Saturday, September 6, 2008

NELSON MANDELA'S SPEECH HAS ALWAYS INSPIRED ME!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? ”

“Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Nelson Mandela

May 1994

ALMOST 40, SINGLE, HAVEN'T HAD SEX IN A YEAR & NOW I'M GOING CRAZY!

Yes, I said it. It's true! I haven't really had sex in over a year and now it's starting to hit me. I will admit that I had a little bit of sex the night of Aug. 16, 2008 but I didn't have an orgasm so I still feel a build up from over 12 months of abstinence.

Before a few weeks ago, the last man I was with was this guy/boyfriend/lover...whatever you call it whom I met through myspace and he turned out to be a LOSER. lol. I'm not bitter about it. I wish him nothing but the best. We all run into sour apples from time to time.

Anyway, we ended our relationship after about 5 or 6 months of dating. Something like that. Then a few months later, I lost my job, had no money, my life seemed stagnated so I fell into a deep depression. Trust me, it had nothing to do with him. In the past, I would get all panicky and fearful when I didn't have financial stability but I'm trying to react differently now.

Since I was depressed, I stayed at home in a shell and men were the farthest thing from my mind. It was just me and God. More months went by then in the middle of this year, I started to come out of my depression. I got a renewed sense of faith and returned fervently on my passionate mission with my career.

Now that I'm happy, vivacious and bubbly again, men are all on me like bees to honey and I'm loving it! lol Foreal. I am such a flirt right now. I know why. It's because I haven't had any in a long, long, while and plus my usual nature is a little on the flirty side. Times like this, it becomes more magnified..

Naturally, I can't do it with all these men approaching me. Especially not for free! Just joking...really, I'm kidding. But you know I can't, it's too risky. So I just flirt and have fun then call it a day.

Now back to this rendezvous I had a few weeks ago. I was on here promoting the Youth Village event I was producing at the African Marketplace. I'd been posting bulletins about it for weeks. Anyway, one of my myspace friends sent me a message asking me for my number because he wanted to discuss some business since I was having Al B. Sure's son perform on my stage & he was going to have Al B. Sure himself sing on some kind of cruise he's involved with.

I saw the Al B. connection and sent him my number. He called and we talked for awhile. He had a very strong, African accent so it was hard to understand some things he was saying. Since I was focused in business mode, I tried to sell him on getting a booth at the event since he was involved in a travel agency business. In turn, he tried to sell me on getting involved with his business which is a MLM type of travel agency.

No offense to the brother or anyone else involved in multi-level marketing but that's not my thing. I never did and probably never will like this type of network marketing. So the first night on the phone, we both were pushy, trying to sell to each other.

The next day, he called and asked if I had a chance to check out his website. I told him no because I was swamped with working and producing the event at the same time. We continued talking for awhile and it seemed to me as if he was trying to flirt here and there. A short while later, we got off the phone.

On the third day, he was texting me and called me to buy this motivational book, Think & Grow Rich because he said it would help me in my business endeavors. He seemed very sharp, smart, encouraging, funny, and very pushy.

Now, I didn't recall ever checking out his myspace page. Sometimes, not too often but sometimes I'll accept a friend request without checking the profile if I'm busy or something. I thought to myself that I should look at his profile to see who I've been talking to.

I clicked on his profile and was surprised. Over the phone, my imagination had created him to be an older, African man who probably wasn't very physically attractive. I know that wasn't cool but I'm keeping it real. Honestly, not all my lovers have been extremely good looking. They have varied in weight, height, race, age to a certain extent, and careers. I'm attracted to a person for various reasons and it's not always the outer appearance. But everyone admires beauty and I have eyes just like men do. Especially since I'm long overdue, my eyes are about to pop out of my head admiring good-looking men. lol So anyway, I finally looked at this man's profile. He had a body and lips like L.L. Cool Jay (he also kept licking them like LL) and a face that was a cross between P. Diddy and Taye Diggs. Well, as you can imagine...I was like, "Daaaaamn!!! What did the Lord just bless me with? Baby looks sooooo yummy!" (slapping wrist) Bad girl, bad girl. hahahahahah

After I carefully reviewed his profile, admiring his rippling, chocolate muscles and very handsome, chiseled face, I decided to reach out to call him. I seemed to have found a moment in my busy schedule to call him for once. lol My tone on the phone totally changed. It was less business and alot more sultry.

