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Sep 15
1

NYC: Be the Backdrop of My Life Any Day

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

From the moment I touched down in NYC I felt something stirring inside me. My spirit was awakening. I thought, if a city can do THIS, what else could I possibly experience in the next 4 days? I was not disappointed. In a trip that mixed business with pleasure, I landed ready to explore. I knew I was only there for a short period of time, and did not want any wasted opportunities. I stayed on the Upper East Side with an old friend of mine. Once I dropped my luggage, I was off! The first things no one tells you about NYC, is that there is soul in that city. And it was everywhere! On the subway you’ll see business men who work in the financial district sitting next to an older lady making a grocery run with her granddaughter. You get a show from artists who use the train system as their stage. While I was taken aback by the performance, everyone else looked on or looked away, completely un-phased by what was going on.
I admit, I went in slightly afraid of the “rude” behavior I was sure to encounter, only I didn’t encounter any. At all. Mind you, know one goes out of their way to welcome you to the big city, they’re all much to busy. but when I had a question, I encountered only people who wanted to help. One lady took it upon herself to be my guardian angel and made sure I got off on the right stop.
As much as I thought Los Angeles was a melting pot, it pales in comparison to NYC. All walks of life don’t just have the subway system in common, they have the local pizzeria, the Starbucks in the corner, the nail salon 2 blocks down, the rooftop bar across a lit up Empire State Building…the list goes on.
I’d start each morning just ogling the inhabitants of the most vibrant city I’ve ever been in. The way they interacted, the way they maneuvered. In LA, a sign that you aren’t interested in the company of others is to have head phones in and your head lowered. In NYC, it just is assumed that no one wants to be bothered. Not in an attempt to be crass it’s just an understanding the citizens of NYC have among each other. As someone who is never without her iPod, I found myself not wanting a reason to miss ANYTHING happening around me and left them in the apartment as I wandered the city.
If the men of NYC aren’t reason of enough to go back to NYC, then the lasting impressions this city full of life, is.
I want to take this time to thank the city of New York, for rekindling the fire in my soul and reminding me that if I’m not enjoying life as I’m living it then I can, and must, change it.

I was able to take some footage of my time in NYC. You can view that vlog here: https://youtu.be/8k0U3WgchJU

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Jul 22
0

Cairo: City of Memories

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

I consider myself traveled. Maybe not travel noire status, but I’ve been around. The greatest was during our trip back home to Eritrea, in ’92.

As humbling as  it was getting to know about my roots, and forming a lifeline to where I’m from, the best part of that summer was our stay in Egypt. My parents wanted to make the most of our vacation, and therefore, planned a few days stay in Cairo.

Egypt. Where do I even begin? The country is so unforgettable. I was there at age 7, and remember it as if it happened yesterday. The generosity of its people. The smell of spices wafting through the warm air. The INSANE traffic; signs were merely suggestions. The food, oh Jesus, the food. There’s nothing like fresh food bought from the local souk (market), so fresh and delicious.  Touring the ancient ruins of the Giza Necropolis on horseback. My father, who opted for a camel, rode next to me and thus, my fear of camels was born. A white keffiyeh, with a yellow threaded band, secured on my head, blocking the sun’s rays. Walking through the pyramids while hearing the stories of the slaves that built them (this, more than likely, is the cause of my fascination with cemeteries). My father almost falling into a pit because he was too busy recording everything on his massive camcorder (thank God for smartphones). Our ever-so-cute tour guide with the amazing accent & amethyst eyes (I’ve been impressionable from a very young age).

It’s been 23 summers since that trip, and years later, it has all stayed with me. On certain days, like today, I love mentally traveling back to that time, and reminiscing on one of the most historic moments of my life. When people talk of memories that last a lifetime, surely this is what they mean.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

 

Mar 06
0

#DearMe: Bethlehem

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

In honor of Woman’s Day, YouTube came up with a great idea. They asked female YouTubers to write a letter to their younger self. The YouTubers then created a video sharing their words of encouragement.

I thought, what a fantastic idea. Many of us say things like “I wish I knew this” or “If I could do it all over again I’d change this”. And while that isn’t possible, it’s still fun to look back at who we once were and how much we’ve changed.

