#writing is my first love but photography is the art form i am most reliably good at (according to my own idea of what constitutes 'good')

[gendzl]

my brother got me to start taking photos again and now I've gone back to carrying my camera everywhere I go and annoying everyone around me. it's awesome. easiest art form, honestly.

[juliabohemian]

backhanded compliments & the art of commenting on other people’s creative content without being a complete twat waffle

WARNING: This is a long post.

I'm a word person. That's probably why, when I do find myself becoming irritated by someone else's unsolicited critique, it is almost always due to their choice of words. Words are important and very powerful. Words have different meaning to different people. Which is why we need to take care when choosing them.

Now, whenever possible, I will click on the profile of the person who left the unsolicited critique and try to get a feel for what type of person they are. Just so I can better understand why they might have left the comment in question. If it is clear they are not a native English speaker, I stop right there. Learning a foreign language is hard. English is one of the most ridiculous languages on the planet. So, mastering its nuances is a challenge for someone who may not have grown up using it. I’m sure I have offended at least one person with my Spanish, at some point. I’m working on it.

BACKHANDED COMPLIMENTS

When I say choice of words, I am implying almost exclusively to something known as a backhanded compliment. A backhanded compliment is a statement that seems, on the surface, to be positive, but is actually an insult. If you are not familiar with the backhanded compliment, I direct you to the mom from American Beauty who says to her teenage daughter "Honey, I'm so proud of you. I watched you very closely, and you didn't screw up once!"

There are a lot of reasons why people make such comments. It would be reductive to suggest they are all suffering from some form of insecurity, although many of them probably are. Some may genuinely believe that they are being helpful. Others may be jealous of the attention another person is receiving and want to either sabotage them or find a way to get in on the action. 

However, it is most likely that the type of person to give a backhanded compliment is either very young, very sheltered or very privileged. And thus, they may not realize that their opinion about something may not carry the same weight on the internet as it does in other venues. Or they may not realize that the world is filled with people who are more informed and more experienced than they are. They mistake their opinion for objective analysis and therefore, offer it freely and without hesitation.

Now, I would like to state that if you see something and you REALLY think it is problematic, you should absolutely offer your critique. Note: if you dislike or disagree with something, that does not make it problematic. Anything that promotes the maltreatment or marginalization of any living thing is problematic. Even so, you should stop and ask yourself whether your critique will accomplish anything or if it would be more worthwhile to simply report the post in question and move on.

That being said, here is MY analysis of some of the backhanded compliments I have received over the years (amalgamated for brevity), and a guide to leaving more constructive/supportive comments for the content creators in your life.

ARTWORK (including photography)

“Definitely not my style, but beautiful.” Do we need to know that it's not your style? If you think it's beautiful, just say that.

“This is so great, but it would have been better if you had used yellow instead of red!” Color choice is a creative choice and its value cannot be objectively measured. Just say it’s great and move on.

“Wow, this is way better than your old stuff.” Do I need to explain why this is bad? I hope not.

“Wow, you're really improving.” Slightly better than the previous one, but still bad. This is a really good example of something that might even feel like a compliment, but actually isn't. Saying that someone is improving is basically saying that it needed to improve. 

Unless you are speaking to your own student or a child, or a really close friend or family member who has openly shared with you their desire to improve as an artist, this is completely unnecessary.

It's important to remember that not everyone is doing things with the same objectives as you. Not every artist or photographer is aiming for technical mastery. If an artist creates something that is very personal and feels pleased with it, the last thing they want is for someone else to come along and tell them what’s “wrong” with it.

Really ANY comment that suggests that the piece of artwork in question would be improved if it were altered in some way is a no no. Unless you are an art teacher or someone has specifically asked for you to give them this information, or you are paying someone to make something especially for you.

FANFICTION (or really writing in general)

“Oh man...I was so excited when I saw your story summary, until I saw the pairing.” Do not comment on a story just to tell the author that you don't like their pairing. Ever. If you accidentally click on a story without seeing the pairing and you are disappointed, your feelings are valid. But there’s no need to let the author know.

"This was good but I don't think (character) would say (quoted dialogue)." Then, you should go and write a story with that character, but where they say different things.

"I noticed you used a semi-colon in the third paragraph. Semicolons are actually supposed to...." Critique grammar, punctuation, spelling and writing mechanics ONLY if you are the author's editor, the author's teacher, or if the author requested it. Period.

If you are commenting to point out what you believe to be a factual error, stop and ask yourself...is this really an error? Is the error intentional? Does the error represent the views of the author or the views of a specific character in a fictional work? Does this story have a reliable narrator? If not, might that narrator be misinformed or biased? And the most important question to ask yourself before correcting an author...do I actually know what the fuck I'm talking about?

Once, in a story, I referenced Copernicus and mentioned that he was imprisoned by the Catholic church. Which we know that he was. Someone commented to leave a long, bullet pointed explanation for how this is a common misconception and that the Catholic Church never mistreated Copernicus, along with many links to articles and videos as evidence. Guess who made all the articles and videos? The Catholic Church. SKIP!

When commenting on a fictional work, consider letting the author know how the story is making you feel. Speculate about what you think might happen next. Express excitement and anticipation. Ask a question for clarification about what you just read. And you can never go wrong by simply thanking the author for taking the time to provide you with free entertainment.

