Category Archives: Creative Writing

May 31 2012
1 Comment
Creative Writing

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

The Porch Swing artist residency series keeps rockin with Samuel Bostick’s WORD of the day creative writing project.. Installation Number 5: Discipline [Part II].

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

Discipline n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.

WORD of the day: Discipline [Part II]

Mind, Body & Soul; discipline is a revolutionary strength.

As the refining pot is to gold,

so is discipline to those who apply it, those who abide in it.

A disciplined mind; development of focus and concentration

A tool of unlimited potential!

A disciplined body; all great achievements are won through great effort

Order in the physical elements is key

A disciplined soul; I read once that a person without control over their own spirit

is like a city broken down without walls

Again, be a disciple to your cause. Submit yourself to the pursuit of the objective ahead.

The self, feelings an’ emotions are concepts. They arise and fall as any other sentiment in this impermanent place. An achievement cannot be taken from by anyone, it is a benchmark.

Do great things—go for the gold all day every day!

Still, be patient with yourself.

Discipline is not always easy and there will be times where you may consider throwing in the towel a time when the burden seems too heavy to bear.

Build a team, a strong core of individuals mobbing in a like minded way.

There is strength in numbers.

A wolf pack, a pride of lions, a battalion of goons…

take down the target!!

We must all run our own race, nobody can do it for you nor for me…still it is encouragement that we need sometimes…it is that one voice that says “you can do it” when we fall from glory and start to feel we can’t. Everyone needs a push, a dear companion in hard times is a great lifeline…trust in yourself, have faith in your teammates, pull your own weight, invest in your team… us versus them.                       Go for the grand prize.

Again, the self is the biggest opponent…discipline is the training needed to run the race                           the outcome will reflect the input.

Never give up, do not give in, find your passion-tie it to your heart and run with it, dare to try, have the audacity to challenge any obstacle, live your life according to your beliefs and convictions, be not afraid to make mistakes—take chances…be true and truth will be forever in your presence…                 overcome disbelief.

Triumph.

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 24 2012
Leave a comment
Creative Writing

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

Reflection and Response resident artist Samuel Bostick hits with the 4th installment of his WORD of the day project at the LIFESTYLE Porch Swing!

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

First and foremost I would like to thank you for stickin with me through this process and development. I have been encouraged by this and I pray yall have been too. That being said, lets jump into it…

Discipline: n. 1) Training that is expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, esp training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2) Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training. 3) A systematic method to obtain obedience: a military discipline. 4) A state of order based upon submission to rules and authority. 5) A process intended to correct or train. 6) A set of rules or methods as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order. 7) A branch of knowledge or of teaching.

WORD of the day: Discipline

Surrender, it starts with surrender; the action of submitting to a greater order—to a specific purpose or pursuit. Surrender the concept of “I” and “Self”…become a disciple to the cause of your calling. Curve your desire to the taste of epic victory rather than momentary pleasures. This is the training in preparation for your marathon. With discipline long term goals become daily achievements which unfold into a whole nother level of performance. The hardest part is to really develop the discipline from a seasonal practice into a lifestyle, an order which you live by. Tha’s when it really reaches the revolutionary level.

Be balanced, keep a clear mind, make efforts to improve each day, breath in – breath out, ‘get on your marathon’. The greatest challenge is to overcome the self. Conquer disbelieve. Life is hard, nevertheless carry your cross. Have faith in the product of your effort, sow a great seed.

 

Gang Starr, “Discipline”

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
May 16 2012
Leave a comment
Creative Writing

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

Here is the third installment from The Porch Swing , a weekly series focusing on a unique version of Reflection and Response. Samuel Bostick, our first resident artist, brings us his WORD of the day project which centers on a word presented with his personal blend of creative writing. His first and second posts bring new light to classic vocabulary. Stay with us as he presents another piece in the ongoing series crafted through the lens of Reflection and Response as part of the LIFESTYLE collective…

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

Perseverance:  n.  1) Adherence to a course of action, belief or purpose without giving way; steadfastness. 2) To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement

 

WORD of the day: Perseverance

Day in day out, we move in order to make progress.

