Pain, Light, Understanding

Firstly, new tunic:

This style seems to be a hit out in Cali, so this one most likely will be sent to Darla's Closet (where many of my pieces are currently housed, in case some of y'all missed the previous mention). I'm happy to say that six of my garments sold the first day the package arrived (before they could even get everything out on the floor I was told), and one was a hunter green version of the piece you see above. Not too long ago, a gray one went to someone else in San Francisco.

Californians have shown me nothing but love. Perhaps I need to relocate.


Moving along, today's Shutter Click & Chat Sundays as seen on Tea & Honey Bread:

The Money Shot:
Show your favorite picture of you

(Well, might not be favorite, but it's significance. I don't think I have a favorite. Oh, and please notice the handmade Fertile Ground off the shoulder tee ;-)

The year: 2005

The environment: depressing to say the least

The specifics: One of my ex-boyfriends who I'd remained friends with had died of complications with sickle-cell anemia at 26, my most favorite cousin in the whole world had died of some kind of stomach cancer at the same age, an elder aunt had also died without me tapping into her wisdom as much as I could have and getting some of her best dessert recipes. (She'd laugh if she could read this.), I'd recently graduated from college and was confused about my next move, and I was having relationship drama. I didn't think my body could produce anymore tears. (Then, a few weeks after this shot was taken, New Orleans went underwater, an untold number of people drowned, and I realized that there were in fact plenty more tears to be shed.)

On the night of this photo, I'd taken a 50 minute ride to Baton Rouge, LA to attend a poetry/spoken word/music event that I'd been invited to on several occasions but had never attended. For one, I hadn't wanted to risk falling asleep during the late night hours on my way back home. For two, sometimes poetry events tend to become a bit cliche for me after a while. However, on this night, I pulled myself off the bed and out of my comatose state, got dressed and made the drive. I needed to be in a different space around new people. When it was all said and done, I'd listened to some good "old school" music/poetry, danced a bit , and connected with some of the coolest people. (Big up SU folks!! ...Can't believe I just typed that considering that my hometown is the location of their rival, GSU.) On the way home, I was feeling much better. The above picture was taken by one of the event coordinators.

So yep. That's the story behind it all.

Oh, and a bit of trivia. The name "fly tie" actually comes from my deceased ex and cousin mentioned above. He used to teasingly call me "tie fly" (my nickname's "Tie"), and she used to use the word "fly" to describe everything. So, I decided that my clothing label should be "fly tie" to honor them both.

Today I've gotta get started on a formal dress I'm doing for someone. Not my favorite thing to do, but from time to time I'll oblige.

peace.