MEMES & JOKES

I love to make people laugh. I have been making people laugh since I learned to talk. This was actually bourne out of an inability to interpret facial expressions. I couldn't tell when people were angry or annoyed. But when they were laughing, I knew exactly how they felt.

That being said, people on the internet LOVE to tell me when something isn't funny. The only problem with this is that humor is very subjective and often very esoteric. I have made memes that I knew were esoteric and knew that not everyone would understand them. I have memes just for birdwatchers. Hell, I have made memes just for a dozen people who participated in a specific academic discussion. But it amazes me how people who don't get a joke are often most compelled to comment and let me know that it isn't funny. How can you know if you don't understand it? Is it so hard to imagine that things exist for which you are not the intended audience?

It's perfectly okay to comment and say you don't understand, and ask for an explanation. But if you look at something and think "I don't understand this, therefore it lacks value" you may have some growing up to do.

Before reblogging someone else's joke to add to the joke, stop and ask yourself whether your intention is to correct or improve upon the joke, or if you are attempting to laugh along WITH the OP.

We've all done this, I'm sure. I know I have. But it really inconsiderate to hijack someone's meme, meta or artwork with a completely unrelated discussion. I can't tell you how annoying it is to post something and check my inbox days later, only to find pages of notifications of people reblogging my shit over and over as part of some completely unrelated discussion.

Once again, if you're commenting to point out a factual error, ask yourself whether the error was intentional. I recently made a meme about the Star Trek films in which Data uses contractions. All of his dialogue is ridiculously out of character, in fact. Which is kind of part of the joke. But someone felt the need to reblog AND comment to let me know that Data wouldn't say that because he doesn't use contractions. Which I already know. Because, well, I’ve been a ST:TNG fan since the day it first aired on TV. I don't even know what to do with a comment that, to be honest. I kind of feel sorry for the other person for not grasping the joke.

So, how DO you compliment someone whose work you enjoy? Imagine yourself speaking to them in person. Imagine that they are emotionally invested in whatever they have created. Consider your objective. Are you expressing appreciation? Or is there something else going on.

And avoid qualifiers. 

When a compliment includes words like "if" or "but" then it's probably not a compliment. You would be so pretty IF you lost some weight is not a compliment.

Choose words that are unlikely to be misinterpreted. 

If someone's art or writing IS improving and you really want them to know, a good way to do that is to use the word evolving. Wow, I really like the way your art is evolving. This works because it implies that the art is changing over time, as the individual grows as a person.

I know what some of you might be thinking...ugh...it's like you can't say ANYTHING anymore! Aww...boo hoo, fam. As a person on the spectrum, I’ve spent my entire life dancing around other people’s feelings, navigating neurotypical subtext and struggling to say things without offending anyone. This is a cake walk compared to that. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if actually thinking about how other people feel BEFORE you share your opinion would require a great deal of effort on your part, it's possible that you're just an asshole.

TL;DR

Creators of original content are actual human beings with feelings. Don’t offer them unsolicited advice or criticism. Think before you comment.

[yogatrainingforbeginners]

Meditation Benefits Reconsidered

Maybe you're tired of someone or people in general speaking of meditation and it just seems like an absurd waste of time to just sit there, doing nothing. Of course, if this sounds agreeable, then you might not understand what meditation is about and you may simply feel you don't have time to meditate. To not have time to meditate is like saying you don't have time to sleep or to eat or to use the bathroom. Meditation is self-care and you can be of just about any religion and meditate without having to change any of your beliefs. If you want to become a better you, there are many forms of self-improvement, such as martial arts as were written about in our last blog. The point, however, is that you find something that works which you can do regularly, every day if it isn't going to injure you. Should I meditate? Should I run? Should I join a group of fellow photography enthusiasts or computer geeks or political activists? It doesn't matter what you do so long as it is helping you feel contentment in being alive.

But if you think meditation is silly and pointless, I will contend that jogging or any sport you can think of can be seen just as easily to be silly. Am I trying to convert you into a religion or cult? No. As I said, meditation is not exclusive to any particular religion. Am I trying to open your mind to the idea that meditation has great value to those that practice it? Yes, most definitely.

Ok, so let's pretend we're talking to one another right now. You've conceded meditation seems no more silly than jogging in circles. Why meditate? What is meditation? How do you do it? How do you benefit from it? Lots of questions immediately arise. Let me take these questions one at a time, in my own order.

Why Meditate?

Meditation isn't a thing like a rock or a dollar bill or fame. Meditation is a state of being. Think about your cell phone or laptop. It serves a central role in your life and while you can usually count on it to do what you need it to do, it needs down-time to recharge its batteries. Now think of your body, spirit and mind. They don't run on electricity but rather proteins, minerals, your brain, sugar, positive energy. You body and mind need down time too. Sleep is essential, but so is conscious relaxation or re-centering. Of course, if you simply plug your phone into its charger for the hour before you leave for work rather than giving it plenty of time to recharge, its batteries will not become fully recharged and it will become less reliable.

Human beings are famous for adaptation, determination and perseverance. It's why we dominate the planet and the food chain, most of the time. Millions if not billions of people throughout the last thousand or so years have found meditation beneficial enough to keep its practice alive and to pass it down generation to generation. Yet many, especially Americans, consider it silly, absurd, pointless. Scientific studies have shown otherwise, as the Washington Post and the BBC had to say (see end of article.)

