Change.Progress.Hope

So,by now you've watched the news,heard the news,read about it online and even random strangers talking about it...Barack Obama is the 44th American president-elect and the FIRST African-American president.

For alot of people,yesterday was a truly defining moment. Whether you are Black,White,Yellow,Pink...it didn't matter. That moment was a moment that instilled hope and brought back what Dr. King, John F. Kennedy and Papa Mandela had started years back...Has now been thrust upon generation Y...The generation that the world had given up on,did what seemed insurmountable...the voted,for change! He has shown,that if you have a dream and work hard for it,it can and will come true...

This election has shown that young people are not disinterested in politics,they maybe be disinterested in politics here. I have had conversations about politics and Obama with friends who know more about shoes than they do about history and policies. That's what was sooo good about seeing that victory yesterday...it wasn't just about americans,it was about the world as a whole embracing change...about being inspired,about people working hard for what they believed in...about a single vote counting,about democracy,about unity...all the ideals we are taught when we are young,that get distorted as we become older,finally mean something...because one man stood for change...and now the onus is on us,to be the change that we want to see in the world.

That's what Obama's victory has done for me...As much as I was thinking about great grandparents who were sold off as slaves,grandparents and parents who fought for my freedom,to me,this moment is for them...they could only dream of a better world for me and finally it has come...It reminded me of an old Nina Simone song...'I Wish I knew How It Would feel To be Free'...and it kinda goes like this....

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could say all the things that I should say
say 'em loud,
say 'em clear
for the whole round world to hear.

I feel free in this moment...I feel like the shackles that have been holding me back from achieving everything I want out of life have been broken...I feel like we HAVE overcome...and in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King...Thank God Almighty,We're free at last....

Change Is Upon Us...

- The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become -

W.E.B Du Bois

Now,unless you live under a rock somewhere on Mars,then I'm sure you have at one point heard the name Barack Obama. If not,I have no words for you. Actually,I do...but I will refrain...

Anyway,in less than twenty four hours (from my side of the world), America will go to polls to decide the 44th president and if you,like me have CNN and BBC radio on hand at all times,you know that the polls are swinging towards Obama's victory.

So,you may ask? But Santi,you ain't American...What does this election have to do with you? Well good people of cyberspace,I will try and explain my fascination and maybe offer insight as to why soo many people really want the change that Mr. Obama will (hopefully) bring.

I opened this post with a quote,something I never do,but i think I'll start to...anyway,I like this quote as it,to me encompasses all the possibility of change and reminds us not to fear change. I first heard about Barack Obama in 2004. I was watching CNN's coverage of the presidential elctions between George Bush and John Kerry. And at the democratic convention,a young,poised and articulate african-american senator delivered a speech that left me shaken to the core. The last time I felt goosebumps like that was when I heard the full delivery of Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech in 8th grade...

So as I sat there in awe and admiration,I couldn't help but wonder,'who is this guy?'...and why aren't people talking about him? I googled him and started following his story. As fate would have it,the whole world would soon know who he was in just four short years...

From that speech,one thing stood out and it still is one of my favourite references,and it goes like this:

"Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead. "

Now,again you may be asking,all well and good,but what does this have to do with you?

Well,I am African. I am proud of my heritage and without devulging too much personal information,I have lived and continue to live a life that I could only dream about. I am a strong believer in dreams and the audacity of hope...Life has taken me many places and I live each day hoping,believing and taking strides to make all that come true. They've been times in my life when what seemed impossible,became possible. There have been obstacles,and quiet a lot...some that I face to this day,and not once,have I EVER used my race as an issue,I would like to think that I am being judged by the content of my intellect,but I know this is naive...anyway,whether someone chooses to judge me at face value,is their issue,not mine.

You know,alot of people have asked me,'is it because he's black?'...and I could have a well rationalised answer,but the truth of the matter is yes,the deal clincher is just that. Sure he is a well educated and inspiring man. But this is someone I can relate to...he looks like me,comes from a similar background like me and fought against all odds...and I don't care what anybody else thinks or says,because unless you aren't a person of colour,then you just won't get it..and that's cool too.

Anyone who has dreams knows that there are days when you question if you are doing the right thing,making the right decisions and in constant need of re-affirmation that rarely comes,but your spirit is still not shaken to give up. I can't explain this phenomenom of belief and faith,but I know it is what gets me through. And motivates,re-enforces the passion and pushes the perserverance.

When Barack Obama accepted his nomination,I cried. Why? This is a man who comes from a background of trials and tribulations from his generation and his parents and grandparents tribulations. he had dreams,they had dreams...something i can relate to very easily and coming from Africa,like I said,it can be hard to believe that you can be 'something or someone'. So,Barack Obama realising his dream against all odds, speaks volumes to me..as a woman of colour from a third world country,where dreams remain just that...dreams.

