tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30063552085638610892011-09-30T15:25:19.193-04:00God...life....love.... art....theworld... beauty.... philanthropy... livingabundantly... the future...Ottawa.... zoom zoom.DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.comBlogger1731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-61261758596378945942011-06-14T11:55:00.001-04:002011-06-14T11:58:22.616-04:00

Throughout the development of US civil society (and credibly, the non-profit sector), citizens have had the unique privilege to decisively care for, protect, and preserve the institutions that have enabled the growth of American society, and the charitable tax deduction has been a significant part of this social exchange. The non-profit community consists of hospitals, universities, libraries,

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-42325517226443512522011-06-10T16:01:00.000-04:002011-06-10T16:01:32.481-04:00

Seriously!  My career has been FULL of amazing experiences, but nothing beyond 2.5 years. I've had short term contracted work, fellowships, and gigs that were more work-visa dependent than I'd prefer. Is this normal?!?!?!? I've been thinking about researching cities (and that, girlfriend, means booking a flight/train/bus ride!).  I've rung the alarm and put in some resumes at organizations in

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-7927686302443871412011-05-08T13:22:00.000-04:002011-06-14T11:50:25.532-04:00

I've been involved in community philanthropy since 2006 (entered the nonprofit sector a few years before), and I've gained a lot - it's what I know, and it's what I do. I've sacrificed a lot, too (family, community, personal life, etc). I've moved around quite a few times to chase the occupational ladder (South Carolina, NYC, Italy, Canada....) in a short time, and I've begun thinking on how my

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-32499819151891171052011-04-28T16:22:00.000-04:002011-06-14T11:48:47.547-04:00

We're on the brink of spring, and do you know what that means?!?!?!?!? IT'S THE SEASON FOR MORE HEALTHY, REASONABLY PRICED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!!!!! I can't WAIT to get my grocery store shop on...I've already stocked up on papaya and avacados....just waiting for some other seasonal goodies to come in.  It'll be a welcome relief now that spring is getting closer.  I came across this list of 

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-6775574363777465742011-03-11T16:59:00.000-05:002011-03-11T16:59:05.967-05:00

Yup.  That there be a Clemson Tiger, Numbered at #1, making a touchdown (in Carolina's FACE, by the way!)  It's been only a few years since James Davis made that move, but a touchdown of a different kind is coming up in 80 days.  I hope. I love, love, LOVE my work in Canada, but like all good things, my contract is coming to an end, and while my awesome colleagues have worked hard to extend my

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-27689967649150765892011-03-03T15:29:00.000-05:002011-03-03T15:29:51.178-05:00

I keep an ongoing list of fun and quirky things that I really want, and in some cases, I treat myself to, but only when they're on sale.   Some of them, like a Mercedes 560sl, I won't get on impulse, but I like to keep an evolving list, as it's great to keep in mind what "I'm always looking for" in case I happen upon it.  Here are a few things that have stayed on the list for a while...... 5

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-80446338090649408852011-02-17T12:09:00.000-05:002011-02-17T12:09:23.449-05:00

Mary Edmonia Lewis (ca. July 4, 1845 – ca. 1911) was the first African American and Native American woman to gain fame and recognition as a sculptor in the international fine arts world. She was of African American, Haitian and Ojibwe descent. Lewis crafted her own sculpting tools and sold her first piece, a sculpture of a woman’s hand, for $8. She opened her studio to the public in her first

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-16761260902711967552011-02-16T10:15:00.000-05:002011-02-16T10:15:58.686-05:00

After marrying Haitian artist Louis Vergniaud Pierre-Noel in 1953, Jones traveled and lived in Haiti. In many of her pieces one can see the influence of the Haitian culture, with its African influences, which reinvigorated the way she looked at the world. Her work became more abstract and hard-edged, after her marriage to Pierre-Noel. Her impressionist techniques gave way to a spirited, richly

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-63229589921438145492011-02-15T08:43:00.001-05:002011-02-15T08:43:35.712-05:00

Augusta Savage (February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962) was a sculptor whose works were associated with the Harlem Renaissance. In New York, she enrolled in a free art program at Cooper Union while taking in washing to make ends meet. Subsequently, she was selected to participate in a summer program in France but was denied by the French government because of her race. Savage publicized the incident

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-7945847882753858312011-02-14T17:36:00.000-05:002011-02-14T17:36:24.943-05:00

The future.... Not knowing what's in store... Being inspired by the infinite possibilities... And having faith that you've got it all in Your Hands.  I love you, Jesus! Love, Allyson

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-91293061718635126302011-02-14T11:57:00.000-05:002011-02-14T11:57:35.467-05:00

Deborah Willis, PhD, MacArthur Fellow, photographer, scholar, historian and griot, is widely acknowledged as the doyen of Black Photography. She is the award-winning author of "Reflections in Black," a prodigious book published in 2000, which documents the photographed lives of African-Americans by African-Americans, 1840 to the present. Willis is the chair of the photography and imaging

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-75904316251879728202011-02-14T11:33:00.004-05:002011-02-14T11:43:36.580-05:00

I've got to admit - when it comes to black women in the arts, I can chat about literature, theatre, film, and dance, but I'm a bit rusty in the disciplines of the visual arts.  I know my ladies whose skills represent the lowcountry of South Carolina - Cassandra Gillens and Dianne Britton Dunham, to name a few.  And I've been introduced to ladies whose works frequent the Studio Museum in Harlem