So now you may do your own investigating and say, ok, so maybe there is something to meditation based on all the scientific evidence. So what? It still feels silly to sit down and stare at the wall or close my eyes sitting still. I bet it also felt very silly to be standing at a chalk board trying to learn your capital and lower-case 'Q' 's, but if you never did anything you thought was silly, you might not be able to read this.

You can think something is silly and not for you, but if you don't try it first and then conclude it's silly based on your experiences, rather than your gut feeling or accepted ways of thinking you will have given up without trying.

Now maybe you are willing to try, seeing there are plenty of 'why's.'

What is Meditation?

First, I am no expert but I've practiced meditation, particularly walking meditation, hence my feeling comfortable to write this blog about it. That cleared, meditation can be described in many ways, such as clearing the mind of any issues, recharging the mind/body's batteries, enhancing focus, reconnecting with the physical body, and on and on and on. But the best way to tackle the 'what' question is to try meditation for yourself.

We know better than to be unhealthy. We know we won't be able to call anyone, to be of help to them tomorrow if we don't recharge our own batteries today. Nature themes tend to dominate most attempts to explain what meditation is like-- because, as we said, it's not a thing but an experience, similar to an environment except, being a state of mind, it is with you no matter what environment you enter. Imagine a still pond versus the open ocean with 15-ft. swells. In this case, the pond is your mind on meditation-- clear, serene, focused. The 15 ft. swells are thought-emotions which threaten to capsize you if they are capable of overtaking your calmness and determination. The meditative state is the cure for those states in which you let your emotions overcome you and you say hurtful things to people. Meditation isn't about giddiness or numbness. Meditation is a state of being that is still you, only without waves, calm, serene, centered, focused and aware of everything, ignoring nothing, accepting everything and finally, knowing that in accepting everything we also accept that everything changes and so acceptance must be flexible to follow life's natural course.

How Do I Meditate?

If we accept meditation like we accept jogging and we feel passionate about becoming a better person-- physically healthy, mentally solid and spiritually strong-- we must learn how to engage in exercise and meditation.

In order to learn enough to get something worthwhile of, say, twenty minutes of meditation a day, I regret to inform you that good meditation practice and form cannot be taught from a book, much less a blog.

I don't mean to infer that you can't teach yourself how to meditate, only that books and blogs set themselves up as authorities on the matter of meditation. And really, if meditation is anything, it is unique to the individual, as an experience, a spiritual one for many. How to go about learning what constitutes meditation and actually doing it properly involves practice and guidance. The mere physical presence of someone in a serene state of mind tends to calm us if only somewhat. Meditation is not the denial of all thought, it is the embracing of all thought without attaching to it. Think of a healthy relationship versus a co-dependent relationship. In a healthy relationship, as in healthy thinking, there is no over-attachment. While a loved one is anticipated positively and there is a healthy connection, unlike co-dependence, there is no need. Each party to the relationship can and does regularly function autonomously from the other. In meditation, we are seeking to separate and decompress our thoughts and feelings, with a healthy connection but without being overly attached. As one of my teachers once said, think of your mind like a mountain-- solid, sturdy-- and your thoughts/feelings like clouds. Sure the clouds obscure the mountain view from time to time, but they must go around the mountain and pass on, into the past, like thoughts/feelings, particularly the stormy ones that cause us such anxiety, fear and other negative emotions.

[letsmeditationtherapy]

Meditation Benefits Reconsidered

Maybe you're tired of someone or people in general speaking of meditation and it just seems like an absurd waste of time to just sit there, doing nothing. Of course, if this sounds agreeable, then you might not understand what meditation is about and you may simply feel you don't have time to meditate. To not have time to meditate is like saying you don't have time to sleep or to eat or to use the bathroom. Meditation is self-care and you can be of just about any religion and meditate without having to change any of your beliefs. If you want to become a better you, there are many forms of self-improvement, such as martial arts as were written about in our last blog. The point, however, is that you find something that works which you can do regularly, every day if it isn't going to injure you. Should I meditate? Should I run? Should I join a group of fellow photography enthusiasts or computer geeks or political activists? It doesn't matter what you do so long as it is helping you feel contentment in being alive problem-related to your health.

But if you think meditation is silly and pointless, I will contend that jogging or any sport you can think of can be seen just as easily to be silly. Am I trying to convert you into a religion or cult? No. As I said, meditation is not exclusive to any particular religion. Am I trying to open your mind to the idea that meditation has great value to those that practice it? Yes, most definitely.

Ok, so let's pretend we're talking to one another right now. You've conceded meditation seems no more silly than jogging in circles. Why meditate? What is meditation? How do you do it? How do you benefit from it? Lots of questions immediately arise. Let me take these questions one at a time, in my own order.

Why Meditate?

Meditation isn't a thing like a rock or a dollar bill or fame. Meditation is a state of being. Think about your cell phone or laptop. It serves a central role in your life and while you can usually count on it to do what you need it to do, it needs down-time to recharge its batteries. Now think of your body, spirit and mind. They don't run on electricity but rather proteins, minerals, your brain, sugar, positive energy. You body and mind need down time too. Sleep is essential, but so is conscious relaxation or re-centering. Of course, if you simply plug your phone into its charger for the hour before you leave for work rather than giving it plenty of time to recharge, its batteries will not become fully recharged and it will become less reliable.

