Tag: Doc’s Castle Media

Busting Out of The Crab Barrel: How to Support Baltimore Artists

I want to put this message in better terms… 

Okay, Player published an article “11 Baltimore Rappers You Need To Know” highlighting a few Baltimore artists creating a buzz on social media amongst some creatives in town. I like and agree with the article for the most part. I don’t know what it is. I think whenever artists get credit for working hard, the spirit of jealousy penetrates the souls of crabs in this city. Then there’s a mob of individuals proclaiming entitlement for attention. It’s a never-ending cycle that brings my attention to sharing Baltimore Artist LA’Matic’s tweet addressing Baltimore artists gaining support.

Clubhouse, the popular audio broadcasting social media app, is home to a number of networking groups, and apparently, the place to be if you want to be anything in life. The app’s popularity has users from every nook of the world flocking to rooms for insight on topics ranging from all sorts. Users find this app beneficial for self-development by participating in networks merged into chat rooms that’ll enhance their personal productivity. One of those topics more recently was about the support for Baltimore Creatives which sparked the video rant in LA’Matic’s tweet.

[How Buzzy App Clubhouse Could Grow Beyond Its Exclusive Beta. Read on c|net]

In the feisty clip from the independent rapper, LA’Matic is his sentiments towards the now decades-old phenomenon. Baltimore is a city of crabs and “Baltimore Creatives should stop worrying about how to support and just do it.” His video was met with over 600 retweets at the time of writing this post. So there are plenty of other people who share the same thoughts about the support of this city. The video even influenced a number of conversations amongst artists about their frustration with the topic on Twitter.

It is a specific group of individuals being addressed who attend these Clubhouse meetings. Folks who genuinely do not know how to gain the support they desire or give the support that they wish to see! The creatives who receive encouragement should be better examples showing these folks how to gain the endorsements. There’s nothing wrong with anyone asking how to change the perspective of support in Baltimore. The only way to change it is to actively talk about it and implement an effective strategy on a consistent basis. 

Watch LA’Matics Video:

The way to change your environment is to be the change you desire.

Something I heard on a podcast this week.

This is free game to anyone who is genuine to this cause and wouldn’t be ashamed to pass along valuable information. How to show support for independent artists and entrepreneurs is not divine knowledge or an unobtainable holy grail. Often the support we desire is simple things people don’t know they already do to show they’re helping. Instead of leaving someone in their ignorance, it could be more beneficial to just share what’s already free. It’s constructive information that can be found anywhere online.

Doc’s Castle Media has navigated the Baltimore Art Scene and shared opinions about Baltimore’s Crabs in a Barrel mentality since 2014 with blog posts Baltimore is Too “Cliqued” Up to Have Supporters and the Quality vs. Quantity Series, a Baltimore blog series dissecting the reason for the city’s lack of support. I’m always watching and studying the changes in Baltimore’s art culture. So I want to drop a few gems of worthwhile knowledge I’ve gained over the years being a supporter of the arts culture.

Here’s How to Support Independent Artist in Baltimore 

Find artists to support and follow them on social media

It begins with having the intention to support Baltimore Creatives. I find new artists in groups I take interest in on social media sites and online art directories. I saturate my social timelines with everything I enjoy from the food I eat to, clothes I wear, and entertainment I watch. I show my support through engagement on the profiles. I invest time in getting involved with what’s being shared, and I only consume what I think is providing me food to my soul and valuable content that makes me feel good. I do not compromise it. It so happens that I do all of this with Baltimore on the brain. A lot of what I see is Baltimore City’s culture. What’s the culture that you see in your social media timelines?

I try my best to not allow social media to control what I see. The powers that be in the algorithm is a major reason why we see what we see. I’m opposed to just being fed information, I’d rather be social with it. I’d rather be social with other creatives like me. Use the tool in your hand to mold your digital environment to take in what you’ll enjoy sponsoring.

The easiest way to find out which Baltimore artist you like is to search for them. Hashtags like #BaltimoreCreatives on Instagram and Twitter are filled with content creations by artists in Baltimore City. #BaltimoreBlogger or #BaltimoreWriters are directories of social influencers from Baltimore sharing content. You can easily pinpoint these hashtags as your starting point for finding new artists. But it begins with taking the initiative to find them and follow them if they pique your interest.

