2007 September Archive at Jasiri

Archive for September, 2007

Wooden Spoon vs. Shiny Plastic

Published by dara on September 27, 2007 in family, motherhood, personal and pics. 9 Comments

In light of the recent scare involving lead contaminated toys, I decided to conduct an experiment. I placed my daughter on the floor (her favorite pastime is rolling or scooting from one end of the floor to the next), placed a wooden spoon and a brightly colored plastic something or other in front of her, then stood back to see which object she would go for. The wooden spoon was in her mouth in less than 5 seconds, and she was gnawing away and looking pretty satisfied. Ok, ok…I know, not a very scientific experiement. Perhaps she went for the spoon because she’s teething. Currently she likes anything that she can put in her mouth…which is EVERYTHING! But I wrote this to make a point, one that focuses on her satisfaction with the mundane, simplicity, and not the gadgets and trends. She doesn’t really know the difference. If I choose not to purchase the big shiny plastic contraptions with the whistles and “beep-beeps,” she would probably be content with banging away on a pot or pan with her favorite wooden spoon

A Sesame Street Treat (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo)

Published by dara on September 20, 2007 in Video, family and motherhood. 2 Comments

I’m on the computer a lot. There are days when I see more of my computer than I do real people (I know, sad isn’t it?). I make every attempt to reserve computer time to: before Baby 2.0 wakes in the morning, after she’s tucked in at night, and during any free time I have while she’s at daycare. I don’t want her to know mommy as the workaholic, always on the computer. So I try to spend “our time” playing and reading together because I know I can never get these years back. Once today turns into yesterday, it’s gone forever. Sometimes when I have to do something quick, like check my email, I will place her in my lap and play her favorite online video. She loves it! I like it too. I find myself singing it to her at various moments throughout the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWHUF3EmYKs

My Excitement Runneth Over

Published by dara on September 16, 2007 in Greensboro, arts & entertainment, community, film and music. 1 Comment

I am both proud and excited about my recent personal acheivements and the upcoming events taking place here in NC. First, I FINALLY have my new blog up and running. Let me tell you, I purchased the domain name quite some time ago, but I only recently began posting onto the site. I’m fairly excited because I’ve wanted to start a blog dealing with this sort of information for over a year now. Last year’s Vloggercon was the beginning, but that trip went sour. And after that, my motivation took a dip and I put the site on the back burner. So far, I love writing posts on the new blog because not only am I educating others (hopefully), but I’m learning so much myself about the world of online video.

Second, I photographed my first wedding last month. The location was Appamattox, VA; the bride is a friend and co-worker of my sister, Amani (she recommended me); and it was so BEAUTIFUL! I was nervous because the couple was trusting me to capture the memories of such a special occasion. But the newlyweds were pleased and I was just so happy that they were thrilled with the job I did. I’ll post a few of the photos soon.

Ok, now it’s party time! I have soooo been looking forward to the NuFacesNC Launch Party. The show will feature Camp Lo (you know…”This is it, what?! Luchini pourin from the sky. Let’s get rich, what?!). Man I used to love that song. Anyway, I haven’t partied hard in a loooong time, and next Friday will be the night for me to let loose!

Next on the agenda is The Dave Matthews Band Concert coming to Raleigh Sept. 18, and to Charlotte Sept. 19. I saw them last in 2005, and the time before that was summer 2001! A few months ago there was no question about my face being in the place but now, because of the event below, I just don’t know if I’ll be able to afford it…or have a sitter lined up

COMMON is coming to Greensboro! Yup! Sept. 28. I have been counting down the days. Have loved him ever since I first saw the “I Used To Love H.E.R.” video when I was 14 (back when he was Common Sense). Whew! I can’t wait!!!!!

And last, I’m anticipating this year’s ConvergeSouth which is right around the corner. I wasn’t able to attend last year’s event (a preggers me just wasn’t in the mood). There are some new and exciting editions to this year’s conference. There will be the first annual ConvergeSouth Film Festival, which I believe is still accepting film submissions; and ConvergeSouth Music will be entertaining us downtown during the after hours . And it’s quite clear this is a down-home, southern conference.

So that’s what’s on my plate. Cheers!

Be Easy

Published by dara on September 13, 2007 in Video, music and personal. 2 Comments

Yesterday morning I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off (as the saying goes). Running late as usual, I felt overwhelmed as I rushed out of the house to drop Baby 2.0 off at daycare. Then I sped to the lot to park my car and catch the school shuttle, all the while crossing my fingers hoping I wouldn’t be late (again) to my Lit class. I stepped onto the shuttle and sat down. My mind was racing and I was mentally determining the order of importance of the errands I would need to run during my one hour break between classes. Needless to say, I was worrying about how I would get everything done in that short time frame. After a few moments I realized the driver was playing a Lucky Dube album. I leaned back, glanced out the window and told myself, “Dara, take it easy and just enjoy the music.” I began to feel calm. I’m a worrywart, and sometimes I have to remind myself to just be easy.

The Lucky Dube video below is one that Baby and I love to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khGXgvCZfJk

Get Your Money Right

Published by dara on September 8, 2007 in Greensboro and hip hop. 2 Comments

Today my plan was to attend the Hip Hop Summit on the campus of NC A&T here in Greensboro . Got my ticket. I was looking fresh. My sisters, my niece, my nephew and I rolled up expecting to get some lessons on how to get our money right. And we were turned away. The place was filled to capacity. Darn! I was really looking forward to hearing Dr. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad. But guess what? It’s streaming live as I type. Go here to watch.

And something that’s cool–they’re using Justin.tv to stream the forum.

Joy

Published by dara on September 6, 2007 in family, motherhood, personal and pics. 7 Comments

Being a mom is hands down the best job I have ever had. And it is a job…it’s lots of work! Been a while since I’ve posted something substantial, primarily because my full-time mom duties have taken precedence over everything else. Baby 2.0 is approaching seven months, and although things can get pretty hectic around here, my life has been surprisingly calm (relative to what I expected pre-baby). I couldn’t have asked for a more tranquil and peaceful child. It’s actually kind of scary…perhaps the calm before the storm. My mom is convinced that the quiet, serene babies are the ones that give you hell when they get older. I’m not convinced. But just in case, I have the birth recorded and on DVD to pop in whenever I feel the need to remind her of what I went through to bring her into this world. Just kidding. I would never do that…or would I?