The Divine Butterfly!

2002-12-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are FINALLY updating!!!!

2002-09-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

I AM ALIVE . I AM ALIVE . I AM DIVINE JUST LIKE A BUTTERFLY!

Our regular format has been interrupted so that we may dedicate this issue to
HIS, HERS, & OUR HAIRSTORIES

Well, since we left you last, we had a baaaangin show at the Mocha Lounge, Bernards was ooh OUCH..HOT for the last time (literally) and we started a most interesting debate on black hair issues We'd like to thank Lady Speech for hookin' us up at the Mocha Lounge as well as everyone else that was in attendance. The energy from the crowd was dope! For those of you whom we've never met, we'll be out at Café Nuba the last Friday in September so stop on by as we premier our fall accessories, scullys, scarves, etc)!

When I started working on this newsletter, I also started planning for the one to come after this issue. I was curious where people stood on the whole "black hair" issue --a debate that's been around for years. So I came up with a survey and ramdomly selected about twenty people to respond and give their thoughts on hair. The responses were interesting….and I felt they couldn't wait another month, they needed to come out now!! Some of the questions asked were: Were they natural heads? Were they relaxed heads? Would they ever rock their natural hair? Did they prefer to keep relaxed hair? Would they or wouldn't they ever date anyone with natural hair? Or vice versa I wanted to know. We thank you all for responding-- unfortunately we couldn't publish everyones comments but here are few. We realize this newsletter is much shorter than usual, but bare with us and READ ON...your Editor-in-Peace Holly.Kai:

GINNI LOGAN

I am a "natural head": SURE AM
I would never go natural because:I UNDERSTAND THAT I'M NATURALLY
BEAUTIFUL AND WOULD LIKE THE WORLD TO HAVE THAT SAME UNDERSTANDING
I would never date a "natural head" because: I ONLY DATE NATURAL MEN
I would date a natural head AND even run my fingers their hair! : NOT ONLY
IS IT BEAUTIFUL IT'S INDEPENDANT, FREE (AS IN MENTALLY), AND STRIKING (HOW DARE YOU BE NATURAL AND LOOK GOOD DOING IT)
I choose to continue to stick with relaxers because: NOT ME, BUT I USED
TO BECAUSE IT WAS EASIER, IT WASN'T NECESSARILY A QUESTION OF IF I LOVED MYSELF OR NOT.
I don't really see what all the hype's about! THE HYPE IS THAT BLACK
WOMEN FOR SO LONG HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEIR NATURAL FEATURES WERE NOT ATTRACTIVE AND THAT'S NOT TRUE. THE HYPE IS THAT SOME BLACK WOMEN TOOK THAT TYPE OF OPPRESSION AND INTERNALIZED IT, AND NOW THINK THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN BE BEAUTIFUL IS BY RELAXING THEIR HAIR. THE HYPE IS THAT WE ARE FINALLY ALLOWED TO LOVE THE WAY WE LOOK IN ALL OF OUR WAYS WITH LESS PUBLIC CRITICIZM. THE HYPE IS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT GOES INTO BEING A NATURAL HEAD I.E. 'PEOPLE WITH LOCKS DON'T EVER WASH THEIR HAIR, WOMEN WHO WHERE AFRO'S ARE TOO LAZY TO DO ANY THING ELSE, AND IT'S ALL REPRESENTATIVE OF HOW LITTLE EFFORT THOSE TYPE OF WOMEN WANT TO INVEST IN THEIR OUTSIDE
APPERANCE.'

Ashara Ekundayo

"i will ONLY be with a natural head because it is a statement of self acceptance and love, and also in the belief that we are designed the "way we were meant to be." also, i need to surround myself with like-minded people, so the concept of being or feeling like a "natural woman or a natural man" regardless of race, is more than theory, it must be put into action or your words don't match your reality. its all my personal opinion, but, you asked.

Maurice Ka

"Senior Year of High School I let it go, washed the crop one day threw in some leave in conditioner, got my twist on, threw out every comb and brush I owned and never looked back. After Senior Year went to New Mexico and Old Mexico to visit the Granny on a little roots tip-identity crisis type of shit and when i got back to D.C. (Denver Colorado) I was already initiated (locks). With all the money and time and the obsession we (black people, particularly African Americans) spend around the crop i like to just let it go and focus that energy elsewhere. Although, I am aware that since i am a male and don't know the reality of all the gender and sexist pressure, forces, and oppression my hair statement doesn't carry the same weight as if i were a woman, I think overall with this being America and now a days you can't always look to the physical representations of an individual to determine the strength or resiliance of their character so i'm not on some Spike Lee School Daze/Blacker than thou type of bullsh*t since the topical representation is like Lauryn says is just another form of "deception.". No longer do i love the lie or the lye no matter which way it goes.