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-81862544897117506432011-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:002011-02-13T07:00:05.560-05:00

One of the most widely read American poets of our time, Giovanni has taught writing and literature at Virginia Tech since 1987, where she is a University Distinguished Professor. She has written more than two-dozen books, including volumes of poetry, illustrated children’s books, and three collections of essays. She has also received 21 honorary doctorates. With ever-growing popularity, Giovanni

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-41242637719279286052011-02-12T07:00:00.000-05:002011-02-12T07:00:07.015-05:00

Dee is a member of Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts shares this of Ruby and her iconic husband, Ossie Davis: They are one of the most revered couples of the American stage, two of the most prolific and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-26635944289789003332011-02-11T16:42:00.000-05:002011-02-11T16:42:32.291-05:00

Horne was long involved with the Civil Rights movement. In 1941, she sang at Cafe Society and worked with Paul Robeson. During World War II, when entertaining the troops for the USO, she refused to perform "for segregated audiences or for groups in which German POWs were seated in front of African American servicemen",according to her Kennedy Center biography. "What people tend not to fully

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-20084189536590011562011-02-09T08:42:00.022-05:002011-02-09T08:42:00.342-05:00

What can I learn from Ms. Kitt?  When you're forced to leave (a job, city, country) - BRING IT ON!!! When First Lady Claudia Johnson was offended by Ms. Kitt's perspective (Kitt remarked, “You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot.”) - she was blacklisted from performing in the U.S!!!  So she made a name for herself in Europe and Asia.  

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-19417979915295080382011-02-09T08:12:00.002-05:002011-02-09T08:12:00.957-05:00

You may know her as Yasmine from her fierce role in For Colored Girls, or you could even remember hearing her lovely voice in Disney's first animated movie featuring an African American princess (remember Tiana?!?), you might also remember her role as Lorrell Robinson in Dreamgirls What would I ask her?  How can we, as moviegoers and Broadway supporters, strengthen the demand for leading roles

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-5766535605567853192011-02-08T11:58:00.000-05:002011-02-08T11:58:56.940-05:00

What can I learn from her?  Never say never.  Ms. Thomas really embraced her career as a painter at age 68, after a long career as a teacher.  What do I admire most about her? I appreciate that she always pursued art:   promoting arts in the community - particularly with youth, engaging in networks of artists, and always training so that her own skills could be honed and sharpened.  What would

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-27698099821788112552011-02-07T06:33:00.000-05:002011-02-07T11:30:43.318-05:00

Toni Morrison is a literary giant of the 1980s and 1990.   Her book Beloved won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize; in 1993 she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her other major works include Song of Solomon (1977), Jazz (1992) and Paradise (1998). Morrison was named the Goheen Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University in 1987. In 1968 Toni Morrison moved to New York City, where she

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-12093830193347549962011-02-05T06:27:00.007-05:002011-02-05T06:27:00.876-05:00

One of the major goals of Keina’s work is to “inspire us to make connections between our ancestors and ourselves, between one culture and another, between the community and the individual.” Mrs. Davis is featured in Imagining Ourselves: Global Voices from a New Generation of Women.(I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!) This is an interactive exhibition and anthology that debuted on March 8, 2006, organized by

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-6838938630260442892011-02-04T06:16:00.007-05:002011-02-04T06:16:00.447-05:00

Kathleen Battle's lyric soprano voice and unique artistry have captivated audiences around the world, making her one of the most acclaimed singers of our time. She has appeared on the stages of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the opera houses of Vienna, Paris, San Francisco and Chicago. Kathleen Battle's appearance on

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-37877783224038616362011-02-03T06:11:00.008-05:002011-02-03T06:11:01.092-05:00

Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City, USA In 1991, Thelma took a position at the Whitney Museum of American Art, one of the nation's premier art institutions. Golden used her position to open up the museum to previously under-represented artists including women and people of color. Golden serves on the Graduate Committee at the Center for Curatorial Studies at

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-9275700735676003192011-02-02T06:05:00.010-05:002011-02-02T10:33:12.803-05:00

Studied with Ballet Nacional and Ballet Folklorico (Mexico) While still a cast member of Fame she became the first African American woman hired by a television network as a director in prime time. In 1989, after directing episodes of Fame, she co-wrote, produced, directed, choreographed and starred in The Debbie Allen Special for ABC. For over twenty years, Allen's contributions to television,

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-34204840477085571582011-02-01T18:01:00.003-05:002011-02-01T18:43:22.761-05:00

Artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1989 Was honored with the Kennedy Center award alongside Stevie Wonder in 1999 Under her leadership, the company built a gleaming new $56 million headquarters at Ninth Avenue and 55th Street in Manhattan. Grab a tea and spend some time with Judith here. 

