a deep knowledge of...

Words to Tamara Fleming


". . . The flow comes from and is a part of an effect upon the senses of the observer and she who causes the soul to stir. It is fair to say the observed, and the observer co-exist within one. It is math, the law of math with its infinite way of being consistent. The symbol of hair for, within and from African women involves the intimate rush of knowing to belong to one's powers. Dreadlocks return millions throughout the African Diaspora to bound back from the terror of surviving under the dictates of slave master's grandchildren. The power within kinky hair ties strength to power, to purpose direction and in the direction where one is determined to go are the voices of Ancestors, who know us.

This powerful story is the kinky hair gone to the roots of the peoples of the darker hue.. 

This memory came from glancing into what is clear in your eyes!. . ." 


- Gregory E. Woods, 
Keeper of Stories 10/30/18 

Dreadlocks worn by Tamara Fleming. 

A Look in Shadows.

2 Black women definitively grounded in their African roots.

As I see it:

We, African Americans, lock ourselves into our ancestry by hair too late in the long history of our relationship with Europeans. It is not spiritual paths African Americans, for the most part, follow; it is fashion. Locked away in our relationship with Euro-Americans is a past in our present that senses where to place one's self in their estimation of ourselves, and who we are as a people.

Rastafarians made stands in the early 20th century in Jamaica because they'd gone home through scripture and culture back to Africa as their Mother's land. That spiritual power preceded the fashion of locking kinky hair during a time when the dreadlocks made the statements conformity could not make! The dreadlocks of the true Rastas, and the holy people in Black lands is far away from the conformity Black Americans embody and deny in one glance towards white Americans for acceptance.

Having a job depends upon their understanding and acceptance of our culture. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 6/30/18

This composure, this force!

"Unlearning Woman" is a concept, a discipline, a possibility laden within the soul of male dominated societies. Men drive the need for this, and women provide the resistance! It is remarkable, huh; this clash of the obvious? - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 10/1/17

Oh, My God in Heaven!!!! 

from Africa!

a Black woman almost smiled.

African model, a good man would wanna come home to.

African woman's style of being a woman is tasteful.

As bait the hook is cast with the look in her eyes, and her pretty legs!

tattooed body of Dana Michele in the water. 

Four Women: sepia to black.

Dominican model Arlenis Sosa Pena moved to the fashion capital of the United States, New York City, after completing her studies.

Dreadlocks held the way she does bespeaks of intangible touches to the soul. . .

Dorothy Dandridge was a talented singer, dancer and Oscar nominated actress who live 43 years.

Deep dark beauty causes trembling in the belly, the soul of one's being.

Count this in...

Rita Hayworth, actress.

Dreadlocks American Blacks lay claim to wearing is frequently spiritually removed from African spirituality. It is more fashion fought for in courts of law with concern for fitting into the workplaces foreign to racial ideologies. Why that isn't viewed as a problem by Blacks is a peep into the profound contradictions within the culture. . ." - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 5/9/17

The Women who dare men to be men dare men to be strong enough to resist them have taken on the role Lilith took upon herself to demonstrate to Adam as his first wife. . . - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 1.9.17

Sadha's exquisite beauty asks a question. What is that question and where is it located? It is important to listen to the questions women ask without words. Wise men know this. Young men need to listen to us. - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 5.6.17

from within: SHE

painted body of an African woman.

African woman's gentle beauty of countenance.



I am beautiful I AM.

Magic comes from within. We create our reality and when we begin to change the way we look at things, the things we look at begin to change. - Tetro
 

A Story of Man

We African Nations



African man's presence of power is...



 

"In this African man is a story more about the presence of power and purpose that is the hidden principle as a story or testament of masculinity criminalized by a segment of the world out of fear of the possible birth of what truth to power could be in the world." - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories (Sept. 11, 2015)  

 

I AM teaches. . .

brown exotic Island woman, Reba

The ideology: "Faithfulness isn't just physical, it's emotional as well." sounds secure as a definite meaning when you hear it said a certain way, but upon examination it is too broad a speculation. 

One may have bought a wild horse, but taming it takes particular skills, and the mastery of one person who has mastered himself enough to place dominance over an animal not meant for subjugation. How can one judge one's self faithful based upon the wildness and unpredictability of one's emotions under the gaze of any number of stimuli one has to wade through in the course of a day, or a lifetime of change and challenge? 

Often, this advise is specific for sexual tendencies, but there is much more to master in the realms of our emotions. For example, war, sports and business competitions are tests and challenges to the spirit of one's emotions, and the frailty of one's emotions. We need to be impeccable in word and deed if we are to become strong and principled warriors, because in the course of disciplining our spirits our emotions may be in another assembly wrecking havoc. Here, in this arena, we need to eventually learn how to navigate this type of complexity. 

I don't know how much clarity I've brought to this discussion, or what could become a discussion, but I know how important it is to move into the depth of a subject if one is unlearning, and learning to be a spiritual warrior above the average run of the mill approach to a faith walk. I know it isn't easy to plant the words, "A man that cannot control his spirit is like a city without walls!" in one's spirit to allow the process of changing form to create the deep roots within our Center-Being for those words to become us! Many before us, and many around us have done this work.  

- Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 8.23.14

dark beauty of Nyomi Banxxx in a tub of milk 

Black Woman's Beauty is a controversial subject, or one of pure joy.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW?

"Fear protects you from what you don't know, or believe." - anon  

mysterious aspect of actress Nia Long!!!!

