Google NextWave in Atlanta

Deep Thoughts in Conversation

Google for Entrepreneurs’ NextWave provides awareness, tools, and entrepreneurship resources to underrepresented communities. To see all the people networking and making things happen was truly a good place to be for me. I enjoy a community that thrives on helping each other instead of thinking one can do it all and do it well. You can't. We can't. 

Star Jones

Google NextWave provides opportunities to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs from all around the planet. Imagine if every American had access to the best tools and technology to build a better world. What would that bright future look like? Let's find out! No matter how small...start today!

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I can't wait til next year and see what they come up with next! Google NextWave is a positive output of a community working to better itself and each other. The way it should be, all the time, everywhere. I will do my part. ;)

SIDE STORY

This event had me feeling so ready to jump right into the party. I wanted to help my good friend who hosted the party start it off right. The party was held at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. My ears were enchanted by the melody of the percussionists inside the building. I had NO PLAN at all of how I was going to get into the room or what I would do when in there, but the photographer in my head said, "Get in there, get the picture, and get out!"

As 3 people were walking in, I made haste and took 2 pictures as I walked in. I moved to the back so the director wouldn't see me, but he saw me. I tired to leave BETWEEN the drummers. Not happening. So I tried again....but they would not let me pass. "Oh, shit!" The Director, Mr. Hughes, saw me and started walking towards the door. I followed him and politely explained, "So, I'm working with my friend Anna K on this event she is hosting right in front of your performing arts center. There could be nothing better for those people that just came out of the speeches and talks...than to hear your band opening up the party with your music." He stared and glared HARD at me (which should be patented). There was a light in there folks! And then he said, "You want them to walk where?" They did and it was AMAZING!

Sometimes you have to just say, F*@K it and go for it. It's how I live my life.

Getting Really High In Asheville

No! Not that kind of high! Hot Air High. ;) I love looking up but I rarely just chill out when there. Usually flying at 300mph in those magic tubes. This time up I was going to be silent with the air. This planet is so big and it still amazes me daily.

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So quiet and peaceful up there. Drifting above the earth is a dream almost everyone who has seen the graceful creations that float in air. This area is unlike any other area in the world. One of the oldest mountain range 1.2 billion years old. That is time shaped art. It's really magnificent up there too. It will take your breath away all the lush green hills.

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Møniça-Theragraphy Session

This is Monica. I met her around 6 years ago working downtown. First impression Intelligent, lovely, feisty, strong, talented and funny. Working in the restaurant industry I rarely think on someone's life. You know, How they are doing. This lady was a sister from another Mr for sure! Time passed and I wondered how my sister was doing.  Since I last saw Monica she has had two beautiful children and is a loving and caring mother. It was nice to help pull my friend up with the help of many others in her life recently in a session.You are respected my dear! Keep your faith and your light~ Stay beautiful inside and out.

We all will know of strengths when we are at our weakest. I know the test is coming and in my life I look forward to the weakness. It comes less and less the more you realize the life you want to live. The eternal struggle of good and evil in all of us. We all know the faux faces. I choose to roam with beings looking to see themselves in a more fitting situation with everything around them. I personally have been 'destroyed and rebuilt' many times. All the while learning what to do and not to do. It is that simple. We forget as well daily. So how do you stay happy in a Mad World?

    Look for your higher power! Whatever that means to you. I live in a world that I choose. I have no time for negativity in ALL it's forms. I see it and I make a new path. 

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GOOMBAY 2015

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Goombay 2015. This year it was nice to see it getting bigger and better! I always love walking around experiencing Asheville with this unique flavor and style for a few days. This year all I planned on doing was seeing the festival from new eyes. It is one of the mini challenges I give myself on every shoot. This week's test was to 'be a tourist'. I accidentally became the Grand Marshal with one of the organizers Joe while just making sure everything worked out well in the beginning of the parade. The eternal boy scout in me! 

It was nice walking around and talking to people who are not from around but come to enjoy the days here in Asheville for the festival. Gary Roseboro, the Carolina Panthers bus driver was there! Had a nice talk with him and he gave me a cross. He said  a lot of the members on the team have he's crosses. It was kind of him to give me one. Little did he know I was giving him some of that Asheville magic to take back to Charlotte for the Panthers...They Won :)

 Love seeing my cousin Harry Darnell up on stage warming the crowd up before Doug E Fresh hit the stage. Yes, it was nice to see my little city rocking out on a beautiful day in Asheville with Mr Fresh! He killed it! 

 I look forward to next year Goombay~

LAAFF- Lexington Ave Arts and Fun Festival.

Things have changed...

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Hello.

LAAFF with me if you will. Hands down ,to me as someone who grew up here, LAAFF is THE best festival that represents Asheville as what we are about! San Francisco has PRIDE, New Orleans has Mardi Gras and we have LAAFF. A constantly creative culture of beings! Can you imagine PRIDE without one gay,lesbian or transgender beautiful souls, No. How about Mardi Gras without Jazz music...No. Ok. Imagine LAAFF without Ashevillians dressing up and being 'normal'....No. 

Sure, I saw lots of lovely faces I have seen before and some new ones. Personally speaking, Obviously, I just wished I would've seen more of what I remember LAAFF being. Costumes, Make Up, What is That?! type memories. 

I know most of the folks that put this on and THEY WORK HARD to do so! I hope they feel good about how it all went! 
So next year I would love to see what everyone comes to LAAFF for...ASHEVILLE FREAKS!!! WE ARE AWESOME!!! Stand up or Crawl around and represent this city! There is a reason why so many eyes from all over are constantly on this city. It's our time in the spotlight for a moment! We should do it right!

NAMASTE~