Poetry and Other Divine Mania
The Cultured Goddess: Natori Arrindell Esq.
Natori Arrindell, better known as MissLegalLuxe, is the founder of LegalLuxe Law Group, PLLC. Natori attended Simmons College and Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. A Memphis native, Natori relocated back to Tennessee in order to bring her expertise and experience back to her home State.
Prior to creating LegalLuxe Law Group, Natori’s background includes a variety of law experiences from negotiating and drafting contracts for a Fortune 100 Company, litigating legal matters within local and federal courts, and providing clients with business brand management and brand strategies.LegalLuxe Law Group, PLLC prides itself on being the “legal voice of reason” for its clients. Whether filing a trademark, litigating a contract dispute, or serving as an advocate, Natori and her team pride themselves on providing executive level legal counsel, for the modern CEO with an innovative business who deserves an exclusive concierge level experience. (Feel free to change, this is just from my website).
Is there a specific moment in your life that inspired you to pursue your passion? Watching my parents divorce.
What does being a Goddess mean to you? Embracing your true self despite what and how people/society think you should be, living and walking in your true potential.
What's something that you are looking forward to in regards to your craft? Expanding and franchising my law practice.
What do you feel you deserve in life? Any and everything i set my mind to (constantly expanding my "life's checklist").
What are you currently reading? Unfortunately, nothing at the moment other than these case briefs :-(
If you could go back in time (History) and spend a day with someone who would it be? My maternal grandmother.
If you could meet someone in the future who would it be? Unsure...
What's your zodiac sign? Virgo (9/21)
What's your drink of choice? Prosecco with St. Germaine
LegalLuxe Law Group
What’s next, Goddess?
1. Building a "Contact Chest" where business owners, creators and entrepreneurs can shop and have immediate access to frequently used contracts.
2. Creating a webinar/class on the importance of trademarks and a DIY class on how to file your own trademark
3. Creating "The CEO's Survival Kit" which consists of the top 5 documents every LLC should have.
LegalLuxe Law Group
Licensed in Tennessee & Licensed in the District of Columbia
A Boutique law firm providing “Executive level legal counsel, for the modern CEO with an innovative business who deserves an exclusive concierge level experience.
The Cultured Goddess is HERstory 365.
Click a square to explore and follow to learn more about the narrative.
Cultured Living
A Conversation in the Garden: Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden
“As a child in South Carolina, I spent summers like so many children - sitting on my grandparents’ back porch with my siblings, spitting watermelon seeds into the garden or, even worse, swallowing them and trembling as my older brother and sister spoke of the vine that was probably already growing in my belly.
”
Every Goddess anticipates reaping her harvest, depending on the seeds she intentionally sows. J is the founder of Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden, inspired by her family and upbringing in Memphis, TN. With a passion for growth and preservation, J honors goddesses and one of their most sacred spaces…her garden. Now, J is educating families in her community about sustaining themselves for the future. With her impending harvest this upcoming Spring, J plans host a community harvest. Find out how to contribute, donate, volunteer, and more below.
The Cultured Goddess: First, I just appreciate you for taking the time and contributing to The Cultured Goddess. I came across your organization and was immediately struck by your endeavors. Are you Mrs. Aline?
J (Founder): The organization is entitled Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden and it was founded after my great grandmother Mrs. Aline, but my name is J.
The Cultured Goddess: So, nice to meet you, J! Actually, my name is Irene. I formally say Lauren, but my name is Irene and I am named after my great-grandmother. So when you said Mrs. Aline, I said to myself that it reminds me of my own. I guess I'll start by telling you what The CG is …The Cultured Goddess began in 2010, with my good friend and fellow writer Kaitlyn Palmer (Brown Girl Pen) when we were undergraduates at the University of Memphis. And like you, we were inspired by our ancestry of women and heritage. Almost 11 years later, The Cultured Goddess aims to promote the contributions and continue to honor the legacies of women of color. When I came across your organization, I was immediately impressed and inspired. I was interested about the term “community garden” and what that entails. So, tell us about your organization?
