Today's Quotes/News: Abigail & Brittney Hensel; Two Truly Phenomenal Womyn

Abigail Loraine Hensel and Brittany Lee Hensel are known as dicephalic parapagus twins; conjoined twins each of whom has a separate head, but whose bodies are joined. They are highly symmetric, giving the appearance of having a single body form. Additionally, several vital organs are doubled up; each twin has a separate heart, stomach, spine, and spinal cord. Currently, at 24 years of age, they have defined scientific expectations as they plan for a continued future!
To learn more about Abigail and Brittany, click HERE and watch the video below!

Today's Thoughts: "Chandelier" by Sia

ft. DANCE MOMS Maddie Ziegler

Today's Quotes/News: Little Things Womyn Need to Know

Thanks to UMBRELR, here are some tidbits that will make womyn-life a tad bit easier! Click HERE for details!

Today's Quotes/News: "You may encounter many defeats..."

Today's Inspiration: Heather Doriden

The video shows it all! Way to go Heather!

Today's Inspiration: Congratulations Ursula Rucker

World renowned Poet & Activist Ursula Rucker is a new mural model sponsored by You Go Girl Mural Dedication and The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The larger-than-life mural towers above an urban landscape, and features Jetsonorama's photo of Rucker, which is thoughtfully tattooed with words from "l.o.v.e.", one of the poet's most well-known works. To see the mural close up or want to go to the dedication ceremony, click HERE for more information!

Letters/Notes: from The Ignant Intellectual [Letter to 16]

Letter to 16

I live in Harlem. I will be 35 in exactly 179 days. I am going to sky-dive on that day. No matter how high my fear factor is, I’m jumping. I have a passport. With stamps. I have friends. Who I love. And who love me. I’m not talking to my mom. My godmother died in September. My grandmother and Nanny Ocy (her older sister) died within 4 hours of each other in 2006. They were room mates in the nursing home. Skippy died two years ago. I have a gut and I struggle staying in shape and eating right. New Orleans drowned. Nothing is the same. Nothing has really changed. I am a full-time entrepreneur. That’s both good and bad. I feel like I have no home. I am scared. Shytless. I don’t feel like I do enough, yet am often exhausted. I think I’ve found my passion. Money is funny. Change is strange. I am single. Very very single. I still have hope. Love encamps me. 

Right now your biggest concern is how to get your mama to buy you those Used Jeans and Tretorns. You want some Girbauds, too. She’s not big on name brands and neither are you, but every now and then, a teenager wants to look like every other teenager walking around. 

I know you wish that boys paid more attention to you and less attention to the ‘fly girls’. If only Everell, Darryl, Armond, Jonas, Isaac, and/or Brandon would notice you, they’d fall in love with you instantly. I wish I could tell you that someone will come along and you both would fall in love instantly, but at 34 and single, I’m wondering how true that is. I can say this, though. All those girls they are chasing behind, will look like shyt in 15 years. Wait until you see Dominique at your 15 year high school reunion. Revel in that shyt. 

But really, over the next 20 years, you’ll realize that you don’t really want boys anyway. CATCH IT! Yes ma’am. You will begin to develop a queer identity and it will shift your life and propel it in some of the most amazing directions. Surely, many won’t like it, but your life isn’t for nobody but you to like. You’ll also realize that all those ‘I don’t really feel like a girl’ feelings you’ve always had, will begin to have a name and its own language. And you will begin to also develop a trans-gender identity. CATCH THAT T!

Your hair will stop growing because it was the one thing people validated you on. You even won ‘Best Hair’ in high school. And you will take that validation and it will result in over-processing and essentially frying your scalp which will scar the skin and for years it won’t grow. 

