Hi everyone. I'm sitting here reading Steve Harvey's book, "Straight Talk, No Chaser." I've had it for quite a while. I'm finally getting around to reading it, before it's due back at the library. Yes, I love the library and visit at least once a week. Something I just read made me stop and do this blog post. I mentioned in my earlier post, that I was challenging myself to blog daily. What a great idea that was...Until film school officially kicked in.
So, I will just update you all on what's going on in my world. Film school, 10 movies to watch, 3 books to read, I'm participating in a 90 Day Bible Challenge, which means I read at least 13 chapters of the bible daily with the goal of reading the entire bible in 90 days, my first short film is due in less than 2 weeks..I'll be writing, producing, and directing, already working on my 2nd short film due next month...so...umm...yes, peeps I'm completely engaged in a passion filled journey. I will still blog, but daily blogging....lol Well, I believe that's a bit much at this point. I hope you all are just as engaged in your passion filled journey! I'll chat with you later.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A Fig Story
There once was a beautiful organic fig. I saw it at Trader Joe's and decided to take it home. So I could truly experience it. Once I took my initial bite. I was taken back to my childhood in Houston. Life is funny some times. One bite of this delectable fruit and there I was, 6 years old with my curly sandy colored hair. Except that I wasn't in my kitchen. I was outside in the backyard, wearing my short shorts with Dr. Scholl's shoes. Picking fruit from our fig tree. Just as I did everyday. It wasn't seen as something out of the ordinary. It was the norm. The figs were plump, juicy, and always satiating. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed them until today. So here I am in Los Angeles, with a little reminder of Houston...
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 12, 2011
17 Things About Me
1. God is my everything.
2. I'm from Houston, Texas
3. I love Raw Vegan Food. It fascinates me. I watch
videos, I read recipes, and the desserts intrigue me. I
dream of making Green Smoothies and preparing Raw
Food on YouTube.
4. I love laughing. It's even better when I'm laughing at
myself.
5. I want the entire world to pursue their passion.
6. I love NYC. I feel like I'm NYC on the inside and
Houston on the outside. lol
7. I'm a huge fan of coconuts. They along with Green
Smoothies, rock my world on a daily basis.
8. I love old school music. Any music after the early 80's,
I have no clue about. I like old school funky music.
9. I'm a beast when it comes to challenges. I always come
out on top. I possess tremendous inner strength.
10. I've been a Flight Attendant twice in my life. I
absolutely love to travel.
11. My dog's name is Dublin. I named him after Dublin,
Ireland. I love Ireland.
12. I often break out in dance and song. In my home of
course. :-)
13. I love encouraging others and I'm a huge giver.
14. I love men. I think they're wonderful, fabulous,
magnifique!
15. I love information. I'm always reading, researching, or
listening to something that I can learn from.
16. I love being around people who know more than me,
are smarter than me, and have achieved more than me.
17. Film.Food.Business.Passion.Giving...That is my circle of
5. Everything I do, will involve one or more aspects of
my circle of 5.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
2. I'm from Houston, Texas
3. I love Raw Vegan Food. It fascinates me. I watch
videos, I read recipes, and the desserts intrigue me. I
dream of making Green Smoothies and preparing Raw
Food on YouTube.
4. I love laughing. It's even better when I'm laughing at
myself.
5. I want the entire world to pursue their passion.
6. I love NYC. I feel like I'm NYC on the inside and
Houston on the outside. lol
7. I'm a huge fan of coconuts. They along with Green
Smoothies, rock my world on a daily basis.
8. I love old school music. Any music after the early 80's,
I have no clue about. I like old school funky music.
9. I'm a beast when it comes to challenges. I always come
out on top. I possess tremendous inner strength.
10. I've been a Flight Attendant twice in my life. I
absolutely love to travel.
11. My dog's name is Dublin. I named him after Dublin,
Ireland. I love Ireland.