J (Founder): Our mission is to reconnect people with the earth, their community, and each other. Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden aims to foster an air of sustainability, with their connection to food producing, growing sharing, feeding themselves in a healthy and sustainable way. Ultimately, our claim to fame is connecting the community to their own backyard. Saying, “Hey…instead of cultivating this land to look beautiful…how about we use this land to feed yourself, your family, and your neighbor?!” My inspiration was obviously my great-grandmother, Mrs. Aline. But the idea and the concept around community gardening was really sparked when my interest came by reading an article about the Roosevelt Park. During World War II, the garden was used to feed people during after The Great Depression (1929-1933). So, that really just kind of encouraged me to say, “Hey, I think I could do this!” I grew up with my great- grandmother. She taught me how to plant and grow. And in Memphis, you know, for the most part, the soil is fertile. You can spit a watermelon seed out and look around and there will be a watermelon growing!
Mr. Eddie and Aline Harris original owners of Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden located in North Memphis, TN.
The Cultured Goddess: Absolutely!
J (Founder): So that's kind of how I would sit on the porch with my great-grandmother in North Memphis and we would eat our watermelons! My sisters and I … soon later there would be a patch growing. You know, because the soil was just that fertile.
The Cultured Goddess: That's awesome.
“ I imagine that a goddess is somebody that heals the land.”
-J (Founder of Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden)
J (Founder) : Just seeing that cycle of life growing up, it was great. I joined the Air Force when I was very young, so I moved away from Tennessee and I had been away for a number of years. But when I returned, I saw the community that I grew up in and it started to kind of take a nose drive for the worst. So my heart went out to my community…the people living amongst the drugs, the violence, and poverty. The number one thing I noticed was the lack of access to resources i.e. food. Being there, it’s a 10 miles 10 block radius and there's no grocery stores. So, if you had no transportation you have to get on a bus and take a transfer to get simply an apple. Ultimately, that is categorized as a “food desert” by the USDA so that's really where we focused our efforts in trying to make sure that people have access and the access of knowledge to have some food sovereignty.
The Cultured Goddess: That's wonderful. And actually, I grew up in the North Memphis and Frayser area. My childhood home was located on Sybil Street off of Rangeline. So, just that whole feel of your mission offers me a connection, especially in regards to feeding the community and agriculture. Essentially, do you feel that is something African Americans should begin to regain the skills to do?
J (Founder) : Oh, my God. Of course! I mean that should have been what’s going on. I feel like hurry, hurry now! You wanna talk about a Black Friday? That's Black Friday!
The Cultured Goddess: Right! Because if you think about it, when you said, even before The Great Depression gardening and agriculture was something African Americans knew on their own. It was almost because we were economically and socially forced to cultivate this skill through an undermined system. In the “progression” so to speak…we've kind of lost a sense of it. However, I would like to say I am noticing a shift…a cultural shift within communities that a lot of black and brown people are getting back into those skills. Especially, black women are getting back into gardening and harvests. What do you think is the inspiration behind that?
J (Founder): A great shift. Historically, brought about do the lack. You know, just period. Black women are amongst the first people to have the foresight to drive economic change in various sectors. And this is no different, women as women…and especially as black women I feel like we know what is coming down the pipe…so you say, as my momma would say! We naturally have just got in front of disaster and try to steer the course of correction.
The Cultured Goddess: It’s the divineness in us. Goddesshood.
J (Founder): And I would say, as far as black people getting away from gardening, growing, and harvesting; I don't think it was due to progression. It was due to the same thing that continuously happened to African American community and through the disenfranchisement, our lack of access to USDA grants and funding. Our lack of access to land ownership and home ownership. Why would anybody cultivate land where they could be evicted tomorrow?
“Miss J” Founder of Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden. Great-Granddaughter of Mrs. Aline Harris.