Moment to moment each second building on the next

The click clock tick tock

Time keeps running will it ever stop?

Click. Clock. Tick. Tock.

Understand this clearly, all things have a purpose, a charge in this life.

Every day comes with its challenges, this is certain. Some days more challenges than others…

These past few weeks have been rough.

Burning holes in Pockets, Bills marauding mail boxes;

Tough times still my hustle the world will not stop, a rhythm-a passion the world will not take.

This heart beats with purpose.

Yesterday brought word of a woman…she lay in a coma, a fight for life…

all due to the abusive hands of a partner, a lover

Fatal attraction.

Steady increase in teen pregnancy, more and more absent fathers

Fuck. (On second thought…Don’t)

Schools raise tuition and cut classes

…whats the remedy…

prisons yards, military recruits, pockets full of stone

 its MEAN out here!!

Move with conviction, keep a balanced mind, follow your passion, keep goin hard, make ‘em feel you! PER.SEV.ERE

 

Still I Rise.

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

-Maya Angelou

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
May 09 2012
1 Comment
Creative Writing

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

Back at the LIFESTYLE Porch!

Today we’ve got the second installation at The Porch Swing from our first Reflection and Response resident artist, Samuel Bostick. Last week we kicked off The Porch Swing series with Samuel’s first installation in his ongoing WORD of the day project, which will come through every Wednesday. Stay tuned as he continues to bring his uniquely crafted creative writing Reflection and Response approach to the LIFESTYLE Collective…

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

Build v. 1) To form by combining materials or parts; construct. 2) To give form to according to a definite plan or process; create. 3) To establish and strengthen; create and add to. 4) To develop in magnitude or extent. 5) To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity. 6)The act, process, art or occupation of constructing.

WORD of the day: Build

A Dream is the heart’s desire, a fantastic vision. It is our charge to put effort into making these dreams, these desires into a reality. We must build. To build is to act on the faith of possibility, to put work into effect and produce. All building is ultimately defined by the basis, the core, the foundation, the wise seek firm foundation. Brick by brick, day in day out, belief by belief. Building is an ongoing process, it does not subscribe to boundaries, rather supersedes them. The possibility is endless.

Get out, make yourself, give your hands a good look; recognize the potential energy held within them, the propensity to create. Plan your route, establish firm foundation, develop a legacy- a dynasty of your choosing, be responsible for your work and lay claim to the product of your effort.

Reflection and Response.

Samuel Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities. The Porch Swing series opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 02 2012
3 Comments
Creative Writing

The Porch Swing: WORD of the day

the LIFESTYLE Collective builds. Welcome to the premiere of our newest weekly series: The Porch Swing. the LIFESTYLE’s role is to create collective space for active Reflection and Response through the arts. This space is built around dialogue, expression, collaboration, and artistic (ex)change involving international craftspeople and their realities.

WE, P and V, share our original visual arts and music projects at the top of the week on Mondays. On Thursdays we showcase Snapshots from the Collective, a series that is driven by photography contributions from ANY individuals. Fridays alternate between Talk of the Town, a series that serves as a discussion and dialogue forum, and the Feature Series, which presents international artists’ perspectives on Reflection and Response. The Porch Swing now opens up a Reflection and Response residency where we will feature a Collective member’s ongoing project through weekly installations. We leave the choice of medium in the artist’s hands to mold their Reflection and Response.

We are PROUD to present our first resident, Samuel Bostick, who will join us on The Porch Swing and engage the LIFESTYLE Arts Collective in dialogue through his unique blend of creative writing. Samuel kicked off our Feature Series back in September – http://the-lifestyle-rr.com/2011/09/23/feature-samuel-bostick/ – and we’re excited to break ground on this new series with an important Collective member at the helm!! Stay tuned for his WORD of the day project, coming through every Wednesday…Craft.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Jim Natale.

SB: Aright, so this WORD of the day business is a exercise I’ve been pushing on for some time now. I find words to be pretty interesting lil gizmos. I recognize the power they carry. When I first started the WORD of the day postings via twitter, I was doing a word a day. Since then its developed into a week long process of  meditation and reflection focused on one word. Quality over quantity.  I don’t know what got me started on this project, that doesn’t matter so much…I like words, they breath a great rhythm to life. Now, what y’all need to do is STAY TUNED to the the LIFESTYLE’s Porch Swing series & peep the WOTD developments via twitter- @THEREALSHANTS.