12. I often break out in dance and song. In my home of
course. :-)
13. I love encouraging others and I'm a huge giver.
14. I love men. I think they're wonderful, fabulous,
magnifique!
15. I love information. I'm always reading, researching, or
listening to something that I can learn from.
16. I love being around people who know more than me,
are smarter than me, and have achieved more than me.
17. Film.Food.Business.Passion.Giving...That is my circle of
5. Everything I do, will involve one or more aspects of
my circle of 5.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Book Review: "A Man from Another Land"
A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life. Isaiah Washington, Lavaille Lavette. 2011. Center Street. 288 pages.
“We each have a message, a gift, and a purpose to share with the world.” Isaiah Washington
I've just finished reading, A Man from Another Land. As I sit here, reflecting upon the literary journey it has taken me on. I'm a bit emotional. It is Isaiah’s journey beginning in his birthplace of Houston, Texas to discovering his true ancestry in Sierra Leone. He takes us on a journey filled with a plethora of ups and downs. From being loved by many to ostracized by others. But through it all, he had tremendous faith. Faith in what he believed was his true purpose. A purpose, which continually showed up in his dreams, from a very early age.
I am grateful for this book coming into my life. Within one day of reading it, I wanted to hop on a plane to Africa. I love the integrity that is communicated from beginning to end. Malcolm X once said, “A man who stands for nothing, will fall for anything.” Isaiah Washington stood for something against all odds, when many from all sides encouraged him to throw in the towel.
A Man From Another Land, is a story of courage. It tells us, that no matter how the odds are stacked against us. When destiny comes into play, we will win against all odds. Destiny is destiny. No matter what the circumstances tell you. I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful and courageous story. Africa oh Africa….This is the tune in my ears. Thank you A Man from Another Land!
“A people cannot determine their future unless they know their past.” Carter G. Woodson
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
“We each have a message, a gift, and a purpose to share with the world.” Isaiah Washington
I've just finished reading, A Man from Another Land. As I sit here, reflecting upon the literary journey it has taken me on. I'm a bit emotional. It is Isaiah’s journey beginning in his birthplace of Houston, Texas to discovering his true ancestry in Sierra Leone. He takes us on a journey filled with a plethora of ups and downs. From being loved by many to ostracized by others. But through it all, he had tremendous faith. Faith in what he believed was his true purpose. A purpose, which continually showed up in his dreams, from a very early age.
I am grateful for this book coming into my life. Within one day of reading it, I wanted to hop on a plane to Africa. I love the integrity that is communicated from beginning to end. Malcolm X once said, “A man who stands for nothing, will fall for anything.” Isaiah Washington stood for something against all odds, when many from all sides encouraged him to throw in the towel.
A Man From Another Land, is a story of courage. It tells us, that no matter how the odds are stacked against us. When destiny comes into play, we will win against all odds. Destiny is destiny. No matter what the circumstances tell you. I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful and courageous story. Africa oh Africa….This is the tune in my ears. Thank you A Man from Another Land!
“A people cannot determine their future unless they know their past.” Carter G. Woodson
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Start With What You Have
Start with what you have, where you are, right now. Start with what you have, where you are, right now. These words should ring in our ears, every time we look at our goals and make them bigger than what they truly are...The truth is, we can take one step today towards our dreams. One step in the direction of our hope. One step, no matter how small or large, takes us in the direction that our heart yearns for. It doesn't matter how it looks on paper or how it looks in our imagination. It can be done. It is not limited to what is in our bank account. It is not limited to how many people we may or may not know. The only limit placed on it, resides within us. Today is that day. The day to take one step, in the direction of our future. Remove the invisible limits and take hold of what rightfully belongs to us.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Maya Angelou's Words Spoke to Me
I challenged myself to write every day. And now I've been blogging a few times a day. I love it actually. I guess I'm making up for lost time. Whenever I feel the urge to write, I will do it. It's a blessing, to be able to express yourself in such a free manner. It is even more awesome, if someone is able to benefit from your expression.