And you don't know yet, but your grandmother will be the person you miss most in the world when she passes. And while y’all always got along, you’ll wish you had spent more time with her. But it won’t be until she’s gone that you’ll realize just how much alike y’all were. That all those times she defended you in showing your shape off or wearing something kinda scandalous, it was really her way of saying ‘Do not let others police your body.’ ‘And you own you’. But wasn’t all that language back then. She was a maverick too. But like many, you won’t realize that until it’s too late. And it won’t be easy to shake the regret. She’ll visit you in your dreams. But she won’t say anything. She’ll always be in the background. Cleaning up. Or cooking something. Just as a reminder that she’s there with you. And it will be more comforting than her actually being in the foreground. 

Your dreams of being a cardiothoracic surgeon will fade eventually. GASP! Yes. You aren’t going to medical school. Spirit has something else in store for you. You will find that your passions can be found in Social Justice and you will become a Social & Cultural Critic and it will look good on you. 

So walk this road. You will often feel alone. 

Make mistakes. They’ll give you wisdom. 

Fail forward. Learn the difference between sucumbing to fear and engaging fear. 

When you feel the lump well in your throat, that’s God’s way of saying ‘speak’. 

You are doing well.

Sincerely,

The 34 Year Old You

Learn more about The Ignant Intellectual HERE!

Today's Thoughts: "Radha" by Shreya Ghoshal

Today's Quotes/News: The World Says Goodbye to Maya Angelou

At 86 years young,

Maya Angelou leaves a nation of souls to honor her legacy and love.

Thank you for your spirit Maya Angelou.

We will always love you!

Today's Quotes/News: Congratulations Diane Humetewa

Congratulations to Diane Humetewa for becoming the first Native American women to serve as a Federal Court Judge!!! This is such grand news! To learn more, click HERE!

Today's Thoughts: "Mi Peor Error" by Alejandra Guzman

Today's Quotes/News: The View Says Goodbye to Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters retires from the airwaves! A pioneer for womyn news anchors across the nation, her determination, drive and passion will be cherished beyond the beyond! Thank you Barbara for making the road to success a little less rocky for womyn everywhere! We love you!

Today's Quotes/News: Congratulations Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes has signed an eight figure deal that has her on the ABC Network until 2018! Thank you Ms. Rhimes for bringing us a Thursday line-up that has had us on the edge of our seats for years. From "Grey's Anatomy", "Scandal" to the new "How To Get Away With Murder", we look forward to seeing you define yourself has the leading lady of prime time! Read more HERE!

Testimonials: from Terri Clifton

"I'm very honored to be a part of this project, addressing a younger self, exploring the path I took to get where I am. At 19, I was reckless, undisciplined, and largely alone. But grace, in the form of mentors, moved me past that. My little flame was kindled and cared for and I know the importance of passing that grace on. Thank you TS Hawkins & The Sincerely, she Project for including me and for reminding me of the importance of the journey."

Today's Inspirations: "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack

Today's Thoughts: "Let Me Go" by Avril Lavigne ft. Chad Kroeger

Today's Thoughts: "Perfume" by Britney Spears

Today's Quotes/News: Congratulations to Amber West!

One of our dynamic womyn is officially a Doctor! Receiving her degree in English, Dr. West will certainly continue to take the world by storm! We tip our hats to you Amber! Congrats on making the world a better place!

To learn more about Amber, click HERE!

Letters/Notes: from Terri Clifton [A Visit To 19]

A Visit to Nineteen

Why are you there, by the window with your chin in your hand, Nineteen?

I watch you, you know. Going through your days. The risks you take, the ones you don't. Letting everyone think you're cocksure even when you don't have a clue. Maybe not the best strategy, but the one you've chosen. It will do for now.

You've found only half your confidence, the part that believes in what you can do, and it makes me wish for some way to show you how to believe in who you are. But scanning forward, I know that life will teach you soon enough.

All the answers you seek are inside you. Outside things—people, events—will trigger your ability to access them. Lessons will be repeated until learned.

I float here, a wisp of future, too insubstantial to leave you with anything except wishes. But there's a deep magic in wishes from the heart, so this I'll do.