Stay cool,
Samuel

 

Vision, n. 1) a- The faculty of sight. b- Something that is or has been seen. 2) Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight. 3) The manner in which one sees or conceives of something. 4) A mental image produced by the imagination. 5) The mystical experience of seeing as if with the eyes the supernatural or a supernatural being. 6) A person or thing of extraordinary beauty.

WORD of the day: Vision

In this hour, that of the haunting, Do not fall ill to weakness.

Strength in its Truest is steadfast in diligence

Diligent especially when the will is weak.

Understand, Focus is at the root of Vision and Diligence is the fruit.

 

Vision present in the experience of a moment,

The smile of a young child

Vision wise to see down the road,

preparation for winter’s chill while the summer is yet sweet

Vision Faithful in times when the light is dim, when the road is dark

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me.

who or what shall we fear lest our eyes, our vision, fall short of faith?

 

Vision…

do not fall victim to appearances, masks of deception; as an image is warped by the clearest and purest of waters, this world is manipulated by the appearance.

Do not be confused.

remove yourself from the place where confusion dwells

 for confusion itself is a tool of the enemy. This shall surely, without fail, cloud your vision.

 Have you seen a king crowned with false gold?

Imagine it!

 A King adorned with fool’s gold

What a sight! A mockery at best!

Take heed:

This is a wise man, a wise woman, whom dare embrace confusion.

 

Guard your Vision, Stay on track…

 

Reflection and Response.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Nov 25 2011
1 Comment
Creative Writing, Music, Performing Arts

Feature: Diana Cervera

 The Collective really brought some solid Reflection and Response this week. We at the LIFESTYLE are proud as hell to present Diana Cervera, a woman who took the idea of a feature and turned it into a piece of art. Eclipsing the idea of multi-talented, Diana’s various skills in Sonic, Dramatic, Literary, and other mediums inform and reinforce each other to make each piece a comprehensive collaboration between different parts of the expressive self. Peep the interview for some key knowledge, check out the soulful strains of “TE BUSCO,” and read up on the powerful words of LATINA HEAT.

The Collective Speaks.

Leading off with some basics where are you from? And where are you at?

DC: I am from Rialto, CA where I currently reside but my roots lay in the lands of Yucatan, Mexico. I am currently looking for my footing for a truth I am at the shoreline where the waves crash staring at the sea…contemplating what it all means.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

DC: Reflection and Response is a way to Evoke and provoke. Its a means by which to question, critique, explain invent and reinvent. I think that it encompasses the art making process in itself and the constant search for ourselves. To truly reflect is to look within and understand whats there, where it comes from,why it is and our response is perhaps a way to try and understand that meaning that feeling. Its a spark, a chispa. I believe that we must constantly reflect but dont take the time to do so enough. I personally am looking within myself to try and really see whats inside whats there and what I can do with it.

How does “Latina Heat,” and “TE BUSCO,” fit in with that definition?

DC: The name of the first piece is “Latina Heat” a monologue I performed for a production I directed last year at UCSD entitled In Lak Ech, Tu Eres mi Otro yo (You are my other self). This show in itself encompases the idea of reflection in that we are in some way a reflection of one another if we could only look past our preconceptions and socialized forms of knowing ourselves in relation to others. In Lak Ech comes from the Mayan saying meaning you are my other self which was considered one of the deepest forms of respect in that each other we see ourselves.This piece was a “reflection” and “response” to the ways in which Latina women are portrayed in the media and therefore come to exist in the public imagination. This piece explores not only the concept of stereotype but also explores the idea of love and self love. Our love for ourselves is the most powerful understanding we can come to know and give to others. This piece aims to critique the hollywood stereotype of what  a Latina woman should be but it also is a very personal reflection of my dreams hopes and visions of love.