We hit it off. We laughed, joked and talked about achieving our heart's desires. I found out that he was only 25 and here I am almost 40! Now...I make it a practice not to date men too much younger than me. They're usually in the 30's to 50's age bracket. Anyway, next thing I know, we're flirting on the phone & he makes a joke about us being like the movie, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back". Of course, me being the mature woman who runs into this young, hot, hard-bodied hunk of a man. lol We ended our convo with him coming down to the African Marketplace on Aug. 16.

The 16th arrives, he showed up like he said he would and hung out with me as I ran around managing the youth area. He was really nice and we vibed with each other. Once the event was over for the evening, he even helped me clean the area, stack chairs, etc. How sweet, awwwww. :)

By the end of the day, I was tired, exhausted. Before he left, my sexy, African friend invited me to hang out with him to go listen to some jazz. I agreed to meet him later and went home to take a shower and change clothes. That evening, I drove to his house so we could go to the jazz spot. When I walked in, I sat on his couch so I could chill for a minute. He went to the kitchen to make me a plate of African food since I hadn't eaten all day at the event.

His big screen TV was on playing the DVD of his MLM travel company. lol He came out the kitchen, handing me the plate of food. I took a few bites but I didn't have much of an appetite so I set it down. He sat next to me on the couch, telling me how great the company is, how I can make all this extra money, etc. Then I asked him for a glass of wine so I could continue to relax. He didn't have any so we drove to the store to get some. We returned to the couch as I slowly sipped on a glass of wine while watching the DVD with him.

Then next thing I know, we just started kissing each other and things got real heated. We went to his bedroom, got undressed and you know the rest of the "protected" story. I have to censor this. Everything was pretty passionate. We went on for awhile but I was so doggone tired and maybe the wine hit me but I didn't even "reach the peak." I could tell it wasn't going to happen that night. I was waaaayyyy too tired. Mannnn!!!!!!!!!!! A whole year without sex, Nina's back to herself and I didn't get to go out with a bang. Oh the misery, oh the sorrow. hahahaha. Oh well, I figured I'd take a rain check for another day when I have much more energy.

So a few days later, I call him up to see if he wanted me to come over on Friday. I knew this was going to be nothing serious primarily because of the age difference but I'm like hey if I'm going to do this as a temporary thing...then why not do it with some eye candy that's youthful yet mature, big, handsome and strong. Shoot, I can be Mariah for a minute or Demi Moore! hahaha

Anyway back to the story, he brings up something about wanting to do business with me and be my friend. And that most of the women he networks with winds up wanting to be with him physically. He said he wasn't ready for anything more than being friends and having fun. I assured him that I wasn't looking for anything else between us but to just have fun. I also told him, I know how he feels because I go through the same thing with men wanting to sleep with me, even though I'm a smart, talented, business woman. So, he said cool and he'd see me on Friday. I was really looking forward to it.

The next evening, he called and said he needed to talk to me. He said he wanted to REALLY just be platonic friends and work together on a business level only. Honestly, I was disappointed because I wanted to have my basic needs fulfilled but it wasn't an issue, it was really no big deal to me. Everyone, whether you're a man, woman, whatever...gets rejected and/or accepted. That's just a part of life. So I turned off my hot-a-meter and turned my emotions back to a business mindset. It was fun while it lasted though. lol

The end of the story is that he called me a few days later to go to one of those MLM meetings after I got off work. I did go with an open mind to see what this program is all about that he just raves over so much. I heard their presentation and like my attitude at all the other presentations I've attended over the years, NOT INTERESTED! At the break, I politely told him, "I told you before that I am not interested in pyramids, MLM's, whatever you call it. It's just not for me. I wish you much success in this but I'm not the one. Now I have to go and finish working on this event."

His smiles & demeanor suddenly changed. His smile started to jerk or shake slightly into a frown. I observed his reaction to rejection but again, that's a part of life. What can you do but move on?

I didn't reject him because it was about tit for tat. Whether we kicked it for a few months or not, I still wouldn't have been into MLM. I doubt I ever will. Since I left the meeting that night, I haven't heard from him since. He's still on my friends list though. He may delete me if he reads this but all I do is tell the truth.

So yes, I'm hot right now but I'm trying to keep cool and trying hard not to go too crazy! LOL

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Love Poem

MY SAVIOR OF LOVE

written by Nina Womack (c) 2007

Sprinkle me with your holy water as I delightfully scream out for more.