Human beings are famous for adaptation, determination and perseverance. It's why we dominate the planet and the food chain, most of the time. Millions if not billions of people throughout the last thousand or so years have found meditation beneficial enough to keep its practice alive and to pass it down generation to generation. Yet many, especially Americans, consider it silly, absurd, pointless. Scientific studies have shown otherwise, as the Washington Post  and the BBC had to say (see end of article.)

So now you may do your own investigating and say, ok, so maybe there is something to meditation based on all the scientific evidence. So what? It still feels silly to sit down and stare at the wall or close my eyes sitting still. I bet it also felt very silly to be standing at a chalk board trying to learn your capital and lower-case 'Q' 's, but if you never did anything you thought was silly, you might not be able to read this.

You can think something is silly and not for you, but if you don't try it first and then conclude it's silly based on your experiences, rather than your gut feeling or accepted ways of thinking you will have given up without trying.

Now maybe you are willing to try, seeing there are plenty of 'why's.'

What is Meditation?

First, I am no expert but I've practiced meditation, particularly walking meditation, hence my feeling comfortable to write this blog about it. That cleared, meditation can be described in many ways, such as clearing the mind of any issues, recharging the mind/body's batteries, enhancing focus, reconnecting with the physical body, and on and on and on. But the best way to tackle the 'what' question is to try meditation for yourself.

We know better than to be unhealthy. We know we won't be able to call anyone, to be of help to them tomorrow if we don't recharge our own batteries today. Nature themes tend to dominate most attempts to explain what meditation is like-- because, as we said, it's not a thing but an experience, similar to an environment except, being a state of mind, it is with you no matter what environment you enter. Imagine a still pond versus the open ocean with 15-ft. swells. In this case, the pond is your mind on meditation-- clear, serene, focused. The 15 ft. swells are thought-emotions which threaten to capsize you if they are capable of overtaking your calmness and determination. The meditative state is the cure for those states in which you let your emotions overcome you and you say hurtful things to people. Meditation isn't about giddiness or numbness. Meditation is a state of being that is still you, only without waves, calm, serene, centered, focused and aware of everything, ignoring nothing, accepting everything and finally, knowing that in accepting everything we also accept that everything changes and so acceptance must be flexible to follow life's natural course.

How Do I Meditate?

If we accept meditation like we accept jogging and we feel passionate about becoming a better person-- physically healthy, mentally solid and spiritually strong-- we must learn how to engage in exercise and meditation.

In order to learn enough to get something worthwhile of, say, twenty minutes of meditation a day, I regret to inform you that good meditation practice and form cannot be taught from a book, much less a blog.

I don't mean to infer that you can't teach yourself how to meditate, only that books and blogs set themselves up as authorities on the matter of meditation. And really, if meditation is anything, it is unique to the individual, as an experience, a spiritual one for many. How to go about learning what constitutes meditation and actually doing it properly involves practice and guidance. The mere physical presence of someone in a serene state of mind tends to calm us if only somewhat. Meditation is not the denial of all thought, it is the embracing of all thought without attaching to it. Think of a healthy relationship versus a co-dependent relationship. In a healthy relationship, as in healthy thinking, there is no over-attachment. While a loved one is anticipated positively and there is a healthy connection, unlike co-dependence, there is no need. Each party to the relationship can and does regularly function autonomously from the other. In meditation, we are seeking to separate and decompress our thoughts and feelings, with a healthy connection but without being overly attached. As one of my teachers once said, think of your mind like a mountain-- solid, sturdy-- and your thoughts/feelings like clouds. Sure the clouds obscure the mountain view from time to time, but they must go around the mountain and pass on, into the past, like thoughts/feelings, particularly the stormy ones that cause us such anxiety, fear and other negative emotions.

[fambaneni]

Storytelling through her eyes

As the first post since my 2 years hiatus, I wanted to cover a story that resonates my current personal position of self- liberation and growth creatively. Since embarking on curating and deeply engaging with the art sector, I discovered that some elements of the industry go against my temperament. Despite this, I am driven and will continue to walk my own path.

For this reason, I am excited to share the story of the South African film maker Ntombozuko “Twiggy” Matiwana, who is making her own mark through film. She has won awards for her first short “The Bicycle Man” 2016  the Silver Poulain and the European Union’s Africa, Caribbean, Pacific Prize in Burkina Faso March 2017, alongside notable film makers/directors; Alan Gomis and Ousmane William Mbeya. Her film has also been to several festivals including Cannes. Matiwana has worked on popular South African TV soaps (The Queen, Scandal and Skeem Saam). She is also well known for her poignant documentaries that highlight critical social issues within South Africa and beyond. With features in magazines such as Elle SA, she is a woman to watch!

Twiggy on the set of “The Queen” which airs on Mzansi Magic

G.T: Hi Twiggy, firstly, I would like to thank you for agreeing to this talk/interview.

