Temptations: The Last Tyler Perry Film I Ever Saw

I had a free movie ticket so I saw Tyler Perry’s Temptations because I wanted to see if Perry had taken a new direction. And he has hasn’t. I agree with much of the criticism that he and this movie have received. 

I have known for several years that Perry is not an artist so I didn’t expect a well-written script, fully developed characters, a unique or interesting plot. 

I have seen enough of Perry’s movies to know that he always has a message, and I don’t have a problem with that.  I just don’t appreciate the way he delivers it.

In my humble opinion, Perry’s latest film glorifies domestic violence, perpetuates rape culture, oversimplifies breakdown in marriage and he continues to portray black women, particularly educated black women, poorly. His movies constantly feature a damsel in distress who needs to be rescued by a man who has big muscles and can write a big check. He fails to depict strong black women independent of their relationships of men. He also portrays wealth in negative light. According to Perry’s depiction, wealthy folks are vain and messed up. Perry’s rolling in the dough so what does that say about him?

Lastly, his portrayal of Christians is one dimensional and feeds the negative stereotype that to be a Christian one has to be religious, super rigid, out of touch with reality and only curses when she is upset.

I tried to give Perry’s films a chance because I respected the fact that he was bold enough to put a message that audiences typically don’t see across Hollywood screens. Now, I can do without seeing another movie with his name on it. I know Perry gets a lot of flack, and I wish I could disagree so something different would be added to the conversation. But this time, I have to side with the masses of criticism that he receives. 

Am I being harder on Perry than I am on other media makers? Yes. A little bit. 

Is Perry a successful media maker? Yes, when success is defined in terms of box office sales and how well the general public knows an individual’s name. 

Isn’t Perry giving black actors and actresses employment (aka money) in an industry where it’s hard for them to find work? Absolutely. 

But those reasons are not enough, in my opinion, to justify a continuos pattern of depicting Christians and black women in a negative light. Most media depictions of those groups are not positive. At this point in his career, I would hope Perry would be doing something different and at least not adding to the negative images. 

For decades, probably centuries, many black artists are faced with the decision of whether their art will involve an aspect of their heritage or will their art strictly be about art. This is a question I constantly think about. Double consciousness never leaves me. At the end of the day, the artist has to decide for him or herself. I take a particular issue with Perry because he seems to portray his art in way that relates to culture. Most of his films feature an all-black cast, revolve around black church etc. However, what he portrays is adding to the multitude of negative depictions of black people, and that’s  the problem that I have with him. I expect non-black media makers to showcase stereotypes, but I don’t expect a fellow black man to do the same. The fact that his movies are all the same is what makes this troubling and evident.  

There are a lot of movies that I believe feed into negative stereotypes, and I will treat Perry as equally as I treat those films - I won’t watch them. I refuse to support a filmmaker who says to be a Christian, I have to be religious; and to be an educated black woman, I need to be rescued by a black man. 

I think Sweet Brown said it best: “ain’t nobody got time for that.”

Natural Beauty Products made with Yogurt

I read several blog posts about all of the neat beauty products you can make with yogurt, and I wanted to try some out. I headed to Target a couple of weeks ago and picked up a big tub of plain yogurt and got to getting. The tub was only a couple of dollars, which made making goodies more appealing.

I've read that Greek yogurt is better than plain yogurt because it has more protein, which is good for your hair. I decided to start with plain yogurt because it was cheaper.


The first thing I made was a honey yogurt mask that I found on Pinterest.

This was a success. It was easy to make and love honey and what it does for my face and honey. The smell is wonderful and makes one crave something sweet and yummy to make.


Yogurt is also good as a deep conditioner. I put about 3-4 spoonfuls of yogurt in an old deep conditioner container and poured olive oil on top. I stirred with a fork to smooth and applied to my hair starting at the scalp. I left the conditioner sit on my hair for 15-20 minutes. My hair approved. My curls were soft and defined. I make up a couple of batches and stuck in the freezer so that I wouldn't lose any of the yogurt before it spoils. No pictures for the deep conditioner.


The last thing I made was a oatmeal yogurt face mask. I put oatmeal in a coffee grinder until it had a flour like consistency and the put on my face for about 25 minutes. I loved the texture and smell. After I washed it off, my face felt dry but that may have been because I hadn't washed my face yet:( I'm going to try it again and see how it goes. It smelled lovely.

Hope you enjoy these ideas. I love how food products can be used for my hair and body. That means less stuff for me to buy.

Want to see more of the natural beauty concoctions that I am trying? Follow my board on Pinterest.

Have a good day!

