Fly

Goodbye 2009

What a year! Rough and challenging in a lot ways, 2009 was definitely a year of change. It felt like a huge tornado came through and just whipped everything up to cause a lot of raucous, disappointment, and hard times for a lot of people. But I'm sure for others there was a lot to be thankful for: new babies, loves, jobs and opportunities. For me it was a mixed bag, but mainly a time of new beginnings that I really feel will evolve to even bigger and better things in 2010. From finishing grad school to opening the online store, I Love My Hair, I feel extremely blessed with what the year has brought me.

For me, there were two things that happened this year I will never forget. They were the happiest and saddest points of 2009. January 20th Barack Obama was inaugurated. It was a day of pure joy. June 25th, Michael Jackson left us. I was distraught. So yes this is a year to remember.

No matter how 2009 went for you be grateful, because if you're reading this it means you're alive and if you're alive that means you still have things you need to do. Passions to share, people to inspire, and happiness to pursue. Say thank you to 2009 for the lessons learned, and THANK God (The Universe, Energy, whatever you believe) for 2010. Have a Happy New Year!

Images from Smokey Fried Folk Art.

Fly Favorites 2009

 

Here is a link wrap-up for 2009. These are just a few of my favorite posts/links featured on Fly. I have them organized by category.

Art: Illustration/Design - CR Taxi: amazing design and hand-lettering. Hands down my favorite post in this category for the year.

Boutiques - Fabric Workshop Shop: a really beautiful space with really beautiful wares. Definitely a Philly treasure.

Colors & Trends - I'm Loving Chartreuse: I was so addicted to this color this year. I used it everywhere.

Ephemera - Beautiful Women: this was a great find.

Extra Stuff - He's The King, I'm the DJ: been in heavy rotation since I downloaded it.

FGOTW - No way. I could never choose! All the fly girls had something wonderful, encouraging and inspiring to say, why not meet them all.

Link of the Day - TedTalk: there was no question that this would be my favorite Link of the Day for 2009, maybe forever. I love it that much. Please check it out if you  haven't already.

Photography - Lovely Inspiration: it was hard to select just one but I must say I really love this photo. Everything about it makes me smile.

Webisodes - Twist Out 'Fro: I had so much fun doing this video. I need to think of more hairstyles so I can do more!

What I Like Right Now - Zachary's Smile: when I walked into that room with all those colorful dresses I nearly cried tears of joy!

Yum - Mother's Day in Little Brazil, that food was SO BANGIN' and I had so much fun with my mother.

Link of the Day

another dedication to New York City. i never get tired of them.

Oroma Elewa

There's no Fly Girl of the Week this week but I still wanted to feature a Fly lady today. Meet Oroma of Pop'Africana. See more from the series here. Photographed by Mike Schreiber.

Sweater Clutches

Sweet and cozy clutches from Domakaya.

 

NYT's Block Party

Very cute image featuring blocks designed by Miller Goodman. See more here and here.

 

Pretty Letterforms

As I mentioned before, I'll be posting a few things here and there this week as I wrap up the year.

I am enjoying the hand-lettering work of Katie Daisy Lombardo.

 

Happy Holidays

Wishing you all good times with your family and friends this holiday season. During this time of year of giving and remembering our blessings I want to say thank you a million times over for allowing Fly to inspire you in some way.

I will be posting a few things here and there next week so I will see you then!

I've been thinking about using this image for this post not realizing it was actually referencing "The Nativity." How convenient. It's one of my favorite Alexander Girard designs.

Link of the Day

i wish there was a similar response when Flavor of Love came out (and/or dozens of other shows like it)

Ashish Spring/Summer 2010

Love this! Nineties style tees re-interpreted with shimmery sequins from Ashish.

 

Posing Beauty

I so want this book! Posing Beauty is a collection of portraits and snapshots that captures African-American beauty from the 1890s to the present. Curated by the super talented photographer and educator Deborah WIllis, you can only expect to see the finest of images. This book is definitely a must-have.
 

Link of the Day

good information and inspiration for you ladies who want to start a business

FGOTW

 Who? I'm Shalonda. Most people call me Shani. My mom calls me "boo boo" and I most commonly refer to people I know as "honeybear".

Where? Born and raised in Philly. Currently growing in Los Angeles.

What do you do? I'm a singer. writer. dreamer. creator. creative. I craft words and melodies. I recently released a collection of re-imagined jazz standards called "Just Go." I'm a freelance music video producer, a part of a collective called thebangpop and a serial advice-giver.  

What inspires you? I'm inspired by unconditional LOVE. By the idea (fact) that GOD loves us when we don't have sense enough to love and appreciate ourselves. Other sources of inspiration include: LIVE music, jazz, really old people, Nina Simone's musical courage and freedom, angora rabbits, documentaries about artists, the woman my grandmother was, the woman my mother IS, amazing food, remembering all the things GOD has brought me through, discovering new music, personal stories, highly creative and imaginative people and trees — to name a few.

Why are you fly? I look for GOD everywhere and I work tirelessly at refusing to submit my will to a lesser self.

Advice:
1) Trust GOD.
2) Learn your worth. Decide that you are worthy — the earlier, the better. You're worthy of healthy relationships and of great things happening in your life. You deserve the very best. It sounds like such a generic thing to say, but it's absolutely true.
3) Support and encourage other young women. No one can steal what belongs to you.
4) Take responsibility for the role you play(ed) in every bit of everything happening in your life.
5) You attract that which you are. If you want something (someone) different, BE it first.

Sweater Slippers

To keep those toes warm check out these knitted slippers from Aykelila.

 

On the Wall Magazine

Is Not Magazine was an experimental publication in the form of a bill poster. A group of people came together to curate content that would be displayed on random "canvases" around Melbourne, Austrailia. It was a temporary experiment so the magazine no longer exists but one can definitely appreciate the concept and the unique designs.