Talk to people about what you love about Baltimore art

Not talking about the art that we love from Baltimore artists might be why so many people claim Baltimore city is the city for crabs. There is a perception that we’re not loud or proud of the artists in the city. But I disagree because I am a walking representation debunking the claim. I attend artists’ exhibitions and listen to local artists’ albums or mixtapes. I’ve used Baltimore photographers, makeup artists, and was even dressed by a local stylist. Guess what, I also write about local artists, too. While I’ve shown my support, I definitely introduced people to excitingly new things they can experience locally. All it takes is forwarding a post or liking a picture when sharing what I love about Baltimore Creatives. Buying a product or service is another way to show and endorse what creatives have to offer. Talking about art from Baltimore opens up new possibilities for Baltimore.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CGU6YeIpRLu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

To gain support, you must also give support

This age-old debate about crabs in Baltimore often feels like it’s shouted over a megaphone by Baltimore artists, only. I want to say to those creatives “crabs are found everywhere.” First, these individuals should break out of the thought it’s because of where they are that people don’t want to endorse them. Creatives who think like this feel entitled just because they live in Baltimore. No. No one knows them. No one knows about their art. But their hand is out. 

I am an artist in Baltimore with experience in following and supporting numerous other artists in Baltimore. In return, I gained the same support and love from them. This works the same vise versa. If someone shows support for you, you at least give them the day and time, as well.

Eleven new podcasts reached out to me after reading 8 Baltimore Media to Watch for Baltimore Art News. These podcasts took the time to read, share, and provide feedback. In return, I listened, shared, and gave shoutouts to my readers about their content. I’m sure all of us choosing to circulate and speak about each other’s work brought new attention to the content being shared. But it is because we all took the time to show support for each other that we gained exactly what we were looking for.

Don’t feel pressured into showing support

This might be an unpopular opinion but no one should take you on a guilt trip when showing your support for whatever they do. Whether they are from the same city, younger than the average, blacker than the average, or the underdog shooting their shot at their most difficult venture, if you genuinely do not feel that a creative or entrepreneur succeeded in capturing your attention, it’s not necessary to share what they offer. You do not resonate with it. It doesn’t feel good to give support to something you truly are unsure about. When something goes wrong, the consumer is the one who gets burned. Be genuine about what you like.

If you are a creative who struggles with gaining support, maybe think of the things you are doing or not doing to surround yourself with a better support system. Encouragement from the outside takes time the person giving it must be persuaded with the right amount of potential and drive. The right Baltimore Creatives will have these qualities. But if we start with the initiative to change our environment, we must be the change we also desire. 


As a supporter of Baltimore arts are you persuaded to help? Drop your favorite Baltimore Artists in the comments below.

Protect Your Mental Health During Covid with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson

This week new restrictions were placed on Maryland to promote a “stay-at-home for the holidays’ theme” as we’re near entering the 10th month of living through a global pandemic. Marylanders, along with many other Americans, are still grunting over the idea of needing to quarantine to slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

While we deal with living in a state of constant uncertainty, like not knowing when the next time we’ll be able to visit the neighborhood grocery store, we’re also finding it necessary to seek ways of coping with living our newly socially distanced lifestyles. Protecting our mental health during the era of coronavirus is what many of us have had on our minds since early March 2020. But how do we know where to begin to handle this? 

Former RT America news anchor and Baltimore Native Ashlee Banks sits down with Medical and Health Expert Brandon Johnson of Black Mental Wellness Lounge via her personal YouTube channel. The two discuss how to handle mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. They share tips on the best ways to handle isolation, depression, unplugging from social media and so much more. I’m sharing this as a YouTube Video Alert for Doc’s Castle Media because it’s my concern that everyone is doing their best to remain sane during these unprecedented times. So I listed a few important takeaways from Ashlee and Brandon’s interview to pay attention to while you watch it.

4 Best Takeaways: Mental Health Help, Tips During Covid-19

Prioritize resting and take a break. 

Free yourself from burnout. Understand that everyone is going through changes during this time and it is okay to not have everything in order. So take your time. Drink some tea and exhale the doubt that you mustn’t keep up. You’ll be fine if the train stops for an oil and engine break.