It's not processed heads i'm worried about or tryin' to run from, or is the real battle in life, it's the processed minds i'm worried/ concerned for."

Carlos Lockhart:

"I would love to date a sister with a natural. That's what I prefer. I love nothing more than seeing my sisters with their naturals, intelligence, with knowledge of self. In this world that we live in it takes great strength and courage to wear your hair in it's natural state b/c all of our lives we've been taught that our hair is ugly."

Terri Brinkly

"I, myself am a "natural head" and have been for the last 7-8 years. I originally opted for the natural look/style because it was easier to maintain. As a young college student on a limited budget, it cost less to keep a "natural do" than to keep making appointments for touch-ups nah mean? Over the last few years however, the choice to remain natural has been due to a rejuvenated sense of self and really
getting back to our roots.
I have dated spirits who sported everything from locks to low-cut fades, but my preference is for those who are "natural heads." The texture of natural hair is more pleasing to me than to be running my hands through someone's head and end up with a hand full of greasy fingertips!"

Traci Bartlow:

I've worn my hair natural for several years. I love the feeling of natural hair and, yes I love to run my fingers thru it. I love the science of black hair. from nappy natural, locks to bone straight. I love the diversity.

Sewra Kidane

I'VE BEEN A NATTY HEAD SINCE BIRTH. NEVER HAD A PERM I'VE HAD MY HAIR PRESSED LESS THAN 3 TIMES IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. BUT WHEN I LONG FOR THE "DARK N' LOVELY" LOOK, I GO TO THE DOMINICANS AND GET A BLOW OUT.

THE ONLY WAY I WOULD NOT DATE A FELLOW NATTY HEAD IS IF HE TOOK AS LONG TO DO HIS HAIR AS I DID. MAMAACITA DON'T PLAY THAT! IF YOU ARE MY MAN YOU CAN NOT HAVE AS MANY HAIR CARE PRODUCTS AS I HAVE. OK!

YO! GIVE ME A FINE ASS MAN WITH LOCKS AND I AM IN THERE! I'M EVEN DOWN TO GIVE HOMIE A HOT OIL AND SCALP MASSAGE. MY HANDS WOULD BE UP IN THE
CROWN ON THE REGUALR!!

I THINK HAVING NATURAL HAIR IS JUST VERY VERSATILE. I CAN DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS! MY CORNROWS LOOK THICK, MY CURLY FRO IS FUNKY, MY TWISTS GIVE ME THIS WHOLE OTHER TYPA LOOK. AND MY AFRO PUFF IS JUST THE BOMB!! A LOT OF MY FRIENDS HAVE EVEN GONE NATURAL AND DEEP DOWN I THINK I WAS A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE DECISION.

WWW.SITES 2 SEEEE...

www.WeFunkRadio.com
www.divinecipher.com
www.afrolatin.com
www.yeslioness.comfunky artwork
www.waistbeads.com Jewelry
www.swagga.comculture culture culture
www.everythingblack.com
www.blackflix.com..what is says, BLACK - FLIX! (or FLICKS for some of you)

Lookin for the Denver NIGHT LIFE???? CLICK ON 'BACK ISSUES' (far left column)

In the meantime, don't miss the only showing in D.C. (Den.co) of ONE WEEK the film @the Acoma Center, Wednesday September 18th. For dates and times check out Panafricanarts.org. You need to be there...for real!!!! I'm not even gonna tell ya'll about it cause.....you just have to SEE it for yourself. It's deeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!! FOR REAL...you 'gon come? I proooomise, you won't regret it..and you wont see it anywhere else.

If anyone has any other things to post..concerts, shows, etc. E.mail them to me, I'll put 'em up herre - ..in the meantime, here's your business guide of young entreprenuers in the D.C. errea, a couble of DBfashion show pics --then we out!