The other piece entitled TE BUSCO is a song I recently wrote and is a reflection of one of the most beautiful and trying emotions I have ever felt, Love. This is a raw take that took me a few nights to really get together but its from the deepest places in my heart. This song speaks of a search, it speaks of a moment so present yet so far, of a feeling so powerful that it can withstand anything. I think this song is a reflection of emotions ones heart can feel but may never be known, perhaps only the moon or the stars will be witness to these unspoken dreams. This piece speaks to the idea of a feeling or emotion that can perhaps only be sung in order to be understood or felt.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

DC: I am currently working on a short play which is an extended version of Latina heat. This play, like the monologue , will delve into various concepts such as the idea of love, sexuality, femininity and the search for the self. The play will have various characters and multiple realities, you gotta see the end result because it all makes sense in my head. Right now I think it sounds like a locura but thats when I know Ive got something. For now Im seeing fairy godmothers dancing Bomba and novellas coming to life…haha its gonna be wild but I promise its gonna be good. This will be my first time writing, directing and acting in an actual play so wish me luck!

Who or what inspires you?

DC: The coincidences of life inspire me the moments in which a person you never thought you would meet teaches you something so profound and beautiful about lifeand about yourself. These moments have proven to be the most inspiring moments in my life. With this is my families love which is unconditional and never ending its so beautiful to me. Love inspires me.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

DC: Always listen to your heart even when its wishes seem illogical or impossible. Siempre sabe el Corazon. Always believe in your own power you can really do anything you dream, nobody can tell you that its impossible.

Shout out to…?

DC: I would first like to make the biggest shoutout to my Mom and Dad Maria Casanova and Alfonso Cervera who have given me character virtue and most of all life. To my brother and sister Ponchi and Denise for always supporting me and loving me and the rest of the familia in the US and in Yucatan. I would like to give a super special shoutout to my friend and Mentor Jade Power Sotomayor who has taught me to believe in myself and always follow my heart. To never fear nor doubt my own strength  as a Mujer. To the one and only Leslie Quntanilla, Joanne Gomez, Qui Qui, Mars, Sarit, Moni and all my friends who have loved me through the many phases of my life and locuras. To the ART COLLECTIVE @ UCSD. The Bostick Family, your lovely thank you for all your blessings. Of course to the cuates in NY! Megan Branch and Mr. Vicken Donikian!!!! Your beautiful and your work inspires me to keep up the grind siempre! Last but most certainly not least, the most loving shoutout to the one who has my love, un beso siempre.

Con todo mi Corazon

Diana Cervera

TE BUSCO

LATINA HEAT

(Lights Dim..blue perhaps)

Deja que salua la luna….(song by pedro infante plays..)

Demetrio enters…

Mujer- Demetrio, llegaste!! (smiles.. holds his hands in hers)

Hombre- (hugs her tightly ) Como no, tenia que verte, antes de ..de que me vaya

Mujer- Quisiera que, que esta noche nunca se acabe’..…. Que pudiese estar contigo siempre que no tenia que decirte adiós. …..Llevame contigo, ay llevame contigo

Hombre- NO NO! eso no….la guerra no es para una mujer. No me perdonaría si te pasara algo….

Mujer- Pero tengo miedo, miedo que te olvides de mi que , que encuentres a otra que nunca regreses y yo me muera de la tristeza

Hombre- No NO…. eso nunca. Yo solo respiro por ti, (caresses her face)  mi corazón solo latte por ti….. mis ojos solo te ven a ti! YO solo soy para ti… (pulls her coser) ya sabes que TU eres la duen~a de mi corazón….

Mujer- Pero….siento que algo en mi se muere lentamente…mi espíritu no esta tranquilo cuando estoy lejos de ti…

Hombre- Mira, mirame a los ojos, (holds her face intently). Yo te amo…te amo…y aquí te dejo mi promesa. Te prometo mi amor.  Te prometo que regresare por ti..… (pause). Te puedo pedir algo??

Mujer- Claro

Hombre- Te pido..que me esperes que me esperes hasta que regrese por ti…te juro que eres el amor de mi vida la unica mujer que hace que mi corazón pare. que mi mundo se pare…siento algo aquí (ponits to his heart) que me dice que tu eres mi amor, la única que yo amare’ (places necklace in her hand)

Mujer- (pauses, thinks for a moment, in love. scared) Te amo…te amo,  tanto que me muero pensar que no te podre ver (comes closer) ni besar tus labios que tu estaras lejos, lejos de mi, mi amor….pero te esperare!! Te esperare hasta que regreses hasta que regreses por mi.