I watched an episode of Oprah last week. Maya Angelou was on there and said something that was quite remarkable. It spoke to me. I do not remember her exact words. But, what I derived from it was, writing for her was the place where there were no rules. It was her space. It was a place of freedom. That is the place I strive to be with writing. It will aid me, in recognizing my true voice. One's true voice is worth gold if you're an actor, comedian, writer, etc...Even if one is not in those fields. It helps you, to get to know you.
My writing will be my place of freedom. Freedom to be me. Whomever I may be that day...quirky, funny, inspirational. This is my little private world. I pray you are able to accompany me on this journey. I hope you may be inspired in some way. If you experience a bit of laughter, that’s even better.
My last post, "If You Desire Change. It Is Up to You." caused me to do self inventory. That’s the beauty of depositing into others. We are always stronger because of it. Encouraging others, encourages ourselves in the process. What is currently before me? Film school. This semester, I will, write, produce, and direct 3 short films. My inner voice will have to whisper the word "focus" to me often. Once I have been gifted a challenge, I focus. But, this is new territory for me and it requires my full attention. I’ll continue blogging while on this journey. I also hope you are keeping your eyes on the prize. And going for it with all of your gusto. The time is now. It is there for the taking. Life that is...It's waiting on you. Grab hold of it, with all of your might. I'll chat with you later. Ciao.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
I watched an episode of Oprah last week. Maya Angelou was on there and said something that was quite remarkable. It spoke to me. I do not remember her exact words. But, what I derived from it was, writing for her was the place where there were no rules. It was her space. It was a place of freedom. That is the place I strive to be with writing. It will aid me, in recognizing my true voice. One's true voice is worth gold if you're an actor, comedian, writer, etc...Even if one is not in those fields. It helps you, to get to know you.
My writing will be my place of freedom. Freedom to be me. Whomever I may be that day...quirky, funny, inspirational. This is my little private world. I pray you are able to accompany me on this journey. I hope you may be inspired in some way. If you experience a bit of laughter, that’s even better.
My last post, "If You Desire Change. It Is Up to You." caused me to do self inventory. That’s the beauty of depositing into others. We are always stronger because of it. Encouraging others, encourages ourselves in the process. What is currently before me? Film school. This semester, I will, write, produce, and direct 3 short films. My inner voice will have to whisper the word "focus" to me often. Once I have been gifted a challenge, I focus. But, this is new territory for me and it requires my full attention. I’ll continue blogging while on this journey. I also hope you are keeping your eyes on the prize. And going for it with all of your gusto. The time is now. It is there for the taking. Life that is...It's waiting on you. Grab hold of it, with all of your might. I'll chat with you later. Ciao.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
If You Desire Change. It Is Up to You.
So, with the world sitting there waiting for you. Yep, it's waiting for you. We often think it's the universe or God that needs to make the move. And we idly waste time, waiting, waiting, waiting. When in fact. He's waiting on us. Everything that you need, has already been given to you. It's here. Somewhere in the world. Your world. My world. It's up to us, to grab a hold of it and take it.
As I write this, it says a lot. At what point in life, do we stop expecting things to be given to us? Just because we do right, live right, or work hard. We choose. Yes, we choose what tomorrow brings. This moment right here, is a sum of all the moments before. Tomorrow the cycle continues. It is up to you, to change the cycle. If that’s what you want. If you want more out of life. If you desire change. It is up to you.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
As I write this, it says a lot. At what point in life, do we stop expecting things to be given to us? Just because we do right, live right, or work hard. We choose. Yes, we choose what tomorrow brings. This moment right here, is a sum of all the moments before. Tomorrow the cycle continues. It is up to you, to change the cycle. If that’s what you want. If you want more out of life. If you desire change. It is up to you.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
NYC Is Where I Be
NYC is where I be, NYC is where I be. These words make me laugh. My inner writer is a bit of a grammar rebel. If you read, "My Inner Writer is A Rebel" then you would understand. It's no secret that I love NYC. I'm from Houston, Texas. But, for some reason when I'm homesick, it’s for New York. It's been that way for a few years. My birthday is coming up shortly. And I believe this year, is a year of great change for me. I feel, I will be a completely different person after my birthday. I have no basis for this feeling. It's just...well how I feel.