Make me want to serve you like I was Mary Magdalene, the whore.

Heal my wounds with sweet, medicinal words and soft, gentle kisses to ease the pain.

Shower me with Agape love and I'll shower you the same.

Lead me and guide me patiently with the wisdom of a noble king.

Ignite the fire between us that would make the angels sing.

Now, enter into my warm, secret chambers

Then throw away the lock and key.

Taste the precious nectar that flows slowly from inside of me.

Inhale my fragrant scent until the smell is permanently stamped in your brain,

Turning you deaf, dumb and blind to the sound or thought of another woman's name.

Take me to a higher plane

than this earthly realm we live.

Encourage me to send energy of love and to always forgive.

I confess I'm no perfect soul, a saint and sinner at the same time

But in the spirit of Yeshua, I'm filled with love, acceptance, and an open mind.

A virtuous woman in the making, being deconstructed and rebuilt from heaven above.

Waiting for salvation coming from my Savior of love.

GHETTO KNOWLEDGE POEM

All that I KNOW… is that I come from the ghetto
A place of broken dreams and niggas’ scheme by any means
Stealing and killing are familiar scenes
Gunshot rounds
Siren sounds
Ghetto birds are flying, shining lights on the ground
Barking dogs cry…because another human’s died
So all that I KNOW…is that I come from the ghetto
Where sistas with house slippers on and faces growled up
Don’t give a fuck!
Impatient in the check cashing line for pennies and dimes
From county aid because they're really afraid
To advance past the grips of the ghetto
Where minds are chained from trying to attain
A higher self-esteem
Cuz’ all that they KNOW is what I KNOW
The ghetto
Slaves to the stench of chronic smells in a place like hell
Alcohol / Crack / Spit / Dirt / and Piss
Drive-bys hit but they rarely miss
Blood stains buried in the concrete
From bodies covered in white sheets
Outside of trash-covered liquor stores
Bums beg for change so they can score and then get more
See, all that I KNOW…is that I come from the ghetto
Where he said and she said
Can make neighbors beat you with their water hoses
Black eyes and bloody noses
Curse words common
Food stamps / Potato chips / Kool-aid / and Top Ramen
Where “what set you from, nigga’?” will get you killed
By baggy khakis and crocasacs
Wife beaters and Bitches
Po-Po’s and Snitches
Female crack-heads switchin’
past niggas’ grabbin’ on their balls
To go to seedy motels housing booty calls
While roaches and rats crawl down dilapidated walls
Where black love can be so violent and turbulent
cuz’ families struggle to pay the rent
But buying designer clothes is money “well-spent”
Yet ignorant to stocks, bonds, and property
And living life drama-free
Embracing only positivity
There’s no one to teach us to achieve
Higher…a little higher
Beyond this urban warfare, this real life drama
Caused by the hurt and pain of what we KNOW
Knowledge learned in the ghetto.

copyright 2007 Nina Womack

Jane Doe's Not Dead Yet

Jane Doe is back from the dead
She's risen out of the coma of dark despair
Her eyes alive, vitals revived
Now inhaling fresh air
After months and months of sleeping life away in
REM movements of yesterday
Mouth glued shut with no words to say
Finally, the water drip is now dry
It's really a miracle that Jane Doe didn't die
She came close though, too close
Barely hanging on by a thread
Paralyzed and isolated from a blow to the head
I did pray, yes I prayed for Jane to hold on
Wondering what life would be like if she were gone
I admit at one point I gave up hope
Sure she wouldn't make it
I walked away from her bedside because I couldn't take it
As I reached the door, I turned around for one last look
And it seemed as if her cold, limp body slightly shook
There was still some life left in her after all
What if I made the decision to pull the plug?
Then no one would ever know what she's capable of
Now Jane Doe is feeling stronger
I don't worry that she's dying any longer

written by Nina Womack (c) July 2008

ROCKY ROAD MOVIE TRAILER I'M IN

This is a trailer of an indie film I was in called, "Rocky Road." I had a small part as the character, Edwina but like we say in the biz, "There are no small parts, only small actors. lol My scenes are longer than what you see in this trailer (don't blink) but I am included in the trailer so you can see a piece of my acting work. I have a demo reel that I'll be posting up soon that shows me in a variety of characters. Stay tuned!

