Random Thoughts - 2012 Olympics

So, here are my thoughts so far on the 2012 Olympics:

• The opening ceremonies had it best bits when they went for humour and showcased the history of great pop music from the other side of the pond.  I had a good laugh when the Queen dived out of a helicopter and Mr. Bean joined the orchestra. 
• The least successful moments occured when it got ham-ish and overstuffed, for example Kenneth's speech from  The Tempest moment. I also got sad when I saw all those volunteers removing acres of turf in order to have the Industrial Revolution moment fill the air with sulphur. Umm, and the boy meets girl mini-novela was a brick load of unnecessary.
• I am excited that the U.S. men's gymnastic team has two Latino papi chulos representing. One is, John Orozco, a Boricua from the Bronx, and the other is a tall, dark and handsome, Daynell Leyva, a Cuban-Americano. 
• Oh, and there is a little stick of dynamite in Latina, Marlen Esparza, who is competing in the first women's boxing competition. Wepa!!
• With all his gold and glory did Michael Phelps really need to spend the last four years of his life preparing for yet another Olympics? Doesn't he have other dreams or ambitions? I am sure he pulled enough coins from endorsements prior to his bong incident, that would have enabled him to pursue a new purpose in life. 
• Well hallelujah for the muslim women athletes breaking new ground. Get it ladies! I truly hope you inspire an entire generation of girls back home.

I'll be watching with eagerness, cheering the underdogs, waiting to be inspired by the personal stories, and believing the next three weeks will cultivate our collective humanity. 

A Bedtime Story

Good people, because I love you, I offer this story to tuck you into bed. It was illustrated and co-written by Ezra Jack Keats, author of the classic children's book,  The Snowy Day. 

May this tale send you dreams of an empathetic world where people find more connections to each other, rather than letting how we are different move us apart. 

May those dreams inspire your own action, and how you move in the world. 

This book should be read and discussed with a child, to then become a part of his or her home library. 

Click here. Milk and cookies are optional. 

Madonna....Here Is Your Clue

This is the song and video that Madonna should have been done to stay relevant.

Once again, Iamamiwhoami, ya done did it. Thank you Renee for turning me onto this group some moons ago.

Happy Pride - Take Two

My thoughts on GLBT Pride month and events:

• My first pride parade was instrumental in helping me begin the process of shedding the self-hate that dimmed my light. I know a few teens out there are going to have the same experience. 
• Our community in not a monolithic group, yet the media will portray the same images of drag queens, dykes on bikes, and the boys giving body while wearing a Speedo. I love them all; however, the repetition of these images really limits the mainstream public's view of the GLBT community.
• DADT has been repealed and a solider can be out of the closet in the military. I find it interesting this finally happened during a time when the military has been struggling to meet their recruitment numbers. 
• I wonder how many parade participants and viewers ended up later that night at a Tina-laced-barebacking-gangbang. Cock rings and Viagra went flying off the shelves. 
• I can see how many twenty-somethings think of HIV as a chronic condition that is managed with meds. These yungins didn't witness the devastation of the pandemic during the late 80s and early 90s. 
• During the Black and Hispanic history months, the school district I work in encourages teachers to create lessons plans highlighting the history and contributions of people from these communities. In June, for Gay Pride Month encouraging the acknowledgement of the GLBT histories and contribution is non-existent.
• Bisexuals are real. I know a few of these folks quite intimately.
• After the euphoria of the days events are over, I pray that many members of our community will walk away motivated to continue the good fight, not only against homophobia, but also the racism, classism, sexism, body-fascism, ageism, and all the other "-isms" that fester within our community. 

Timing Is Everything

I had a Hey, Arnold episode posted to give my take on "pride." In the episode the kids coach opens up about his feelings and coaches the boys in a synchronized swimming competition. The number had a cowboy motif, and I thought it was all very gay positive and a be yourself moment.

However, in light of Sanduzky's verdict being announced and his horrible history of being a predator, while coach, I decided to take it down. It seemed in poor taste, and I felt people may not get where I was coming from when I originally posted the clip.

So, that explains the change and stay tuned for my thoughts on pride month.

Are You Downton Abbey Ready?

As I watch reruns of Downton Abbey, I wonder if I would have had the behavioral instincts, sans training, needed in order to be welcomed within aristocratic society.

After taking the test that is linked below, I realize this pier-queen would have made some heads turn away in disapproval.

Click here to see if your choices would have been approved by the ladies and gentlemen that moved within the Crawleys' social circles. 

Oh and umm, I know you are being tested on Victorian etiquette, rather than Edwardian. With that said, the roots of the rules run deep.

Field Trip!

Today, my 3rd and 4th graders went on a field trip to the Mystic Aquarium. We had an awesome time!

The children were excited and mesmerized by the diversity of aquatic life on display.

I was so proud of them using terms like vertebrate, invertebrate, and mammals.

One of my favorite moments is when I took my five little learners to the bird pavilion, so we can feed them from our hands.

The young people were a bit afraid at first but then relaxed and communed with our fine feathered friends.

That is my hand in the lower center, with one of my little papitos on the left.

I am in my purpose and so grateful.