Now more than ever,I know that my life has forever been changed. Someone like me...African heritage running through his veins, seeking to be elected to the highest office in the world,a dream alot of people said the world wasn't ready for...a dream even he couldn't have imagined for his life growing up,a dream that began with Martin Luther King's speech...and the battles of civil rights movements in america and in africa...

So,good people,as we watch and wait to see if his dream and the dreams of those before him will come true,I ask you to allow yourself to dream and hold on to them. And let nobody tell you you can't...all you have to do is look at Barack Obama...if he had listened to every hater,he would not be where he is...believe in yourself,and your dreams...have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and hope - for a better life,a better world,better days!

I will never forget that the only reason I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.

BARACK OBAMA, speech, Jan. 8, 2008

Psycho Ex....

I was recently reading an article about the extremes women go to after a break-up to seek revenge and oddly enough,win back their lover. Now,it seems irrational to act in such a way,slitting tyres,forwarding emails,bashing him to all your friends and his,and heck anyone who can listen...in the thoughts that maybe,just maybe,he will change his mind and see you for what you are and come back to his senses? I.just.don't.get.it...maybe I haven't met someone who has pushed me over the edge that much,but I'd like to think no guy is ever worth wasting energy like that over...I'd rather be thinking about his replacement to be honest. But that's just me.



Is he worth you losing countless hours of sleeping scheming ways to hurt him and and in the process win him back? Now I don't know about you,but 90% of the time,the guy will not come back and your actions will cement in his mind,the very reason he left your crazy ass! Haven't you seen 'How to lose a guy in 10 days?'...I mean the situation is different,but still the same...chick was acting hella crazy!! Planning the future and ish without just being in the now. And if your now is just being dumped,then by all means honey girl,accept it. It has happened and it's okay to be hurt and in pain...But nothing lasts forever...the pain,goes away and just be grateful you left his ass and opens up the possibility of something even better. And I know This is hard to see in the moment,but it is true.



Now,I'm not condoning how (some) men treat women,but we lose all our common sense when we have been,for lack of a better word, scorned. We all know the saying hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,but I always think that it's too much trouble trying to get revenge. The way I see it,if he's going to hurt you to a point of wanting to see him suffer,then honey girl, boy was not worth your time! And isn't worth your energy...the way I see it,stay fabulous! The best revenge is living your life to the fullest,and that will hurt him more than anything you can ever do intentionally...the fact that you're not retaliating will get to him and what's better...pouring a vodka martini on his head! I think alot of times as women,we're quick to put ourselves at fault. Someone once told me 'it's not your fault,whatever it is,it's not your fault,but it is your responsibility'.

So,if you've been hurt and are going through the emotional heartcahe,it's not your fault. But it is your responsibilty to take control of your feelings and how you move on from there. Life is all about the good,the bad and the ugly.



So,go on,with your bad self...stay fabulous,because (as L'oreal wants you to believe) you're worth it!



Now love muffins,tell me,are guys worth the revenge?? and whats the most ridiculous thing you've done to get revenge back?

Single in the City...Part 1

So a few days ago I got an invite to one of my really good friend's engagement party! I was sooo excited,as it's the first engagement party I'm attending...Like a rite of passage almost,that I switched mode into figuring out what outfit i was going to where,and then there it was,the reality I thought wouldn't face me at such a young age...Santilla plus one! The horror!! Let me set the record straight,my friend did no harm in addressing the invite that way,it's traditional,and besides,I'm never attached to anyone long enough to have their name on the invite instead of a plus one...It's hard enough for a girl to pick out shoes to go with an outfit,let alone a Mr. Right now...Anyway,it had me thinking about how,when everything is going so well in your life,people seem to view it as insuffiecient when you lack a partner by your side!

And it's not just a twenty-something thing...no no! Pick up a tabloid and headlines like 'Why can't Jen find love' or 'will she ever find true love?'...and we can't help but feel sorry for these people,because irrespective of how much success they achieve,it all amounts to nothing when Mr. Right now is not by your side to share it with you? Don't get me wrong,I'm all for the great romance that give you Carrie Bradshaw style Zsa Zsa Zsu...but why should I settle to settle?