------------------------------------------

ENTERPRISING BUTTERFLIES The business guide

---------------------------------------

Ashara Ekundayo BluBlak UltraMedia llc as an Urban Marketing Director "I can tell you how to be down!" 303-298-1544 x1 www.blublak.com or www,panafricanarts.org

DESIGNS BY FATIwww.designsbyfati.com Personalized stationary, graphic design, and web site design: Michelle Nambe 303.576.8644
Greg Allen . ALLEN MAINTENANCE & MORE 720.296.9457 . e.mail:Allenmaint@yahoo.com

The Future Jazz Project Dameion Hines

Hessini Roots CateringIfiok Etuk "The Burrito Man" Specializing in Nigerian food 720.435.9760 Fax. 720.859.7330

Holly-Kai HurdThe Holly-Kai Hurd Collection Custom made designs, crocheted, knitted and stylist services. Edible Arts (Wedding Cakes).Funktional Art. and more. 303.371.6535

Kendras Closests Your organization specialist. 720.532.1238

Lea Chapman Dancer.actress.303.399.5515 hm 303.667.4267(cell).

Deanna Lowman Photographer. All occasions . 303.755.2210(hm) 303.393.8813. VM

Joshua Mays Visual Artist . 303.831.1178

Donna Sheperd . Photographer . "High Definition Landscapes" www.donnashepherd.homestead.com720.535.9970 or 303.941.1257
Jessica Smith . 'Crimson Designs' . Custom quilting for all occasions . 303.750.8047

Soundbwoy Music Ph: 206.769.8836 Email: soundbwoy@attbi.com

Digital Press Kits - Commercials - Short Films - CD/DVD Duplication -Music Production and much more! Very competitive pricing!

thirdworldthredz Fatimeh : Specialty crocheted and knitted designs and Artisan for all occasions. 720.982.8333 E.mail: thirdworldthredz@hotmail.com

Waistbeads by Sewra Sewra Kidane Handcrafted waistbeads for women and men! 212.795.1651

Shawn White Graphic Designer / DJ Services . PH. 720.941.8281
T h e P H O T O A L B U M

We wish you peace & until next time....stay fly!

Your sisters in "BUTTERFLY-ISM"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The DivineButterfly on line welcomes all announcements, suggestions,articles, websites, inquiries and info. We respect all people and points of view,religions, colors, creeds and consider ourselves an open minded publication. So please don't hesitate to contribute:

Holly-Kai & Fatimeh

The DivineButterfly Project

Wanna tell us what you think? Just wanna ask..."What the hell is the Divinebutterfly?" E.Mail: thedivinebutterfly@hotmail.com

2002-08-20T19:56:00.000-07:00
newsletter being posted. to be notified upon completion e.mail thedivinebutterfly@hotmail.com and give us your e.mail address. Thanks,
Thedivinebutterflies: Holly Kai & Fatimeh

2002-06-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

When I think about the stages, 1-2-3-
And how the life of a butterfly is relevant to me
I think:
I am breathing,
I AM ALIVE!
I am growing
I AM ALIVE!
I am transforming
I THINK I CAN FLY!
I realize,
I AM DIVINE just like a BUTTERFLY!
-Holly.Kai

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome!!! To the DivineButterfly News JULY issue VOL.III
...where it's so divine to be fly!

CONTENTS
1-What's new with The Divine Butterfly????
2-Goings on in D.C. (that's.... Denver.Colorado)
3-4 ye.who.SeekKnowledge
4-Fly.2.tha.light
5-www.Sites to seeee
6-Butterflies Business Guide
7-...Some things for next month
PHOTO: @ The DivineButterfly Fashion Mini Show@Cafe Nuba

1. WHAT'S NEW WITH THE DIVINEBUTTERFLY? Well... okay...we've been layin' pretty low for the most part. However we'd like to give special thanks to everyone that helped make our fashion show at last months Cafe Nuba a success: Ashara Eukundayo and all the divinebutterfly models.
Unlike the past months, this month we have no special item, color or style to feature for you, however, we extend one major challenge to our readers. The Divinebutterflies challenge you to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!That's right ladies, fellas...do you ever feel like, "I'd reaaally like to wear (fill in the blank) but my friends would talk sooo bad about me!" or "I just don't know if I could pull that off confidently"? well guess what? It's time to be done with that mindset! Throw it out the window and please YOUR-SELF! Dress how YOU wanna dress and for once be DARING with your fashion and be the trendsetter! ...Ever notice how someone can wear the wackest style but if they wear it confidently like it's cool then everyone else thinks it's cool too? What do you have to lose! Go on fashion-istas....go forth, be bold, be daring, be your authentic self (for more info on your authentic self, see "fly 2tha light"below), we have faith in you! ...and just be bold enough to handle what we come up with for fall! **the divinebutterfly is operating by appointment only. If you'd like to schedule time to swing through and peep the wears please call Fatimeh@720.982.8333* The DivineButterflys will be @ THE MOCHA LOUNGE WED July 31st!