I admire your strength to go for what you want. I read in an article that you left your hometown Joza in Grahamstown with only R20, resigned from a marketing course you were doing at the time and a career in Journalism to pursue film and tell stories that are often neglected. Firstly “See, Speak and Hear no Evil” 2013, on violence against women and “Waterless Flower” 2014, on the troubles of access to water and basic sanitation for some communities. These seem to be part of your first works as a film student, yet they have already received accolades.

Can you please tell me about your journey into film making, your favourite films/directors, and why?

T.M: Thank you for the invite Gaynor. Well, when I left home I had an agreement with my family to be back after a month. I told them that I will just go test the waters in Johannesburg. That month turned into 15 years. I can’t believe it’s been that long, what a journey!

Twiggy’s awards for “ The Bicycle Man” film 2016

T.M: My calling has always been to tell stories. From a very young age, I was that child that went to bed late, I was always glued to the television screen. At the end of each film I would carefully read the end credits - intrigued to see who wrote and directed the piece. I was more into Asian cinema, “Days of Being Wild”, “In the Mood for Love” by Kar-Wai Wong, and John Woo’s films like “Face Off”. The list is endless!  

Why…Well I think Wong is poetic, he’s often fascinated by the smallest details, for example, “In the Mood for Love”, there is a scene where you see smoke swirling towards the ceiling or a reflection shimmering in a puddle – he prefers his drama to be understated. Wong’s multi-narrative, non-linear story-lines delight in jumping around restlessly. He knows how to make you laugh too. As for John Woo’s film, “Face Off”, I think it’s a compelling classic compared to other violent Hollywood crime films. This one you can always watch. Woo admits that his gun-play was influence and inspiration from Martin Scorsese. Thinking about this it’s sad that growing up I was never introduced to female filmmakers.

Twiggy with one of her favourite directors/film makers Abderrahmane Sissako

G.T: You aim to educate via questioning/challenging stereotypes through your films. Do you maintain your philosophy on sets that you work or have worked on as an assistant director, such as “The Queen” and “Scandal”? If so, how?

T.M: Television is different ball game. To be honest with you, I have never been part of story development in all the soaps I’ve worked on, I mainly do the casting.

G.T: Can you please share some of your highlights while on these sets, especially “The Queen”, what is it like working for Ferguson Films?

T.M: The Fergusons!! Love them. I think they are the most reliable black owned production company to date. They have given me so many opportunities. I oversee casting and scout new talent. For them to give me that responsibility shows great trust. They also know that I am a passionate film maker, so they give me time off to work on my own projects. Shona and Connie are very supportive of talent and enabling others to excel.

One of my key highlights with the Fergusons is directing a few episodes of The Queen Season 1 and having all episodes approved for broadcast.

On the set of “ Defiant Bonga”

G.T: I have been noticing posts on your Instagram, “Defiant Bonga”, what is the film about, how did you get involved?

T.M: This year South Africa hosted the BRICS Film Festival, each country that forms BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) had to produce a short film paying tribute to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to direct the South African short which is, “Defiant Bonga”.

The film is about a strained relationship between father and son. This is put to test when the ‘rebellious’ teenager sneaks off in the middle of the night and is brought back home by the police. However, a person’s perspective of a Johannesburg night can conflict with the actual revelations of the day, much to the relief of a concerned father. That’s all that I can say for now, you will have to  see it yourself.

G.T: You directed the web series “Bold Girls” which explores the life and tribulations of 4 women by Nonocreations, a female owned production company. What was it like working on the series/set?

T.M: “Bold Girls” was an exciting project to make. Nono and I wrote the pilot episode and I called in favours from production design to cinematography. Martha Sibanyoni my art director and Philani Brown my DOP (Director of Photography) and I all made sure everything was on point. Everyone was excited about the series and we all made it work. My lovely wife, Sindiswa helped in the wardrobe department. In total, 90% of the crew were women, we all took charge, and helped shape the story. It was fun to be part of. I am happy and proud to have been able to create such interesting lives for those women characters.

On the set of “Bold Girls”

G.T:  What are you currently working on, any writing or full-length film residencies in the pipeline?

T.M: I’m working on my first feature script. Writing can be tormenting sometimes but am learning to be patient with it.

As for residencies, I have been applying but there’s been no luck. Going away from the noise for a while would be great, a peaceful and tranquil place would help.

G.T: I hope you will get a residency soon. Nonetheless, in terms of film making you are doing well, however, are there any obstacles that you continue to face, especially as a woman film maker? If so, how do you overcome them?

T.M: As we all know the film industry is male dominated, so if you come in as a young female director it’s even scarier. I however, always make sure that even if I’m terrified I walk tall. For me to be bold am also always prepared.Preparation is important, it gives you confidence and the crew will see that you know what you are doing.

Finance!!! Finance!!! Finance! Our Industry needs to trust women more. Trust Women! Give funding to Women! Regardless of this issue, I tell myself that my turn will come. I also have space saved up for disappointments, so when they happen I go back to the drawing board and I work even harder. I don’t let obstacles get in the way.

Twiggy in Ouagadugou, Burkina Faso

G.T: In 2017 during the FESPACO festival where you won your awards, you had a video interview where you advised the EU to try and reach those from rural areas and disadvantaged backgrounds with unique stories to tell. As part of the Youth Film Makers Project working together with emerging film makers, what are your thoughts on how the EU can achieve this? If you were to be an ambassador for the EU, how would you go about ensuring this?