MOST BUT NOT ALL OF THE WORK I'VE DONE OVER THE YEARS

Here's a link to my imdb page. I have a detailed resume and bio included. Feel free to review them.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0938829/

AFTER ALL MY HARD WORK, IT WAS TIME TO RELAX.

Mannnn! I just spent the last three months at my full time job and planning an event. I also spent the last three weeks working 7 days a week--five at the ad agency I work at and the last three weekends at the festival I come in to produce the youth area. After spending hours in the sweltering heat running my area at the festival until 9/1, I needed a trip to the day spa after all that work. So, I went to this Korean Day Spa not too far from me. I've been there before but I don't go often because...well, I don't have it like that right now. lol Note, I said "right now".

Anyway, I valet parked and went in there for my 4:30 appt. I selected the "Goddess" treatment which is head to toe pampering. The cashier rang me up and asked me to go take a shower then get in the jacuzzi while I wait for my treatment.

This is a FEMALE ONLY spa where Asian ladies & other ladies walk around butt naked partaking in pure relaxation and tranquility. Nothing at all sexual, just everyone being free. So, I take a shower and proceed to the hot tub. I leaned my head against the concrete edge as the jets of warm water began to relax my tired muscles. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply letting everything go and thanking God for each opportunity and the knowledge & wisdom he has bestowed upon me.

After about 15 minutes, this big, burly Korean woman called my locker number, 17. She had the build of a Sumo wrestler wearing large, black panties and a black bra. I got out of the water and walked over to the massage area. She told me to lay down on my stomack then she began to scrub my body with a rough loofah glove and some kind of seaweed concoction. She was so strong, it hurt like hell. It felt like she was rubbing my skin off. But I endured the pain because I knew it was removing dead skin cells from my body. And since I got real tanned over the past few weekends, I have started peeling on my back & chest. She scrubbed me from head to toe, front and back. All kind of dead skin was on the washing table I was lying on. Next, she began dousing me with buckets of warm water. After she rinsed me off, she asked me to go take another shower to rinse off. I did and returned to the table.

The Sumo Queen dried me off with a warm towel and slathered all kinds of aromatherapy oils on my body. She used something that smelled like Eucalyptus, then another that smelled like Sage, massaging every inch of my body. Damn, her hands nearly killed me it was so hard but I took it like a woman because I had so much tension built up, I needed someone to get rid of it. And she did. Shortly afterward, my body began to melt, I stopped thinking, and just floated, breathing slowly and deeply in a state of relaxation.

After an hour, she asked me to turn over again and massaged the front of my body. She put a hot, steamy towel on my face for awhile. Then she gave me a cucumber facial with a cucumber eye mask. She finished my facial with a 20 minute Lavender oil and moisturizer massage.

Next, she poured tea tree oil in sections of my scalp. She began to massage my scalp, pushing strong into my cranium. My scalp was tingling and I fell into a deeper state of relaxation. Jung then shampooed my hair right on the table. She ended the treatment with rubbing moisturizer all over my body.

Oh my God, I felt so relaxed, sleepy, peaceful. Jung helped me up, put a robe on me and handed me a tip envelope. She told me to go to sleep. As I walked to my locker, I looked at a green marble-like floor that some women were laying on. I never laid out on it before so I wanted to see what the big deal was with laying on this floor. I spread out a towel and stretched out on the marble using a small pillow for my head. The marble was heated like the temperature of an electric blanket. Wow! It felt sooooo good. Especially since Jung had also put some kind of menthol oil on my back & shoulders so when I was on that marble, the heat penetrated into my muscles soothing me even more.

What an awesome day at the spa! I totally forgot about everything. Now back to work at the ad agency tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Wounded Female Soldier Poem

I wrote this poem many years ago. I'm in a different space now but this reveals what I've been through in life.


THIS WOUNDED FEMALE SOLDIER NEEDS SOME TLC

(C) 2007 Nina Womack

ATTENTION! (right hand raised to right brow)

Before you attempt to love me

First, I must confess

a sista' got battle scars...

wounds so deep

they fester and ooze from pain

tender at the slightest touch

swollen and bruised

from hurt on top of hurt on top of hurt on top of hurt

I often wonder when will these wars end?