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-83551090814535839272011-02-01T17:56:00.000-05:002011-02-01T17:56:17.795-05:00

Hey hey hey! I'm back to being 100% and IT'S ABOUT TIME!  January has passed, and I'm got to connect with my girl, Jami, from Atlanta - and chatting with girlfriends always makes me feel sooooo much better. I was thinking - Black History Month is such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those that have paved the way before us, and I'd really like to honor black women - especially those in

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-86856675046723999092011-01-21T14:19:00.000-05:002011-01-21T14:19:40.552-05:00

Live every day to the fullest.  I'm trying dang hard to, but these winter blues have me wanting February, March, and April to high tail it into 2011.   The New Year wasn't the best (had to say goodbye to Mom, King Oui Oui (my hilarious Bichon), and South Carolina), so January wasn't too joyful this year. I'm really pressing to get through this month happily, but I'm really looking forward to

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-71346143444756917982010-12-16T15:22:00.001-05:002010-12-16T15:32:01.870-05:00

Outside of my girl M. Renee's  lovely spot in Harlem We've hit below zero in Ottawa, and while winter doesn't officially begin til next week, enough cold spells have hit the region.   I straightened my hair (shout out to Kidst at L'attitudes in Toronto's Eaton Center!), which has kept me looking and feeling good for more than a week now (though sweat, rain, and snow have now become my worst

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-90684185095891873822010-12-14T10:53:00.000-05:002010-12-14T10:53:52.595-05:00

I just indulged in Chris Rock's "Good Hair" last night (I know I'm a year late - but it was on sale at Blockbuster!), and I thought it was great - it was hilarious, but disgustingly truthful at the same time.  Weaves cost upwards of hundreds, even thousands of dollars?!?!?!?!  Who knew?  I freak out over a $75 cut and blow-out.  I've always known that black hair care was big business, but I

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-39900306153778860492010-11-11T12:00:00.039-05:002010-11-11T12:15:03.481-05:00

No, this wasn't my theatre troupe. It's one from Burbank, CA - but I bet they rocked! As I dutifully noted on my Facebook profile, My love is too THOROUGH to have thrown back in my face!!! Tyler Perry, you did something special. For Colored Girls - it's for girls of all colors, men, mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, boyfriends, husbands, healing, laughing, celebrating, and rejoicing. See this

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-62632831397318708312010-11-10T09:28:00.002-05:002010-11-10T09:36:58.230-05:00

Ever have a ride or die kinda chick?  I think Nakia would be mine.  We've been friends for gosh....17, maybe 18 years?  I remember when she pulled my 15 year old shyness to Kevin Brown (my first love, admiration, and absorption) at the park bench at the Island Rec Center....I was so timid that I ran away - and I ran HARD!!!! I remember when she screamed with me as I hit the tree at the Burger

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-72578261143874267762010-11-04T16:24:00.003-04:002010-11-10T09:37:32.850-05:00

Picture Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA - 1998. Charmaine Crowell White, my then theater teacher, opened my world to Ntozake and gave me a piece to read from this renowned choreopoem, and I spoke lovingly about Toussaint L'Overture - This is Ms. Crowell-White (in the middle), Ms. Davis (Keith's mom - he's a singing theater wonder!) and I in 2007.  LADY IN BROWN  de library waz

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-5080093665675483882010-10-28T15:18:00.001-04:002010-10-28T15:18:27.187-04:00

A group of about 15 community foundation leaders from around the world will plan the GCPI event in May 2011, which will explore the future of community philanthropy globally. Practitioners from the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF), the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network (TCFN) and WINGS-CF will continue to examine how the work of community foundations can best be supported

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-1673347807867910002010-10-21T18:22:00.003-04:002010-10-21T18:25:08.359-04:00

Oui Oui could be in the Island Packet's 2011 Calendar!!!! Dog-Lovers, Animal Enthusiasts, and Lowcountry folks, vote for Oui Oui, and you can make a contribution to an amazing fundraiser!!!!  I'm super dooper excited!!!! The calendar itself will be a fundraiser for animal service organizations in the Lowcountry South Carolina area.  If you've got a few spare dollars, please cast your vote and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-10215496751330528352010-10-21T15:30:00.001-04:002010-10-21T15:31:31.929-04:00

I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously.I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously.I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously.I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously.I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously.I'm not spending frivolously. I'm not spending frivolously. That's the truth, you hear me?!?!?!? So

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-36858189114137542372010-10-13T09:42:00.001-04:002010-10-13T09:42:37.641-04:00

I am excited (and relieved!) that another Eight Weeks of Awesome is underway.  This has been the most motivating way to help me build a healthier, more organized, and overall happier life- it's GREAT - be sure to take a look at the blog!!! The idea is for a bunch of us (around 20 friends) to put $25 in the challenge, and aim to win the whole pot.  We have to do a certain number of strength and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-52128152698226719122010-10-01T15:54:00.000-04:002010-10-01T15:54:27.752-04:00

Talk about a grand ole time.  I just got back from a speedy trip through Alberta, one of Canada's western provinces (just north of Montana).  It was an awesome trip!  I started in Red Deer (think Texas cowboy town), ventured into Calgary (an urban center known for the annual Stampede in July), and then drove over to Banff and Lake Louise (just gorgeous!).  The Banff excursion was way too short.

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-66307621340521481452010-08-26T15:07:00.000-04:002010-08-26T15:07:36.393-04:00

Y'all, somebody stole my JOY!!! I don't know if it was the Scotia Bank lady when she told me I couldn't open a Canadian Credit Card unless I had $1,000 cash to secure it (cuz I'm not a Canuck). Maybe it was the insurance company, who probably won't reimburse the $115 expense for holistic treatment because it's well...holistic. Maybe it's the Solomobile crew that won't replace my irritable

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-81951291468431002852010-08-23T11:23:00.001-04:002010-08-23T11:23:57.009-04:00

The news and those that own it are back at it again.  Skewing reality and emphasizing the irrelevant is what they do best, but this is a polarizing debate that we just don't need - and the media is feeding it to us like crazy! Whether or not the 15-storey building should be constructed - I really don't have the background to answer.  I do think that New York's Lower Manhattan is not the place,