The Cultured Goddess: What are some goals you aim to achieve in honoring your Great-Grandmother’s legacy and organization?
J (Founder): Our program aims to support African American landowners and farm owners. We have fostered three different small black new farmers in 2020. So we facilitate continuing education in the community in Memphis as well as here in San Antonio. And we help and we facilitate, provide education for the youth and adults from 9 to 90!.
The Cultured Goddess: So, Mrs. Aline’s Community Garden is not something that's solely in Memphis, TN?
J (Founder): No, we have a program here in San Antonio, TX. We implement educational programs in Memphis and San Antonio.
The Cultured Goddess: Wonderful. If anyone wants to get involved in your organization, how might they be able contribute?
J (Founder): They're able to get in contact with myself or any of our board members by visiting our website at https://linktr.ee/macgarden. They could give us a call or text at 901-257-9447. And they can also email us at 2173eldridge@gmail.com.
The Cultured Goddess: And lastly what does being a goddess mean to you?
J (Founder): I imagine that a goddess is somebody that heals the land.
Follow Mrs. Alines Community Garden @Mrs_alines_community_garden
Cultured Style: Jessica Ray
Recording artist Jessica Ray or Jess is what I love to call her loves iconic things. Regardless of the name, Jessica Ray has the ability to know dope stuff. And she’ s not afraid to state it unabashedly… including her own work. A creative force of life, Jess knows like many in performance and entertainment that style should be ready to wear and comfortable. For her personal vibe, comfort and easy style is essential to her everyday demands of living her life as a Goddess. Jessica has been singing and performing since age 13. She started singing at weddings at 19. While gigging and pursuing her dreams, Jessica graduated with her Masters in Music Performance and Journalism from University of Memphis. She was signed to Made in Memphis’ Record Label in 2018. Since embarking on her musical journey, Jess has released 7 recordings in 2020 alone (Including a Spanish record) along with a virtual live concert entitled “RAW” ( Real Artist Working).
Jessica Ray comes from a musical family; almost too many figures to mention. Her mother, Claudia is a South Memphis native phenom . Her family has planted vibrant roots along the lanes of South Parkway since the 1940’s. Her dad, Ray Griffin is a twice Grammy nominated bass player from Memphis, Tennessee. However, both of Jessica’s parents stand as the backbone to Jessica Ray’s team and enterprise. Aside from her extensive pedigree, Jessica continues the family tradition of social service. One passion for Jessica is volunteering. As an annual endeavor, Jessica hosts a benefit concert for The Baddour Center and The Exceptional Foundation; recently she donated a portion of proceeds from her virtual concert RAW. In between her own musical obligations, she choreographs for Stax Music Academy in her beloved city…Memphis.
(Being a Goddess?) “means owning who I am and knowing that… loving who that is and spreading positivity to anyone I touch.”
“What you like to wear?!”
What is your everyday style? Chill/comfort
Who are your style icons? Zendaya. Beyoncé (for Stage). Traces Ellis Ross.
If you only had a few items to wear for eternity, what would they be? Sweats, crop/Tshirts, pull over, my Doc Martins and sneakers.
Worst Fashion Memory? When I appeared on 106th and Park for the 2nd time in 2010… I changed my outfit at the last minute. It wasn’t that it was ugly but that I didn't have time to have it properly fitted which made it difficult to perform in.
Best Fashion Memory? It was during my Raw Event! We had a lot of challenges, but the energy was high all around so everything worked itself out. Thinking back to that moment, it was due in part mainly because because of how I felt; more so than how I looked. I felt confident and empowered.
What is your favorite era of style? Hmm that’s hard! I love the 50s and the 70s.
What does being a Goddess mean to you? It means owning who I am and knowing that… loving who that is and spreading positivity to anyone I touch.