Repeated battles got me tired

from being shot down as my bullet-riddled body falls to the ground

yet with all the strength I can muster

I rise back up

My feeble hand extends out

reaching for salvation

from a soldier who cares

But like a ghost disappears, he's not there

This female wounded soldier

cries out for love

exhausted from being beaten and raped

by men warriors out to control, to dominate this Nubian Queen

who just wants to scream

from rage and anger and hate

refuse to stay caged

got to be free!!!

guess it's obvious that I suffer...like any vet

post-traumatic stress syndrome

nightmares of past wars left unhealed

A ton of luggage will soon be revealed if you push my tender buttons...so don't...okay?

I cannot distinguish war from peace

deaf to declarations that the war has ceased

Automatic reflexes draw weapons to fight back now

even if there's no battle at all


I apologize in advance because when I look into your soft, brown eyes

my mind rewinds to enemy snipers I've encountered

flashbacks of various soldiers torturing me

like the one who pulled my hair,

pissed on my car,

and socked me in the head

less than one hour of saying how much he really loved me

or the group of warriors that pulled a train on me

denigrating my temple till I was forced to submit or die...

I'm still haunted by the voices of other male soldiers

cursing me with words like 'bitch' or 'hoe'

after making love to me the night before

And now I'm just a foe

Excuse me, sir, for my ranting and raving

guess I need alot of T.L.C.

shell-shocked from abuse. misuse and misery

With crutches in hand, I hobble around

looking for a soldier

to lead me not to war but peace and love.


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Teen Celebs support the 2008 Youth Village!

Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 2008 - Teen actress, Paige Hurd, Youth Village Ambassador for the 23rd annual African Marketplace and Cultural Faire will return on Saturday, August 30th to host the stage full of teen celebrities & greet visitors from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


Hurd, best known for her role as Vanessa opposite Queen Latifah in "Beauty Shop" and Tasha on "Everybody Hates Chris," has a growing list of credits behind her such as; "Suite Life of Zach and Cody," "The George Lopez Show," "Felicity," "Cradle 2 Grave" with Jet Li and "Never Die Alone" starring DMX.


In addition to Hurd, the youth stage will feature a celeb speaker series from 2 to 3 p.m. Speakers include Mishon Ratcliff (Taylor) and Rhyon Brown (Lizzie) on the ABC family show, "Lincoln Heights." Rhyon has recurring roles in several TV shows and was in 50 Cents' film, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'." Mishon recently inked a deal with Interscope Records and will be performing at 3:30 p.m.

If you watched the movie, "Dreamgirls" then you know Mariah Wilson. She played Magic, daughter to Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and has been featured in a variety of television shows. Mariah will be singing in the Youth Village as well as speaking to the kids.


Actress Raven Goodwin from the Nickelodeon show "Just Jordan" and the film, "Phat Girlz" starring Monique will be performing on Saturday and Scooter Smith, one of Chris Brown's featured dancers will also join the stage between 3 - 4 p.m.


Lil B. Sure, son of R & B singer Al B. Sure performs at 4:00 p.m. that day. The younger Sure appeared on the 2008 MTV reality show "Rock the Cradle" and is currently filming a movie.


Ben Lee Foster, an award-winning teen filmmaker with 14 films to his credit will join the team to speak to the youth and encourage them to work hard. Ben has appeared on the Montel Williams Show, Fox 5, and CNN Headline News. Last but certainly not least, Ms. Teen Black Los Angeles, Brittney Williams will be present to share her experience and to motivate the kids.


Other special attractions in the village include free giveaways and 5,000 backpacks, games, inflatables, a petting zoo, ponies, face painting, magic, arts and crafts, and sizzling multi-cultural performances by youth dance companies along with independent artists.


The African Marketplace and Cultural Faire is an annual event that celebrates the rich contributions of the African Diaspora. The faire offers three different stages, Carribean music, Jazz, R&B, Latin music, a Brazilian festival, a Literary Village, Holistic Village, Tennis Tournament, exotic food court, Cinema After Dark outdoor film festival and more.


The African Marketplace will return for it's last weekend Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1 to Rancho Cienega Recreation Center, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles 90016. Gates open each day at 10 a.m., and close at 9 p.m.


The cost of admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 10 and seniors. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.


The African Marketplace is a non-profit event sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles and numerous private corporations, foundations, foreign organizations and community groups.