So as I sit here and type, I believe it is time for me to move on. To the place I have missed, ever since I had the pleasure of studying my craft there. Studying my craft? Wow, that sounds so artistic. lol Well, I studied my craft there. But, once I left...let's just say, me and my craft have an on and off again relationship. We care for one another, but sometimes we take really long breaks.
Any who...I want to move to NYC. I'm careful with my words. So, at this point I will not say that I am. But, I want to. NYC is where my heart is. If an opportunity presented itself, for me and Dublin to move to NYC. We would be gone with the wind. Btw..Dublin is my 4-legged offspring. He’s Irish. Not really, but I love Dublin, Ireland so he’s kinda Irish. So yes, in my heart. NYC is where I be.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
So as I sit here and type, I believe it is time for me to move on. To the place I have missed, ever since I had the pleasure of studying my craft there. Studying my craft? Wow, that sounds so artistic. lol Well, I studied my craft there. But, once I left...let's just say, me and my craft have an on and off again relationship. We care for one another, but sometimes we take really long breaks.
Any who...I want to move to NYC. I'm careful with my words. So, at this point I will not say that I am. But, I want to. NYC is where my heart is. If an opportunity presented itself, for me and Dublin to move to NYC. We would be gone with the wind. Btw..Dublin is my 4-legged offspring. He’s Irish. Not really, but I love Dublin, Ireland so he’s kinda Irish. So yes, in my heart. NYC is where I be.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Why Am I Listening to Anthony Hamilton Songs?
Hi everybody! I'm cheezin right now. Why? Well, I'm always smiling, but cheezin comes and goes. I've been listening to Anthony Hamilton songs. Which is interesting in and of itself. I never listen to love songs. I don't have anything against them. But I typically listen to old school funky music. If a song is after the early 80's, I haven't a clue about it. I listen to gospel music of course...
But, back to Anthony. Why have I been listening to him? I went to church, came home and wanted to listen to Anthony. Well, I did speak with someone special before church. Maybe that had something to do with it. Or maybe I had some new found revelation that, even I'm not aware of yet, regarding that person. Me, Juan Hagger, listening to an I Love You type song. I have to get to the bottom of this.
So what else is up? I posted on FB, that I was ready to pack my bags and go where lovers go. Then I attached, Kindred's “Far Away” song. I'm sure peeps think I'm peculiar. lol I just think I get that itch, every once in a while. The itch to travel and move. Many people resist change. But yet I love it. It's in my nature. Change is my norm. So, being that I've been quite settled in LA a while. I get that yearning to hit the road sometimes. I've been a flight attendant twice in my life. So, when you become domesticated, you tend to want to get up and go. Well, I’ll chat with you later. Have a wonderful day!
But, back to Anthony. Why have I been listening to him? I went to church, came home and wanted to listen to Anthony. Well, I did speak with someone special before church. Maybe that had something to do with it. Or maybe I had some new found revelation that, even I'm not aware of yet, regarding that person. Me, Juan Hagger, listening to an I Love You type song. I have to get to the bottom of this.
So what else is up? I posted on FB, that I was ready to pack my bags and go where lovers go. Then I attached, Kindred's “Far Away” song. I'm sure peeps think I'm peculiar. lol I just think I get that itch, every once in a while. The itch to travel and move. Many people resist change. But yet I love it. It's in my nature. Change is my norm. So, being that I've been quite settled in LA a while. I get that yearning to hit the road sometimes. I've been a flight attendant twice in my life. So, when you become domesticated, you tend to want to get up and go. Well, I’ll chat with you later. Have a wonderful day!
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
No More Scrubs? But He Was Chocolaty!