I mean, what things would I share with Bethlehem 10 years ago? I decided to join this great campaign and make a video to my younger self. Not only giving advice but also expressing my gratitude at the choices made.

After hours of agonizing and picking the most important moments, I was finally able to come up with my video.

To view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haFcrYc2ucY
I encourage everyone to take a moment and join in the campaign. Even if you don’t film yourself, just have the conversation. You’d be surprised at the things you’ll unearth and discover.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

 

Feb 12
1

Copenhagen Film Left Me in Awe

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

I’m a fan of the big blockbuster films, always have been (hello, Marvel everything) but my heart lies in independent film making. The indie film circuit is where I find all the films that touch me, make me think, and refuel my innate love for the film industry. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a film………til now. Netflix, thy knoweth me oh so well. I was suggested the film “Copenhagen” and fell absolutely in love. Without giving away too much, the film is one of journey, growth, and a forbidden love. The tagline: “When the girl of your dreams is half your age, it’s time you grow up”. The film stars (all my Game of Thrones fans, stand up) Gethin Anthony & Frederikke Dahl Hansen. Their undeniable chemistry has you fighting for their forbidden love. Frederikke is a new favorite, she captivates and demands your attention in every scene.

This film came right in time for the Academy Awards. As we wrap up award season and all artists are reminded of why they entered the film industry, Copenhagen is an extra reminder of why we do what it is we do. I’ve come to realize that people in the arts aren’t supported as much, as say those wanting to be doctors, but that’s our fate.

Anette Messager said it best so I’ll leave you with it: “Being an artist means forever healing your own words and at the same time endlessly exposing them.”

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

 

Nov 24
0

Thankful.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of what this holiday actually means.  In 30 years of living I have come out of many personal fires and faced many trials and tribulation but, as is life, I’ve come out on the other side. And in those moments I always find myself very thankful, but that feeling soon fades away. I don’t remain thankful and it usually takes another moment to remind me to be thankful. Why is that? Why is it that we wait til we’re reminded to feel? It’s a struggle I face daily. I’m someone who has always been quick to anger. It’s my first emotion whenever something goes wrong, and even though I know it shouldn’t be, it always is. The process usually ends with me taking some time to reflect and remind myself of all that I do fact have and that I should remain happy to have what I have no matter what.

When I take a look at  what’s happening in the world around me and see just how much I have in comparison I can’t help but feel selfish. How dare I? How dare I feel anything but content with what I have when there are so many that have nothing in comparison? Easy. I’m human. The bottom line is that we as human’s are taught. If I want to be selfless, happy, grateful etc. I must train myself to feel that way, because trust me, being quick to anger is something I taught myself.

So I’ve decided to dedicate this Thanksgiving Holiday to myself, meaning, I’m making it a point to start training myself to rid my life of the negative and start focusing on the positive. It’ll be a work in progress sure, but as with losing weight: slow and steady wins THIS race.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

 

Oct 24
0

30 in 30

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

A month ago I turned the big 3-0! The thought of turning 30 initially scared the shit out of me, but then it hit me *duh* when you live life to the fullest, time will not phase you. It actually gets better with age, baby! Here then are 30 things I’ve learned in my 30 years of living.
1. Baggage is irrelevant. Don’t harbor it. Let it go.

2. Not everyone has your best interest at heart.

3. Stay simple-hearted.

4. Growing up happens, no matter what you do. Embrace it.

5. Your heart is stronger than you think, so love hard & love often.

6. Cow’s milk over breast milk. (I was a Similac baby)

7. Dream big! The bigger and more unattainable it seems the more on track you are to achieving everything.

8. Leave the nest. Before you’re married or settle down, move to another city for at least 2 years.

9. Travel often.

10. Write down everything. When you come back to journals written 5 years back, you’ll see just how much you’ve changed/grown.

