aesthetically pleasing [1]

I love all aspects of arts....dance, music, visual arts, etc. Kinda why I'm a senior design student. LOL. I am starting a segment displaying art/ visually appealing pieces called Aesthetically Pleasing. So I found a couple pieces that are aesthetically pleasing.

First is artwork by Dawn Okoro, a 2002 graduate of University of Texas at Austin [GO LONGHORNS! :-D] and a recent graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

I really like this one! Every woman knows having at least ONE of these bags is important in their wardrobe.This next piece is kinda Harlem Renaissance-esque. With the jazz age and the speakeasies. Gracious....I love that period!


To view more of her work, visit www.dawnokoro.com

Second is the animation of post done by a design student. It is pretty cool....animation isnt my thing. Just sticking to graphic design.

♥ A.Erika ♥

life is not promised...

This weekend was an enlightening one for me! I drove down to the city to see my mom visiting from Atlanta. As I'm waiting for to come, I check Ubertwitter seeing that the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, was not doing well. I didnt really think anything of it cuz I figured he would get better. Then one of good friends called me and told me he was dead. I was shocked....eventually the news was confirmed and Michael Jackson had passed at age 50. I think I'm in a state of shock...thinking that this is a publicity stunt but after seeing the gurney covered with the white sheet, the reality began to set in. It disturbed me so much that some of the media were focusing on all the negativity and not highlighting his INTERNATIONAL success. Probably the most acclaimed musical artist of this generation. Some people probably envy his success but when I actually think about it, he gave his personal life to the WORLD. He could not go out in public without paparazzi following him or fans asking for pictures, autographs, etc. I commend him for being so humble...some of these newer artists need to take a page out of his book because some will never receive the praise or success Michael did. So to Mr. King of Pop. Rest In Peace. Thank you for being so selfless, giving us classic after classic. Breaking color barriers and allowing the world to accept African-American musical artists. And for that, I am grateful. I hope you have found peace.

I also had to deal with my aunt in rehab. She's doing really well...I am proud of the progress she is making. We actually got her a day pass and took her out. It was fun, just like old times before she got sick. It was just hard seeing my aunt like that cuz shes always on the move. I also saw my uncle who had knee surgery. He looks GREAT!! 30 pounds in 6 weeks! I was like uncle you have lost weight...he doesnt look sickly though...it fits him.

Seeing all this made me realize that life is not a guarantee so cherish it. Take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way and embrace them because you never know where they will lead. I been kinda timid of all these responsibilities but I have to step up to the plate especially if I want to change and progress. So I'm "starting with [wo]man in the mirror...if I wanna make the world a better place, taking a look at myself and making a change..."

♥ A.Erika ♥

hey tweeps!

So I am in love with Twitter. I think its because it allows me [and others] to express how they feel about their life, sometimes getting responses from followers in agreement and/or disagreement. It also provides another way for people to communicate. You can tweet from anywhere as long as you have a computer with internet access or a phone that has internet capabilities. There are even various Twitter applications for phones. Time Magazine recently wrote an article discussing how Twitter will change the way we live. One part of the article really stood out to me, the writer stating how other countries have surpassed America in innovation yet we have developed sites such Google, America Online, Wikipedia, Facebook, and now Twitter. These sites allow people to connect with the touch of a button. I never really thought about it like that but America is doing a great way of keep the world connected.

♥ A.Erika ♥

whos got standards??

I love listening to V-103 online while I am at school. The radio DJs on this station are hilarious and very informative. It also makes me feel like I'm at home....kinda. I was listening to them yesterday and they were discussing dating "down" and why it cant work. Dating somebody who made not be at the same economic level. Thats where my problem comes. Its not about dating down...just dating in general. Guys are so different these days. What happened to the days where guys used to pursue the girls and actually make an effort to get to know them even if they do want the "cookies".


As I continued to listen, Frank-Ski listed about 5 qualities a man or woman should possess even if they may not be on your same economic level and I totally agree with.

1) CLASS [My parents always told me money doesnt buy class. So true! I see too many times people who are well off but carry themselves inappropriately. My parents instilled in me that whenever you leave the house, you representing this household. Sometimes I get lazy and dont feel like ironing so I'll change my outfit cuz I know my mom would be too mad if I came out the house looking wrinkled.]