Cultured Listening: Fingertips by Jessica Ray
“Fingertips is such a soulful vibe. The lyrics, written by Felly, gave me the space to sing with Big Bae Energy while the track, produced by Blac Elvis, made me feel like I should be riding along a coast line. So while in the studio the whole tone of this session was old school meets new school allowing me to be chill and free with my delivery. When people here this, I hope all these elements create a warm sense of love, happiness and peace.”- Jessica Ray
Cultured Life: Diamond Taylor
Diamond S. Taylor is a creative entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and philanthropist based in Memphis, Tennessee. She is the founder and creative director of Friends + Co., a strategic marketing firm to help entrepreneurs & "sidepreneurs" organize.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Diamond S. Taylor is a graduate of Christian Brothers University, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services. She began her career as a Project Manager at Hunter Promotions, a marketing and street promotions company, while in college. Upon graduation, she interned at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC before joining FedEx, a Fortune 500 company, where she quickly advanced as a top Sales Executive – earning the prestigious President's Club Sales Award twice.
She relocated to Nashville to expand FedEx's portfolio and grow revenue in new territories while simultaneously starting her own company and building her brand. She is also a graduate of Embark, the New Memphis Institute's prestigious leadership program for young professionals.
"I am on a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses build legacy institutions that could turn into blue-chip companies. My favorite brands to work with are usually music artists, philanthropic brands, and e-commerce brands. Time is a luxury, and I want to provide full-service business solutions to help brands fulfill their full potential by ensuring their business creation processes are seamless. Managing the entire start-up process, offering creative counsel, and market research, in the beginning, helps create sustainable companies. It also allows the client to focus on selling and other business tasks to become successful."
Friends + Co. has allowed Diamond S. Taylor to combine her loves of community and marketing to fulfill her mission of empowering other entrepreneurs to achieve business success through effective business planning and strategic alliances. When she's not managing projects for various clients, she enjoys traveling and fine dining with friends
“…a goddess is someone that makes an impact upon others through her beauty. In this instance, beauty is referred to as qualities that a woman loves about herself and helps bring joy to others.”
-Diamond Taylor
Is there a specific moment in your life that inspired you to pursue your passion? No. There is not one specific moment in my life that led to me pursuing my passion. I will say that it's always easier to connect the dots looking backward. There were a million little moments that led to me creating Friends and Company—seeing my best friend's dad successfully run a business for the majority of adolescent life. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit as a young child--it started with selling matching pencil grippers and eraser sets at school. Then as a server at the Rendezvous, I learned so much about people and how providing a great customer experience lead to more money, and last but not least--learning business acumen from FedEx, and learning how to speak to CEOs, CFO, COO based on what was important to them.
What does being a Goddess mean to you? I automatically think powerful being with the power to impact others; however, the definition of a goddess is a female deity who is usually adored for her beauty. If I take into account the formal definition of a goddess, I would say that a goddess is someone that makes an impact upon others through her beauty. In this instance, beauty is referred to as qualities that a woman loves about herself and helps bring joy to others.
What's something that you are looking forward to in regard to your craft? I am looking forward to year 5 of growing my business and scaling the business. Right now, I am focused on doing everything in my power to ensure I can move from year one to year two and year three to year four--building community and providing superior customer experiences is the cornerstone to that plan.
What do you feel you deserve in life? I deserve it all--anything my heart desires and things that I intentionally prepare and work hard to accomplish. I am excited to work for a successful company and create a legacy for my grandkid''s kids. I am super excited about the freedom that will reveal itself after completing the work I was sent here to do.
What are you currently reading? Currently, I am reading African Slave Medicine and The Etymologicon.
If you could go back in time (History) and spend a day with someone who would it be? My grandmother left this world when my mom was 7; I would love to go back to meet her to learn and glean from her wisdom.
If you could meet someone in the future who would it be? I'm a lover of knowledge and seeker of truth, so I would love to chat with people on subjects I don't know a ton about, such as epigenetics, history, and more. Specifically, I would like to meet Tyler Perry, Terrence J, Karleen Roy, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and the neighborhood heroes committed to making a difference in their communities.
