Night at the Museum – Disco SpeakEASY

Night at the Museum – Disco SpeakEASY

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Art, Culture & Entertainment, Music

I’m calling these episodes #AdventuresInTwirlingWithFee because, let me tell you, Fee Baldwin Walker is an EXPERT TWIRLER! She was so good that she made it all the way up to the stage at last night’s disco-themed speakeasy held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. And that wasn’t all—I got to party with my soror, Brunch Bunch compadre, and all-around woman-about-town, Michelle Robertson. It was truly a night to remember.

Now, I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but the night exceeded any and all expectations! The energy in the room was electric. We kicked off the evening with a dynamic panel discussion that dove deep into the impact of disco culture, especially the contributions of the legendary Sylvester, whose influence not only shaped the genre but left a lasting mark on the #LGBTQIA community and the world at large. It was so eye-opening to learn about the ways Sylvester used his voice and platform to challenge norms and push for inclusion and acceptance.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were graced with a performance by the legendary Roz White—I’ve always loved her, and she did not disappoint. Her performance had everyone out of their seats, living and breathing the spirit of disco. She brought such a soulful and joyful energy to the stage that you could feel it reverberate throughout the room. Roz knows how to bring down the house!

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But hold up wait a minute…y’all thought I was finished! There was an amazing line dance tutorial for “The Hustle,” which got everyone grooving. Let me tell you, dancing with a group of people who were all in sync and vibing was pure magic. It’s one thing to dance solo, but another entirely to join in a collective groove like that. We twirled, laughed, and got down on the dance floor until the museum kicked us out.

The event wasn’t just about the music and dancing. It was about celebrating culture, resilience, and community—all things that Sylvester and the disco movement stood for. Disco wasn’t just a genre; moment of defiance; a time to authentically express oneself unapologetically, and to build communities, especially for those often marginalized.

To top off this unforgettable night, I hit a personal milestone that I couldn’t be prouder of—yesterday marked 365 days since I started my fitness journey after being released from the hospital. A whole year of dedication, hard work, and self-love! It felt incredibly fitting to be dancing the night away, celebrating my body and all it has overcome, while also honoring Sylvester, a person who embraced life and celebrated self-expression to the fullest.

As I twirled (with Fee, of course), I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This night wasn’t just about disco and dancing; it was about honoring the journey, both mine and Sylvester’s, and realizing that no matter where we start, we have the power to shine, to heal, and to thrive.

So here’s to more nights like these, to more twirling adventures with Fee, and to celebrating life in all its beautiful, disco-infused glory.

10/10 Portal

10/10 Portal

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Numerology, Turquoise School of Magick & Conjure

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Which means we are in the 10/10 Energy Portal! The 10/10 portal refers to a spiritual and energetic gateway that is believed to open on October 10th each year, based on numerology and astrological principles. It is an invitation to tap into this powerful energy, reset, and step fully into the next level of our journey.

The universe is creating space for us to elevate to our highest selves. When we pay attention, we can feel the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) shifts around us—but are you tuned in to receive it?

Here are 3 tips on how to make the most of this transformative energy:

Set Intentions for New Beginnings – Use the energy of 1 (new beginnings) and 0 (infinite possibilities) to set clear intentions for the next chapter of your life. Take time to write down what you want to manifest and visualize it with full belief.

Release What No Longer Serves You – As we step into new opportunities, we need to leave behind anything holding us back. Whether it’s limiting beliefs, toxic habits, or relationships, today is a great day for release rituals. Let go so you can make space for your blessings!

Align with Your Higher Self – Connect with your inner guidance through meditation, journaling, or simply quiet reflection. Ask yourself: What would the highest version of me do in this situation? How can I take one step closer to living in alignment with that version of myself?

Remember, the universe is constantly inviting us to evolve and step into our divine purpose. Take a deep breath, tune in, and use today’s 10/10 portal to elevate.

#October10 #1010Portal #ElevateYourself #ManifestNewBeginnings

National Curves Day 2024

National Curves Day 2024

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Body Positivity, Curves

Today is #NationalCurvesDay!

National Curves Day was established in 2016 as a global nonprofit, coed social organization representing inner serenity, confidence, and love for oneself and others. Originally created to inspire plus-size women to embrace their bodies and build self-confidence, it has since expanded to include men as well.

#Storytime

Here’s my journey to LOVING MY CURVES and becoming #bodypositive:

I may not have a “coke bottle” figure, but I’ve always had curves. I’ve also always loved fashion, but growing up, I HATED the clothing options available… until I met the Henderson Sisters in high school—Tamarra and Yolanda.

As a child, I was never the girl who got chosen, and I was definitely called “the fat girl” more than once. But in high school at Suitland, I saw girls like me who were always stylish—especially Tamarra and Yolanda Henderson. My mission? Find out where they shopped (because I hated everything I saw in stores)! Tamarra and Yolanda weren’t just stylish; their hair was always flawless, they were gorgeous, and they were PLUS-SIZE (I needed their intel). In the ’90s, they would’ve been considered #FlyGirls.

