The Return to Creativity

Re-inspired once again creatively, I have resumed my art projects and am making things happen in 2010! It's a very exciting time for me as I am shifting gears and focusing on the things that have been put on the back burner for quite some time now. There will be amazing projects in store but for now, I have to keep them a secret until they are in their completion =)

One thing that I can share though is that I started to interview my mom today. I didn't think she would do it, and it was like pulling teeth in the beginning but she finally got to warm up and started talking to me about her life. She was asking me why I was doing this, and I told her that I wanted her grandchildren to know what their grandparents' lives were like. It was a slow and resistant start but now, I got her looking forward to the next few interviews and it has opened up dialogue between her and my father in a different way again. After the interview was done, she wanted to do it 2 more times so that it could be better, her speaking skills would be better and her thoughts would be more organized. She also wanted to see what my dad said in his interview when I asked him how he met my mom =)

It was a great day spent with family. She told me that she went back to the Philippines to see her hometown and her half-sister again because it was prompted by my return in 2006. I was very happy to hear that I had sparked the interest in her to go back home again, especially since she hadn't returned since she left in 1972. So you could imagine, that this return trip was a BIG deal.

I am looking forward to finishing my parents interviews, finally. It is an amazing experience even asking them how they met each other, how they fell in love and the reason why they wanted to marry each other. The hardships that they experienced growing up, their education, their friendships, past loves, ALL on film! The plan is unfolding slowly and beautifully.

I can't wait to learn more about my parents' lives. They are truly remarkable individuals and I am fortunate to capture these moments on film =)

Cuba: From salsa music to ballet, literature and beyond

Cuba: From salsa music to ballet

Still thinking of MJ

Recovering from upper respiratory infection has gotten me glued to Netflix. Watching Poetic Justice on a Friday night, and I watch Janet play Stevie Wonder's "They Won't Go When I Go". Look up the lyrics, and caught this clip from MJ's funeral. Ah, Stevie, when you die, I will be definitely mourning you for days also.

Just makes you really think about life when you understand the significance of death. Petty arguments, negativity, there's no time for that in this lifetime. So why not live life with positivity, happiness and love? Life is too short. Take it from someone who has almost faced death several times in my lifetime. Just let the rain pass and enjoy the sunshine.

I love you all. Thank you for reading this, allowing me to constantly share nothing but my bare self, and for being a part of my life.

Sun Moon Child: A Black Dance Retrospective

For all my dancer friends and just lovers of movement, enjoy this one!

Sun Moon Child from pierre bennu on Vimeo.

Smog Shoppe: Mari's wedding site

This is where my best friend and sister, Mari, will be getting married in April. The pictures don't do the place justice, but I had to take pictures to share them with the other 2 bridesmaids. It was definitely more beautiful to see in person and I could see why she chose the spot with the abundant greenery that the lighting and my iphone couldn't quite capture to perfection along with the little quirks throughout the place and especially the bathrooms. It's definitely a Mari wedding site, small and quaint, hidden and beautiful. I wouldn't have known about this place if not for her. You wouldn't guess that it existed just driving along La Cienega, but just like her, it's a hidden jewel with so many quirks and beautiful things inside for those who are willing to pay attention.

2 more months and coming fast. I can't wait! Now back to the guitar...

Naomi's 30th bday in Vegas

Even though I was sick, I had to go. It was my girl, Nay's 30th bday and like I told her after coughing all over the place and blowing my nose, "you only turn 30 once". She flew in with a few friends from NY, we flew in from LA, some more of her peeps came in from the Bay and it was ALL good. We tried to party like rockstars in XS, haha, with all the scandalous 18 year old looking girls who swore they were trying to be "hollywood" or whatever you wanna call it with their gaudy fashion. Not too mention, they're horrible dj mix/probably cd from rave sounding music to the classic hip hop 90 jams that you got about 30 seconds of each song to shake your booty to. There were NO attractive guys to be seen in Vegas at all! But the buffet at the Wynn was a winner with the Alaskan crab legs, yummy dessert, and steak to die for. The complimentary beers as you can see from the picture below that came with our room reservations at New York, New York, were also a nice treat. No gambling for me, as I lay in bed coughing my lungs outta my throat. I felt like I went thru 5 boxes of tissue that weekend and tons of water with hot tea and lemon. Nevertheless, everyone kept telling me how good of a friend I was, and after knowing this chica, for more than 10 years, it was well worth it. Her friends were amazing, some of them I've also known for more than 10 years now because of this awesome chica. I love Naomi and as I told Jane, I could see pieces of her thru all the people that I met and hung out with. I was reminded and understood why all these wonderful people were in her life. Happy Bday Nay! Welcome to the 30s!

Mom's strength

There's nothing like a mother's love, mother's touch, and mother's strength. My dad has pneumonia and I have the flu, but what we both have in common is a strong woman looking after us in the best way she can. I told my mom "good thing you haven't gotten sick" and she replies "how could I? Someone has to take care of both of you." I admire my mom for her constant strength and hope that one day I can inherit that strength that she has. She is one incredible woman, and in times like these, I really see her strength shine thru.