2) ETIQUETTE [Does the person know what utensil to use at dinner or elegant restaurant? Does he know not to put his elbows on the dinner? Does he know the proper tip percentage? Does he have couth? These things and much more matter to me when I am talking to somebody. I shouldnt be embarrassed to go out with you.]

3) EXPOSURE [I always said exposure is a hell of thing. Being exposed to different cultures and environments makes you such a well-rounded person. My parents are both immigrants so they have told me to think internationally. In their words, "The world is not America." It kills me at school when the people from NYC brag about being from New York and claim its the best city but have not taken advantage of all the city has to offer. Never been to Upper East Side, or out of their borough, for that matter. They dont know about any other culture but their own. With New York City being the melting pot of so MANY cultures, they shouldnt be any excuses.]

4) OPEN-MINDEDNESS [I think this goes hand in hand with exposure. If you are scared to try new things, then it will limit you exposure. Do things that are out of the norm for you.....try outdoor activities, go to cultural shows and/or festivals, try different cuisines. It creates spice for your life and its something you can say you have tried. As my friends say, "Dont knock it until you try it."]

5) BEING LITERATE [Can you hold a conversation about current events? Do you read books, magazines, blogs, moreover do you even read? People always comment that I'm always reading blogs but it keeps me informed about what's going on in the world. Also, when you are at different social events, current events become topics of discussions and you and your mate should be able to have an educated opinion.]

These, along with others, are what qualities I would like my mate to possess. A girl's gotta have standards so these knucklehead boys dont try to step me with their nonsense. Even if they try, I will kindly turn them down with class and couth.

♥ A.Erika ♥

can't settle for just a little bit of sky

That has been my inspiration for the last couple weeks. Working hard to be that philanthropic socialite [who dress like Sarah Jessica and live like princess Diana....kudos to Drake]I dream to be. :-)

I met with a professor earlier this week to discuss a project she would like me to work on. I walked in her office and she goes, "I have so many plans for you!" I reply, "O really? Please do tell" but me thinking what is this woman planning for me. LOL. She is really excited that I decided to take over the Graphics Club, with hopes of turning it into AIGA Student Group. So I have 2 organizations in my hands and I pray everyday for guidance and direction for these organizations, so that they may be successful. On top of that, she referred me to be the student representative of the Albany AIGA advisory board. Geezzzz!!! These roles are different for me, seeing that I am behind-the-scenes type of gal but I will embrace these opportunities because this is just my "dress rehearsal for the real world". Keeping my roots close and leaving those branches aside.

my life is in His hands!

I am back from my trips. I am exhausted...havent received good night's sleep in days. My trip to Atlanta was amazing. [Sidebar: My dad couldnt find his digital camera so I have no pictures to document my trip. So I will definitely be buying one this summer.] Nonetheless, a very well-rounded trip. Thursday was the longest traveling day ever as I had THREE layovers before I actually got to Atlanta.

Friday I went to my brother's graduation and I was so proud of him. Seeing him proceed in with the rest of seniors brought tears to my eyes. He has come such a long way and words cannot express the joy I felt as he walked across the stage. :-) Later on that night, I went out with my chicas. It was so good actually dress up and go partying with my girls. I miss them.

I went to 2 dance recitals on Saturday and Sunday. It was so nice to see the babies I used to dance with grown up. I can also see them evolving into beautiful dancers and some even going off to college. I also got to see my church fam. I lucked out because this sunday was Out of the Box Sunday, which is Youth and Young Adult Sundays. They acknowledge all the graduates and performances of spoken word with mime artists and liturgical dancers. I was impressed to the teens involved....we have definitely come a long way.

I left on Monday, missing my first flight but was able to get back to Albany at my original scheduled time. While transferring there, my mom called and said my aunt had died. My aunt is my second mom...I am named after her...I have keys to her apartment. So I was devastated but something in my heart still had hope that she would be alive. And that hope prevailed and she was still living yet had a major stroke. I just thanked the Lord for His grace. Here am I with her during HS graduation.

I actually got to see her....after getting back on Monday. I drove down to the city and make sure she was ok. She was talking and joking around. I didnt know what to expect so it was kinda reassuring that she was ok. I also got to see my MarMar and Dorian. I was happy to see them and chill with them. Catch up with all the gossip. Luv those girls! And if my last 7 days havent been eventful enough, my booskie aka Xavier came up on Wednesday. It was just like old times.....great discussion and great laughs.