singer, Crystal GAYLE

Long hair of singer, Crystal Gayle held me captive from the first time I saw her singing. It moved, or swayed as a body animated by the sensuous quality of her voice. the song in her hair, the look in her eyes justified being moved by her beauty. Back in those years racial pride was raw in the Black community, and there was no justification for yearning for a white woman, if you weren't white! You could admire, but long for, and worse pursue a white woman in the 1970's was to banish yourself from your people.

A lot of thought went into messing with white women. There were repercussions to weigh against the immediate disapproval from all who mattered. Being glib about it was naïve. It sounded foolish coming out of anyone's mouth. Very simple minded people believing they are hip, in today's climate, like to whine about how they've gotten beyond race! The notion is insulting. Black Americans can't blink an eye, or make a dismissive comment and the stench of our Ancestor's outrage fade! Those who've made the journey from the deepest levels of a commitment to honor their true self have done the spiritual work engaging their rage in the social climate of the States, and its history with a skill set unadorned by the pretense of political correctness. Over time this endeavor rewards the spirit, liberates the mind, and eases the pain of the Ancestors.

Who would dare do such a thing? - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories (May 5, 2018)

Crystal Gayle, country singer, onstage...

Sister and Brothers...

Cynthia, my little sister, at Vania's bridal shower.

A sister with her brothers! It speaks to the soul of brotherhood in the context of family, from which all other institutions and concepts of manhood springs from. It is an old way of understanding brothers in a family strong and mighty in the assumptions of the cultural vortex, we of the darker hue, live in as family. It means more, this relationship: brothers with sisters.

I should stop there for I am speaking from the deep well of thought the eldest of five sees himself as a brother and a son in a family deeply embedded with the weight and power of legacies!...

Love the picture, I do. These are my words, Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 4/18/18

We, the Brothers Four! Eric, Gregory, David and Michael Woods. 2017.

When Dr. King spoke: "If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward" I heard the enforcement of the laws of purpose, and felt at the time what it meant to Colored folks. Being young, and being old and a Negro in those times held a stress level that strangled dreams. It killed by fear and emboldened by necessity a killer instinct in others, and made the leaders arise from within the caste system created by the fears white lives developed themselves into monsters or tolerant moderates, afraid to do what was right in the sight of God!

Dr. King, I recall, was despised by so many ministers, but I saw fear of changing the white people around them alive in the purposes the church served in Colored neighborhoods. No one killed like white folks! I remember how television delivered these messages from Martin Luther King Jr. the way word spread through the forests into the towns and cities where 'Members' lived. I remember old people talking about the way storytellers told the old stories to the children around fires in the dark of night! The fires became radio, radio became television and television became the internet, where the family circles disappeared into the mist of separate rain drops.

Now, today broken circles pretend to bring people together. Pieces of a dream are no more effective than broken bowls. The old ways of fighting the demons are the methods to bring the worst of killers to their comeuppance, to trail, to the courts of law, but not the law created by the killers and framed by the beneficiaries of their brutal murders and acquisitions by force and terror.

It is less and it is more our Ancients speaking the old truths our interactions with those from Europe stripped from our knowing of the deep that gave Dr. King his voice... - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 4/18/18

This is Sad.

Ivanka Trump steps out this day in June 2017 for work in Washington DC where she keeps a low profile in the city. She has engineered little, if any respect among the citizenry. In this town that is a major indictment!... - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 5/24/18 

American Hustle: Crime

Amy Adams as Sidney Prosser in American Hustle (2013).

Directed by David O'Russe this was an exceptional script

she composed a character to be studied, and cared about.

Directed by David  O'Russe, Amy Adams, as Sidney Prosser, in "American Hustle" composed a character to study, and care about in the study of human contradictions women can embody, and men can support, in a belief that will eventually haunt them! How is dependent upon circumstance and personal paths taken... - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 6/4/18

Amy Adams in American Hustle. 2013.

Lindsay Lohan, Sex and Black Men: dick conflict.