T.M: If I were to be an ambassador for EU, firstly, I would help shape the state of education in our country and allow our children to learn with no fear. Secondly, I would help build independent cinemas around where I come from. You know, I can’t believe that Grahamstown does not have a single cinema to this day! That just breaks my heart.

Pushing for film making, I would make sure that aspiring film makers have accessibility to opportunities from a young age and get to learn everything they can about film. I would teach them about Ousmane Sembéne, the father of African cinema; Med Hondo, Djibril Diop Mambéty and Abderrahmane Sissako, Jamil X.T Qhubeka, Ramadan Suleman just to name a few.

G.T: To close, what advice can you give to future film makers both male and female?

T.M: Baby You are all you’ve got. Live to learn that the sky is the limit. You can be anything you want if you set your mind to it. Trust yourself enough AND STAY IN YOUR LANE. Never compare yourself to anyone.

G.T: Well, thank you, what a beautiful close! This actually takes me to my favorite picture of you, at the top of a mountain which you pushed yourself to climb. Its a lesson to continue defeating our fears and shine.......

“......Condolences to Fear and to Insecurities, you will never win with me......"

[official-ilvermorny]

Ilvermorny Sorting Game: @se-rowan

@se-rowan’s answers:

*Hogwarts House and why you feel an affinity: Hufflepuff because I am well known for my honesty and I am loyal to my loved ones no matter what. Plus hard work is something I’ve always valued and try so hard to practice. *Patronus form and why you think it accurate: Occamy. This came as a surprise to me when it first appeared but these creatures are know to be quite gentle but also fierce when protecting their loved ones which is similar to myself since I’ve been known to be a motherly figure to my friends. Wand details: My wand is made of English Oak wood that is 12 ¾ in length with a dragon heartstring core. Plus it’s surprisingly flexible. *Which of the following do you most trust when making decisions, and why: logic, intuition, instincts, or emotions? Logic. Because it’s the only thing you can trust. Emotions, from my experiences, can be way too easily manipulated and can cloud your judgement. Intuition is never reliable because it has no conscious reasoning behind it. Instincts aren’t much help either because they seem, to me at least, to rely on trusting oneself and sometimes we can’t even trust ourselves. Logic is clear and based on evidence and facts. Which class would you most like to take at Ilvermorny and why? The care of magical creatures. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by amazing and beautiful creatures while learning more about them and how to care for them? Sign me up as soon as possible. What No-Maj career would/do you follow in life and why? A child psychologist because I want to help children and teenagers who have gone through difficult experiences and they don’t know how to process them correctly. If I can give them the tools on how to help themselves and better their lives, there is no other career I want to be in. What wizarding career would you like to follow and why? Definitely a healer. Maybe in a wizarding school. Young wizards….we’re always getting into scraps and it takes a good healer to mend broken bones or help reverse a potions experiment gone wrong. It’s not an easy job but someone has to do it and I think it can be pretty rewarding. It’s summer break! What is your ideal way to spend it? Doing photography with my best friend with our Polaroid cameras, Swimming in the lake by my house and stargazing with my telescope. Do you prefer to learn hard facts, or to think about abstract concepts? Even I said I prefer logic earlier, but in my own private mind, abstract takes up residence and I can’t help it. You discover that a close friend of yours has been bullying someone. What do you do? I calmly comfort them directly. I tell them what I know and ask for their explanation. If I don’t agree with what they’ve said, I tell them and try to get them understand that what they’re doing is wrong and that they need to stop and apologize immediately. What do you do when stressed? I paint abstract with my watercolors and let my mind go blank for a while. If that doesn’t help, listening to no-maj musical soundtracks gives me a nice distraction too. What do you do when angry? I grab a broom, fly as fast as i can and play the no-maj band, PVRIS on my phone as loud as possible to drown out all my negative emotions. What do you do when sad? I write poetry or read my favorite book series. Sometimes I play jazz music and have a good cry if need be. What do you do when happy? That’s easy. I watch my favorite no-maj movies with my best friend. Pretty anything from Heathers, Spiderman: Homecoming, Sherlock to Treasure Planet gets me in a good mood. What is your greatest fear? Being left behind or losing my friends. I don’t have a lot because i have social anxiety so the very little friends I do have, I keep close to my heart and I can’t stand the thought of losing anyone I care about. What would Amortentia smell like to you? Old leather jackets, my mother’s pecan pies, fresh biscuits and dried herbs. *How do you spend your free time? Paint, write poetry and stories and knit. *What extracurriculars do/did you engage in? I’ve been known to dabble in the theatrical arts from time to time but I mostly do small parts or help work backstage. But I wouldn’t mind a chance in the spotlight just once. *Which Ilvermorny House do you feel a strongest affinity to and why? I would like to be a pukwudgie because I like to think of myself as a healer. I hate seeing anyone in any time of pain and I want to do whatever I can to make them feel better and become better people. I generally like to take care of others and hate to be selfish. But I’m no pushover. Anyone tries to mess with me or someone I care about, they messed with the wrong witch.

