Categories
Poetry Topic

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop-a poem

What started in 1973
arguably
a new era of sound
you might say lyrics abound
origins up for debate
words used to create
break dancing, beat boxing, pop lockin'
on any corner, people rockin'
was it the Bronx, Manhattan or Queens?
who had the biggest influence
does it really matter, I mean 
all are cities and cultures of affluence 

Two small words, hip hop 
its legacy lives on  
a culture rising from some of the greats 
Kurtis Blow and The Breaks 
Kool Herc rode around with those speakers 
Rock Dis Funky Joint, with Poor Righteous Teachers 

Sugar Hill Gang was a Rapper’s Delight 
don't forget Public Enemy Don’t Believe the Hype 
Boogie Down Productions, You Must Learn 
KRS One said it best 
Check the Rhime with A Tribe Called Quest 

Keeping it Strictly Business with EPMD 
Eric B & Rakim said Check Out My Melody 
How Many Mics does it take by the Fugees 
This Can’t Be Life said Beans, Scarface and Jay Z 
Lauryn Hill sings Selah 
while MC Lyte raps in Cha Cha Cha 

De La Soul said Stakes is High  
and Queen Latifah sings U.N.I T.Y.  
all I’m trying to say is it doesn’t matter 
if you are in a NY State of Mind like Nas   
or if you Stand Tall with Rapsody 
let’s not forget, Mobb Deep, RIP Prodigy  

Hip hop is here to stay 
it feels like it started just yesterday 
Tupac wrote an anthem Dear Mama 
and Notorious BIG was Big Poppa 
the music ain’t Slippin' spit DMX 
which artist do you think got next?

Thank you for stopping by to read. 💖

The poem, The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop and cover art by O’Nika

Categories
Poetry Topic

Where Is My Home?

Where Is My Home?

An Etheree

Psst
Hey you
Help, I'm lost
Where is my home
It is no longer
Bulldozed, trampled, gone
How can us fawns find safety
Where will we find food and shelter
Can we sleep in your backyard tonight
We have nowhere else to go, help us please

The poem, Where Is My Home? is written for WDYS prompt #312.

Image credit: Sir. Simo on Unsplash

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

The Notebook

The Notebook- a Triolet
A Triolet

The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life
From my head on to paper they land
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Laughter, grief, triumphs all stand
Emotions cut deep like a knife
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life

The original poem, The Notebook was written in response to the W3 prompt.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 💕

Categories
Info Topic

The 3 S’s- Safety, Support and Solidarity

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The theme for 2025 is With Survivors, Always. Survivors of domestic violence need safety, support and solidarity.

🙏🏼If you or someone you know is in an abusive partner situation, the resources below can help:

800-799-7233

https://www.thehotline.org

dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors

#WithSurvivors

🫂The idea is to show support by spreading awareness about this very serious problem. Get involved through volunteering and sharing information on social media platforms.

💜No one should have to live in fear or in violent situations. Survivors of DM may need spiritual, financial and emotional support. You may be able to help by simply providing a listening ear.

Categories
Poetry Topic

Fall into October

Acrostic

Open your eyes to see the month of October
Change in seasons drawing the year to an end
Turning leaves shades of Umber and shades of Jade
Often leaves overlooked for their uniqueness
Begin to take note of shapes, colors and sizes
Embrace the change, crisp cool air is here
Relax into the newness of nature's promises

Categories
Poetry Topic

Abstract As Can Be

Look 
in the 
picture frame
anything from
clown butterfly mask
imagine interpret
colors shapes media too
name it what you will, eyes leading
shaping the mind, altering it too
causing the face to smile in wonder, wow
excitement takes over, positive thoughts 
abound, flooding your mind with questions
complex linear abstract mute
watercolor oil finger
paint possibilities
what is this image
fun or scary
obtuse or
even
sad

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read the original poem, Abstract as Can Be. Published at Inspirebyonika.com. 💕

Artwork credit: W. Harris

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness

How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness

We all have the potential of greatness. Yes, even you. Some of us doubt ourselves and I understand at times when this can happen. It is the constant belief that we cannot achieve something that gets in the way. The negative self-talk and the constant questioning of our abilities.

I’ll give you an example. If you ever came up with an idea about a new product that you wanted to patent or an idea on a project that you wanted to start. The more you think about it, you start letting that doubt creep in. Saying things like, I can’t do this, I don’t have the capital. Or, I don’t know where to begin. Who am I kidding, this will never work because I don’t have the people skills, etc, etc.

The more days that pass the less you are excited about the idea. You started out all gung-ho but each day that this repeated cycle of negativity plays in your head, the idea is killed. Maybe it gets postponed to; someday. We all know that infamous someday.

In this video I will provide practical tips about ways we can begin breaking the cycle of self-limitations and start tapping into our greatness.

Thank you for stopping by! If you know someone who may benefit or enjoy the information, do not hesitate to share. You never know who might need to hear this message today.