Take a social media break for mental health. 

Unplug from social media to avoid depression. It can fool you into thinking you’re at your worse compared to everyone you’re following. People put their best foot forward online and rarely publish their mistakes. No one should compare themselves to anyone because we’re not meant to be the same. So save yourself the stress of mentally attempting to make yourself a carbon copy of your online friend.

Remember you are not alone dealing with the trials of a Pandemic. 

We’re all grieving a special kind of depression that has a grip on everyone in this world. There’s solace in knowing that you aren’t alone dealing with the effects of a global pandemic. Be patient with yourselves and give yourself the grace to process what’s happening. As you’re being considerate and kind to others about what’s happening, also show yourself that same kindness.

Practice positive affirmations, self-care exercises, and mindful meditation. 

Spend time getting to know yourself and the things that you enjoy. This goes back to unplugging from social media. When you unplug, you free yourself from feeling like you’re missing things that other people that you’re following online may be getting into. We’re in a pandemic. Free your time and mind for what truly matters to you and the things that you place value. Do this and you’ll walk away better fulfilled.

Watch the full interview How to Protect Your Mental Health with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson:

http://youtu.be/D39jVtdu9XQ

If you’re in need of speaking to a specialist via a mental health crisis hotline, please call the National Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-8255.

What’s Up Doc: Where Have I Been and Hair Diary

Sit with me as I take the moment to do my infamous braid out and share a little bit of Doc’s Caste Media history.

In 2018, Doc’s Castle Media lost its URL for www.docscastlemedia.com due to some unfortunate events and spam activity that caused the website to crash. I lost access to Doc’s Castle Media for 6 months! Readers caught on to my absence slightly before that 6 month period, and I was frequently asked questions about what I planned to do with my blog.

In a new vlog series What’s Up Doc, I’ll share more personal ideas and plans I have for my blog and also share a few personal things going on with Doc. Readers will have more opportunities to hear my voice and get to know me beyond just writing about what’s happening around me. This comes as an idea after two years of starting an art blog on IG. When creating my art blog, I had no idea anyone would follow my page. I did not start with the idea to share art with people that I knew. Instead, I let my art following build organically and I hope to do the same with my vlogging series geared to sharing more about what I take personal interests in.

My 1st episode is a podcast style recording giving a little background insight on Doc’s Castle Media. Readers can find out some history about the Doc’s Castle, LLC brand, what I was up to during my year-long hiatus between 2018 and 2019, and what new things are coming for the blog. I do this all while styling my hair into my go-to hairdo.

If you can leave the correct year Doc’s Castle Media launched in the comments of the video or this blog page, you enter yourself into a drawing for some Tipsy Decòr. The winner will be contacted through direct message. Do you know?

#Thirsty30Body: My Bullet Journal Methods That Help Reach My Fitness and Nutrition Goals

Bullet journals are not literal journals that house bullets. 

In #Thirsty30Body: Essential Fitness Tools. Items You May Already Have Lying Around, I mentioned using a tracking system to help hold a person accountable for their weight-loss goals. Trackers, such as Lose It App or utilizing a fitness watch, are two major resources I use to stay accountable for reaching my Thirsty 30 Body. These trackers are easily accessible on my phone so that I mark my progress daily. I like having digital access most times, but I’ll always keep a special place in my heart for analog to-do lists and trackers. It’s just something about manually scratching something off my lists that makes the experience more personal and productive.

Bullet journaling is a method considered as an easy-to-use and basic way of tracking a weight-loss program. It can be achieved through using a simple calendar, planner, or notepad barely in use at home. Anyone with the time or simply the creative energy like me could turn a plain planner into their Thirsty Body Bible.

Filling the pages of a basic notebook is like filling a blank canvas. It’ll showcase all my habits of what makes me who I am. If done properly, I can look back in my notes from days, months, and even years ago and know why I react the way that I did in any situation. I attribute it to taking notes about my habits and activity.