Lindsay Lohan has a type of sexual energy with a lot of attraction for a specific kind of Black man, who enjoys conflict in relationships resolved through sex! It is a thing to study because it is symptomatic of a conditioning that believes in conflict based sex! As these men get old some recognized they just can't change and won't because the sex is as hot as the anger. Others are baffled by the empty troubled spirit the interactions deposits into who they are, and worse of all they realize they may never realize the manifestation of their intended life purpose.

It doesn't stop the loins from burning, but it supports the desperation felt as one's life comes to a close, where things matter in retrospect. 

- Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories

January 16, 2018 

Diplomacy, at the highest level.

[First Lady] Michelle Obama with former President George W. Bush. It is a skill to build respect for people diametrically opposed to your value system, and even deeper a skill level to develop working relationships with these people in one's life and work. It is a skill not in the Trump White House. Crudeness, like cowardice, has no grace, no value to the evolution of spirit because it serves only self... - Gregory E. Woods, "Dawn Wolf", Keeper of Stories 5/16/18 

President Barack Obama walks with Nancy Reagan in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in 2009.

Diplomacy, in a best example...

Michelle Obama made an appearance at the ESPY Awards

in this black Cushnie et Ochs dress and Giovanni Rossi shoes!

Michelle Obama is the pride of her people, and the example of the feminine essence... 

Intelligent Design

Sharp intelligence has its way of being present and key to the compositional story of exquisite beauty! I've always found that competitive element was the focus point of conversation. It was the intelligent thing to know about one's self, and how one appreciated each other was best discerned intelligently... - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories

Sabina B. by Catherine. "The intelligence of sensuality. Now, there's a subject." 

- Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories

Intelligence.

High intelligence has a sound in the context of beauty.

It is relatable to the stirrings of passion, and inquires of awe.

- Dawn Wolf , Keeper of Stories

photo by B. Kostadinov of Darya

A Black woman modeling Ashley Steward's collection. She, profound in her beauty, is the focus of the eye and the integrity of the shot is based upon what she exudes! - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories

jeans worn.

jeans worn by the beautiful woman in the window.

"jeans and a choker bodysuit correctly worn by this woman sets it off with her disposition."

- Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 

jeans filled by a dark beauty.

"jeans Kim Kardashian wears must be something other than jeans! Good God!!"

- Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 11/23/17 

jeans worn by a right size woman.

Although jeans were invented for work, for men; jeans have become a part of women's wardrobes. Women turned them into flesh. They adore a woman's body a man needs to have, to hold, to marry, to long for, and be swayed by. It is remarkable the re-invention capacity of jeans. The colors they support, the way they shape cultures, and fit around a woman's body follows the creative flow of what makes sculptures possible.

The most compelling women in jeans are not famous. We see them in our localities. This is important to know because the streets inform the fashion halls of Paris, and they reinterpret them on underfed models. The translation is in language, and women's language, in particular, Black American women, defines the depth of fashion internationally.

I only make this assessment from what I have read and studied over the years of my interest in the women's fashion industry. It is compelling, but it makes many whites bristle with rage their relationship with the granddaughters of ex-slaves, who have been the examples of sexual freedom, and elegant expressions of dress and dignity despite the turmoil created by the white women who have enjoyed watching Black men suffer by their hands during and after slavery, or dangling as strange fruit from trees! - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 11/23/17

Food Scientists.

Maat Petrova shopping for food. . . 2017.

Peace. Peaceful mindsets reign above the science of food. It is unusual to be aligned with the foods today. The practice of measuring has overtaken the sanctity of preparing food, removing the sacredness of eating has created disorders. Shifting into this paradigm has no beneficial relationship with power. Power is its own incentive to change, become, and be still within one's soul. Applied to food the better our dreams grow, the better we understand where we are as a People, as a family member.