I'm at a stage in my life when everything is the way I want it to be,and I love it! I make conciuos decisions to date but not commit unless I get the Zsa Zsa Zsu's! One of my closest girlfriends recently had an outburst about my choices regarding men in my life and how she feels I dispose of them and in her eyes,I'm constantly searching for Mr. Right Now? She may be right,but can't a girl have a salad without the dressing sometimes?! It's just hard trying to justify the choices we make without being judged or labelled as a slut,whore or the like...but on the otherhand,a guy my age doing the sae thing and focusing on his career and isn't ready to settle for anything less is given a pat on the back and a round of drnks at the local pub! Where is the justice!! If I choose and conciuosly to 'date' a guy who I like minus the Zsa Zsa Zsu's..and only see it as a temp thing,what's wrong with that? Why can't I?

I feel lie in this day and age,I can make my own choices...My grandmother got married at 13...she had no choice,it was expected of her in those days...I am not obligated to be attached to someone,and heck if I did,I would be...It's not hard getting into a relationship,what's hard is getting into the right relationship. So ladies,when you're sitting at home on a friday night with your hands in cotton mitts,wearing your worn out sweats and watching an old movie and eating last night's takeout,don't think of it as pathetic...embrace it! Be proud of the successes you have achieved and continue to achieve,and any man who is right for you,will embrace that about you...Miss Independent! And don't settle for anything less...than Zsa Zsa Zsu!!

I Heart...Little Miss Jocelyn!!

Okay Love Muffins...do I have something great to share with you! I heart a good laugh and I recently came across this one woman sketch show called 'Miss Jocelyn'. It's performed by Jocelyn Jee Esien and she's the first black woman in the UK or US to have her own sketch show! Her shit is hilarious and if you can relate to the different cultural subtexts you will literally be shitting in your pants...I just wish I'd latched on quicker...But the good news? It's being screened in Oz starting this Monday,the 23rd of June (which so happens to be my birthday - yay) on the ABC at 10:15pm,so TiVo it or whatever,just don't miss it. I promise you,you will Heart it...the characters are hilarious and its well performed and I love the toilet cleaner lady and the Jamaican funeral gatecrashers!!Now, I have given you this information, and in the words of Miss Jocelyn,use it,or lose it....LOL

Bless

Santi

xoxo

Btw,I know I've been a bit slack in posting upcoming events and gigs,but fear not,it will be back up next week...so don't pack away those sequins just yet!

I heart....being Vegan!!!

I heart veganism and I am all for a healthier,greener and enriching lifestyle like vegeteranism and I have been prescatarian for 5 years(veg and fish...and no,if you eat fish does not make you a VEGETARIAN) until January this year when I decided to go the whole nine yards and take the plunge into the wonderful world of veganism...It really is a great lifetsyle and as an (un)official ambassador,I like to get the word across...so go on,go veg and yeah...you won't regret it!!

Bless

xoxo





Joy Bryant and Steve Jobs Have My Vote for the

I Heart...Love in the Time of Cholera!!

Okay,so Oprah hearted it first...but I heart heart heart it!! It's a beautifully written novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez,about unrequited love that takes place over 50 years! 50 years people...now I'm not going to spoil it by blogging about what the book is all about,but it's probably the best written love story I have EVER read! No wonder Mr. Marquez won a Nobel Prize for Literature...if you need a book to cuddle up with this winter,this has to be it. It probably defined for me,what true love really meant. none of the usual Hollywood roses and chocolate bullshit,just pure and honest from the soul and that it's worth suffering for.

It's hard to blog about a book you love so much without giving away so much,but if you like me,aren't big on the romance novels,this book is sure to win you over. its set in the late 19th Century somewhere in the Caribbean. The beginning of the book takes a while to get into,because I didn't really see the point of the first 2-3 chapters,until halfway through the book when you realise that the message the book is trying to disseminate is about suffering for the one you love and that as silly as it may seem to the outside world,its a very noble and worthwhile experience to go through.

Hope you enjoy and drop me a comment if you heart!
And if next time you're sitting on the tram without a ticket and the inspectors bust you,did you remember to get soul?

xoxo

Santi


image courtesy of http://www.bookrags.com/

I Heart Melbourne...In winter

I Heart Melbourne...but especially more so in winter! There's so much to see and do and experience. Apart from watching, with much amusement until karma strikes back, people running from the rain, winter sees an increase in the queues at Starbucks and Gloria Jeans looking for that recycled paper cup of warmth and a see of black coated people that meets you when you get off at Flinders Street Station.

What I heart, though, is the occasional spotting of someone wearing a coat other than black, like the lady in tangerine I saw the other day, or the smelling of roasting nuts on the corner of Swanston and Collins street or further up at Bourke street...I heart the winter exhibitions at the Arts Centre, the way the city skyline looks at night just how classically dressed everyone seems to appear. Having a particular dislike for flip-flops and crocs, especially in the city, its refreshing to see men in well coordinated yet stylish clothing other than the ubiquitous and habitual sea of shorts and flip-flops. What a relief...no more unshaven woolly legs, or unnecessary show of skin. People are forced to cover up and save us from cringing at the sight of a hairy butt crack!!

