The hall leading to the auditorium was lined with children's toys, books and play items--all possessing an eerie vibe. The chilling sounds of children's voices over a soundtrack accompanied by chants and other mumbling set the tone for what is sure to be an uncomfortable experience. Allegations of Lewis Carroll's erotic fascination with young girls, particularly the real 11-year-old Alice Liddell, who became the object of Carroll's affections and imaginations were made known to the audience, most of who were hearing the information for the first time through audio and video recordings from documentaries and first hand accounts. 

The seating for the play was on stage and arranged in a way that incorporated the audience into the production. There were small remnants of the Wonderland that we use to know. Ace of hearts playing cards, flamingos and tea pots. The cast started the production by performing a set of vocal warm ups and stretches. After a brief reading of the house rules--we were transported to Wonderland. 
In his Director''s notes, Dr. Patrick Santoro, Ph.D stated "we have not added words or rewritten scenarios between characters, nor have we worked to provide easy answers or lucid rationales for why things happen, but it also serves as an opportunity to reflect upon our current cultural landscape, in which we have finally begun to call out abuses of power and privilege and to at last name the silences left unspoken..."

Besides putting on a well executed theatrical work of art, the troupe did a fantastic job of bringing the characters we have come to love in unique and abstract ways. From the Cheshire cat, the Caterpillar, The Queen of Hearts, even Humpty Dumpty made an appearance during the 90 minute performance. 

Director Dr. Santoro shared with the audience that he was a sexual assault survivor. One can assume that the feelings of isolation, loneliness and mental anguish lead to the production of this timely and appropriate toned work of art. GSU's Alice in Wonderland was met with excitement and anticipation--selling out all 3 shows for November 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 

Kudos to: Gaston, Nekia, Zachary, C. Kimberly, Carole, Kevin, Kennedi, Sade', Ronald, Melanie, Alex, Manuel, Alasia, Alexa, Samantha, Symone, Breigh, Hayley, Gerardo and Dr. Santoro for a wonderful night of fun, education and entertainment -- BRAVO!
​
Visit: http://www.govst.edu/About/Center_for_Performing_Arts/All_Events_by_Date/ for upcoming performances. 

Socialites--
I've missed you darlings. I had to to take a break and focus on some other more urgent items. Quick catch up, I'll soon have a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Holistic Alternatives. I've presented on LGBTQ culture and Sexuality development at the 2018 Illinois Association of Behavioral Health & Residential Facilities statewide  conference (pictured to the right). Lastly, I have been making the shift to a plant based diet; slowly might I add...very slowly -HA! Like the new logo? I wanted to go with something more inclusive, fun, vibrant and eye catching. 

Enough catching up, lets get to the tea about this Rosé brunch & Nude Trap paint party I went to for my birthday. When I tell you I enjoyed myself, its an understatement.

My birthday fell on a Sunday this year.  decided to have a brunch, I mean who doesn't love a good brunch!? I contacted Chef Chrissy over at Cultivating Catering and she whipped me up a balanced and tasty menu. Guest enjoyed buffalo chicken egg rolls, smoked salmon with cucumbers, capers and red onion slices, along with a fruit tray and assorted pastries and fine breads and more!  The guest list consisted of my close friends and family. There were generations of friendships present in one room. We shared laughs and memories as we drank Moet Rosé Champagne. Chicago pastry chef @JoyDevaughnpastryxcake created a delicious "S" shaped cake with buttercream icing and filling -- yum! Rounding out the team was @Promodavefoc behind the camera capturing all the shenanigans. 

Courtesy of my friends over at Moet and Chandon, my guest sipped chilled Rosé out of custom gold plated Moet & Chandon endorsed goblets and crystal flutes. These beautiful glasses were shipped to me from France along with a signature Moet ice bucket and serving tray. Both of which added a nice sleek and eye catching touch to the decor.  ​

For this gathering I decided to go with a casual look consisting of Chelsea felt boots from Guess, Black straight legged jeans from the Ralph Lauren collection and a Versace inspired shirt and vintage Versace neck piece. My scent for the evening was a combination of Givenchy Pi and Guess Black.  

Join me later this week when I recap Governor State Universities Alice in Wonderland with a sexual assault twist. You don't want to miss this!