It is summer time as things grow and the beginning of Harvest is the celebration ceremony. Without ceremony food is just there to eat. Ceremony and gratitude brings in the fullness of healthy minds, empowered spirits and right relations with our Mother, the Earth, each other and the animals who feed us, and the plants who know us, and what we need! ~ Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 12/12/17

Màat Petrova shopping for vegetables. July 2017.

Take or Give

"Little men measure up to the standard they set in the eyes of the women they want. Want and need, desired or tolerated, admired or ridiculed are sets of standards easily hidden from a man whose only quest is limited to lust and taking. It is a sad rule, but it is fair to say it protects, in a limited way, what is left of a lot of women's vulnerability..."

Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories Nov. 7, 2016

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion with one's courage."

- Anais Nin

High Knowlege of Self.

Asian woman seated, Ai Tominaga.

classic African-American beauty by Patina Edochié 2

classic beauty of an Asian woman's interpretation of the breath between innocence and wanton desire.

Brazilian woman in 2014.

Home life is very different shared with the ideal woman, the woman whose energies, and way of life connects with what is whole within you. Most who live this way live it rarely talking about it because to most it is unattainable. What is unattainable is that way because someone said it is unattainable.

It is too bad, but that's the way it is. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 8.22.16 

Sex, Abuse & Fear

bondage dream

"When someone shows you signs of abuse and/or controlled behavior, leave by any means necessary. Your life is worth leaving the situation." - Rev. Sinclair Grey III 7.31.16

‪#‎domesticabuseisneveracceptable 

"One's life may be worth it, but when sex is thrown into the mix and it is good many people struggle only to stay in the relationship despite the abuse!" - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories

bondage - Betty Page

Just Watch!

No matter how fine they are women are attached to a man they love and love to take care of. In the same breath every woman who is an ex to some man is fully aware how he is full of shit. It is one of the great paradoxes of life on the beach.

You never know what is at the end of girl-watching if you know how to connect with people!

- Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories

8.18.16

Babe on the beach attending to her husband.

April 17, 2016

/

Rihanna seated in black.

Women can stop walks, speed up progress, agitate for changes, lead a man astray and enlighten him in ways that stop walks, speed up progress, agitate for changes, lead a man astray and enlighten him! It is a fantastic set of abilities, but what can go wrong?

Intent and understanding its power can offset good intentions, a sound vision and the ability to be fair within men off-center with ideas and concepts about women drawn within them by forces unkind to the feminine principles. Seeing women as mere sex objects, and no knowledge of womb power. These are a few of the things that set relationships between men and women in the wrong directions away from their authentic selves.

One of the things to ask of one's yearnings is serpentine in nature. Is there a relationship between women and the serpents? If so, is it evil, or beneficial to the 'who' of their existence and their places in our lives? - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 9/9/16

ideal canvas of Jacqueline Suicide's body for FRONT magazine (2016)

Anartist
body art upon her back.

forms of art on the back

To Ponder is to be Impacted

Mihaela As Cerynitus

"The overly happy," patented by white women, like Rebecca Madder here, more and more into the 20th century turned Black people off for reasons white women did not want to hear, nor could they put words to their feelings swirling helplessly into the social mess brought over by the Europeans. Their people cannot solve the problems they ushered into the universe of other people's lives, for the benefit of good will towards all. That impossibility leads and comes from a great sadness that the sparkle of an insincere smile, and a squeaky "Hi!" as a greeting, or gimmick to mask uncomfortable feelings is testament of fear, deep fear that keeps the country constantly engaged in the business of war. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 4/20/17

Mystique is not a commodity, it is essence; the style of which belongs to the woman in ownership of who she is to herself, her purpose and the ways she loves.

- Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 4.20.17 

Mystery she is.

LOOK IN

Do You Like Who You Are?

By Kimberly Hudson-Grey
April 10, 2017


There was a really powerful scene on The Young And Restless not long ago. The character Devon was talking about his turbulent relationship with his wife, Hilary to his Dad, Neil. She lied, schemed, and manipulated him throughout their marriage. He described her as toxic. This scene followed after Devon was released from the hospital, recuperating from a major car accident, an accident that was the result of an argument with Hilary. The argument enraged him to the point of driving recklessly on an icy road with no regard to his safety or to anyone else’s.