Hombre- (pulls her closer) Te amo. Te amo y vas a ver que pronto estoy de regreso y vamos a ser muy feliz, nada puede parar lo que siento por ti….

(both move in as if to kiss…)

Diana- Have you ever been lost in a dream, or an illusion. Have you ever been so enamored by something or the idea of something that you lose yourself in imagining, what it would be like….

(sings) DEJA QUE SALGA LA LUNA..…PA QUE EMPIEZE NUESTRO AMOOR. Love, la promesa de lo eterno the promise of the eternal, THAT which can conquer all ..you see I fell in love with with love , with the stories on the bronze screen as I watched novellas with my abuelita and my mom…. I would always pretend to be the characters. My favorite was always the protagonist the mujer who finds true love whose destino leads her to to fall into a love battle but whose passion in the end allows her to survive the war…”Estoy tan feliz madre de que mi vida es perfecta y que dios me ha mandado el amor de mi vida!!! hay Miguel Ramon me haces tan feliz..” I dreamed with her ….what would my love look like, how would he sweep me off my feet?? would he bring me serenata? roses!!!! Maybe both! I couldn’t wait to fall in love!!! She was always played by a beautiful mujer who was petite, dainty, and meek….

And then there was the villainous cousin corrupted by greed and jealousy …. she was usually played by a mujer who was also beautiful except she seduced men with her voluptuousness and her uncontrollable passion….

“Todo lo que amass será mío!! Maria Jose, todo! Miguel Ramon sera MIO!!! aver quien puede mas primata mosca muerta….…..!”

As I grew older this enamoramiento, this love turned into a dream that I would be a STAR!!! LA PROTAGONISTA ESTELLAR!! Except instead of novellas I would go straight HOLLYWOOD. I spent hours online looking up auditions or trying to figure out the way it works how I could  get in. I was convinced I needed an agent that it was only a matter of time before Id be found! Discovered…. But sometimes I felt that this dream was inalcanzable almost unreachable… calls for hispanic actors would catch my eye…but the only women I saw making it in hollywood that were Latina were Penolope and Salma. As I followed my destino I soon realized that I didn’t exactly look like the women on the screens that I adored Im not skinny and I didn’t really have nice clothes from expensive stores and so I thought I could never be beautiful or sexy.  In middle school I wouldn’t eat because I wanted to make moves towards my dream I remember crying and thinking that I wouldn’t make it that there were no women like me in hollywood that no one would ever notice me. I don’t have an accent. Im not what their looking for……

You see dreamed that I would light up the screen!!! That hollywood wouldn’t know what hit them!! Id have my own show you see and it would be different from anything else because my show would  be about people like me it would represent my gente tell their stories show what their life was like (lights change dim) “12 woman have been found dead in the desert of Juarez there are no leads the police are afraid to dig too deep… OR is that they themselves are a part of the whole murderous plot!”

Director- CUT!!!! (from offstage in sound booth) Diana I don’t know how to tell you this but the ratings are down you see at the end of the day this is … well American Television and the people they see you and well… they want something more spicy something more Latin….these ratings gotta go up…were selling an image and if people don’t buy it then were gonna have to cancel the show….

(moment)

Diana- Alright lets take it from the top…… (dim to black) I think we can put something together

Director- alright lets take it from the top…your on in 3,2

Diana- (in the dark) Ladies in gentleman….your watching …LATINA..HEAT…

LIGHTS! MUSIC! (LA COMAY by Sonorra Carruseles PLAYS)

(enter 2 dancers 3 woman dance)

(music cuts!)

Diana- Latina HEAT!!! Donde aqui traemoooo puro (all) FUEGOOOO!