Yours Sincerely,
Chasity

Lessons Learning from Teaching My First College Course

   This past fall, I received a gradaute teaching assistantship and was given a class of 20 first-years. My goal was to help them become better writers in a Freshman Composition. Teaching was an experience unlike any other endeavor I have encountered. It was rewarding, exhausting and a bunch of other things rolled into one semester that was over before I knew it.

   I could write dozens of pages on what the experience was like and lessons learned. However, I'll spare you the details and instead, give you a few overall takeaways from the entire semester.

Here we go.

1. Be confident.
You were hired for the job because the folks making the hiring decision believed you could do the job and could do it well. I wasted so much time doubting my abilities. No matter how many degrees I get or how many years I teach, I will have room for improving as an instructor. Rather than focusing on how much you have to learn, ultize what you do know and belive in yourself.

2. Limit your prep time.
I can recall spending eight to 10 hours prepping for a hour-long class. Granted, when teaching a course for the first time, you are building your curriculum and that takes additional time. However, there is such a thing as over-preparing. Toward the end of the semester, I started limiting myself to 3 hours to prep for one class. I also noticed that I would arrive to class drained and tired from prep work. I was zapped out of energy before class even began.

3. Be consistent with policies.
I started out with what I considered clear policies, but soon realized I needed additonal standards for things like late homework. I was surprised by how many of these decisions I had to make. I learned that it's better to be consistent with how I handled them so that students would not think I was unfair. The next time around I'll have clearer policies on late homework and missed in-class writing assignments.

I could say more, but I'm not an advocate for long blog posts so I'll end my list there. If you're a teacher, hang in there and keep striving. Know that the work you are doing is not in vain, and you are making a difference.

Shop Local: Visit Sweet Saturday

Since becoming a handmade artist a couple of years ago, I have made a greater effort to shop locally. Last week, I bought a new pair of running shoes from a locally owned shop, Run n' Fun, in St. Paul. I enjoyed seeing customers being greeted by name by employees in the store and seeing clippings from the local newspaper of runners.

During the summer, I look forward to buying fresh vegetables at the Farmer's Market. Knowing that my dollars are staying within my community and helping someone make a living by doing something they love - brings joy to my heart. My purchases are more than an exchange of paper bills for products. 

The sense of shopping local is something on the mind of more and more of today's customers. 

If you live in the Twin Cities, consider attending Sweet Saturday on Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Local artists will be selling jewelry, cards, paintings and more at the Local D'Lish at 209 N. 1st Street in Minneapolis. I'll be there so stop by and hi. 

You can find out more information about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/447084905357439/

Valentine's Day: 2013

Many folks say that Valentine’s Day was created by greedy retailers who wanted a sly way to make an extra buck. Couples may feel compelled to buy each other fancy gifts or wait in long lines to eat in an expensive dinner. Some singles hate Valentine’s Day because it reminds them that they are single. 

While there are likely truths in each of those statements, the fact remains we all need love, and love should be expressed. Valentine’s Day can be a great time for you sit down and write a note to someone you love, someone who has made a difference in your life, someone you couldn’t see life without. Valentine’s Day definitely celebrates romantic love, but it can also commemorate a child’s love for her teacher, a son’s love for his mother, a friend’s love for her friend. 

Life is short, and we often don’t tell those who matter to us the most just how much they matter to us; and we definitely don’t say it enough. As I was making cards this weekend, that was the motivation that fueled my creativity. 

Here’s a few of the cards I made.

 This year, may your Valentine’s Day be more than candlelight dinners (which is still an awesome thing) and a box of heart-shaped chocolates. May it be a day that you express your love for others. 

Yours Sincerely, 

Chasity 

Gearing up for Training: DIY Hot/Cold Pack

What would training be like without soreness? 

While I was home for the holidays, I made some hot/cold ice packs. I found cold/hot gel at Big Lots for a buck each. I used those in two of my packs, and for my third one, I filled it with rice. 

I’ve read blog posts where folks have used beans inside. It’s a super easy and quick project to make. 

Here’s how mine turned out. 

Check out these tutorials if you want to make your own. 

http://lauralilarson.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-wednesday-rice-filled-eye-pillow.html

http://www.brassyapple.com/2009/03/diy-therapy-sacks.html

http://www.elmstreetlife.com/2011/02/diy-heating-pad.html

If you want to see other sewing projects that I plan on doing, follow me on Pinterest. http://pinterest.com/chasann/

Have a great day!

Yours Sincerely,

Chasity 

Let the training begin!

This week I began training for a half-marathon. Ever since I ran a 10K about four years ago, I always wanted to run a longer race. I made several excuses and a year-long injury set me back. But in December of 2012, I was motivated by a blog post written by national best-selling author Jon Acuff that now was the time. 