In his script, a few thing he said really struck a chord with me. For instance, “I gave so many second chances I’ve lost count.” But he continued, “That’s not who I am, I don’t do stuff like that. That’s not me…My relationship with her has been destroying this family and me since the beginning. I wake up, I look in the mirror, I don’t even like the person I’ve become. I shouldn’t feel like that, that’s not OK. this has to end.” The really sad and unfortunate thing is that even though Devon and Hilary are fictitious characters, his situation is probably very real to many people. The feeling is obvious when you’ve begun to lose yourself. Acknowledge it as instinct or your intuition. So, my question to you is, do you like who you are in your relationship?

Hopefully, the answer to this question is yes. Yes to knowing your worth and the value you bring to a relationship. So, if you find yourself dissatisfied and disappointed with yourself in a relationship, any relationship, be it with a sibling, coworker, friend or even a parent and you find that you’re making regretful decisions because of their influence, then maybe it’s time to examine why.


Do this – look inward and be honest. Are you going along just to get along ignoring every red flag that’s chipping away at your self-identity? Are you someone who can’t say no to drama and wretchedness? Recognize the red flags because ignoring them won’t make them go away. As a matter of fact, they’ll get worse as time goes on.

I encourage you to be fearless enough to make sound reasonable decisions for your own well being. After all, what is your reward for being influenced by an individual? Be free from toxicity and learn to say no to losing yourself in your relationships. Of course, in the scenario above, Devon and Hilary were married. And despite statistics, it’s not that easy to escape a toxic marriage. Counseling may be recommended.


Kimberly Hudson-Grey is the Lead Visionary with Manifesting You – www.manifestingyou.org. Follow her on Twitter @kimthevisionary. You can reach her by email at kim@manifestingyou.org.

Black Relationships

Black American family by love lace photography

Kimberly, what a powerfully written piece. It isn't by accident, I believe, the script writers dig in deep and write from powerful insights into the human condition because one who is living cannot help it. The words Devon said in the Young & the Restless speaks to and of and about a keen warrior awakened. The misconception of what a warrior's way is, who a warrior is, and what a warrior can and cannot do is based upon belief in the fantasy of storytellers in the mediums of television, radio in the old days, and the movies we watch.

The retelling of how one group of Americans want the world to be has changed the truth into something else and convinced countless people they have no power, or place, or cannot ever be positioned into a place of power. I dig the style of a woman capable of living to tell the story of over-powering the illusions one can live with. Telling the story of the escape? Well, each of us should have that pleasure in the aftermath of struggle to victory.

Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories

April 15, 2017

Musings

Taris Khepera HetHeru Afi  wrote: "All i can say is "POWERFUL!!!," as this speaks volumes to the potency of one's true authenticity.

A man standing powerful ready to rule nations, who pushed past the foggy bull shit we know as politics and social drama of the old system, a man who has tapped into the essence of his creative power is a man I DESIRE to attract in the realm of my creation. I DESIRE to be surrounded ONLY by men of this upright stature, who have realized their very own essence.

I DESIRE to build nations with a Man resonating on this High Vibration of Self Love. It is My DESIRE to nurture & cherish souls that manifest great power by recognition of Self as a positive focus to flow my eternal love to.

And So it is... I Am so Thankful for this Inspiration that just gave birth to New Powerfilled Desires. I Am So Thankful for having already received the Heart of my desires. I RECIEVE, I RECIEVE, I RECIEVE!!!! And so it is Done. Asade!!!, Ase Yoooo ."


Asti LaChae Phea  responded saying, "Beautiful vision Sistar. You've wonderfully articulate a powerful desire of many SiStars. Asé!"


"Thanks. Lol." Taris responded, "Got to be specific with our manifestation power. The universe yeilds to those who are clear in their desires."

Powerful Man