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-34824183948135873982010-08-17T15:20:00.000-04:002010-08-17T15:20:11.418-04:00

For a young chica from South Carolina, mannnnnnnnnnnn, this has been one MAJOR Caribbean summer!!!!! My guy (this amazing man-sample of a dude) - who happens to be a flag-flyin' Trini and I have been enjoying the Caribbean parades, concerts, dancin', and chippin' down de roads of Ottawa, Toronto, and next....... New York City!!!! Ottawa's Caribvibe in June Toronto's Caribana in JulyBig People

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-55175654987789198842010-08-16T13:54:00.002-04:002010-08-16T13:55:50.378-04:00

Just came across this article 27 Reasons Why You Should Never Have a Job, and I love it!!! I'm pretty happy where I'm working, but I know that transitions happen, and for the next gig, I'd love to explore working for myself. I'm so excited about the idea of consulting (http://www.arcinternationalconsultants.com/ baby!)....it's a marvelous way to work with a variety of people, travel, and get

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-85919578842858486792010-08-15T11:05:00.000-04:002010-08-15T11:05:08.760-04:00

Just reading through the NYTimes article Cleared, and Pondering the Value of 27 Years.  I'm not sure how much play this story is getting in the US, but it hasn't been on the news radar here in Canada (not that it should be....), but this story really touched me for a variety of reasons.  Imprisoned for the past 27 years for a rape crime that he did not commit, Michael A. Green is in the

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-90638752378341050662010-08-11T15:43:00.000-04:002010-08-11T15:43:33.975-04:00

(love Will and Jada!) Just saw this list here of 10 Signs He's a Keeper, but dang, it's rough to work with! Here's my take on the list (which, by the way, reflects a different set of aspirations than mine for a partner), and here's why: He's responsible - Does he remember to do things that a grown, adult person should be doing (paying bills, maintaining the home, etc.)? Are life's

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-36014739750199329632010-08-11T11:14:00.001-04:002010-08-11T11:45:26.652-04:00

Over the weekend, us gals got together (we've humbly dubbed ourselves the PPC - Purple Power Center...sort of our she-woman alter egos.....) and had the first of what will likely be seasonal fashion wardrobe interventions.  Our gal Ezzie (also my spunky funky roommate) is tremendously gifted with a diverse selection of garb - very colorful, feminine, with a bit of artsy hipster flare. 

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-26935360494530536192010-08-10T14:28:00.000-04:002010-08-10T14:28:44.156-04:00

And have a perfect glass everytime - for sure!  During one of the most awesome weekends, ever, the Polar Bear took me to an amazing BYOB restaurant in Montreal (best mussels, by the way!), and he came equipped with my FAVORITE Barolo and a backup to keep us sipping during our extra long and lovely date.  I just found a really cool website listing all the BYOB restaurants in Ottawa, along with

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-21663646882490782352010-08-10T12:15:00.003-04:002010-08-10T12:16:41.871-04:00

Making life good GREAT is one of life’s daily adventures, and I’m super ja-crazy (my good friend Jamie’s term for being super enthusiastic about some thing, some one, or some idea….) about lists – they tend to keep me in line. Earlier this year, I figured out 10 things that I wanted to do in 2010 that would bring me joy, happiness, and satisfaction and I made a list (check it out – to the left)

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-16374325241856187642010-08-09T15:38:00.000-04:002010-08-09T15:38:30.236-04:00

I'm soooooooooooooooooooo excited.  Work, as I realize from time to time, is the bomb!!!!  I'm in my 2nd year at a great organization that works to promote and strengthen community philanthropy around the world.  It's an awesome org with cool colleagues, and I'm really fortunate that they picked me outta lil' old South Carolina to be involved in this fabulous work. I've done bunches of

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-31825222390335991702010-08-06T13:16:00.000-04:002010-08-06T13:16:24.627-04:00

For the past few years, I’ve developed a bunch of mantras, mottos, sayings, and reminders that bring to mind all the blessings that we have when we just look. Some have been long forgotten (like bad shades of lipstick and shoes with uncomfortable heels:)  Others have stayed, and become a huge part of what brings joy to my life, purpose to my day, and a balance to everything that life demands.

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-37039844737085093002010-08-05T12:23:00.001-04:002010-08-05T12:24:48.060-04:00

Gosh I miss the days of old when summer was really summer.   A time to take off from school, assignments, responsibility, and life in general.  Now that I'm a grown-up, I really miss the relaxed laziness of summer.  I don't even know what it IS to have a lazy summer anymore! Work is nonstop...I can't take off from that.....so how can I capture the essence of summer in the context of adulthood?!

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-70339287515336586752010-08-04T15:51:00.000-04:002010-08-04T15:51:21.547-04:00

Oprah. Deepak. even Tupac - have all written and spoken about living the best life.  It seems, though, that talking about living the best life has been reserved for adults - those who have been through it, know about it, and are ready to do it over again, and do it better. As I was growing up, I read voraciously (and still do) about how to improve my life, joy, spiritual strength, financial

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-75065217584640002642010-08-04T15:26:00.001-04:002010-08-04T15:27:19.004-04:00

Seriously, folks.....if you're anywhere remotely close to the Metro Toronto area next August, PUT THIS ON YOUR CALENDAR!!! It was beyond amazing....good music, good peoples, good food, and good times. I'm hoping to catch the fete in NYC in September, but this year's Caribana festivities will be tough to match! Photos come courtesy of my girl Angie Singh. Good times, honey.  Good times!