Acuff wrote that somebody isn’t a day on the calendar, and I agreed whole heartedly. I threw away my checklist and illusion of perfect conditions and decided Jan. 7 was the day to start. My training began with lifting weights, and I hit the gym with friends. Walking in the gym with support boosted my confidence that I can do this. My friends pushed me to places I never thought I could go. That first day in the gym working my arms, back, legs and abs left me with a degree of soreness I have never felt before. It also left me with the tangible memory that I am stronger than I think I am. 

Yesterday, I ran three miles. It’s been awhile since I have ran that far -  nonstop. Throughout the run, I had to tell myself to keep going. I knew I could run 2.6 miles because I had done it over Christmas break, but I wasn’t sure I could run at a 10-minute a mile pace. 

I ran my first mile at a pace of 9:49 and then slowed down to about 12:00 for my second mile. I speed up for my third mile. When the treadmill read three miles, I was so relieved to be done. But my journey has only begun. 

I know as my training progresses there will be days that I don’t want to lace up my running shoes and the thought of lifting a single weight will make me want to stab myself in the eye. However, I know on the other side of this journey is a higher level of strength and endurance. Two traits I will need in all areas of my life. 

So this week I began a journey. Not just one that will lead me down 13.1 miles, but one that will show me anything is possible with diligence and patience. 

Here’s to never quitting. 

2013: The Year to Do It!!

The New Year always bring in new resolutions and goals. Well - actually- goals tend to roll over from year to year. I think most people do a great job making goals, but the tough part is following through.

I know that's usually where my struggle is. I can make a list of goals with the best of 'em. They'll be ambitious and noteworthy. By March or April, I'm feeling discouraged, and by May, my goals have been abandoned and are collecting dust.

I would create a list of 12 or more goals; however, I have decided that less is more. I'm not as good as multi-tasking and multi-goal reaching as I would like to think that I am so in 2013, I'm keeping it real; and keeping it simple.

I have three goals for 2013. When I complete those, I'll add some more.

Here are my goals:
1. Run a half marathon (Race date: August 2013)
2. Write 200 pages of a spiritual memoir
3. Have poems published in six publications.

I started on the first two goals. I found two training schedules online, and I have written then in my planner. Training starts Jan. 7 and I found two possible marathons for early August. I just have to pick one.

I've been working on my spiritual memoir more often. I typically do all of my creative writing by hand. Eventually, I'll type my spiritual memoir so that I can see how many more pages I need to write.

I think I have taken the most important step which is focusing my mind on achieving those goals. I have found that when I can set my mind to do something, I'm more likely to get it done - no matter what it is.

This year, I am not over-committing to a bunch of goals. I want to take baby steps and reach my goals one by one. This year, I plan to be like the tortoise who wins the race by being consistent and taking it slow and easy. I've tried to be the hare, exerting a lot of energy at the start of the race only to wind up not meeting my goal.

I encourage you to keep it simple this year and for heaven's sake: just do it!

Card in Progress

Hey folks! See how I make a card from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Reasons to Buy Handmade: It's Personal

Often times when I create a card, I have a person in mind. 

Maybe I’m thinking about the funky, fun loving mom-to-be. So, I create a card that puts a spin on traditional zebra stripes with bold, bright colors. 

For the lady who likes pearls, cardigans and up dos, I made a birthday card that featured a vibrant flower print, a classic black and white dotted pattern and a pop of color with a deep purple bow. 

Or how about a simple man. I added some burlap and a few black buttons to make this Father’s Day card. 

I frequently make custom cards. Clients chose the color schemes and feel of the card. If you have a friend who likes earth tones and owls, I create a personalized card for your friend. If you need a card for your grandmother who is turning 80 and is a spiritual person, I can weave both of those into a one-of-a-kind card. 

Personal cards allow you to give cards that were made specifically just for your loved one. 

Interested in a personal, custom card? Email me at: yourssincerelygifts@gmail.com 

See other blog posts on reasons to buy handmade. 

Ready. Set. Go.

Summer days are here again. For many, this means cookouts in the backyard, hanging out by the lake and attending annual outdoor festivals. This also the time of year when many couples say ‘I do’ and when many babies are born. 

Who has time to spend hours searching through aisles for the perfect card? Why not have a few cards on hand for all of your summer festivities? That way you can enjoy more of the summer and make the most of your time with those you love. 

Yours Sincerely has new card sets created just for you.

Order a set of wedding cards. 

Or a set of baby cards. 

You can even have a mixture of both. 

You can create a custom set to your personalized needs. You can purchase this set and just let me know what type of cards you need in the message to buyer. 