[Read: This Is How I Bullet Journal My Fitness and Nutrition Goals Everyday to Stay on Track by Popsugar]

Today I want to share a few Bullet Journal Tips that I utilize to help push me towards Thirsty 30…

Choosing the Best Journal

A medium 5×7 inch journal is the perfect size journal to use for bulleting your methods. This size is super small and easily accessible. I love small journals mostly because they fit into any bag that I carry. Large journals are okay, but I don’t carry them as often if my purses don’t allow the space. I need something small that I know will be able to have in front of me when I need to get it. I also like journals without lines because every so often I like sketching random things on the blank pages. The whiter the page, the more space I have for my imagination.

Use Visual Charts, Pictures, and Lists to Visually Track Progress

Using weekly task lists and graphs help provide a little order in areas of my life I need to have control over. I follow a daily to-do list. I even use tables and charts in my bullet journal to keep track of my bills and expenses. For Thirsty 30 Body, my bullet journals include Meal prep, workout routines, motivational quotes, recipes, and anything that I’ll create into a bulleted list goes into my book.

A common chart I use in my notebook is my 6 to 12-week workout program. I have a Life Planner by Erin Condren that I live by that houses these workout plans. The 6 to 12-week workout plan is a chart that I use whenever I’m ready to go on a workout sprint. I created it to breed commitment. I recognize when it’s needed to call out time to focus on my goal to get healthy. So to train my mind to commit to this goal, I follow through by staying consistent with completing this plan. 

I’ll share a few Thirsty Body Bible Pages with you to help you commit to a plan.

Download this printable chart of a 6-12 Week Workout Program, here. 

Get Creative!

Gel and scented pens, sticky notes, highlighters, stickers, and washi tape are all essential items to have whenever I’m meditating in my bullet journal. It makes the process exciting to get through when I’m creating and designing from my imagination. It’s similar to telling a visual story. Many of the elements I put on the pages were placed there to recall times when I filled the journal page. Each page is unique. I could never be confused about where I am in my progress because each page in the journal is of its own design. So getting creative is necessary for building a personality for the journey.

[Read 21 Ways to Use Washie Tape by Journal with Purpose]

These are just three simple bullet journaling methods I use in my notebooks. There are many more that I have yet to explore. These three steps are good starter methods for analog tracking if digital isn’t working. They’re well worth the try if you’re looking for a better way of organizing your journey.

Do you know of any basic bullet journaling methods that should be added to this list? Leave them in the comments below.

#PrayForLove: Visit Loring Cornish’s #ICantBreathe Exhibition at How Great Thou Art Gallery

On another walk around Baltimore, I came across another outside art exhibition like the Black Lives Matter Mural in Patterson Park in September. This time in Baltimore’s Fell Point to get out of the house for a bit and visit Sound Garden to browse some vinyl and old flicks. A trip well spent because I bought some cool new socks. But also set my eyes upon a beautiful exhibit at the How Great Thou Art Gallery worthy of a PrayForLove highlight on Doc’s Castle Media. Baltimore Mosaic Artist Loring Cornish creates I Can’t Breathe outside exhibition to bring attention to police brutality.

Last month, we were hit with the devastating news of Breonna Taylor’s verdict. And just like when I scroll my social feeds, days later, I strolled by a reminder, in person, that we’re still in the midst of a war with police policy and reform. I’m tired.

Cornish exhibit is a pause in time. It makes you think. I took a moment of silence before I visited the Sound Garden next door. I saw all the names of victims fallen by police brutality represented by burning candles just under the “I can’t fucking breathe” sign. George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s pictures displayed large as day with words of frustration and “I will never understand” written in all caps all around them. This case is the loudest breakthrough we’ve had in recent years. Two pictures of Breonna Taylor stand directly along side the burning candles. The exhibit makes me upset. The build-up of all of this has gone on far too long. I don’t understand, either. So I pause to take it in.

The exhibit is getting quite the buzz as people share their experiences on their social media using the hashtag #LoringCornish. On Instagram, there are over 500+ shared posts of Loring Cornish’s exhibit. 

Cornish had many other exhibitions focusing on race and police in previous years. In 2015 following the death of Freddie Gray, Cornish decorated a police box in Station North “to bring attention to police operating practices that have made millions of Americans uncomfortable.” He also received national attention for his Black “lynched” doll exhibition in response to Eric Gardner, Walter Scott, and Michael Brown. Cornish used his passion and talent to raise awareness of police brutality throughout the decade.