I think you’re totally right about your House - you seem very much like a Pukwudgie. You are very much a Healer. Both of your occupations have to do with healing, both magical and mundane. Your Patronus and wand could both point this way as well. As you say, an Occamy is sweet and demure up until you mess with those it loves – a very Pukwudgie trait, if you ask me. Your wand wood, English oak, bonds with those with a natural affinity to the natural world. This would do very well with Healing. You would be able to use your abilities with magical plants and creatures in your Healing, and perhaps even find new properties to aid you.

One of the only parts that could dissuade me from Pukwudgie is your emphasis on logic instead of emotions. However, this simply means you use a Horned Serpent Cognition primarily – not that you are one. I use the Serpent Cognition a lot too, and though I was offered a place in both Houses, I thoroughly believe I’m very much a Thunderbird. And your other answers point back to Pukwudgie as well. You wouldn’t act brashly in the bullying situation, for example. And the Healing ones as discussed above, of course. I have to say, you’d be a tiny bit atypical, with your somewhat fiery tendencies (according to your answers, at least), but not anywhere near different enough to completely step away from the House of Healers. I know some Pukwudgies with way less in common with their Housemates than you would have. You would fit in perfectly in House Pukwudgie!

~Prefect Selwyn

[avaycarter]

#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ As part of the Best Buy Blogger program I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and have received Product for Editorial Consideration ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

I got to attend PDN PhotoPlus Expo this year in New York City, and one of the most unique non-photography items I saw at the show could easily pass for an Objet d' art! The booth was fun, you went to each demo station and when they completed the product demo you collected a raffle ticket, the more product demos you experienced the more raffle tickets, this was the product that stood out most from their booth and I garnered as many raffle tickets as I could trying to enter to win it. While I was not a lucky winner, not shortly after this came up as a blog campaign and I jumped at the chance! The PDN PhotoPlus Expo is tough to recap in one post as there was so much to see and do, so I will try to bring you pieces of what I saw there a bit more organically and try not to overwhelm you guys with a post that would take an hour to read/digest. What is multi operating system friendly, poses as BOTH a Router and Security Program for not only your home devices but while on the go too? THIS GUY:

Above: It blends so well into my modern zen home decor that I took a shot of it with my favorite scent warmer, without the box there telling you what it is, it literally would just blend into the background with my current decor. Oddly enough my living room walls are painted grey right now, so the Graphite Grey Color on this unit really does blend into my living room perfectly! Tech can be both functional AND fashionable.

If someone special in your life is getting a new computer, there are certain things you know you need for it, a security/protection software package and a router, so why not get them BOTH in one box?

Above: Another shot sans my scent warmer! I actually have mine situated right next to my smart TV as my TV goes online to update itself and it's apps often! BENEFITS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EASE OF SET-UP - Bluetooth-enabled iOS/Android device with a mobile data plan is needed. Download the Norton Core app to complete set up. Modem required.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURE + HIGH PEFORMANCE - Wi-Fi router helps protect your connected devices on your home network by stopping cyber-attacks at the network level you can stream your favorite movies in 4K, play online games or download content with Core’s powerful dual-core processor. With comprehensive network security to protect your connected home from malware, viruses, phishing tactics and even botnets. Norton Core supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps* — ensuring fast 4K streaming and lag-free gaming (perfect since I switched from a Desktop to a Laptop Gaming Rig, review of my Gaming Rig coming soon, it was purchased by me at Best Buy, not gifted, although I wish it were!) Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PROTECTS ALL CONNECTED DEVICE -  One year subscription to Norton Core Security Plus* is included to protect your Macs, PCs, tablets, smartphones & smart devices. (after the one year is over you pay $9.99 per month) Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bandwidth Optimization - Does one device need a bit more juice than the other? You can give priority to any device in the house with a touch of a button! Downloading music or movies? Give that device the extra bandwidth so the downloads go faster. When you turn in at night, give it to the devices you are leaving running updates or to your smart TV. This by far has to be one of my favorite features! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS - Manage screen time by setting content filters or daily limits on usage. And when needed, pause the Internet. Not a feature I need as there are no baby butterflies here, but it is great to know it's there! The ability to pause the network entirely will leave you drunk with power! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURITY SCORE- Butterflies your credit isn't the only thing with a score, your network and home security gets one too with Norton Core, but it doesn't just score your security, it offers insight and tools to help improve your score. Your devices and smart home can now breathe a sigh of relief!

MY TAKE:

Norton has always been a reliable security product for me, and now with the added functionality of a 'two-in-one' where I get both a router and security in a package that is sleek, modern and actually quite pretty to look at, what's not to love? I have always loved that Norton protects my devices at home and on the go and it is the brand of security software I regularly use, even paying for it over the free security software that comes with my Cable! I had a different security program for the past few months because I recently changed from a desktop to a gaming rig laptop and that came with it's own protection built in, but while I have no complaints about the security software that came with my gaming rig (which I did purchase at Best Buy, again with MY money, not gift cards or sponsored), I will say I am very happy to be back with Norton Again! I find Norton easy to use, it's great about updating itself and playing nice with my operating system too! It pretty much takes care of itself and my network so I can worry about other things! (Like Photo Editing, Traveling, Writing, Blogging, Life Coaching, Social Media Consulting, and attending fantastic events and tradeshows in NYC). I have been making it a point to keep you guys updated over time how products perform like the earbuds I reviewed that literally kept dying at the one year mark (Remember I'm already 8 years into blogging here at Ascending Butterfly), I like to check out my monthly reports with a security software, so I would like to tell you guys how my score changes over time with this one which I hope will provide you with an idea of how well the product performs over time. This butterfly is always thorough! Spill Butterflies: How old is your current router? What Security Program/Software do you use? What is your current brand of router? Are you happy with it? Have you experienced dead zones for devices in your own home?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I am part of Best Buy's Blogging Program and I received product at NO cost to me for Editorial Consideration and I also received a gift card, however all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me! published first on http://ift.tt/2ClTz23