What's your zodiac sign? I am a Leo Sun, Scorpio Moon, and Scorpio Rising.
What's your drink of choice? Water with a lemon! If not water, I love a good tea. However, when I'm out socializing, it's between a good Pinot Noir or a French 75.
Goddess Brand: Friends + Co.
Friends + Co. is for those that want a bit more clarity on ideas. Creatives can access our Monday night quick chat as a safe space for guidance in overcoming your current business challenges or learning about opportunities for growth. To learn more about how hire friendsandco.com can help your business check out @hirefriendsandco on instagram and visit their website: www.hirefriendsandco.com.
A Thing Happened
a Visual Documentation by Cliff Habat
“Still waters hold reflections.
Images that dare to see the rippling portrait of
memory that despite notions our nonexistence. ”
Cultured Listening
Cultured Taste: Charcuterie Cutie
Joanne Johnson creates boards of soul. Curating delectable spreads customized to taste. Charcuterie boards ( char·cu·te·rie) have become the latest craze for foodies and for the goddess who loves to host. Still in the midst of a pandemic, the holiday season fast approaches and it is most important to maintain some sense of normalcy in our lives. More than ever, the value of spending time with loved ones in an intimate setting has become one of the many ways to stay in tune. With creating any vibe, charcuterie boards are the perfect centerpiece. Based in Memphis, TN, custom boards start at $40. Orders can be placed Monday-Wednesday for a 24-hour to 48-hour turnaround period via charcuteriecutie901@gmail.com
Delivery is available locally.
(Custom Board featuring cured meats, seasonal fruits, and aged cheeses)
What are you currently creating?
I am creating a Fall passion fruit charcuterie board. That includes grapes, pumpkin gore, kiwi, dates, dill cheese, cured salami.
What types of custom packages do you offer?
Date Night
Girls Night Out
Wine Night and Chill
Big Boards for corporate events
Dessert charcuterie boards
Children’s Birthday parties
All fruits boards
Snack boards
Breavement Gifts
So what exactly is charcuterie?
Charcuterie is French in origin. It’s a spread of different types of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits.
How do you want your customers to feel when experiencing a Charcuterie Cutie graze box?
It depends on my creative vibe, the customer’s preference, and what the customer desires. Each graze box is customized and no order is ever the same. I want them to come back and yearn for more and more! Charcuterie is a lot like sex.
How do you know what cheeses you would like to feature?
I take my time. I think about what I want to present in my boxes. It’s all about thinking and making it special for my client. I always put myself in the shoes of my client… What would I want to eat? What I would want if attending a certain event? What would my taste buds want to taste? How I want the board to look artistically… using my visual eye. All of my boards are based on color and I curate them from that foundation.
Why do you like creating charcuterie boards?
It’s relaxing. I love art! It’s a way to express art in a culinary way. It’s a way for me to express myself through art and food. It’s all about curation.
So Goddess…what is your zodiac sign?
Pisces...of course!
The Cultured Goddess is all about celebration…celebration of life, legacy, and creativity. For me, what better way to celebrate than with good libations. What is your favorite drink of choice ?
With charcuterie…a French 75!
And lastly…what does being a goddess mean to you?
Being able to rise above all adversaries and be able to tap into your creativity. Understand when you are walking into your divine purpose.
Follow The Cultured Goddess on Instagram
The Goddess Brand
Know of a Goddess that has a passion and would like to promote it? Contact The Cultured Goddess and we will feature the brand.
Cultured Living
Meaningful Selfcare for the COVID-19 Era and Beyond
Denise N. Harris
Type “selfcare” in your Google search bar and you’ll find nearly 4 billion hits featuring the phrase. In the past several years, it’s become quite the buzz, evoking an array of sentiments from conviction to inspiration to annoyance. Be honest, when you read the title of this article, were you inclined to keep reading or keep it moving? No worries, I feel you. However, I do hope you’ll keep reading just in case you find something here you won’t in those other tags.