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-68646360150496976612010-08-04T15:14:00.002-04:002010-08-04T15:14:30.863-04:00

I hope that you knowWhen the morn' greets and wakes meYou, again, are loved.

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-66943488900263029362010-08-03T14:44:00.000-04:002010-08-03T14:44:14.773-04:00

And by young travelers, I don't mean the under 12 year olds who must fly under the supervision of air attendants (though I do appreciate the security that this can bring to parents!) I'm thinking more of the advantages of studying abroad, and sharing (and learning!) more about how these amazing programs can really build a life of travel. Read more here....

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-55783480674553874392010-07-27T16:54:00.004-04:002010-07-27T16:57:03.943-04:00

Week 2 of the long distance courting.....and I've got to admit - it's tough!!! The Polar Bear and I got to spend time together on Friday, and it was great - just not long enough :(  I've been chatting with some close friends who are involved with great guys, and they are also separated by distance.  Not quite sure how most of us cope with it, but here are a few tips that have helped me get

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-76958427255086477152010-07-23T16:14:00.005-04:002010-07-23T16:24:30.834-04:00

This is going to be the best weekend ever!!! I'm gonna see the Polar Bear in T minus 6 hours...Headed to the cottage with the Purple Power Center girls tomorrow morn....And about to go by the flyest shoes ever.....REALLY...I've waited ALL day in courageous self-control.They were $139..marked down to $117 (which isn't really a sale, especially with the killer HST tax here in Canada).Then they

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-82476585020406888012010-07-21T13:29:00.001-04:002010-07-22T15:16:33.147-04:00

The exchange rate of living in Canada just went up.  Way up.  Emotions are at peak value these days :)Continuing the saga (and joy!) of cross-border love, Here's my short story....or novella, as it may turn out.... I chatted a short while ago about how I met the Polar Bear online. It was a GREAT introduction (click here for the background), and we totally hit it off...and been going strong ever

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-22454666645350049402010-07-19T16:21:00.001-04:002010-07-19T16:21:27.302-04:00

So excited to hear from Jeaneen again!  Check out Part 1 of her romantic story here. I'm sitting on the floor in my bedroom and yelled out to my mom. “MOMMMMM! Can you watch my cats while I go to Italy for a week?” “TO ITALY!!!” , she screams. Then out the front door she goes. Uhhh!! was that a yes or no answer. Today has finally come! I'm getting ready to pack my bags for my spring break

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-54972633586855915962010-07-15T13:40:00.003-04:002010-07-15T13:43:54.678-04:00

Traveling is such a huge part of my life and work (Red Deer, here I come!!!), and I am absolutely in love with it.  Whether it's to Toronto (pics from this weekend's Afrofest 2010 are coming soon) or Latvia (Riga is really the bomb, y'all!), each place is such a jewel with soooooo much to offer.  I was in Honolulu last year, and as with each trip, I really tried to build in my list of

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-12270908642719611812010-07-15T12:54:00.008-04:002010-07-15T13:12:49.132-04:00

Back from an AWESOME Pacific Coast Venture, and it was such an amazing time.  It started with the surprise of my life...running into my good friend Tori (now living in North Carolina) at the San Francisco airport.  Best way to start off the trip! The first stop - Golden Gate Bridge!  It was kinda foggy that day (chilly, too!).  Glad I packed in layers! On our first day driving

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-47017159464554195112010-07-09T13:17:00.001-04:002010-07-09T13:18:26.962-04:00

I started blogging in January of 2010 becuase I had something to say about Haiti. I had some beef with how the philanthropic community was (not) responding to the devastation of the earthquake there. I was pretty disturbed, but I'm so glad to have found blogging as a reliefresourcerejuvenation. Now, I blog a lot more often and around a lot more than just philanthropy. I blog to: 1. meet

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-85895749511658997992010-07-09T08:37:00.000-04:002010-07-09T09:23:08.720-04:00

For the first installation of some romantic story telling and sharing, I was stoked that my girl Jeaneen agreed to post. Here she tells her lovely story about how she found her soulmate............across the BIG pond.So here I am 13 years old and I had my whole life figured out! I was going to get out of here some way somehow and the only way I could figure out how to do that was to get educated

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-45622834934364089652010-07-08T10:30:00.012-04:002010-07-08T11:12:27.953-04:00

July's cross-border romance theme continues......I moved to Canada in April 2009 and was having the hardest time meeting people (men, particularly in Ottawa). I was in grocery stores, lounges, book stores, coffee shops, churches, parks, and it took me months to realize that men don't court ladies here like they do in the golden south.No genuinely sweet compliments from gentlemen passing by. No

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-4289276002925407692010-07-07T10:52:00.004-04:002010-07-07T11:27:55.126-04:00

Fruit being in season, cheaper, and very delicious. I'm in a fitness and nutrition challenge, and eating 5 fruits and veggies is one of my daily goals. I was never a huge fan of eating fruits (they're high maintenance - think cantaloupes; and messy - think oranges). Since it's been a focus lately, though, I've done a 180! I really like bananas (so convenient) and I'm getting hip to

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-23045266903611609072010-07-06T17:02:00.005-04:002010-07-06T17:19:05.755-04:00