2. GOINGS ON IN D.C.(...that's Denver.CO)

Brother Jeffs Cultural Center and Cafe is open again for lunch Monday through Friday! Catfish, whiting, chicken, shrimp, fries and bean pies! Brother Jeffs is located at 2836 Welton St. For more info call 303.297.0823. Don't forget about Saturday night open mics...and it's free!

The Denver Pan African Film Festival hosts Fundraising screening and discussion of film:"Fidel"(2001) dir. Estela Bravo [spanish and english]"The Castro-led Revolution has survived the post-Soviet period and the tightening of the US embargo/blockade. When Fidel was 32, he overthrew a dictator through armed struggle...." Wednesday, July 10 at 7pm. Acoma Center, 1080 Acoma St. (downtown). Tix $10 in advance and $15 At the Door, On Sale June 14 at Hue-Man Experience Bookstore, 911 Park Ave West (btw Curtis & Champa) for other info call 303-298-1544 or go to www.panafricanarts.org(Last Chance to see this film in Denver!!)

The Sports Field Roxxx!
Wednesday, July 17th support and give local love to
Ground Zero Movement,O2P and QBurse as they perform at sports field located at Colfax and Wabash in Aurora, doors open @ 9pm.

The Usuals: Tuesday nights: "So What"@ Rock Island . Live Jazz @the Kasbah . Wednesday nights: Mocha Lounge. Thursday nights Live Jazz@Blue 67 . Friday nights: happy hour at Bernards . Menage a Trois & Pierres, Saturday nights: Club Mixx? If you've got more, let us know...we can't be everywhere!!!
---------------------------
WANTED
The Divinebutterfly needs volunteers for our fall fashion show blowout. Marketing, PR, graphic designers, artists, and administrative assistance to help organize so that we may continue to create, create, create! For more info e.mail thedivinebutterfly@hotmail.com ..NO JUNK OR FWDS PLZ.
--------------------------
SOME NEW FAVORITE THINGS...:
Karaoke at Pierres!....if you're gonna do Karaoke at all, do it right at Pierres! Trust me....it doesn't get anymore entertaining than this!!!!!
Blogger.com Start your own on line journal for the world to see (or not)! It's the internets answer to reality T.V....remember, that's "BLOG"
Cocoablogz! The blog directory for people of color! ..it gets pretty interesting ya'll.

..But for real.....

4 YE WHO SEEK KNOWLEDGE: "What's an Orisha?" by Maurice Ka
A few months ago i would have "lost my head if it wasn't connected to my shoulders"as my grandmother would say. I was losing almost everything that crossed my path: my cell phone, 30 dollars (which i did not have to lose) my I.D (right after i turned the 21!), my A.T.M. card, you get the idea.. Like anybody i freaked out, wondering what was up with my rhythm. I was wondering what the universe/the Orishas were trying to teach me. Why was I being punished and constantly confused? After focusing on my questions and trying to add more balance to my life (reguar sleep, eating better, coping with my work and school schedule) I learned about Elegba. Elegba is an Orisha (diety)of the Yoruba People of West Africa who is known mostly as his manisfestion as the eternal trickster. He is responsible for communication between men / womyn and the other Orishas (universal energies manisfested in nature and personified as deity-like anthromorphic ancestors). As the trickster he will "trip you up" so to speak, to test your strength and character, close and open doors on your path of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in this life. Though it is ultimately your responsibility to find the open doors in life, Elegba, as the owner of the eternal crossroads, (where all paths in the physical and spiritual world intersect) will lead you to or from your spirit guides and path. In believing that even the negative situations in my life produce positive results if i concentrate on the lesson since every situation is my life is here to teach me something, the presence of elegba came at a critical time in my life when i was so dis-organized and spiritually weak that worse things could have happened to me than to misplace a few material posessions.
Elegba
color: traditionally red and black
day of the week: traditionally Monday
number: traditionally 3 & 21
other names/ manifestations: Exu (esu, eshu), Elegbara
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