They shared their secret: they shopped at Marianne Plus (I would later work there). I immediately told my mother, and we had to shop there too. From that point, my fashion sense improved, but it wasn’t until I left high school and entered the workforce that I could really explore my personal style and learn how to dress my body. What started as a superficial journey became something much deeper, as I began to embrace the woman inside.

Working through self-image often involves a lot of back and forth, push and pull. Growing up, there weren’t many people who looked like me or were shaped like me. It was refreshing to see women like – Vesta (before her weight loss, rest in peace), Oprah, Queen Latifah, and Mo’Nique. Through my journey of self-discovery, I learned to love myself as I am. I realized I’m a large woman with a large presence, and I’m beautiful just the way I am. It’s important for me not to shrink myself or compress who I am to fit someone else’s image, as I once did when I was less sure of myself. I won’t pretend that I don’t have low moments, but now I have the tools to lift myself back up.

Today, I honor that young girl, “Tynisha,” who was so unsure of herself. And I celebrate the woman I am now, “Madame Turquoise,” for all that I am and how I choose to show up in the world—the colorful peacock that I am!

This post is for all of those girls on their journey and the women who have seen their way to the other side of the journey.

National Bathtub Day 2024

National Bathtub Day 2024

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Aromatherapy, Healing, Turquoise School of Magick & Conjure

Today is #NationalBathtubDay, and since it’s also #HoodooHeritageMonth, why not take a spiritual bath?

A spiritual bath is a ritual cleansing practice that uses water, herbs, oils, and other sacred elements to clear your body and spirit of negative energy, blockages, or impurities. If you’re an experienced herbalist or Hoodooist (I like to call these folks “Kitchen Witches”), you can create your own bath. However, I highly recommend a bath from #DrKelleyPageJibrell—she makes incredibly powerful baths for various purposes.

If you don’t have a Kitchen Witch in your life, here’s a simple recipe to try:

s you prepare your bath, ground yourself by clearing your energy space and playing some inspiring music. Set your intention for the bath. Keep in mind that a spiritual bath may not always be glamorous, but it’s deeply effective.

Here’s a basic recipe to start:

  • Epsom salt
  • Baking soda
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Citrus slices
  • A sprig of rosemary

This combination works well for general clearing. You can also add milk and rose petals if you feel called to do so.

Let me know how it turns out!

Hoodoo Heritage Month 2024

Hoodoo Heritage Month 2024

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Hoodoo, Turquoise School of Magick & Conjure

Calling all my Hoodooists to the floor!

October is #HoodooHeritageMonth, a time to honor the rich and powerful legacy of Hoodoo that so many of us carry in our everyday lives—often without even realizing it. Our grannies, aunties, and elders passed down this sacred knowledge wrapped in the everyday, whether it’s a whisper of a prayer, a sprinkle of salt at the door, or the herbs they insisted on keeping in the kitchen “for colds” and “protection.” Hoodoo is woven into our stories, family traditions, and the culture itself. It’s time we recognize this heritage as a spiritual gift, not something to shy away from or fear.

PBS recently aired a show called Ritual, where one of the episodes dives into Hoodoo’s roots and practices. It’s an eye-opener, especially for those unfamiliar with the traditions but who still practice elements of it, knowingly or unknowingly. From sweeping out bad energy to candle rituals for guidance and protection, Ritual brings light to Hoodoo’s beauty and depth. It reminds us that these everyday actions hold spiritual meaning and power, passed down through generations of resilience, wisdom, and love. This is why it’s so essential to reclaim these practices as our own, free from misconceptions. Hoodoo isn’t demonic; it’s a powerful, healing tradition rooted in African spiritual practices adapted for survival.

PBS recently aired a show called Ritual, where one of the episodes dives into Hoodoo’s roots and practices. It’s an eye-opener, especially for those unfamiliar with the traditions but who still practice elements of it, knowingly or unknowingly. From sweeping out bad energy to candle rituals for guidance and protection, Ritual brings light to Hoodoo’s beauty and depth. It reminds us that these everyday actions hold spiritual meaning and power, passed down through generations of resilience, wisdom, and love. This is why it’s so essential to reclaim these practices as our own, free from misconceptions. Hoodoo isn’t demonic; it’s a powerful, healing tradition rooted in African spiritual practices adapted for survival.

To celebrate Hoodoo Heritage Month, take a moment to try some of the prompts on the graphic from AfroMystic. Each prompt encourages a practice, reflection, or ritual tied to Hoodoo, helping you connect to its spirit and bring more awareness to your everyday life. Whether it’s setting an intention, cooking with purpose, or a little cleansing ritual, these prompts are there to help us embody Hoodoo as a living practice.

This Hoodoo Heritage Month, let’s come together, amplify the message, and restore order to the culture by honoring the legacy our ancestors fought so hard to protect. Hoodoo is a birthright, a cultural heritage, and a spiritual blessing—and it lives within each of us.