William Raymond Norwood Jr. - I'm not a fan at ALL, but, please, take a look at the link here to see why he's my candy today:) Gorgeous skin.Manicured with a capital M.Beautifully rich complexion. Overall rating (1-10): A hesitant 7 (Aside from the disappointment a few years back with the video, he just may have a chance to rebound in my book. He's just got to keep up this level of class :)

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-74695956303136259392010-07-05T13:14:00.003-04:002010-07-05T13:33:34.634-04:00

Hey folks!It's been an amazing two weeks of travel, family, wonder, and adventure. Mom and I traveled to California, and pics and posts will be on the way!In the mean and in-between time, I'm really excited to introduce the topic of the month (May was about $$$ and June was about balance. This summer, love has come to me, and I think love, romance, and all the variations of courting make a fun

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-2264459791752239912010-06-16T15:24:00.013-04:002010-06-16T15:48:58.580-04:00

I'm putting the finishing touches on the itinerary for the Coastal Romp, and I am sooooooo excited! This will be the first vacation (real vacation!) that I've taken with my Mom in a loooong time. It's been a minute since I've taken a trip that didn't involve work, and this will be a welcomed week of adventure!We'll begin in San Francisco, cruise along with the drive down the Pacific Coastal

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-7430558552252469512010-06-16T10:22:00.004-04:002010-06-16T10:39:48.970-04:00

Charleston Couture Fashion Show and Fundraiser2005 I LOVE HAVING THINGS TO DO. AND MY FRIENDS DO, TOO. Now that that is out of the way, I'm really amped about having a summer project. Some friends and I got together and were talking about planning a fashion show this September. It brought up great memories of a show that my very good friends M. Renee Williams and Stephanie Glover organized back

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-3439726776495726602010-06-15T16:53:00.007-04:002010-06-15T16:59:47.484-04:00

Hey y'all! This summer's gonna be a BLAST and one of the things I'm really looking forward to is CARIVIBE, here in Ottawa (Orleans) this Saturday. Suzan Lavertu, the awesomest of awesome women (and director of The Cultural Arts Studio School Of Afro-Caribbean Dance - where I shake my thang every Sat) is putting together an amazing opportunity to both have a blast during Carivibe AND raise some

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-37071409067951270102010-06-14T13:10:00.004-04:002010-06-14T13:18:07.707-04:00

http://www.girlsandwomen.com/How necessary! A public conversation about how we can work towards strengthening the role, providing access (economic, political, educational, and BASIC, etc.) and ensuring the well-being of women. What I wouldn't give to be in Toronto at this very moment!!!!!At least I can represent virtually - and so can you! Leave your solutions at The Change Room. Though I'm

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-90214446855482831372010-06-14T12:00:00.006-04:002010-06-14T12:06:45.669-04:00

So balance is the blog's theme for June, and I'm so much more in tune to creating balance than ever before!Balancing emotions, time, and physical energy is a fault of mine - I'm always at one end or the other, and this exploration of BALANCE has been pretty helpful over the past few weeks.This morning, I was determined to wake up with clarity and begin the day from a balanced point. I woke up,

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-81033035660878074712010-06-13T17:53:00.000-04:002010-07-05T13:51:03.477-04:00

Just saw a post on Wearing White over at Fashionalities, and I HAD to share these. I'm not in the habit of wearing all white very often, but it's great to see how it can be done in practical ways. I've since added a few white pieces to the arsenal...hope I get lucky enough to rock 'em out soon! Kareem Rashid is in the habit of wearing white, silver, and hot pink, and he does it very well - could

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-42757286122802354262010-06-13T10:58:00.003-04:002010-06-13T11:04:44.226-04:00

Scene: Allyson and the Polar Bear making breakfast.Me: (Filling in the ice container in the freezer with cubes from the tray. Proceed to fill up the tray, making sure that the water does not pass over the walls of the ice cube tray, ensuring that neat ice cubes will result; place tray back in freezer.)Polar Bear: (Retrieve ice tray; filling tray full of water.)Me: I filled them half way on

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-87855842242355040882010-06-11T16:55:00.003-04:002010-06-11T17:04:20.249-04:00

I am so excited about the weekend! Tonight, the Polar Bear and I are headed to see Coba (Collective of Black Artists), a dance troupe from Toronto. We get tickets at 50% because of the connetion with The Cultural Arts Studio School Of Afro-Caribbean Dance (I've still got to post some pics from our recital - it was AWESOME!)Then I'll probably turn it in early (late night with the girls last

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-4148509064112568722010-06-11T12:36:00.005-04:002010-06-11T12:50:54.038-04:00

Part of my job is making arrangments for guest rooms and meeting space for small gatherings that our program organizes. We're working on one in Milwaukee, WI for June, and we're pulling together a meeting in Charlotte, NC for September of later this year (yay!). I'm overexcited because it's so close to home....YIPPEE!!!Usually we need 20 guest rooms and a meeting space (with a window!), and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-49457234019495417822010-06-10T10:54:00.003-04:002010-06-10T10:56:50.816-04:00

Just got a haiku from the lovely and talented Kerry Chan (hope you're balancing things well in Toronto, girl!) balancing is hard.working, playing, sleeping. wow!all are importantciao y'all!a

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-91898646233186925552010-06-08T14:29:00.006-04:002010-06-08T15:07:11.558-04:00

I'm in Canada on a 2 year work visa at Community Foundations of Canada, and while I absolutely am in love with my work, I'm a year into the contract, which means that at this point in 2011, I just may find myself in another country, job, health plan, and retirement account (and I just got it set up here...ah well, at least it's one little egg getting bigger :>)So I'm putting together some