I wish you Love. The all pervasive kind that colors everything you look at, especially yourself.  It will break your heart, multiple times. Small breaks, and deep bruises. But never let go.

I wish you Energy and the knowledge that it has to be replenished from within. You produce your own power and it has to be fed. Nourish your body and your mind everyday.

I wish you Passion, which is the combination of the first two. Use it.

I know for a fact these three wishes find you. I'm glad that you cannot see the path you'll take; it would frighten you. Just know you make it.

I'll be watching your tears, your triumphs.  I'll be amazed at your strength and courage, which you'll gift to me. Thank you for all you go through to find them.

And I'll be watching that day when it begins to click, the one where you learn to live in the moment, to know that your happiness is all in your hands and your attitude determines much of your path.

There's a great deal of hard work ahead of you, but you'll manage. You'll build your dreams, one day at at a time. I am that dream, and I am alive.

Keep going, Nineteen. We've more to accomplish yet. I'll do my part.

(I find myself smiling, wondering what our future self is seeing, wishing for me now.)

One last thing before I go, child. Be at peace with the mistakes you'll make; I've already forgiven you. Every step you took brought me here, and I love you for it.

To learn more about Terri click HERE!

Today's Quotes/News: Spotlight on Rasheena & Assiah Phinisee

A mom on a mission, Rasheena Phinisee is radiant example of a mother's love and determination. Her daughter Assiah (who proudly just celebrated her 6th birthday) was diagnosed with pediatric liver disease. With a long road ahead being far from easy, Rasheena founded A Star Named Assiah Liver Fund. This organization not only raises awareness for her daughter but for a nation of children as well!!! Assiah only had one wish...TO LIVE! Thanks to the continued support from her mother and doctors, Assiah is getting the opportunity to make her wish come true!

Today's Quotes/News: Tribute to The Ross Sisters

Step back DanceMoms...

...these girls did their thing ten fold (back in 1944)!!!

Today's Thoughts: "Because You Loved Me" Celine Dion

Today's Inspiration: "Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men

Today's Thoughts: Happy Mother's Day!

To Mother's Everywhere!!!

Today's Quotes/News: #BringBackOurGirls in Action

Thank you for your voice:

Awinda Otieno-Pala

Barbara Lewis

Charles Tyson, jr.

Christina May

Diane Pentz

Dorothy Hawkins

Hannah Tsapatoris MacLeod

Jacinta Burgess

Kalif Troy

Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon

Keisha Wallace

Lisa Saunders

Mallory Fix-Lopez

Meryl Lynn Brown

Tara Lessard

TS Hawkins

Please follow the

BRING BACK OUR GIRLS organization

on Facebook

for up to the minute rallies across the globe.

They have over 142K likes on their social media page

but on constant pursuit for more active voices!!!

Today's Quotes/News: Womyn Gather To #BringBackOurGirls

Female dynamos in various facets of a community at large,

PR Radio Station, Freedom G. Photography,

Di the Comedian Hargrove, Chef Joy Parham of Hell's Kitchen

&

The Sincerely, she Project

gather to #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS

Stay tuned to see how they make moves from behind the photos!

Celebrity Note: from Hollie McNish

"I would tell young Hollie not to worry about finishing every piece of homework perfectly,

to relax a little and to concentrate on the nice people

but not to hate those who seem horrible at the moment."

Meet the Womyn: Blush

Blush’s entrepreneurial endeavors began as a way to identify constructive uses of her time outside of work. She moved to New Jersey in 2002 with few obligations besides her full-time job; thus, she was able to take the time to explore many personal and professional interests. To this end, her interest in the esthetics industry was sparked while doing promotional modeling work for a well-known cosmetics brand: as a person with absolutely no formal training, she wound up doing makeup at a large event! From that very day, she began seeking out makeup artist workshops and training opportunities. Today, she is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician.  She makes house calls for private clients seeking corrective skin treatments and works with models and brides throughout the Delaware Valley. Blush also holds a BA from the University of Georgia and an MPA from the University of Kansas. Her professional life reflects her personal mantra: always evolving and growing.  As she blossoms, her intention to grow her business in a manner that focuses on total beauty, inside and out.  Indeed, her new motto is "Pretty Faces and Beautiful Souls" which reflects her deeply held belief that people must develop their full selves in order to achieve happiness, confidence and contentment.