The How Great Thou Art Gallery is owned by Cornish and is the home to a plethora of beautiful creations made by the Mosaic artist himself. Check out more art at the Loring Cornish website.

“I will never understand,” either. Would you visit this exhibition? Leave your comments below.

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Jai Ivy “I Know” ft. Luki Music Video Premiere

Last time I did a Doc’s Thumbs Up was for 4tae’s “Right Where I Wanna Be” Official Music video in 2015. I definitely need to catch up because there is so much content I’ve seen over the years. I’ve watched so many artists flourish in their crafts. I’m just long overdue to share what dope work I come across. It’s when someone really makes me feel they put in the effort to make a creative piece, it deserves its praises from me. That’s why Jai Ivy’s “I Know” ft. Luki makes Doc’s Thumbs Up. 

Ivy dropped her music video for “I know” August 11th via her YouTube Channel. It’s a simple music video that tells a story of heartbreak, something almost every girl can relate to. Honestly, during the generations full of entanglements, hook-ups, and situationships, Jai Ivy’s style is a hammer to nail when it comes to the many woes in the emotional roller coaster we call a toxic love.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CB36gglJM5u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The video follows Ivy as she deals with some doubt about the guy she’s dating. They get into an argument, and we watch and get frustrated along with her in the many inaudible cut scenes of her in a debate with the male actor of the video. This scene isn’t unfamiliar. In fact I think this is how Ivy pays homage to many R&B divas before her.

Source: Beyonce -Irreplaceable

“I Know” Official Video has an old school 90’s throwback vibe, taking me back to the days of pretending to be Brandy “sitting up in my room” writing in my diary about my many teenage woes. Not sure if the video release was in correlation to the recent Netflix premiere of popular Black Sitcom Moesha. The thought definitely came up as I watched this video. And to top it all off this month, we also got the news that our 90s R&B goddesses Brandy and Monica will be battling each other in the highly anticipated 90s throwback Verzuz battle this coming week! AND it’s on Jai Ivy’s Birthday; August 31st! Woo!

Check Out Jai Ivy’s “I Know” Official Music Video Below:

Jai Ivy is a Baltimore Native artist who is often spotted attending local shows throughout the city. Her album Bleu can be found on all music streaming services. Take a listen to Bleu on Spotify. Follow her on Instagram at @lovee.ivy. 

What do you think about this song? Leave your comments below.

#YTubeVidAlert: WAP…Is it even art? (Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Video Premiere)

Cardi B and Megan the Stallion team up to make another banging single titled WAP, referring to a sexual preference for a women’s vaginae. & I like to just say…Of course, it’s art! But Black Twitter, Facebook, and even daily news site like the Daily Beast would like its part in providing commentary as millions of tweets were published since it’s early August release with pro and con opinions.

Source: Daily Beast

After Megan making headlines for being involved in domestic assault with hip-hop artist Tory Lanez, I assume most people had expectations for other topics for the female rap artist. Even hip-hop artist and producer Cee-Lo Greene chimed in with opinions about the video’s impact amongst younger generations. Maybe people were waiting for her to rap about domestic abuse? But honestly, what did people really expect from Megan or Cardi? With any prior songs that are released from both these rap queens, it seems like WAP is exactly what I was expecting from them. When I’m searching for a song from either of their discography, I’m looking for something that’s going to make me feel like the shit. There’s even an entire playlist on Spotify named “Feeling Myself” dedicated to the genre of hip-hop both Megan and Cardi represents. 

Source: Facebook

Why is women empowerment the subject again?

To me, women’s empowerment is simply people uplifting and helping women live the best versions of their lives. That could be women speaking influence into other women. It could be someone providing support for women financially,  physically,  or spiritually. In the simplest way I can put it, it’s making women feel good about themselves. 

Whether the message presented in this video is worthy of being shared with other women is based on the person receiving the message. Why are people expecting these women to be a spokesman for issues dealt amongst women? I don’t know anyone who turns Cardi B’s music on to hear about social injustices or domestic abuse. 

Megan and Cardi are playing “make-believe” and throwing emphasis on tiny truths about their life. It’s like applying for a job and sprinkling a little extra in during your interview to make yourself look good. In this case, it’s not an interview. But it’s appealing to someone mature enough to understand its content. 