For additional information on the Youth Village, contact Youth Village Producer, Nina Womack at the African Marketplace office at 3347 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90008. (323) 293-1612 or (323) 293-1073 (fax) or via email at nileprods@gmail.com. Visit the African Marketplace website at www.africanmarketplace.org for more details.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

A Producer has to Hustle

Whoa!!! You ever stop to take a moment to look at your accomplishments? Well, that's what I'm doing and I'm proud of myself right now.

If you've been keeping track of me as my friend, you'd know that I produce film & events especially for the youth. I've been doing it for some years. Right now, I'm working on this festival I do annually called the African Marketplace & Cultural Faire. Since it's on a yearly basis, I also have a full-time job to keep a steady paycheck so I have to work at my day job while I simutaneously organize this event or if I'm working on a film.

The only time I have to work on this festival is on my lunch hour, breaks and when I get off work. I haven't gone to bed before 1 a.m. for a month now and I have to be at work at 8. It's very exhausting and stressful but I love doing it because I feel it's important to share your talents to the world and after all the hard work is done, it's awesome to see families, kids, everybody have a great time!

Anyway, a few weeks ago, our event was almost cancelled because of lack of sponsors & vendors. The founder of the festival didn't think we could pull it off. He urged all of us "producers" of our sections to kick into high gear to raise additional funding.

At first, I was disappointed because I had done so much work calling performers, bringing in carnival ride vendors, the petting zoo & pony ride vendor, sending out sponsor proposals and so much more. But his call for help lit a fire under me like never before. Last weekend, I went to a festival in Long Beach & hit up every food vendor in that joint. I got cards, phone numbers, everything. The next day I called them and pitched them on the event. I wheeled & dealed and negotiated to the best of my ability. Well, I must say that in this week's time, I brought in close to $7,000.00 so far and it may grow to more.

There were several sponsors there and I emailed them, they responded back to me and asked me to call them on Friday. I did and they were excited about the event and will get back to me this week on whether they'll come in as a sponsor or not. If they do, that'll probably be another 7K or so. If it's a go, I would've brought in something like $20,000 by the end of this event.

All the stuff I have going on in there with the rides, performers, activities, etc. would probably cost like 50 - 70k or so which I was able to barter, beg, wheel & deal in order to pull this off for next to nothing.

Each year I do it, it gets bigger and bigger and bigger. This year my little youth area is the same size as the whole African Marketplace. My Youth Village is half of the whole event about 68,000 sf! Wow! God is amazing! It's like how Jesus fed the multitudes on a few small fish & loaves of bread. I had a few dollars to pull this off and was able to make this into a big elaborate event.

Yes, I'm still amazed at my talents sometimes. I know God has blessed me with some major skills and it's time for me to FULLY tap into them so I can move to the next level. The way I see it, if I can raise $7000 in a week, what could I do in a year for an event? Or 6 months or so for a film?

I have to take the same techniques that I just used; charm, friendliness, intelligence, enthusiasm and put my energy into really bringing in some funds for my company so I can do the films and events like I want full time working for myself. For some reason, honestly...I haven't worked this hard to raise money for my own company. I'll put all this energy into helping someone else but not the same for myself. I've come to realize this and things must change.

It's crazy how I was depressed last year and most of this year thinking I was a failure. I'm not. I guess I needed some downtime to sort things through & rejuvenate. Now I have enough energy to climb Mt. Rushmore.

It's hard for people to give themselves props because it seems egotistical but by the grace of God, I am the BOMB!!! Damn, I'm good! lol

Saturday, July 26, 2008

My personal views on culture & race relations

I'm what you call a multi-culturalist (if that's a word). I believe in multi-culturalism and mingling among races. Everyone has so much to offer to the world and if we keep an open mind, we can learn and grow while dealing with others. Like Rodney King said, "Can't we all just get along?". I've heard many racist remarks from different races and I personally don't agree with it. Yes, there are cultural and physical differences throughout the races such as personality, mannerisms, speech, skin color, etc. but why not embrace these differences and respect them? Acknowledge the diversity and beauty in them.

I know there are other people who think like me but we still are not the majority. Humans are often prone to segregation and in doing so, you limit your life experience to only the things that you are familiar with.

Yesterday, on my day off of work, I spent the entire day at a Native American Pow Wow at the Gene Autry Heritage Museum in Griffith Park. The spectacle, the spirituality, the culture...took my breath away as I felt at peace listening to Native drumming and singing, looking at the dancers in their splendid colors complete with feathers and bells! I saw that they were a proud people who regularly embody the culture they inherited since the beginning of time. I also thought about how they were once disenfranchised by a group of malicious Europeans who neither understood these peoples culture nor tradition. I even tried their food--an Indian taco on fry bread and bought some beautiful beaded jewelry..

