Saturday, September 17, 2011

Blog Daily Challenge Postponed

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.

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.

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.

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.                               

Where Were You on Sept. 11th?

I was a Flight Attendant. We were boarding passengers on a flight in ATL departing for Newark, NJ. Just about to close the doors. Passengers w/ laptops murmuring about planes, NYC, World Trade Center. Me, not really paying attention. Then everything stopped....

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.

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.