This video doesn’t “inspire” me to do anything but shake my ass. But as a woman, it does make me feel proud of my lady parts. I don’t see anything wrong with having a good lady part. Haha. The language in the song may be quite vulgar but nonetheless, it is a form of expression and art. Good art challenges thought and provoke reflection. This video has everyone on Black Twitter at an uproar. It’s good art because it did what it was supposed.

Doctors are even firing back in the two rapper’s defense arguing it is completely fine to have lubricated genitalia. But I say it’s gone too far when medical professionals feel the need to step in to verify such things. Come on, who cares other than the person we’re getting in bed with? In the words of Megan, “Talk yo shit!” & let’s move on shall we?

The responsibility of who a child chooses to be a role model is ultimately in the hands of the kid. We aren’t aware of who someone chooses as their inspiration. Kids don’t realize it. But it is their parent’s responsibility to guide them. Censorship is a biggie that we struggle within the age of the Internet. But these women didn’t ask to be speakers on serious issues. From the beginning of their careers, they came with a vulgar bang. So either listen to it or just turn it off.

Did you like the song? Bump or Pass? Leave your answers in the comments below.

#Thirsty30body: Are You Motivated to Get There? Four Tips to Get Started

So you guys want some #Thirsty30Body tips, huh?

I did a poll via the Doc’s Castle Instagram and Facebook pages and found out 88% of followers would like me to share a few tips towards my #Thirsty30Body. 

Eff the 12% of haters who said no. 😂 Agreeing to share what I know about becoming more fit will help me stay motivated to stay on track, as well. So boo to you and hooray to everyone else who’s helping me stay motivated. I will be posting blogs, videos, and tips regularly to Doc’s Castle in hopes that some of you will want to join in with me.

As I am entering into the second half of Thirsty 30 Body Challenge, I want to share four starting tips that I keep in mind as I prep for these next coming months. Here they go:

  1. Get in the mind frame to get healthy, not only to look good.

When thinking of getting healthy, I frame my thoughts to focusing on what makes me feel good and what are good habits to have. I’m not the type to worry about having an hourglass figure or needing a big butt or chest because the attention it awards isn’t what I want. It’s already hard on women when we feel the pressures of wanting to feel attractive and there are thousands of images being pushed of models and celebrities half-naked in the mainstream media. Those pressures I’ve never embraced. It’s nice knowing that I look good. But I welcome compliments that uplift me and enjoy getting attention based upon my intellect for what I do. I want to keep it like that. So what makes this weight loss journey a “Thirsty” one?

“Thirsty” defined in the urban dictionary means:

  1. An adjective used in describing a person deliberately fishing for compliments, attention, etc.
  2. Too eager to get something (especially play)
  3.  Desperate

But I’m defining what “Thirsty” means for me in year 30. I’m encouraging healthy living and hopefully aspiring to be thirsty for a healthier lifestyle. So it begins with what it means to look and feel healthy. It’s not about the physique though I will reap those benefits. The #Thirsty30body is the perfect body for ME! Thirsting for wealthy health.

  1. Spend time getting to know yourself.

Knowing how much I weigh, though it’s good to start with, wasn’t enough for me to get moving and actively exercising because, as I said in the intro to the #Thirsty30Body Blog Series, I never looked at myself to be “big.” My motivation sparked after hearing results from my doctor’s visit to my primary care provider. As preventive care, it’s important that I know everything inside of my body is copacetic because I have things to accomplish, goals to achieve, and a life to live with people that I love. So I like to get bloodwork and vitals taken annually. I do this to be aware of what’s happening in my body so that I can control what happens to and within me. 

I like to live by this saying: No one should know you more than you know yourself mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It just seems foolish to me to go an entire life doing what is told of you at all times. If you live your life questioning things, you learn new things about the world and yourself. I apply this to everything I do. It makes sense to do it while on this journey as well. So I say do more than weighing yourself on the scale. Really get to know your body past the numbers. Really get into the anatomy and understand what makes you feel good or bad.

  1. Set your Goals and tracking system for accountability.

After getting my measurements, vitals, and all that is needed to understand my body, I went into the “Taylor University” mode, which is when I spend time meditating with my journal. Healthy living is better than simply losing weight because I prefer to not hear the same disappointing results again the following year. So I use my journal to make goals writing out everything about my body in its current state, and I keep track as often as I want of my progress.