FLY 2THA LIGHT: "Truth Hurts?" By Heather Larabee
When I sit down and think about all the positive things that can be said for telling the truth in this world, my mind draws a blank. Mostly phrases like, "a little white lie never hurt nobody,or the truth hurts,and honesty is not always the best policy, echo in my brain.
I can picture watching adults in my life bend the truth to escape some potential negative consequence. Putting my own twist on these variations of deception as I got older, I watched myself cut corners in my communications with others instead of admitting that I left my house late because I was procrastinating, I blamed my tardy arrival on bad traffic.
I have come to see that when I am dishonest with others, I am choosing not to tell the truth because I am afraid of rejection, anger, disapproval, judgement, or retaliation from others. My dishonesty and deception require I manipulate people by withholding information, misrepresenting fact, or telling bold lies altogether. These behaviors reveal my need to control a situation or individual and damage my self esteem and character development.
I have found that when I have the courage to be honest, even when I don't want to be, I open myself up to being able to experience true intimacy with another person. This can be a loved one or a stranger, the bottom line is that I am bringing my highest self to the equation and no matter what the result is detail-wise, things always work out for the best. It is scary to try out this new behavior, to tell the truth when I think it will make things worse, or cause me to lose something I want, but today I recognize that I am matched with divine support for each ounce of integrity I'm willing to put into the mix.
The one positive maxim I can recall about the benefits of honesty sums it all up to me here: The truth shall set you free. My life force and thoughts can live in the present moment when I tell the truth, because Iím not keeping tired stories and webs alive in my efforts to control others, and my relationships are free to exist in their most natural and empowered states. For more info on truth check out the article "True Confessions" in the June issue of "O".
. . . . . . . . . . . .

WWW.SITES 2 SEEEE...
www.WeFunkRadio.com
www.divinecipher.com
www.afrolatin.com
www.stayfly.com
www.yeslioness.com the funky artwork of Marjorie Borgella
www.waistbeads.com our own jeweler, Sewra Kidane
------------------------------------------
ENTERPRISING BUTTERFLIES The business guide
---------------------------------------

AFRI-PAK Deanna Lowman 303.393.8813
ASHARA S. EKUNDAYO BluBlak UltraMedia llc as an Urban Marketing Director "I can tell you how to be down!" 303-298-1544 x1 www.blublak.com or www,panafricanarts.org
DESIGNS BY FATI Personalized stationary, graphic design, and web site design: Michelle Nambe 303.576.8644
The Future Jazz Project Dameion Hines
Hessini Roots CateringIfiok Etuk "The Burrito Man" Specializing in Nigerian food 720.435.9760 Fax. 720.859.7330
Holly-Kai HurdThe Holly-Kai Hurd Collection Custom made designs, crocheted, knitted and stylist services. Edible Arts (Wedding Cakes).Funktional Art. and more. 303.371.6535
Kendras Closests Your organization specialist. 720.532.1238
Lea Chapman Dancer.actress.303.399.5515 hm 303.667.4267(cell).
Deanna Lowman Photographer. All occasions . 303.755.2210(hm) 303.393.8813. VM
Joshua Mays Visual Artist . 303.831.1178
Jessica Smith . 'Crimson Designs' . Custom quilting for all occasions . 303.750.8047
Soundbwoy Music Ph: 206.769.8836 Email: soundbwoy@attbi.com
Digital Press Kits - Commercials - Short Films - CD/DVD Duplication -Music Production and much more!
Very competitive pricing!
thirdworldthredz Fatimeh : Specialty crocheted and knitted designs and Artisan for all occasions. 720.982.8333 E.mail: thirdworldthredz@hotmail.com
Waistbeads by Sewra Sewra Kidane Handcrafted waistbeads for women and men! 212.795.1651
Shawn White Graphic Designer / DJ Services . PH. 720.941.8281

...NEXT MONTH LOOK FOR....The DB Photo Album (you may also send us pics), Meet O2P, Pick it up! Pick it up! Pick it up! returns(The Music Review), "i'm askin' YOU...what do I do?".....and DB Fashions of the month!

We wish you peace & until next time....stay fly!
Your sisters in "BUTTERFLY-ISM"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The DivineButterfly on line welcomes all announcements, suggestions,articles, websites, inquiries and info. We respect all people and points of view,religions, colors, creeds and consider ourselves an open minded publication. So please don't hesitate to contribute:
Holly-Kai & Fatimeh
The DivineButterfly Project
Wanna tell us what you think? Just wanna ask..."What the hell is the Divinebutterfly?" E.Mail: thedivinebutterfly@hotmail.com

Ÿ