[avaycarter]

#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ As part of the Best Buy Blogger program I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and have received Product for Editorial Consideration ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

I got to attend PDN PhotoPlus Expo this year in New York City, and one of the most unique non-photography items I saw at the show could easily pass for an Objet d' art! The booth was fun, you went to each demo station and when they completed the product demo you collected a raffle ticket, the more product demos you experienced the more raffle tickets, this was the product that stood out most from their booth and I garnered as many raffle tickets as I could trying to enter to win it. While I was not a lucky winner, not shortly after this came up as a blog campaign and I jumped at the chance! The PDN PhotoPlus Expo is tough to recap in one post as there was so much to see and do, so I will try to bring you pieces of what I saw there a bit more organically and try not to overwhelm you guys with a post that would take an hour to read/digest. What is multi operating system friendly, poses as BOTH a Router and Security Program for not only your home devices but while on the go too? THIS GUY:

Above: It blends so well into my modern zen home decor that I took a shot of it with my favorite scent warmer, without the box there telling you what it is, it literally would just blend into the background with my current decor. Oddly enough my living room walls are painted grey right now, so the Graphite Grey Color on this unit really does blend into my living room perfectly! Tech can be both functional AND fashionable.

If someone special in your life is getting a new computer, there are certain things you know you need for it, a security/protection software package and a router, so why not get them BOTH in one box?

Above: Another shot sans my scent warmer! I actually have mine situated right next to my smart TV as my TV goes online to update itself and it's apps often! BENEFITS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EASE OF SET-UP - Bluetooth-enabled iOS/Android device with a mobile data plan is needed. Download the Norton Core app to complete set up. Modem required.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURE + HIGH PEFORMANCE - Wi-Fi router helps protect your connected devices on your home network by stopping cyber-attacks at the network level you can stream your favorite movies in 4K, play online games or download content with Core’s powerful dual-core processor. With comprehensive network security to protect your connected home from malware, viruses, phishing tactics and even botnets. Norton Core supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps* — ensuring fast 4K streaming and lag-free gaming (perfect since I switched from a Desktop to a Laptop Gaming Rig, review of my Gaming Rig coming soon, it was purchased by me at Best Buy, not gifted, although I wish it were!) Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PROTECTS ALL CONNECTED DEVICE -  One year subscription to Norton Core Security Plus* is included to protect your Macs, PCs, tablets, smartphones & smart devices. (after the one year is over you pay $9.99 per month) Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bandwidth Optimization - Does one device need a bit more juice than the other? You can give priority to any device in the house with a touch of a button! Downloading music or movies? Give that device the extra bandwidth so the downloads go faster. When you turn in at night, give it to the devices you are leaving running updates or to your smart TV. This by far has to be one of my favorite features! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS - Manage screen time by setting content filters or daily limits on usage. And when needed, pause the Internet. Not a feature I need as there are no baby butterflies here, but it is great to know it's there! The ability to pause the network entirely will leave you drunk with power! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURITY SCORE- Butterflies your credit isn't the only thing with a score, your network and home security gets one too with Norton Core, but it doesn't just score your security, it offers insight and tools to help improve your score. Your devices and smart home can now breathe a sigh of relief!

MY TAKE:

Norton has always been a reliable security product for me, and now with the added functionality of a 'two-in-one' where I get both a router and security in a package that is sleek, modern and actually quite pretty to look at, what's not to love? I have always loved that Norton protects my devices at home and on the go and it is the brand of security software I regularly use, even paying for it over the free security software that comes with my Cable! I had a different security program for the past few months because I recently changed from a desktop to a gaming rig laptop and that came with it's own protection built in, but while I have no complaints about the security software that came with my gaming rig (which I did purchase at Best Buy, again with MY money, not gift cards or sponsored), I will say I am very happy to be back with Norton Again! I find Norton easy to use, it's great about updating itself and playing nice with my operating system too! It pretty much takes care of itself and my network so I can worry about other things! (Like Photo Editing, Traveling, Writing, Blogging, Life Coaching, Social Media Consulting, and attending fantastic events and tradeshows in NYC). I have been making it a point to keep you guys updated over time how products perform like the earbuds I reviewed that literally kept dying at the one year mark (Remember I'm already 8 years into blogging here at Ascending Butterfly), I like to check out my monthly reports with a security software, so I would like to tell you guys how my score changes over time with this one which I hope will provide you with an idea of how well the product performs over time. This butterfly is always thorough! Spill Butterflies: How old is your current router? What Security Program/Software do you use? What is your current brand of router? Are you happy with it? Have you experienced dead zones for devices in your own home?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I am part of Best Buy's Blogging Program and I received product at NO cost to me for Editorial Consideration and I also received a gift card, however all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me! published first on http://ift.tt/2ClTz23