blackgirl on mars: notes on a life in copenhagen (or how my alienation brings me closer to people).

(click here for more details)

Tisvilde is an incredible part of Denmark and a place I have been fortunate enough to have access to since I first visited this country about ten years ago. There's the beach with its almost Medetaranian-like waters , the forest with paths that wind through gnarled trees, the old house, Amigo which has known me since the days my son nestled himself deep within my womb. Amigo is a simple house, of aged wood and memories, caressed regularly by the gentle roll of the train coming and going. Yesterday I lost myself in meditation as I mowed the lawn, and thought how universal the smell of freshly cut grass must be. While I did so, a deer rushed past, not before staring me full in the eyes. There is something magical about being stared in the eyes by a wild animal. I'm quiet again. Like the sea I have retreated to the ocean of my soul. I am preparing for my move: something which, if approached haphazardly, could very well threaten what semblance of sanity I have managed to construct....

Darn, can't get my poster to print properly! Well, it's for my reading next Friday, May 15th at Det Poetiske Bureau, Griffenfeldsgade 52--just in cause you're in the hood. Starts at 5pm and there will be a viewing of Charlotte Troldahl's documentary on The Calabash Literary Festival, a reading from Lennox Raphael and then I'll perform some stuff with, fingers crossed, the accompaniment of Deadato Sequir. It will be a Caribbean-themed event, with rum, reggae and rawkus. The day after I'll be performing with Shine at Christiania's Børneteatret, where we'll have Bingo night and just plain old fun and creativity. This past Saturday was a blast. Blågårdsgade had a street party and it was amazing. There were bands (Shine played there); djs; food; drink and general good vibes. Folks were out enjoying the Sun and each other. V and I got there around 5 and met up with some others and well, yeah, it was dope. What made it even cooler was that Blågårdsgade generall...

Zilla's blog Hat's Off at http://hairgreaseshoeshine.blogspot.com/ Check it out... Saw a pretty nice apartment today. Someone else is interested in buying it, but I take it all as a good sign. I know I will find something perfect for Kai and myself. farvel, the lab

Originally from New York City, Claudius Pratt was inspired to come to Copenhagen in part by the countless number of artists who came here before him. It is to these circumstances that he owes his latest inspiration, a documentary about the once-glorious past of Copenhagen's Art scene. "My project is based on my journey and the journey of those before me, I am looking at the historical link between America (New York) and Denmark (Copenhagen). From the end of World War II Copenhagen has been a refuge for many who felt they did not fit into the American Dream or were merely smothered by it. Artists of all disciplines have chosen Copenhagen as a field from which to sow there creative seed. Many of those were of African decent and they were the purveyors of culture, captivating audiences with their jazz. Cecil Brown published the book "The Lives and Loves of Mr Jive Ass Nigger" in 1969. It is based on such a man traveling from America to Copenhagen to see if there is “any...

In Copenhagen, men are allowed 14 weeks, full paid paternity leave after the birth of their baby! Peep Claudius' braids: I did them. Peep Vivi: Gorgeous. Again, life finds me at LoveLiving in Nørrebro...Claudius & I are gearing up for the BIG SHOW next Thursday 19th at Ruby's NyBrogade 10 Thank you SoupaNatural for filling that gaping gorge that was screaming to be filled: Inexpensive, veggie-based organic soup for misplaced big city girls like me! Yeah! When I discovered this spot, I was in heaven! All hail SoupaNatural ! Where you can get soup, cocktails (he-he) and other stuff. Visit www.soupanatural.dk (in Danish) for more. farvel

Claudius Pratt & Justin Moses Gunn from Shine came by for a visit on Thursday. We ate some curry, talked about New York/Expat Life and most of all: Creativity! Stay tuned...