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-78263795043998428552010-06-08T09:53:00.005-04:002010-06-08T10:29:18.974-04:00

In building on June's theme of balance, I want to explore how folks relax. I've always battled with a relaxed state of mind....it takes too much to achieve! When I go to yoga, I get stressed because the poses take too long, the other sounds of the gym are too imposing, and the mats that we use are probably germ ridden and disgusting. When I try to mediate at home, the contruction outside is

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-62916979061280145052010-06-07T14:25:00.003-04:002010-06-07T14:31:03.272-04:00

I've built like an hour into my morning routine just to deal with the disappointment of not having anything to wear.The closet is packed - so are the drawers and corners where I stuff unwanted (but at some point, loved and highly regarded) clothes, belts, socks, necklaces, sweaters, scarves, etc.Really, I have no excuse...except that some mornings, I just can't pull it together.Soooooooo.........

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-59595176313204112742010-06-07T10:48:00.005-04:002010-06-08T10:29:56.038-04:00

I've put a lot of thought into it, and while the themes of love, dance, family, and fathers were on my radar as topics for June, the theme of BALANCE has resonated heavily with me lately, and I think it could be worth exploring this month.Topics will range diversely...this is what I'm mapping out so far...Balancing spiritual energy - how much we invite God into the mixBalancing time - what we

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-47974801895682760432010-06-03T17:04:00.009-04:002010-06-03T17:29:58.699-04:00

This should have been a May post (finance was the month's focus), but I just signed the papers yesterday, and I couldn't be happier!!!!Like an idiot, I emptied out my 401k when I moved to Europe in 2007. I always thought that somehow I'd make enough money to put aside, invest, and work towards building up my next egg.So when I moved to Canada and found out that my employer contributed 10% of my

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-29625510792051540272010-05-27T16:15:00.015-04:002010-05-27T16:25:51.821-04:00

Hey y'all! This summer's gonna be a BLAST and one of the things I'm really looking forward to is CARIVIBE, here in Ottawa (Orleans) on June 19th.Suzan Lavertu, the awesomest of awesome women (and director of The Cultural Arts Studio School Of Afro-Caribbean Dance - where I shake my thang every Sat) is putting togeher an amazing opportunity to both have a blast during Carivibe AND raise some

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-41272110796321341502010-05-26T15:49:00.002-04:002010-05-26T16:16:11.010-04:00

Some sweet memories of the Tulip Festival a few weeks ago. Summer has stopped by Ottawa, y'all (it's 91 F/33 C) here.FINALLY!It's just a beautiful day in the neighborhood.ciao for now!a

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-74871312448280067552010-05-25T15:23:00.011-04:002010-05-25T17:04:37.555-04:00

The Polar Bear and I pulled in early this morning from a whirlwind drive from Ottawa down to Virginia, up to Philly, then back over to Ottawa. It was an amazing 4 days, and we made the absolute best of our time. It's one of my goals to spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6 (see No. 2 in the list to the right), and hanging out with grandparents is a perfect way to

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-55190918710072823582010-05-20T11:35:00.004-04:002010-05-20T11:55:33.429-04:00

Only 11 days left in the May focus on money, and boy, have I changed some things!!! My only problem is that while I've found some really great ideas on how to save money, I don't have many on making more money (at the present moment and in the near future). Although in my fantasy I'd love to make tons more today, I really do want to think realistically about how over the next 3-5 years I can

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-55638116454658650462010-05-19T11:49:00.004-04:002010-05-19T11:59:27.427-04:00

Plans for Europe this summer? Congratulations! My roomate is heading to France, Turkey, and Poland (lucky girl!) and I was putting together some ideas that might help her plan her trip....thought I'd share - I found them really helpful!Here are a few websites to keep in your back pocket: Kayak.com - This is a great website that gives you the pricing for several discount travel providers and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-37448839996703432782010-05-18T16:47:00.004-04:002010-05-18T17:12:06.010-04:00

Since May is my month of money (saving more, making more, investing more, banking more), thought I might continue the financial focus with more tips that I've discovered and adopted in my quest to make my money work better for me.Check it out!I've started (GASP) shopping in the suburbs. I went, last night, for the first time, deliberately, to do my shopping in grocery store in the suburbs. The

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-88975043609196607482010-05-18T15:38:00.004-04:002010-05-18T15:49:44.775-04:00

One of my daily goals in the "Abundant Life Checklist" is to listen to new music and learn more about the artist. Living in Ottawa doesn't give me the chance to see concerts very often from international performers, but the internet sure does! Each day, I visit a new Myspace page to hear music from new and emerging artists. Although I've graduated to Facebook for the social stuff, the audio

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-84851462806279948212010-05-13T12:45:00.007-04:002010-05-13T13:08:29.209-04:00

Taken in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania I came across a very disturbing photo slide show on the NY Times website today. It gives a visual depiction of the AIDS devastation in rural Uganda. I lived in Kampala for 3 months back in 1999, doing research on the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on the healthcare system there. It's so unfortunate that in more than 10 years, not much has changed. Actually, it's

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-57052638144552117052010-05-12T16:11:00.007-04:002010-05-12T16:51:50.498-04:00

I don't like the idea that money/financial conditions determine how we spend our time. Of course you can do free things like....visit the library....but you have to show government ID for a library card, which means you pay taxes, which means it's not quite free....go for a walk...what barefoot and naked? That ain't free either. just sit....outside? Then you'd get a fine for loitering. I

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-8605470819473494662010-05-12T15:42:00.004-04:002010-05-12T16:03:07.551-04:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Not that I'm totally lost without numbers (quality over quantity, right?), but it's nice to know how many folks drop by the Wonderland.Can anyone pass along recommendations of stat counter sites that I could visit? I'd love to find one where I don't have to set up an account...one that just writes the HTML code for me to casually cut and paste. Any ideas?