"Look at prophecy in circles. Prophecy tells us where we are, where we come from, where we are going and which cycle we should step into." - Rainbow Eagle, Keeper of the Peace Shield 2.25.07

Ms. Denial 

"You can do what you don't know." ~ Jonathan Wright 

PRACTICE 24

If You Want To Blow Up, You Need To Grow On A Daily Basis
Rev. Dr. Sinclair Grey III

In this spiritual journey, I want to share with you a few lessons that will help you progress daily. The first thing you need to do is realize that your attitude will determine your altitude. No one can make up your mind to want better; it has to be a choice you make for yourself. Never forego a day whereby you don't seek God's will for your life. The second thing you need to do in progressing daily is spend time working on you so that God can use you. Think about it for a moment. Just as an athlete disciplines himself/herself to perform at their optimal performance, you must do the same in your spirituality. Remember, we're in spiritual warfare and we must always put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the schemes of the enemy. Here's a hint: if you overlook the need to progress, you'll always be in the same position.

In writing to the people of Philippi, the apostle Paul said, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Please don't miss this last lesson. When you have the right uplook that's partnered with the right outlook, you'll get the right outcome. When you keep your attention on serving God, you'll do what you need to do to better yourself. Always remember, bettering yourself pleases God. That's my word for you. If you want to blow up in your life, grow on a daily basis. Here's a challenge for you. Start journaling your growth every day and see what happens. 12.13.13

Felicia Woods, Florida based hair stylist,
sitting on a slope on bank of a pond with cat tails.
September 3, 2013  


"Moments lived can upon revisiting become more poignant and meanings from this moment will grow as you age and mature over the years. This moment will become something unanticipated. . ."  - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 12.14.13

STRENGTH of MEN



drummers Max Roach (l.) and Tony Williams

On the left [•] Born in Newland, North Carolina on this day January 10, 1924 Maxwell Lemuel “Max” Roach, hall of fame jazz percussionist and composer.

Roach was playing drums in gospel bands and by 18 was playing in jazz clubs. Roach’s most significant innovations came in the 1940s when he devised a new concept of musical time. He studied classical percussion at the Manhattan School of Music from... 1950 to 1953 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music composition.

In 1960, Roach composed the “We Insist! – Freedom Now” suite to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Roach was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1980, the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1982, and in 1984 was designated a NEA Jazz Master, the highest honor the nation bestows on a jazz artist, by the National Endowment for the Arts.

In 1986, a park in London was named in his honor and Roach was recognized with a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant in 1988. Roach died August 16, 2007. In 2008, he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. [•] ~ anon

Scipio Less War

 

 



Rastafarian men.

Haven't seen power in Black men in congregation for many years. This is impressive. Growing up well into my early adulthood it was common to see powerful Black men assemble to talk, eat together, laugh, give counsel and listen to everything around them and in the world. Good days. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 1.11.16

 

FOUR looks at RED

Carla Gugino, actress on red carpet in 2012 !!!!

2 African-American women

red dress worn by Helen Mirren in 2012

Raven Le Faye's bicycle

BODIES OF ART



K-Jey by WoO Photography
July 9, 2013



tattoo on Heather's belly

Kinga Szymanska, known professionally as K-Jey
May 25, 2013 



tattoo on legs of an Ebony model

Hair is a complex glory



Nefertiti Bennett 

natural hair of Taraji P. Henson

 

Time FORM

a Black woman's strengths in character 

I exist for reasons that come clear within each conscious moment. Time is inevitable. Timelessness is a natural state of awareness for me. Although most don't know this. - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 8.31.13

Dreadlock beauty in the field

Her Hair Styled Dread

Black Women with Dreadlocks

Hi my name is Francesca. I started my locs February 13, 2012. I am so in love with them because they enhance my beauty in the most natural way. I started them because I was changing my hair style every week, weaves, braids, short cuts, and then I tried dread extensions and decided this is what I wanted. Even though I miss the length of the extensions, I am proud to be wearing my own natural hair. (June 7, 2015) 



Dreadlock styles of Francesca collage

 

DREAD LOVAH

Black Women with Dreadlocks

Dreadlocked woman 4
Jan. 30 2013



Dreadlocked woman 2
Jan. 30, 2013 

 

OH, FACE IT IT IS TRUE!!



The face of Oshun IyaIbeji Shango
tells much to the poet, the seer, and the possible mate.
May 17, 2012 

 A MYSTERY TEACHES 

"Some faces can be looked upon, others peer within you, while other faces draw a picture of what is within in such a way you are compelled to do better, to see and feel better about yourself. Faces are masks or mirrors, the truth or facade. It is wonderful a mystical gift our faces. Seen for beauty alone is an illusion. A face reflecting back one's self is not trickery, or sorcery, but the spiritual teaching of the sage, or the Wise Woman. The face is prophecy, and Storyteller. A face is complacent or engaged and dynamic with truth and telling the who of the I AM, or the what of what I've been. Face it, our faces have great capacity to tell our stories." - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 1.11.14

Spirit of a TIME

The Sexy Dimes and Faces of F.B



naked Twyla D'Vine by Eric Ahrens

"The story of desire, fads, want and greed can bundle up and live with need. The need to belong, to win, to own, possess can teeter a soul into the pits of greed. Greed, like all emotions, center upon the core of humanity and affects the life of the planet. Our feet upon the Earth, our Mother walks us upon her as our desires walk within us. In passing there is either the force of dangers, or the benefit of our passing. All of this lives in a man's touch upon a woman's body. Be sensitive enough to know this, sons-of-mine." - Dawn Wolf, Keeper of Stories 7.3.13











gorgeous Black woman with dreads



hat worn by the perfect image of a Black woman

Jerushala Mashburn represents, visually and intelligently, the best of what Black America has offered the world as a whole. The influences she comes from are our ancestors. My prayerful desire lingers with longing for more women to become Sacred Women, and you, Ms. Mashburn, I make this prayer for... - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 7.3.13