In our current climate, it’s easy to understand why selfcare and wellness are important. Many of us are afraid. We are carrying out our their lives with new restrictions and moving through our days with an eerie uncertainty. And though we may manage to escape the 24-hour news cycle, the alerts on our phones, and the way the coronavirus creeps into our daily conversations (kudos to you if you’ve accomplished this!), it’s more difficult to escape our thoughts. We can, however, work to manage them and I believe we began that work by establishing some meaningful selfcare practices.
Here are some tips for creating your best selfcare regimen.
“Remember that balance is key to a life well-lived. It isn’t something we master overnight and it’s definitely not something we achieve every day and in every way. It’s an attempt to honor ourselves by applying what we learn through self-awareness, lived experience, and intentional wellness practices.”
1. Self-Asses: What do YOU Need?
Meaningful selfcare starts with asking yourself this question and taking the time to answer it honestly. Consider your wellbeing holistically. How do you feel? Are you anxious, tired, worried, or otherwise stressed? What helps you navigate these emotions in a healthy manner? Maybe it’s meditation. Maybe it’s a good book. Maybe it’s a session with your therapist or your esthetician. Sometimes we aren’t sure of the practices that bring us joy or help us sustain our peace. Now is the perfect time to dive deep and learn that about yourself. When we know how to cultivate our own peace, it’s easier to identify and avoid the things that disrupt it. Consider the following as you assess for selfcare:
· Explore what brings you pleasure
· Brainstorm activities you can do by yourself
· Cultivate your own space (mental and physical) of nurturing
2. Don’t Compare
It’s nearly impossible to resist the influence of others. We’re inundated daily with posts that tell us how to think, images that tell us how we should look and lots of other visual and textual media that tell us how to live. Silencing the noise is quite difficult but we must try. Your life is yours to live and your journey is yours to own. The same is true for every person you’ve viewed in comparison to yourself. Engaging trustworthy resources for ideas can be helpful but it’s important to think about your needs and sources of joy. Allow yourself space for trying new practices and pay close attention to how they do or do not serve you. It’s easy to hop on a bandwagon because your favorite influencers are touting the latest selfcare trend but it’s a lot more rewarding to take an intentional approach.
3. Set Goals
What do you hope to gain by practicing a self-care routine? Are you seeking more clarity in your walk of life? More peace and joy? Or maybe you’re looking to feel more restored and energized. Whatever your why, keep it in focus. Whether your goals are simple or complex it’s important to set them and check in on your progress. At the start of the year, I decided I needed more non-scheduled time, more time to do nothing. So, I set a goal to take one day each week to chill, relax and only perform activities I felt compelled to, not required to. Had I known we’d be experiencing a global pandemic this year, I might’ve set a different goal. Nevertheless, I’ve noticed that I typically practice “doing nothing” on Saturday or Sunday. For the most part, I’ve kept up the practice and it’s been quite freeing for me as I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to be unproductive. As you think through your own self-care goals, keep the following in mind:
· Be patient with yourself
· Use your support network as a resource
· Do some research
· Consider practicality & efficiency
· Don’t forget your personal budget
Remember that balance is key to a life well-lived. It isn’t something we master overnight and it’s definitely not something we achieve every day and in every way. It’s an attempt to honor ourselves by applying what we learn through self-awareness, lived experience, and intentional wellness practices. Finally, remember that you are not alone. Connect with the people who love you. Find joy and growth in their support. Do not forget that you descend from a long line of people who found ways to live meaningful lives despite stressful conditions. Learn from them and allow their spirit to warm you.