(lights change)

(beat)

But I guess hollywood doesn’t care about las Mujeres de Juarez or a woman that can speak her mind. It’s only interested in consumption of the Latina body, my body the way it can sell what it can do for men in american households but the truth is the reality is I’ll never be Latina enough! never be sexy enough for you…and the moment I become too Latina you boot me off every channel! see you cant have too many people like me in hollywood because hollywood is what tells the rest of the world what this place looks like and I’m from California and all but I’m not exactly the California girl the rest of the world imagines even tho California’s demographic population is almost 50% Latino or Hispanic

Ratings wont go up if I’m not sexy enough if I’m not spicy enough if my body cant be packaged and sold in sealed with a stamp that reads AUTHENTIC LATINA. JLO adorns the cover of people magazine with a headline reading most beautiful woman in the world but she’s not on that cover because she looks like Selena and besides the allure of her nalgas and her now blonde hair I question what classifies as beautiful in hollywood…This predicament of being caught between virgen and puta, Latina or white, Mexican or American taught me to hate myself…taught me to think that I could never be beautiful to anyone…that the curves I had could not be desired I started to believe that my dream could not come true because no matter how great of an actress I was no mater how much talent I had I could never be what they wanted.

These feelings changed when I started to create my own art and carve out my own spaces for teatro and musica and dance. When I met mujeres who empowered me with their words because they danced on the hyphens and could not be labeled their art was chicano the best of both worlds.I became strong in my identity proud to not fit in, happily resisting the heat of the melting pot. But the feelings of not feeling beautiful never went away……

Our hombres have also been taught to seek beauty only in the slenderness of a woman’s curves they are taught to see through the lens of a hollywood camera rather than with their own eyes, with their own alma and sometimes they cannot see fire within our hearts, the passion with which we move throughout the world.

I want to reclaim these hips these curves not as symbols to be exotified or our ticket in but as markers of our strength pride in how we stand and the dignity our history carries even if we cant roll our r’s our shake our hips. To believe that we are beautiful just as we are….even when we are taught that our fuego within is too much to handle….

(looks at necklace…)

The truth is hombre Im scared to love you. Im scared that you don’t exist… Im scared to believe in your words Im scared to let you look into my eyes and see my fear of believing in your promises because I thought love….love is supposed to be…like in the novellas. That you could truly only see me that my words could soothe your soul no matter where you are….that my love is enough to be your In’lak’ech, tu media naranja. Because the way I love is like the ocean. Fuerte y appasionando. Constant and flowing like the tide crashing along the shore of an untouched beach in the dream lands of Yucatan…….

I wish that you could love me…love me for me….love me for me….just the way I am….

(Deja que salga la luna begins)

END

______________________________________________________________________________

I am currently looking for my footing for a truth I am at the shoreline where the waves crash staring at the sea…contemplating what it all means.

Reflection and Response.

Tagged , , , , , ,
Sep 23 2011
2 Comments
Creative Writing, Film

Feature: Samuel Bostick

Liftoff. Folks, today we’re super excited to debut the LIFESTYLE Feature series with the one and only Samuel Bostick, a true homie, and family to us. Samuel is a multi-talented craftsman, and just an all around genuine and creative cat. Always an inspiring presence.

We are honored to present Samuel’s project titled Swagg: Reclaiming Space and Time. These days the word Swagger seems like it’s constantly, and often carelessly, dropped in a lot of different contexts. But what does this do to the word and the concept? What is Swagger? In this project, Samuel takes a critical look at what the essence of Swagger is all about.

Multimedia. First, an interview with the man himself, followed by a documentary he created as part of this project. Digg.

Swagg: Reclaiming Space and Time

Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?

SB: I am from a small rural town known by the name of Atwater. I’m a country kid. When I say country I’m talking people still working in fruit factories and on farms; that’s what makes the city go round. Right now I’m in a transitional stage of my life, I just graduated college and got my degree in Ethnic Studies. Honestly, I am making my way through the world one day at a time.

What does Reflection and Response mean to you?

SB: Reflection and Response is a way of life most definitely. It’s a system that connects the self with the surrounding world. It is a relationship of function. The earth has a divine way of moving and keeping balance; it is up to us, you and me, to reflect on what we feel, hear, sense etc going on around. For instance the recent news and incidents concerning Troy Davis, the Irvine 11 or even on a global scale the reality of the Gaza strip and the Israeli invasions and occupation on Palestine, these are just some examples, the list is endless. Reflect and Respond appropriately, ask yourself what’s really going on? Where are you and What are you doing?