As always, stay well and be blessed! 🙏💕

Categories
Diversity Info Topic

Part 2- Music and How We Listen

Part 2- Music and How We Listen

Welcome to part 2 of Music and How We Listen. In this video I will talk about vinyl records, CDs (compact discs) and streaming music. The way we listen to music in today’s world is mostly streaming. But streaming is not the same for the listener or the artists who are creating. The distribution is different and how quickly we can hear new music has changed.

Vinyl records are not as popular as they once were. The “older” generation can tell you that vinyl has a crisp, clear and better sound than some of the other forms like CDs and cassettes. Whatever is your preferred method of listening to music, it is interesting how times have changed.

CDs are still a popular way to hear music too. The discs are small, and you can still enjoy the artwork in the case of your favorite artists. You can also easily skip ahead or back for the songs that you really love and want to hear without having to play the entire CD.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate your support, as always! 💖🙏

Categories
Diversity Info Topic

Part 1- Music and How We Listen

Part 1- Music and How We Listen

The universal language which we know as music has changed over the decades. Who remembers 8 tracks??? We also had cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs and now the new age of streaming.

In Part 1, Music and How we Listen I will delve a little into the way we listened to music back in the days of 8 tracks and cassette tapes. Also, how to fix that cassette when it either pops or gets tangled.

In addition to the sound of music, I also enjoyed the artwork that came in the package. The case of the cassettes, and CDs. Also, album covers. You get to really see the visual creativity along with hearing the way the artist creates with their lyrics and sounds.

Music and How We Listen will continue in Part 2. The next part is more about vinyl records, CDs and streaming music.

As always, thank you for stopping by! 💕🙏

Categories
Topic

What would you change in the world?

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

-Government/politics
-Homelessness
-Humanity/stereotypes
-Cost of living/housing/food

As always, thank you for taking the time to visit, like, share and comment♥️

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

Are We Evolving or Just Pressing Replay?

Are We Evolving or Just Pressing Replay?

A video message about how we can examine our lives and see where we can make changes for personal growth. It is easy to get stuck in the same ole ritual and routines. Before you know it, you look up and discover that 2 years have gone by and things are just as they were this whole time.

In this video, I will share some ideas to get started on a path of growth and challenging ourselves. If you find yourself feeling stuck or stagnant; don’t fret, we can always change things. The rewards are great when we do. We feel a sense of achievement, we make ourselves more open to trying new things and we also get a boost in confidence.

Get out your pen and paper and take notes. It may feel like a homework assignment, but it will be one of the the best investments of time that we can pour into ourselves!

“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”-James Baldwin

The first thing we are going to do is compile a list. Review that list and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I learning anything from this activity?
  • Am I growing mentally, emotionally or physically?
  • Does this activity challenge me?

Secondly, seek out new activities

  • Do some research, talk to people you know who may make a suggestion
  • Try to pick something that is not your usual go-to or something that you may not have been interested in before, try it now

Lastly, challenge yourself by overcoming a fear

Ex: if you are afraid of heights, if you feel socially awkward or are afraid to speak in public.

I hope you find the information in this video useful. As always, thank you for watching.

Thank you for stopping by! Stay well and be blessed! 💖

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

Flutter, Flutter

Flying high and low
Landing for a peek inside
Unique beings and places
Telling their stories
Tantalizing hues of light
Ethereal I appear to some
Reassuring, you are not alone

Flutter, Flutter is an original poem written in response to the picture prompt by Sadje.

Photo by Jian Xhin on Unsplash

As always, thank you for stopping by to read! You are much appreciated! 💕🙏🥰

Categories
Poetry Topic

Posture Me Blue

Posture Me Blue

Posture me blue
Sitting arms at side
Bored to tears, statuesque
Striking movement in stride
Bending at the waist
Derriere and floor become one
Arm cradling head
Exhale stress and dread
Chin pressed to chest
Relaxed, I posture, rest
My birthday suit at its best
Relaxed, I imbue serene
Posture me blue

Posture Me Blue is written in response to the word prompt.

Image credit: Henri Matisse

Thank you for stopping by to read! 💕

Categories
Topic

Fitness Style

What is your fitness style?

Do you like to walk, jog, use the treadmill or elliptical? Lifting weights, pilates and aerobics are other forms of physical fitness. There are many ways to exercise. Try the form of exercise that is fun, pick something you enjoy. Don’t forget about jumping rope, hula hoops, and dancing.

Exercise is one of those things that people either love or hate. The most important thing to remember is that exercise helps us in other areas of life. If you get stuck or miss a day or 2, just continue. Don’t give up! Keep pushing! You got this!

Image credit: Irina L on Pixabay

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

Eternally Unobstructed

Free Forever

Eternally Unobstructed

A Tanka

free forever clear
remove opposition block
things imagined seen
be not obstructed free will
our mind the key eternal

Thank you for stopping by and reading💕🙏

Eternally Unobstructed is written in response to the picture prompt by Sadje.

Image credit: Eveling Salazar on Unsplash