I enjoy arts & culture so I try to attend as many events, festivals, exhibits as time permits. I've been to the Renaissance Fair in Pomona to experience what European culture is like. I had fun seeing knights-in-armor, maidens, wenches, listening to their music and eating German sausage. lol I felt like I was in Medieval times. I will go to a Latin fiesta in a minute and have a great time! Drinking margaritas, eating tortillas & salsa, shaking my hips to Afro-Latin music or swaying back and forth to Mariachi.

Living in South L.A., I attend and work on African-American events in my community. The African Marketplace & Cultural Faire is also a great event. Hearing African drumming, Reggae, Jazz, R&B, Rap, Brazilian music, Afro-Latin,looking at dancers, smells of incense and fragrant oils. And of course, eating exotic foods from these cultures.

I've even been to the Chinese Lantern Festival. The colrful lights and decorations are beautiful. I appreciate the Asian culture. They're reserved, humble, precise in what they create and about the business.

My personal friends & strangers I talk to are from all walks of life. They span all ages, all races, and all personalities. I'll sit and chat with a kid, listening to them with purpose so they know I care. Children are humans too and precious.

So, that's my mind-set. This is who I am. I get along with everybody. I am thrilled that Obama is being accepted by the masses for what he stands for instead of what color he is. I feel we're moving closer to being a multi-culturalist society. It's about time!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

STRUGGLES OF AN ARTIST & A BRAND NEW DAY!

At first, I wasn't going to share this with anyone. I recently opened up and told a few of my close friends ONLY but now I've decided to post this on my blog because my story may help someone else who feels or has felt the same way.

I just came out of a dark, deep depression that I was in for months since November 07. See, coming from a background of repeated childhood sexual abuse and an alcoholic parent, I struggle with inner demons. For the most part, I'm happy but if things don't go like I expect, I can fall into a funk and my faith waivers.

Last year in September, I lost my job. I was cool with it because that wasn't a good environment for me. Not having a steady income, I quickly tried to get some government support until I could get on my feet again. For whatever reason, I hit a brick wall with every effort. I couldn't get ANYTHING! My bank account was dwindling down and by Christmas I was near broke. I couldn't even afford a tree or presents for my son. Miraculously, a friend of mine that I hadn't seen in a while stopped by on Christmas to give me a card. When I told him what I was going through, he gave me some money to help me out. Then a week later, he gave me some more money, and he kept on trying to give me money whenever I saw him but I knew he wanted something more in return. I love him dearly as a friend but if I kept taking his money, he would expect for me to be in a romantic relationship with him and I didn't want that to be the reason I'd be with him so I distanced myself. And the money that he gave me eventually ran out.

Also at the time, I was trying to get distribution for a film I had been working on for a long time. I got several offers but these distribution companies didn't want to offer any money upfront so my partner who had invested money in the film didn't want to take any of those deals. Now I was stuck with a film that was sitting on a shelf. So by the end of the year everything hit me hard! I questioned myself, I questioned God...wondering why I have spent 10+ years paying my dues in the entertainment business and the fruits of my labor had not paid off. I thought to myself, if I had known that all the work and time and dedication spent on my career wasn't going to happen, then I could've spent those precious years in another field that would pay off like nursing or teaching or something. Why did I choose to be an artist and work at it for such a long time? For what? For nothing. I was very, very disappointed in what life dealt me.

By January 08, I sunk even deeper in a black hole. I spent my time looking for work but not finding anything, sleeping and crying alot because of the career let-down. I withdrew. I wouldn't call anyone or answer my cell phone or emails. I didn't have the strength to get on myspace or to blog like I like to do because I had absolutely nothing to say. I would literally meditate and pray to God over and over that I would die. Thoughts kept racing through my mind daily to just kill myself and get it over with. I even went into my medicine cabinet a few times and grabbed a bottle of pills, poured it in my hand to take them. Then I'd put them back and put suicide off for one more day. I'm not sure why I put it off but I did. Sometimes, I'd look at cars driving by and tell myself to just jump in front of one. This was a really ugly depression and I hadn't felt that low in years. I knew I should've talked to someone, reached out for help but I didn't want to because I really wanted to die. Plus, I didn't have health insurance since I was jobless so I suffered through my depression alone. It was just me and God and my horrible thoughts. I finally told my mom and she urged me not to do it and to remain here for my son. She assured me that if I hang on, things would get better. I guess my son was enough to keep me here even though I wanted to do it so I held on because of him. Although I rationalized to myself that he'd be alright eventually since he has his loving father in his life. I felt that yes, people love me and they would be hurt that I committed suicide but life goes on so they'd get over it.