There are multiple other ways that helped with tracking that don’t necessarily require you to drag around a notebook, like joining and participating in fitness groups and clubs online where people can help encourage you, taking and saving pictures whenever weight loss milestones are met, or simply regularly recording your weight loss in a monthly calendar. All these activities helped hold me accountable and motivated me in some way to stick to #Thirsty30Body. 

  1. Be kind and patient with yourself and keep pushing through it.

This is probably the most important tip I could give because at the end of the day, you are responsible for holding yourself accountable for getting healthy. People forget how hard they can be on themselves when critiquing their own work in whatever they do. They can start off strong, then fall off so fast because they didn’t pace themselves to be realistic in their journey. After that, they give up. Be kind to yourself and don’t get lost in disappointment if you haven’t quite met your goal. Be patient and allow a realistic timeframe to meet those goals. But also know when to pick yourself up to get the work done to achieve what you’ve started.

Something my mother would say whenever we’d talk about going through hard times is “There’s Always Tomorrow.” She’d say this whenever we’d hear crazy things happen like mass shootings or awful dealings that ended in demise or turmoil. Though resulting in thinking like this might be a little extreme for pursuing losing weight, it works perfectly for me. It won’t hurt me if I haven’t met a goal to lose 2 lbs in one week. I can dust myself off for the following week, and I’m not saying that without revisiting “Taylor University” to make changes to finally meet that goal at some point. I just keep pushing through it. Eventually, I’ll lose those two pounds. So be kind to your mind and body, and also remain determined.

What are somethings that you do to help prepare to lose weight? Leave your answers in the comments below. Also, subscribe to get updates to your email for the next #Thirsty30Body post via subscription form below.

Juneteenth 2020 is something else

We’re living in the foreshadowing of what really happened during the time of our ancestors. For two years, Texan slaves didn’t know they were actually freed by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Today in 2020, we have the president of the United States taking credit for making the holiday famous in the midst of rescheduling his first 2020 presidential campaign in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Though there could be some truth to that statement for many Americans, Trump is not the reason why I know about Juneteenth and also many other people who are fortunate to be educated on the true history of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Did you know this artist was offered a job after sharing his 2019 Google Juneteenth Illustration?

Juneteeth 2020 was more proactive because of the current social climate of our country. Since the death of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police department on Memorial day, daily protest bringing attention to police brutality and excessive force has remarkably surged throughout the nation. People are making it their duty to protest in support of their stances against systemic racism and support or police reform. Every day there are new updates around the country changing legislation and proposed laws. It’s liberating to see.

But it was a first for me to see black people telling others how to celebrate Juneteenth. Entertainment site xoNecole shared a series of infographics encouraging how people could celebrate their Juneteenth. While I am a black woman, I have never had a tradition for this day. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that there are many black people who honor it.

I felt like I needed to do something to bring more awareness of my history, especially currently with what’s happening. Until June 19th, I’ve remained in my home social-distanced, and my only knowledge of what’s occurring in the outside world is met through the Internet. I needed to get out of my selfmade COVID-19 dungeon. So Juneteenth, I thought of doing something safe that could give me an escape and purpose. 

After George Floyd, my boyfriend and I talked about our feelings about our current social climate in America. Both of us expressed a desire for wanting to do more with our brands in support of the Black community. I don’t know what it was, at that moment we felt like we weren’t doing enough. It’s like a kick of activism sparks in your spirit when something you know that isn’t right eludes in fairness. So boom I had an idea. Taking pictures of BLM signs, morals, businesses in support of #BlackLivesMatter while driving around Baltimore could give us that oomph we were missing. We can still do this and remained social-distanced.

Defund the Police. Need I say more?

I don’t think it’s necessary. We haven’t kept quiet since Floyd. I think people are fed up and won’t keep quiet.

CtrlMyCamera takes the credit for all these photos. That’s why I want to bring attention to supporting this talented black artist.

It’s always fun to catch an artist at work. It’s even more fun when you can get a class from it. Haha. Akeel is the most skilled photographers that I personally know in Baltimore city. So if it came down to finding the perfect person to coach me during a photo walk, no doubt it would be Ctrlmycamera.