The women though, take the cake. Melburnian ladies are very stylish and this truly shows in winter. Whether it’s a jeans and t-shirt with a coat and scarf thrown over the top, we sure know how to ooze style and femineity all in one. And ladies, we save a bit of money too, as we don't have to spend as much on grooming as we do the warmer months...Now, I’m all for grooming, but its nice to know that its not a matter of life or death if we don’t wax our legs every so often, because we can cover them up with leggings and pants! Hoorah!! I also heart winter because it is the return of comfort food! We aren't as hung up on our bodies because we have those lovely thick woolly coats and knits to cover it all up (God bless 'em) and we toss away our gym membership cards in return for videoezy membership.

Restaurant and cafe's swap the salads on the menus for tasteful options and soups. It also marks listening to live music in Fitzroy and St Kilda whilst enjoying a lovely glass of red with friends or cuddling up with a mug of hot chocolate to watch a girly movie in bed...aahh...I heart winter...don't you? Now here are a couple more reasons why you too, will fall in love with Melbourne this winter:

Partaay
Laneway 3000: Winter Party
What: Celebrate the start of winter in the laneways of Melbourne. From fire-twirlers to glamorous Charleston dancers, this is an event not to be missed. If that doesn’t excite you, the complimentary cocktail on arrival sure will and there's a groovy DJ to keep the music blazing all night long. It’s an 18 and over event, so definitely worth checking out.
Why: Get into winter party mode and add fuel to your soul! oh and did I mention it's FREE!!! When: 30 May 2008
Time: 6pm til 9pm...
Where: Little Bourke Place Melbourne City 3000
Pricing: FREE!!

See
The Light in Winter
What: From June 5, light installations will grace fed square celebrating the diversity and beauty of our lovely city.
Why: Best to visit after a date or dinner in the city...make it a magical night
When: 5 June to 5 July
Time: 12am to 11:59pm
Where: Fed Square
Pricing: Free

Groove
Mary J Blige
What: A woman that needs no introduction! The Queen of Hip hop/soul herself will be gracing our city for a one-night only performance for the very first time. Now I don't need to tell yall how much of a great night you're guaranteed to have and MJB is sure to deliver. Having won 8 Grammy awards and 23 Grammy nominations, this is a concert not to be missed! What’s the 411 yall!!
Why: Serious street cred and a great night out!
When: Thursday, June 12
Where: Rod Laver Arena
Pricing: Visit ticketek.com.au for more info

Shop
Paul and Joe Sale
What: With savings of up to 75% on Paul and Joe, Paul and Joe sister and Zoe's T-shirts, it’s definitely a must attend for all you fashionistas!
Why: like you need a reason to flash the trusty credit card
When: 29 to 31 May
Where: 19 Newton St, Richmond

Eat
Moroccan Soup Bar
What: Moroccan, Soup and Vegetarian are there specialty. It's in Fitzroy and the vibe is great there this time of year, the food is perfect for this time of year and just the vibe of the restaurant will warm your soul! Did I mention for 17 bucks you could have an entire three course meal? Best to go on an empty stomach and if you've never tried Moroccan, you’ll be sold after eating here! Tip: go with a group of friends
Why: Because I'm biased and they make great lentil soup, oh, and its a cheap eat!
When: Open all year round for dinner only. Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm
Where: 183 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North 3068. For more info: 03 9482 4240

Read
Chasing Harry Winston
What: From the lady who brought you the Devil wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger, comes Chasing Harry Winston. A novel about 3 best friends in Manhattan who agree to change their lives in the most personal and dramatic way possible -- and within one calendar year
Why: Great read on the tram or while waiting for your coffee at Starbucks
When: Available from Angus and Robertson on May 28
Where: Visit http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ for more info

Watch
Sex and the City - The Movie
What: Carrie's back! You've seen the posters and trailers and waited like me for 4 years to see the girls and it’s finally arrived. SJP and the entire cast are back for more sex! Make a night out of it with your girlfriends and get dressed up- Carrie style of course!
Why: Seriously? You need a reason?! The shoes alone are with the trip!!
When: June 5
Where: Village Cinemas

I'm off to enjoy a little cup of heaven that is a soy chai latte. Next time you find yourself or someone you love with nothing to do in the city, ask yourself this, got soul?

Toodles Love Muffins

xoxo

Santi

For more info visit thatsmelbourne.com.au