Then finally in February, I found a job through a temp agency. At least I was getting a steady paycheck but I still had suicidal thoughts. The only times I didn't think about killing myself was when I was at work because my mind was occupied or when I was asleep. I really felt like a failure!!! Others may not understand but it's tough when you want something so bad but it just doesn't happen. I began to ensure myself that it's okay if my entertainment career doesn't work out. My career doesn't determine who I am as a human being. I have alot to offer the world whether through artistic expression, the friendship and love I give or the kindness I extend to people. NINA the woman is bigger than a career in entertainment.

Sometime in May this year, I began to feel stronger and the suicidal thoughts went away. I work for an awesome company and they think I do a great job because I work hard and excel at what I do. I work at an advertising agency and I like it. There's room for advancement at the company. We have a broadcast commercial division so I'm trying to move into that department soon. My supervisor just told me that she talked with the broadcast dept. last week and told them that if a position opens up, they should really consider me because I'm good at many things and reliable. I love production PERIOD whether I'm working in film, on commercials, TV, or events, I'd be happy.

Last week, I ran into a friend who works in distribution and he talked to me about putting my film on this big internet streaming video company where the filmmakers share in the profits so that's what I'm going to do as I first step to getting the film out there. I'm not quitting! I feel rejuvenated, inspired, and hopeful again.

I'm glad I didn't kill myself. I rode the storm and things turned out alright. I'm better now. I can pay my bills, I have money left over in the bank afterwards, I'm comfortable, I have a great job and life is okay! So the motto to my story is you never know what's around the corner, hang on and get better!

My favorite song right now is by Marvin Sapp called "Never Would Have Made It" It's very encouraging for encouragement! This song is my shiznittt right now because it fits what I feel. Thank you God!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

PARTS OF ME = A WHOLE

Parts of me makeParts of me make me WHOLE
Like the nice girl or the naughty one
The aggressive, powerful woman
Yet sometimes passive, quiet and shy
Most times a happy, outgoing, social butterfly
Parts of me make me WHOLE
Like the girl on top of the world
smiling and laughing because life is full of joy
Or the sad, struggling artist girl
crying at the bottom trying hard to get on top
Until the other part steps in
The ambitious girl who just won't stop
Parts of me make me WHOLE
Always spiritual, sometimes worldly
Mostly peaceful and loving
Sometimes angered when provoked
Another part of me is the sexy, sultry goddess
exuding sensuality and passion
Throw in a touch of a conservative Virgin Mary
prone to thinking a bit old-fashioned
The maternal helper and giver who loves to feel needed
The pampered queen on her throne who needs to be served
And I'll end there because I could go on and on and on
You know, I use to try to figure out which part of ME I was
Until I realized I'm all these parts and so much more
which make me WHOLE
Parts of ME

written by Nina Womack (c) July 2008 me WHOLE
Like the nice girl or the naughty one
The aggressive, powerful woman
Yet sometimes passive, quiet and shy
Most times a happy, outgoing, social butterfly
Parts of me make me WHOLE
Like the girl on top of the world
smiling and laughing because life is full of joy
Or the sad, struggling artist girl
crying at the bottom trying hard to get on top
Until the other part steps in
The ambitious girl who just won't stop
Parts of me make me WHOLE
Always spiritual, sometimes worldly
Mostly peaceful and loving
Sometimes angered when provoked
Another part of me is the sexy, sultry goddess
exuding sensuality and passion
Throw in a touch of a conservative Virgin Mary
prone to thinking a bit old-fashioned
The maternal helper and giver who loves to feel needed
The pampered queen on her throne who needs to be served
And I'll end there because I could go on and on and on
You know, I use to try to figure out which part of ME I was
Until I realized I'm all these parts and so much more
which make me WHOLE
Parts of ME

written by Nina Womack (c) July 2008