This weekend, entrepreneurs of all industries came under one roof, for one cause; Pretty Girls Rock! The brainchild of Monique Nelms and Maja Sly, this event was geared towards encouraging women to view each other as a support system, instead of competition. A DJ was on hand keeping the crowd dancing and entertained with hits from Beyonce`, Drake, Trey Songs, and Adele. Those in attendance enjoyed adult spirits sponsored by Viniq; a premium vodka infused with moscato and fruit shimmer. Vendors specializing in jewelry, evening wear, baby garments, and make-up were on hand offering their specialized services to the women of Atlanta. Missed the first #PrettyGirlsRock of 2015? Fear not, Maja and Monique are preparing to connect Pretty girls in Atlanta various times throughout the year. Follow the instagram pages of Maja Sly (@iammajasly) and Monique Nelms (@ADailyDiva) for upcoming events and announcements. 

Now that the Spring solstice is upon us, many of us will break out the Clorox, sweep under the area rugs and clear out closets of items we no longer wear. Getting your house together is wonderful, and I encourage you to replace the old with the new, but, what about your spiritual and mental spaces? Are you neglecting them? While many of us focus our attention on altering the outer, it’s a must that we clean out our inside spaces as well. Far too often we hold onto hurt, regret, pain and other volatile emotions. Although these feelings don’t hurt as intensely as they use to, the fact remains that you need to heal yourself and forgive yourself.



Mend Relations
During this time of renewal and growth I encourage you to reach out to old friends and acquaintances whom you often catch yourself day dreaming or inquiring about through a third party. Chances are they miss your company just as much as they miss yours. What we must remember is that change is the only constant variable in life. You are not the same person you were at sixteen, eighteen or even two weeks ago. You have encountered circumstances that have altered your perception. Make amends, if only to clear your conscious.

 

Forgive Yourself
We've all done things that our parents, religious leaders and most importantly ourselves would not approve of—its okay; it’s already been done. But have you forgiven yourself? So what you told a lie. So what you flashed spring breakers in panama. So what you had a baby out of wedlock…live moves on! Until you are able to hold yourself accountable and forgive yourself, how do you expect others to? Those dark spots in life built your character! The universe cannot forgive you, until you forgive you. Hold your head up, stick your chest out, look in the mirror and forgive yourself; heal yourself



Remember your worth
Admit it, you've settled. You've settled for that mediocre job you punch in and out of every day. You’ve settled for that forced relationship you’re in. You've even settled with not finishing projects you started but never completed. As much as I would like to tell you that its okay, and I understand that life got in the way…I won’t lie to you. You are greatness…you are above average…you are the relief for your own headache. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop making excuses to stay in your current situation—be the change you want to see.

Shake the Nay-Sayers
I get it, your support system doesn’t believe in your vision, they can’t appreciate your passion. Far too often you’ve heard “ Rapping won’t pay the bills”… “Modeling is not a guaranteed cash cow” … “The fashion industry is overpopulated; you’ll never make it.” Can I be blunt?—Screw them! Do you believe in you? Do you make constant strides to make useful connections? Do you constantly work to improve your craft? If you can honestly answer yes then you are already on the right track. You have one life to live with no reset button. Don’t live a life full of what if’s and shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. If your friends don’t support your dream; find other friends. Your parents don’t agree with your career aspirations? Remind them that it’s your life; they lived theirs. The tongue and the mind are powerful tools in the right hands. Dust off your imagination, time to create something distinctly yours.



Dear friend, freeing and forgiving yourself will not be easy. However, it will be worth it. I encourage you, I support you, I believe in you. It’s time that you believe in yourself. Until next time…




-TheeBlackSocialite 

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Rahat decided to give a lottery ticket to a homeless man. But, before handing it over, he gave a store clerk $1,000, and arranged for the clerk to pretend that it was a winning ticket and to give the cash to the homeless man.

There are plenty of inspiring moments in this video, but the one of these two hugging after the man offered to share his "prize" will hit you right in the heart.


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The Daily Breeze, a newspaper in Southern California, ran the following front page the morning after the movie won the Oscar for Best Picture. The Daily Breeze has not issued a statement about the headline, though its parent company spoke out. Michael Anastasi, the executive editor of Digital First Media's Los Angeles News Group - Which own the papter - toldy Poynter that he "winced" when he saw the headline. 

Read the full story at the source.