For the last week, all I've been hearing in my head was "No More Scrubs" by TLC. Everyday I tell you. I believe it spanned from watching TLC's “VH1 Behind The Music.” But, then it made me wonder is God trying to tell me something? Any who, I was like, maybe this is telling me I should change my facial scrubs. Did I do too much exfoliation? I've been doing Brown Sugar, Honey, and Lemon. And of course using my lovely, African Black Soap daily. Scrubs, scrubs, scrubs.
Then I remembered last week at church, I met someone. Completely out of the blue. I was already sitting there and a lady was sitting a few seats down from me. Church had been in session maybe an hour or so. Here comes this tall chocolate man that sits right next to me. Well, my purse was in the chair next to me and he sat next to that chair. He was a guest of the lady on my row. This wasn't just church, this was a prayer service. So, all we do is intercede for others. Well, right in the middle of prayer, he turns to me and tells me how attractive I am and he doesn't believe it is by chance that we met. I responded with, “thank you” and “welcome to the church.” He was a first time visitor. We also shook hands and told our names to one another. I looked up his name later because it was quite different. His name means "God's Peace." Whoa...
This man was a cuutay patootay! Tall, he had to be at least 6'4 and handsome, chocolaty man and bald headed. Where did he come from? Dressed very nice I may add. He said more, but I zoned out after a while. I was gazing at his skin and had to remember, “Hey, you're in church!” Is this dude macking on me? I was cheezing really big. Mainly because I've been celebrating a makeup free life. So, all I had on my face was coconut oil. Yum. I love coconut oil!...Any who this story is getting a bit long. So, was “No More Scrubs” a warning about this dude? I have no idea. But now, "Love On Top" is playing in my head and I like that. Goodbye "No More Scrubs" and hello "Love On Top!"
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Then I remembered last week at church, I met someone. Completely out of the blue. I was already sitting there and a lady was sitting a few seats down from me. Church had been in session maybe an hour or so. Here comes this tall chocolate man that sits right next to me. Well, my purse was in the chair next to me and he sat next to that chair. He was a guest of the lady on my row. This wasn't just church, this was a prayer service. So, all we do is intercede for others. Well, right in the middle of prayer, he turns to me and tells me how attractive I am and he doesn't believe it is by chance that we met. I responded with, “thank you” and “welcome to the church.” He was a first time visitor. We also shook hands and told our names to one another. I looked up his name later because it was quite different. His name means "God's Peace." Whoa...
This man was a cuutay patootay! Tall, he had to be at least 6'4 and handsome, chocolaty man and bald headed. Where did he come from? Dressed very nice I may add. He said more, but I zoned out after a while. I was gazing at his skin and had to remember, “Hey, you're in church!” Is this dude macking on me? I was cheezing really big. Mainly because I've been celebrating a makeup free life. So, all I had on my face was coconut oil. Yum. I love coconut oil!...Any who this story is getting a bit long. So, was “No More Scrubs” a warning about this dude? I have no idea. But now, "Love On Top" is playing in my head and I like that. Goodbye "No More Scrubs" and hello "Love On Top!"
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Love, Men, and All That Jazz
Hi Blogosphere! Woot woot! I'm quite pumped up at 1 in the morning for no apparent reason. I have a FB group called, "FB Dating for Christians." So pretty much all day everyone discusses love, relationships, meeting the one, you know things like that...The latest question was about long distance relationships. The more I commented back and forth. The more I realized, the men I've truly cared about were long distance. Interesting....Long distance relationships are a tricky thing. Eventually someone will have to move and usually the man wants the woman to move. If it is the right one, of course you wouldn't think twice about moving (after marriage.) Not sure where this post is going. But hey, why not discuss love.
What does love mean to me at this point in my life? It means everything. Life without love is pretty empty. Love doesn't just apply to the opposite sex; it comes in the form of friendships, family, your relationship with God, etc...But let's speak about love between a man and a woman. Isn't it beautiful?! I'm referring to a healthy loving relationship. One filled with respect and support for one another.