How does Swagg: Reclaiming Space and Time fit in with that definition?

SB: This past year at school I did my undergrad research on Swagger, through the lens of reclaiming space and time. We all carry an energy, an aura you can say, and this is something that can be felt by people, animals, plants, beings around us. Where this aura comes from is lived experience, personal mentalities, and the way you feel and interact with your surroundings. All this put into each step we take, the words we speak, every smile we break, the cities or regions we claim with pride, THAT is where it becomes SWAGGER. It is honestly a soulful thing. It is not a new thing either, it is something that has developed and evolved over time to become what we recognize as swagger today. It has a genealogy, a lineage of predecessors, there is a history, more so a traceable culture of undeniable stylo and interpersonal gusto!

Check it, Swagger is strongly connected to Hip Hop and Rap culture. Am I Right? Now follow me, Hip Hop’s grandfather is Jazz in the OG spectrum of funky música. Stick with me cuz here imma take it to church–In the golden days of Jazz people may not have been known for having the “meanest Swagg” per say, but I do know that they were diggin vibe off the “Coolest Cat” around, no jive. Can I get an amen?!? Cool is to Jazz as Swagg is to Hip Hop. It’s a formula of aesthetic production rooted in a subculture of sensational expression!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Hip Hop is the only space of artistic expression that presumes Swagg. No. What I am saying is Hip Hop is where the popularization of the term swagger was established. Further, Hip Hop is one of the main sources of how the word SWAGGER became a sign and a signifier for something so deep and soulful as we recognize it to be today. Warning: pay attention to how the word is being stripped of its essence and being commodified as a tool to appeal to and hook the masses by the powers that be.

So I say all of this to illustrate the function of how swagger fits into the philosophy of Reflection and Response. It is a visual sign and readable text that REFLECTS a unique experience that is moving forward in time and space. RESPONSE is the platform of what we do with our reflections of life and how we carry ourselves, how we develop the code of conduct about our SWAGGGGGER.

What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?

SB: Lately I’ve been planning a book I’d like to write and work on in the near future. Right now I’m in the super early beginning stages and development of this project but I’m excited nonetheless. Also I am looking to get into the Swagg distribution industry à barbershop, clothing, etc we’ll see where my journey takes me as I find my place in the world. More personally I have been working on maintaining peace and balance in myself and my life all together. It’s a battle but I’m aiming for the nothing less than GREAT and I have some bomb support around me so I expect GREATNESS. I hope yall stay tuned ;).

Who or what inspires you?

SB: My Family is a Grand source of inspiration, that’s my base and that is something never to change. One day my Grandpa said “Samuel, if anyone asks ‘why are you the way that you are?’ just answer them ‘I can’t help it, being cool runs in my blood. It’s just what we do.” Haha, I have to laugh but I am forever grateful for those words and for having him as a strong figure in my life. Next to family is my close homies. They may not be large in number but in support and Love they’re more than enough to keep me grounded and all that. Besides that, Traveling and seeing dope people in different situations and scenes inspires me. Lastly I’d have to say that music is a direct inspirational source of what I do on the daily.

Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?

SB: I just want people to recognize that each of us is a powerful being and have a destiny and stakes in this journey of life, do well with yours. Stay positive, dare to dream and be bold enough to chase your dreams! Never forget how to laugh from your soul, don’t trade your beauty in for anything in the world. Go 100% hard at what you do.

Shout out to…?

SB: Shout out to my Lord, my Family, including the Acklins and the Grijalbas. People and things that have inspired me, Gene the Barber, 5andaDime, GPPR, just to name a few.  Shout out the homie Ricky G. a dope artist out here about to come up! They’re all doing dope biz in the world no joke. Of course big ups to Big V. and P-Mu of R & R! I’m humbly honored by this opportunity! And last but not least a special shout out to my lady who has helped me realize a lot of things about art, myself, and life in general.

Con Amor,

Samuel L. Bostick

@THEREALSHANTS

Reflection and Response.

Tagged , , , , , ,
Newer posts →