A nice night hanging by the fire with friends in our blackness 12 am on Juneteeth.

Akeel Shabazz is the owner of the photography brand CtrlMyCamera. CtrlMyCamera specializes in portrait, event, wedding, landscape, and nature photography. Check out more from Akeel found on his Instagram @ctrlmycamera.

When did you first hear about Juneteenth? Leave your comments below.

There’s a Catador in Town. Doc Hosts 1st Ever Tequila Tasting in Baltimore 

Wine and beer festivals and tastings scattered  all around this country. A person could probably find over 25+ festivals in the DMV alone. When it comes to heavier liquor and spirits tastings, one would need to pay for the excursion on an exclusive vacation to attend one that’s worth experiencing. It’d simply be a waste of time, money, and gas to go to any local liquor store for a tasting. I know this so I decided to throw a tasting many of my friends would enjoy in a safe and comfortable environment.

Few people know that they can find tastings at their local liquor stores. They tend to be lackluster events. A tasting hosted in the average neighborhood spirits store would usually host a 2 hour tasting of a bottle sold in their store. They invite customers to taste small swigs of drinks housed on the shelves of their store as they shop. So most times these tastings aren’t formal or advertise for the public to attend. This could be due to Maryland liquor laws that prohibit many businesses from serving based on the type and class of a business.

Three stores you can visit for weekly tastings in Baltimore, MD: 

  • HoneyGo Wine and Spirits located in Perry Hall, MD, has weekly tastings in their tasting room on Friday’s from 4pm to 7pm.
  • Quarry Wine and Spirits, located in Baltimore, MD, often hosts wine tastings in their liquor store on Fridays from 3pm to 6pm. 
  • Wine Loft in Pikesville, MD does tastings if their wine collections on Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm.
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These tastings are slim in their pickings of alcohol as they make the choice of beverage for you per the tasting. But if you are someone looking to buy a drink for later, such satisfaction is suitable in attending a tasting as such. But wouldn’t you want to really experience your drink? How will you know you really like it from just a sip? Why wait for later? Honestly the taste isn’t something great in any alcoholic drink, either. A spirits or wine tasting should let the drinker know what they’re getting themselves into.

That’s how it was for me at least. Wine tastings are best when you have them on cruise ships like how I’ve experienced when cruising to Mexico over the summer.

Doc and her dad in the Blue Agave fields in Mexico.

During my vacation cruising to Mexico, I did three tastings of my favorite drink, tequila. All the tastings educated its attendees about how tequilas are made, how many different types there are, and how to tell what brands are authentic tequila brands. I visited a field of Blue Agave Cactuses with my family and enjoyed exploring tequilas distilled into many different delicious flavors such as mango, coffee, and cream.

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This experience was so fun to have I wondered if there were any tasting for Tequila in Maryland. It wasn’t a surprise to find the kind of tasting I would come across is the usual Wine and Spirit Store sample tasting. Really, where are the tequila tastings?! Not in Baltimore. The closest someone might find a tequila tasting is in a restaurant in Washington, DC. 

So I threw my own tequila tasting during the holidays and I had a blast!

I spent hours and days prepping to grant my friends and family an experience worth sharing with others. I wanted this tasting to be talked about for weeks, or maybe even months. I wanted people to experience something they’ve never done before. So I studied, studied, and studied long to really educate my guests on what they’d be consuming. I became Catadora, someone who specializes in tasting tequila, for the night pairing my holiday chocolates with a kick of tequila. Bien de salud (in sound health, of course.)

Simply having people taste tiny sips of tequila wasn’t enough. I needed to know that my guests were gaining knowledge from me lecturing them about my favorite drink. So I threw a pop-quiz using a spinning wheel that ultimately turned my tasting into the most exciting Tequila trivia game known to man.

The night was so lit, I slightly beat myself for not preparing to have people in my house until 4 am. But no worries, I enjoyed the company and knowing everyone was safe. They had fun learning about Tequila and I loved being the teacher. I’ll definitely throw more tastings in the future.

What’s your favorite drink? Have you gone to a wine or spirits tasting for your favorite beverage? Share your experience in the comments below.