Self-Care Practices to Try:
· Consider therapy
· Create mood playlists (a personal favorite)
· Have a solo dance party
· Journal
· Meditate
· Write daily affirmations and points of gratitude
· Schedule calls with your closest friends
· Connect with family members
· Set intentional boundaries to protect your energy (i.e. social media breaks, reassess who you follow, limit phone calls or texts after certain hours)
· Read a book from an unfamiliar genre
· Listen to a podcast
· Find a mode of exercise you like (include stretching and mobility training)
· Learn & practice stress-relieving breathing techniques
· Spend time outside
· Take up a new hobby
· Fragrance a personal space with essential oils
· Engage your spirituality
· Create (i.e. color, paint, draw, craft, etc.)
· Start a healthy self-care challenge with friends or family members
Goddess Life: Chasity Jade
Being a goddess to me is a constant state of self discovery. When you can look yourself in the mirror and accept who are while understanding your purpose is when you reach a higher level of self awareness - God.
Who is Chasity Jade? I'm a film editor, director, and art show curator. I was born and raised in South Florida but spent my high school years in Memphis. In general I'm into everything creative. I just strive to show black people a different way of thinking and living with everything I do.
Is there a specific moment in your life that inspired you pursue your passion? You could say I was young rebel. After multiple suspensions I had a mentor who was a Director in the industry take me under his wings. After working with him I was sold on what I wanted to do. I started when I was 15 years old.
What does being a Goddess mean to you? Being a goddess to me is a constant state of self discovery. When you can look yourself in the mirror and accept who are while understanding your purpose is when you reach a higher level of self awareness - God.
Really knowing yourself What's something you that are looking forward to in regards to your craft? My biggest thing is creating my own projects and shows. Making my next short film is my biggest goal but of course funds come into play. Working for others is great but finding my own voice will always reign supreme.
What do you feel you deserve in life? Happiness
What are you currently reading? Media Composer fundamentals, this is an editing book. I'm studying for a certification lol. Nothing currently outside of that
If you could go back in time (History) and spend a day with someone who would it be? Tupac, my biggest inspiration for sure. He wasn't just an artist, he was a whole human who was unapologetic about showing every side himself
If you could meet someone in the future who would it be? my Husband! And Kelis - I'm a super fan
What's your zodiac sign? Cancer
What's your drink of choice? Crown Royal all day
Cultured Listening
Missing Central Station
Typically on Sundays, you can find DJ Bizzle Bluebland at the Central Station Hotel, a time-capsulated swanky lounge perfect for conversations and libations. On those nights, you would catch DJ Bizzle Bluebland playing Memphis music for Memphis folks. Before the Covid-19 lockdown, I was regular fixture… mostly to vibe to the sounds of my beloved city. Like many of us, we are all experiencing cultural withdrawals. However, DJ Bizzle Blubland has curated a radio show Nervouswreck , a weekly mix similar to sounds at the Central Station Hotel. Check out the 4th installment, “Für Elmertha, a mix with a small feature from The Cultured Goddess. Take a listen…
Jay Maisel (1950’s Harlem)
The Grip
Guard your heart from this empty world.
And fill it back up with your light.
Heavens knows how strong my hold buffs your nature. But the world spins faster when you roam.
You were never to be content between my fingers. No matter how deep the pressure lingered.
Tired hands soon lose their grip
Holding onto own.
Follow first thoughts and stubborn abile. Tempt the insecurities and womanly wiles. Hold as tight as fear can get
Tired hands soon lose their grip.
Holding onto own.
When you doubt the beauty of your imperfection. Slipping in and out of favor
Remember you were once worth holding onto.
Stretching is a wonderful way to care for ourselves, connect with our bodies, release stress, and reset. Join me this Sunday to do just that! We'll breathe through several movements to release tension in our muscles and explore our range of motion. The session is open to all fitness levels and should leave participants feeling free and relaxed. It will be offered live on Instagram so be sure to follow Denise @yellowoptimistfitness and look for her live post to begin a few minutes before 3PM EST. Feel free to contact Denise with questions via IG @yellowoptimistfitness or via email at denise.nichelle@gmail.com
Invite a friend, partner, family member, neighbor or anyone you think may benefit.