There's someone that I care about. I haven't spoken to him in quite a while. But, he's almost like the way I feel about NYC. If you read my "NYC and Why I Heart You" post. You would know what I'm talking about. No matter how busy I am and full of living my passion filled life. He's never far from my thoughts. Is it love? Who knows? But I can definitely say, I've never experienced this before. Men are usually ever fleeting, when it comes to my thoughts. Once I move on, I move on. But, not this one. Interesting....I'm challenging myself to write daily. So, I'm sure some of my posts will be a bit random. Chat with you all later.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
What does love mean to me at this point in my life? It means everything. Life without love is pretty empty. Love doesn't just apply to the opposite sex; it comes in the form of friendships, family, your relationship with God, etc...But let's speak about love between a man and a woman. Isn't it beautiful?! I'm referring to a healthy loving relationship. One filled with respect and support for one another.
There's someone that I care about. I haven't spoken to him in quite a while. But, he's almost like the way I feel about NYC. If you read my "NYC and Why I Heart You" post. You would know what I'm talking about. No matter how busy I am and full of living my passion filled life. He's never far from my thoughts. Is it love? Who knows? But I can definitely say, I've never experienced this before. Men are usually ever fleeting, when it comes to my thoughts. Once I move on, I move on. But, not this one. Interesting....I'm challenging myself to write daily. So, I'm sure some of my posts will be a bit random. Chat with you all later.
© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
To Write or Not To Write...
I haven't written in a while. Not sure why. I look back at my previous posts and they amaze me a bit. I sit here and think, “What else do I have to say?” I want my blog to be encouraging and provide inspiration. But a part of me feels as though, I should share more of myself and my life experiences. So, as I sit and waver between those two thoughts. It appears that my blog has been at a stand still, waiting for my decision. To write or not to write, that is the question.
I'm still not sure as to the exact answer. But, I'll let you in on my life right now. I began film school and I'm elated about it. I'm in my second week. It excites me. It moves me. There's a freedom gained in knowing that if you choose, you can create your own projects. Tell your own stories. I guess it's just another expansion of my entrepreneurial spirit. To have a hand in your destiny is so beautiful, words can't express. I was looking over my previous posts and came across, "The Dichotomy Between My Inner and Outer Self." I was taken back. I'm slowly but surely becoming the person, who I knew was on the inside all along. I've grown a lot since that post. And I'm overjoyed about the journey ahead of me.
The beauty of life, is to not put it in a box. To not limit oneself or let others put limits on you. There's freedom in the unknown. Well, to be honest. My unknown is purely trusting God and taking heed to his directions. It's called living by faith. Knowing no matter what, that all things work together for the good. This brings about a life full of laughter, love, and enjoying every second of the day. So that's where I am now. I want to challenge myself to write more. I'm reading a wonderful book now. I pray that I will share it with you all soon. Ciao. :-)
I'm still not sure as to the exact answer. But, I'll let you in on my life right now. I began film school and I'm elated about it. I'm in my second week. It excites me. It moves me. There's a freedom gained in knowing that if you choose, you can create your own projects. Tell your own stories. I guess it's just another expansion of my entrepreneurial spirit. To have a hand in your destiny is so beautiful, words can't express. I was looking over my previous posts and came across, "The Dichotomy Between My Inner and Outer Self." I was taken back. I'm slowly but surely becoming the person, who I knew was on the inside all along. I've grown a lot since that post. And I'm overjoyed about the journey ahead of me.
The beauty of life, is to not put it in a box. To not limit oneself or let others put limits on you. There's freedom in the unknown. Well, to be honest. My unknown is purely trusting God and taking heed to his directions. It's called living by faith. Knowing no matter what, that all things work together for the good. This brings about a life full of laughter, love, and enjoying every second of the day. So that's where I am now. I want to challenge myself to write more. I'm reading a wonderful book now. I pray that I will share it with you all soon. Ciao. :-)
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