Meet the Womyn: Amber West

Amber West is a feminist poet and theater-maker originally from California. Her poems have appeared in journals such as Calyx, The Feminist Wire, and Southword, and in the anthology Women Write Resistance: Poets Resist Gender Violence. Her plays and “puppet poems” have been performed on the east and west coasts. She has published essays in Episodes from a History of Undoing: The Heritage of Female Subversiveness, The Routledge Companion to Puppetry & Material Performance, Journal of Research on Women & Gender, and Puppetry International. She earned her BA in Literature/Creative Writing at UC Santa Cruz, her MFA in Poetry at NYU and her PhD in English at UConn. For many years she’s taught poetry to underserved youth through nonprofits like America SCORES. She lives in Brooklyn, NY where she is co-founder of the volunteer artist collective, Alphabet Arts, and director of Puppets & Poets, an annual festival blending poetry, puppetry, and other arts.

Gyrl Group Thursday: Danity Kane

Today's Inspiration: "Believe" by Cher

Today's Thoughts: "Strange Fruit" by Nina Simone

Letters/Notes: from Kameelah Waheed [Kamise LaShawn]

Dear Kamise Lashawn,

            The name that you were born with, yeah you the one with the chip on her shoulder, the hidden object camouflaged in a mirage of American family standards.

I am addressing this memo to you, yeah you the introvert, angry baby with the solemn look. Right now you feel lost, confused and things are happening so fast in your small world that you disappear into the lining. Now- you don’t matter much gone is your glory, the attention, the affection the simple words  - I love you.

            You can no longer speak out, your voice has grown smaller than you and as you grow bigger in those size 10 shoes at age 10 your voice becomes speechless.

 You watch the others and take your place in the shadows. You relinquish your power again and again; first there was Christie the brown skinned long haired doll who sat upright in her baby fat, when you pulled her hair it would grow longer and longer right before your very eyes!  She was snatched away given to another child. Sally the blonde haired blue-eyed doll was purposefully left behind in the swelling heat of a South Carolina crummy motel and Dashund the long skinny dog that befriended you when no one recognized your existence. You were punished for feeding, and caring for another living being.

            The icing was the violin your final retreat into your room, you’d sit not understanding how your life changed so quickly, drastically, no more James the one who treated you like his own. No freedom to think or talk other than what the Nation thought was appropriate. So you’d reach up into the closets top shelf -you’d bring her down stroking the case that housed it opening it slowly like the wrapper on a piece of smooth milk chocolate that piece of chocolate that you wanted to last longer than everyone else’s. You would tuck the wood instrument under your chin just like the teacher showed you, remove the bow and begin the chords on Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Smelling the wood it was a scent that enlighten your soul and lifted your spirit floating away from 532 Randolph Street.

             I remind you of this I remind you when you feel that you shall not speak or when your introverted self makes a surprise drop by (hello its me shhhh). I remind you of this to strengthen you to remember there are others like you before you and after you who will be shut up, shut down and feel powerless. You will earn your place on the mic you will finally stand up and shout, jump up and down and pound your fist until they believe you insane but you will have found your voice! Do not apologize do not relent do not shut up or shut down release what has been bottled up breathe in the nostalgic smell of that violin let it wake you like smelling salts, continue to raise the volume speak up against and out you have earned it! You stayed your place long enough. 

You will be amazed that Kamise, yeah you the introvert the one hiding in her closet dialoguing with friends who do not exist in human dimensions the one who hid her face in shame over something she had no control. Your time will come my sweet lovable loving awesome beautiful young girl your time will come!!!!!

Learn more about Kameelah HERE!