Stretch & Be Well!
Follow Me ( Issac Daniels + Patrick Johnson III)
Listen for Spoken Words
Recorded at Memphis Slim House + May 2019.
“Offer me something I can feel, something tangible...I will bestow it upon you tenfold. For life is an ever flowing vessel. If you fill me up, the world will be plentiful.”
Cultured Fiction
Sunday morning in South Philly, according to McKinney-Whetstone, is ""like buttermilk,"" with ""a quiet smoothness to it."" The same can be said of this remarkable first novel. A gentle portrait of an African American community in South Philadelphia in the 1940s and '50s, the story probes beneath its residents' lives to tell a powerful tale of damage and healing. Noon is a Florida preacher's daughter too scarred from a secret childhood incident to let a man touch her; her husband, Herbie, is a redcap who met her when he was a hepcat jazz drummer touring with fiery singer Ethel. When newborn Fannie and, five years later, Ethel's five-year-old orphan niece, Liz, are abandoned on Noon and Herbie's doorstep, the embrace of community allows the creation of a family. Many women struggle in private against pain-especially Liz, who hides in the closet and eats plaster to deal with what she knows about Herbie and Ethel. Fannie's prescient visions and her wish to stave off the inevitable underscore an ambivalent view of the power of change. As the threat looms of a highway to be built through the church-centered neighborhood, individual characters find their fates, and the delicately passionate narrative coalesces around a soul-galvanizing metaphor of bricks and mortar and spirit. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selection. Source: Publishers Weekly.
Cultured Listening
When heartbeats stop, they say we die
No tune to come from the grooves
Cold cadavers returned to dust
The breaths that escapes as easily as our eye blinks
All I can think on that it has felt like it happened
On all the newness of days I receive.
Each time you ignored me
And made me feel I was long gone past that heartbeat
Memories of a distant song I didn’t get the rhythm to it.
But with you…
I failed to keep up the pace
The heart races past its own symphonic beating.
Nostalgic days to evenings long gone into midnights
the only memories we acknowledged was your chosen Blues.
Maybe I already been cold in my grave
Or digging myself in it
far long knowing if I kept on loving you.
Nobody would know my own.
I been told that my soul extended down to the bottom of my shoes.
-Life in a minor rhapsody.
Aretha is Jazz
I have loved Aretha Franklin ever since I was a little girl. I don’t recall a specific memory that connected me to her, simply that her voice was something I always lived with. Possibly, Aretha’s life story was a drawing factor. Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, TN on March 25, 1942. I was born in Memphis and the in month of March. Her deep Baptist roots and her role as the daughter of a charismatic Baptist Preacher were eerily identical to my own upbringing. However, I am no Aretha Franklin. In regards to Aretha’s musicianship and pure vocal genius; it is evident she was composed of something authentic. She could tell her story of womanhood and tell the story of women generations to come.
I distinctly remember living with Aretha when I was a teenager. For many of us goddesses, we know all too well the pains and struggles transitioning into the early stages of womanhood.For me, Aretha was a means of escape. Her music provided avenue to cope with waves of my teenage emotions. Aretha has helped me through it all…Depression, heartbreak, and grief. Aretha was there to help me express my love…not that I knew much about it. Aretha gave me the courage and an enough inspiration to love fully and deeply. Aretha has also been there at times I needed to pull down on my own strength and tackle the woes of life. She somehow could sing and phrase a word or a mood my heart was feeling. Her soulful body of work like “Respect”, and “Daydreaming" are among her most popular and commercialized, but her Jazz career under Columbia Records offers a glimpse into the legend to come. Aretha’s Jazz is just the same as her Soul. Divine.
The dimly lit, smoke-filled jazz club was taking on the aspect of a revival tent...
-Pete Welding at an Aretha Performance from Downbeat Magazine