Order your cards today and get back in the sun. Ready. Set. Go!

Introducing: Card of the Month

June is a good time of the year for me to begin new things - like starting a handmade business. Two years ago, I took my sister-in-law April’s advice and starting a handmade greeting card business. (You’ll hear more about that journey later this month when it’s nearer to the anniversary.)

This June, I will continue the tradition of starting something new. 

Today, I am introducing a Card-of-the-Month. Each month, I will feature one of my cards at a discounted price. The cards will be in limited supply so once they are gone, they are gone. 

This month’s card is perfect for all of the summer weddings on your list. 

What better symbolizes love than hearts and the color red?

 This card includes a heartfelt sentiment on the inside. 

This solid red heart has a dimension and gently pops off the card. The grosgrain red polka dot ribbon ties it all together. This card is $3. Quite a bargain. 

Order yours today :-) 

Latest Developments

Mother's Day proved to be a busy, vibrant season for me this year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have sold Mother's Day cards in two St. Paul card shops. I also participated in the HandmadeMN spring craft fair, and I had a booth at Hamline University and St. Olaf. Father's Day is slowly but surely approaching. I have little down time, but I won't complain:)

I'm glad the school year has ended, and I ready for summer break. Summertime is a busy time for brides and babies so I'm currently working on cards for those occasions.

Check out what I've been creating.

All these cards can be purchased in my Etsy shop. 

Reasons to Buy Handmade #1

Today I began a series about why I buy handmade, why I think it matters and why I think you should do the same.

Reason #1: Quality

I think the idea is explained well in this blog. "You simply cannot compare mass produced products to artisan created goods in terms of inspiration, quality and attention to detail."

This is definitely true when it comes to the cards I create. I have been making cards for roughly four years and over time, I have changed the type of products I buy to ensure every card is made with the highest quality possible. Sometimes this choice requires me to drive an hour and a half to a retailer that offers the sturdiest cards and envelopes that I have found.

When someone buys a card, she often likes to display the card on her desk or refrigerator. Flimsy cards made out of cheap paper won't stand well on a desk, and they are easy to tear or damage. Cards are often kept as mementos. I want my cards to last beyond the recipient's special day and make it into family albums and scrapbooks.

I use a lot of ink on my cards. As you can see in the card below, sometimes I use multiple colors. I only purchase vivid inks. They cost about twice as much as their cheaper, duller counterparts, but I think they are worth it.

I love how handmade artists hand select every material they use into make their products. This does not happen with mass produced items. That's one reason why sometimes when you purchase a mass produced item, you find small blemish and defects.

I make handmade products because I believe in quality. I buy handmade because I support quality.

Stay tuned for more reasons to buy handmade. 

March Update

2012 has been whizzing by. Here's a look at what I've been creating lately. Enjoy.

Full Swing

Hello Everyone,

The semester is in full swing. New classes. New residents. New year.

Thankfully, I have been able to find time to craft. Here are a few of my latest creations.

Enjoy.

 

Simple Headband with bow

Sewing my First Apron

A year ago my aunt gave me her sewing machine, and ever since then I have been wanting to learn how to sew. I took a class at Joann that was good at teaching me the basics. I tried sewing a few drawstring bags. I eventually abandoned sewing to give more time to card making and school. This Christmas break I wanted to sew something and improve my sewing skills.

My mother knows how to sew and made me a few dresses when I was a kid. She helped me pick out a McCall Simple Stitch pattern for an apron. She helped me sew my first apron.

I sewed the pocket and the tie strings. Check out the finished the product. I love my apron and can't wait to cook in it. I'm going to make a couple to give as Christmas gifts. I figure if I have a project that will motivate me to keep sewing:)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Happy Crafting. 

Treasures from an Elgin Antique Shop

Before I headed back to school, I stopped by Elgin to visit one of my college roommates and to spend time with her and her family. Elgin, a suburb of Chicago, is one of my favorite places to visit.

My friend Laura grew up in Elgin and showed me around downtown. We stopped at an antique shop where she found this.

I LOVE buttons!!! I probably would put them on every card, but since they are expensive, I use them sparingly. Good buttons are hard to find. When Laura stumbled upon this jar of buttons, I knew right away it was a treasure. The jar had red, white a few pink and black buttons, which was perfect for Valentine's Day cards. 

Some of the buttons were dirty or dull so I soaked the buttons for a few minutes in soapy water. I wiped them off with a paper towel and they looked like new. Here are a couple of my favorite buttons from the jar. 

I can't wait to make cards with these buttons. Check back for pictures of the cards I make with them.

Til next time... Happy Crafting!