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-66947242343910808992010-05-12T15:12:00.006-04:002010-05-12T15:22:34.384-04:00

It's that time of year again! Millions of tulip bulbs are planted throughout Ottawa to commemorate the ties of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.Some information from the Tulip Festival Website:More than one million tulips bloom from Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake along Queen Elizabeth Drive to Parliament Hill and across the Ottawa River in Mackenzie King Estates in Gatineau Park,

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-18920521108776196592010-05-10T15:32:00.003-04:002010-05-10T15:48:58.684-04:00

Lena HorneDancer, actress, vocalist, activist1917 - 2010 She lived a full life, and I'm so grateful for her presence in our world. Lena did real work for social change. She didn't just stick her name on a foundation and call it activism. She didn't just pose for photo ops. She was what I've always worked to be: a woman of substance. May her spirit live forever on.

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-4123546610831089912010-05-05T10:02:00.013-04:002010-05-05T10:35:59.640-04:00

So the 30th Birthday came.....and it was amazing - just flawless! The day was full of magic, dance, travel, and many of my favorite things! Just a quick recap......The Polar Bear did SUCH a great job with pulling things together. We stayed at a fancy schmancy hotel (The W Hotel in Montreal) - and y'all, the man upgraded to the Megasuite - it was soooooo cool! The best part was probably the shower

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-72103035947108174362010-05-04T11:57:00.006-04:002010-05-04T12:20:08.289-04:00

Was just listening to Erykah Badu's "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)" and had to chuckle. It's a funny song, but it made me consider the finances in life and how much I haven't been paying attention. Bills are paid, and money is made, but since tax season (H&R Block charged me $450 to do my taxes!!!!) and a bunch of other unexpected expenses over the past 2 months, I've fallen off my financial game and

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-49746963917276021012010-05-04T11:12:00.006-04:002010-05-04T11:32:09.588-04:00

So, I've got a new countdown....looking forward to July 15, when I make my last payment to a credit card counseling organization, which has been my saving grace for the past 4 years. In college, I built up sooooooooooooo much debt - there were semesters when I put my entire tuition on credit cards!!!! I wasn't nuts....I just didn't know any better. And those sneaky little services that give you

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-14643390193376610332010-04-30T11:36:00.006-04:002010-04-30T14:58:44.779-04:00

Just one day left till Thirtydom!!! Since I can remember, thirty was always the grown-up age to BE, and I've been so anxious to finally hit it....it's almost here!!! I first posted this a few weeks ago, and have been slowly adding. It's finally done!30 Quirky Promises to Keep Call Mom more often.Let my friends and family know how much I love them. Eat more cupcakes. Get involved in the stock

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-29690082272351794852010-04-30T11:34:00.005-04:002010-04-30T11:38:07.407-04:00

A few years ago, I was introduced to the delectable talent of Sir Garth Trinidad, resident DJ at KCRW in Santa Monica. You can always catch his latest show here. One of my daily goals is to be exposed to new musical artists and expression, and GT never fails. I'm listening to his show from last night now, it's SLAMMIN! Take a look at the playlist. Ciao for now!a

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-29902245461189583282010-04-30T10:48:00.003-04:002010-04-30T11:03:53.633-04:00

Getting to know the world that we live in is no easy feat. It would be great to have stockpiles of loot, a private jet, and a tour guide who knows the nooks and crannies of every corner of the world to show us its beautiful jewels. While my Worldboarding Memories are typically about the place, I wanted to stretch this one to unpack some ideas on how to better incorporate travel into living. I've

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-29937910877866024752010-04-29T15:59:00.006-04:002010-04-29T16:11:49.043-04:00

Usually, I don't have to reach too far for the happy.....But for the past few days, something's been off. It could be the jetlag, the adjustment of office dwelling, or the news that my Grandma was just placed into a nursing home.Whatever the source of my disruption to an otherwise incredible and cheerful life, I've got to get being me. Here's my to-do list for the evening to get back to happy:

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-23102284383330629652010-04-29T15:16:00.010-04:002010-04-29T15:48:00.657-04:00

I just caught the questionaire bug from A Cup of Sunshine, added some twists and turns, and here we go. Filling it out made me almost as happy as a plate of warm biscuits!If I was a month, I’d be September.If I was a day of the week, I’d be Saturday.If I was a time of day, I’d be 6:30 AM sharp.If I was a planet, I’d be Saturn.If I was a sea animal, I’d be a seal.If I was a direction, I’d be

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006355208563861089.post-67927974518219413732010-04-29T10:07:00.013-04:002010-04-29T10:33:15.100-04:00

HELP!!!! I'm going crazy looking for this coat! I've seen versions of it on just a few women, and I may have added a characteristic or two in my head that make it extra special, and I really, really, really want to add this piece to my jacket bank. I can't find the actual photo of the jacket, but here are some ideas of what it looks like:It's this SHAPE: The rouching is right (though the collar

DJ Taurushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12472596668510622508noreply@blogger.com0