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Archive for July 2015

Sick & Tired of Feeling Sick & Tired: My Thoughts on Sandra Bland


I know the Sandra Bland story broke over a week ago, but I'm still going to talk about it today because although I still don't have the words to describe how I'm feeling, I know I may never have them. I apologize in advance if this isn't as comprehensive as my other posts, but like I said, I'm putting out thoughts I need to say, but that I in no way understand.

With all the random shootings and senseless deaths from police brutality, I've started trying to maintain a safe distance from these incidents that seem to be happening nearly every day. It's something like PTSD, trying to protect my fragile mental by breaking emotional ties. So I'll admit, though I knew about Sandra Bland, I didn't look into the details of the case until around last Tuesday when the police officer's dashboard video was released.

Let me just say, was she rude when speaking with the officer? Yes. But I can't help but think about a similar incident I had when an officer was tailgating me as we were both trying to get around a patch of traffic driving so slow and erratic, it could have caused an accident. As soon as we got around these cars, he pulled me over. I hadn't been speeding and I'd used my turn signal with every lane change. When he walked up to the car, I was naturally irritated because not only had I done everything legally, he had been right behind me making the same moves.  I really had to check my attitude at the door and I'm glad I did because as we now see, apparently being irritated and a bit rude is now punishable by death.

And for those that believe the report of the authorities, that Bland killed herself, I challenge you to look into this young lady's life. Check out some of the video blogging she did.  The media is trying to put a spin on it that she may have suffered from mild depression, but really who doesn't? Especially this day in age when we're constantly bombarded with bad news. And as her videos show, she was very in tune with current events. This was a person who had a passion for what's right and good, a passion for improving the lives of those around her. Sandra Bland would not have snuffed her light out over the very injustice she was fighting against. 

And since we're being completely honesty, she may not have reacted to the police officer the way she had if hadn't been up in arms about America having declared it open killing season against brown people.  If you're going to be upset that she was irritated with the officer, take it a step further and be upset that there's a reason for brown people to be untrusting and irritated with law enforcement.  Don't be upset at the Black Lives Matter campaign, take it a step further and be upset that race-motivated killings have made a need for the movement.

I guess that's all for now. I have to get ready to drive home, wish me luck.

~With ♥ from Halima

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Checking In


Life is truly funny. A couple of years ago, I revived this blog because I was in a life-defining moment and needed a space to sort through my thoughts. Recently, I've entered another one of those moments - just really needing some change in my life and embracing the fact that the only way I can bring that about is by making bigger, more directed strides toward my goals.  And even though I'm still working through my thoughts through endless writing, this time around I'm being selfish and only writing for myself.  I'm working on a piece that's different from anything I've every written because not only is it very personal, but I'm also tying it into a well-known, spiritual concept. I'm not sure what I plan to do with it once it's finished, so I don't want to spill anymore beans; just wanted to let you all know why I haven't been around. 

Anyway, beyond writing, I've also  been in my creative space in other ways.  I finished my skirt just in time to start refreshing my fall, work wardrobe!

Here are the steps it took me to get there:

Preparing the lining's hem. Using the gauge to make sure the lining is folded an inch and a half all the way around. Got to make sure it's not hanging beyond the hem of the skirt!

Preparing the skirt's hem. This time, I used the gauge to make sure the skirt's hem is folded at 5/8ths of an inch. It came in right under the skirt's lining.

Sewing the skirt's hem at 3/8ths of an inch.
 
Preparing the hook and eye closure for the waistband right above the zipper.
All finished! 

And just because it's been such a long time since I started this project, here's the YouTube link to the first of four Mimi G lessons that got me through reading the pattern for this skirt. You should be able to find the rest of the videos using YouTube's sidebar.  And, I'm sure a fabric store would have the physical pattern, but I didn't want to risk the not having it, so I ordered mine on Amazon.


Also, I finally made it to one of those sip and paint classes that are so popular in the DC area (I took mine via a Groupon at Visarts Studio - beautiful facility btw).  Here's the end result. 


At first I was determined to find a dark closet to hang it, but it kind of grew on me, so I hung it right outside of my up and coming craft room. It's okay to not be perfect if it's leading the way into a creative space, amiright?

Well, I know that was a lot, so until next time,

~ With ♥ from Halima

www.facebook.com/hklivity   www.instagram.com/midnytebloom   twitter.com/midnytebloom






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