11. Never hold back your emotions. If you want to cry, cry! Yell, scream, run in place, whatever.

12. Tell the people that matter how much you love them.

13. Be kind to everyone. It feels so good, why would you want to do anything else? Seriously.

14. Broaden your horizon by becoming knowledgeable about what is happening to your fellow man in other countries.

15. Do what you can to help those in need any way you can.

16. Find time in the day for you to reflect. Have a moment of peace/serenity.

17. Get a puppy. They make your day.

18. When it rains, dance in it.

19. Believe in magic.

20. Eat in moderation, but never deprive yourself. If you want a cupcake, eat a cupcake dammit!

21. High school drama doesn’t end in High school, but you can choose not play a part in it. Win.

22. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

23. To the ladies, your period isn’t a taboo subject, its life.

24. Go to Disneyland at least once. It’s the mecca of happiness.

25. Make your faith bigger than your fears.

26. Keep moving forward. Always move forward.

27. Never judge a book by it’s cover.

28. If people find you peculiar, that’s good!

29. Smiling never goes out of style.

30. Finally, life doesn’t come with instructions, therein lays the beauty of it.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

 

Oct 06
0

You Can’t Avoid Destiny

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

In 4th grade, I started to play the violin.

images

In 7th, I discovered you can create a ♪whole new world♪ (Aladdin reference) through writing and thus my love for it was born.

steampunk-typewriter-too-tuckered-to-type-mike-savad

And acting? I’ve wanted to do that since the day my family and I turned on the TV & heard the intro to the sitcom that changed my life forever. Black and white, the heart takes formation and the lyrics begin,♪Da da da da da da da da………♪ Her name spells out in cursive: Lucille Ball.i-love-lucy-logo

And my “living room productions” began. I’ve had my hand in the arts my whole life, and though I don’t excel in any particular field, the arts are my one true love. A personal fear I’ve had, is that I would waste my life trying to pursue an industry filled with so many like driven folks. I’d question whether or not it was worth it? If I could succeed? The anxiety would get worse the older I got……but then I realized that entertaining is the only thing that makes me happy. It’s not about if I’m great at it, it’s how it makes me feel. And what better way to improve in something, then by doing it constantly. ‘Tis my destiny. I’ve accepted it. Revel in it. And now, must focus on it. Because of my revelation, I have looked into many different outlets I can use at my disposal to use the gifts I have. After much research and debate I’ve finally settle on vlogging! I’ve chosen my niche, how I want it shot, and have a rough outline to refer to when shooting each episode! The amount of of excitement surging through my body is electric!!

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Sep 23
0

I Don’t Wanna Grow Up

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

From the time I could remember, I have always loved magic. Growing up a Disney kid, I was swept away with the idea of castles, princes, princesses, curses, villains (who I always seemed to have an affinity for), duels, fairies, and EVERYTHING else I haven’t mentioned.
I’d dream of being part of a mystical world where the fight for good and evil was apparent yet much simpler than the reality we live in today. And where good always, ALWAYS triumphs.
Lately, my dreams are more realistic as the ABC show “Once Upon A Time” embodies everything I’ve listed in a world I am dying to one day join, but enjoy in my dreams……for now.
Unfortunately, the world we live in doesn’t allow for such thinking. We’re told, as we get older, that magic doesn’t exist and we’re supposed to “grow up”. To which I gladly throw up my middle finger. My inner Peter Pan wouldn’t allow it anyway.
I don’t question whether or not I’m right anymore, I just accept it as who I am: that I do in fact, believe in magic.
As an artist, be it actor, writer, director etc. an imagination is our most powerful tool and source for coming up with ideas to put to the screen. The bigger the imagination the more inventive the idea. It was when I decided that film was my life that I knew that remaining child like would be an asset. I’ll take it!
Moral of this blog is don’t listen to others. Who on earth is going to know more about what you need than yourself.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Sep 11
0

Namaste

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

What I’m starting to realize about life is, we get from it that which we give.
In my line of work, I stay up late and wake up early (for the most part). When I do wake, the first thing I do is check my phone/email for assignments and deadlines. Many times, not eating or drinking anything til I’ve set my days’ itinerary. It’s a fast paced career.
And it’s becoming to wear on me. I’m sluggish, tired, ornery, and without peace. I see it in the way I lead my day-to-day life and it’s not one of happiness but rather duty.
Does it mean I hate my job? No. But it does mean I’m making it a possibility. Not really sure what the antidote for this particular problem is.
Or at least I thought I didn’t………..’til yesterday.
Yesterday I chose to start my day in peace. Before I looked at my phone, or checked my computer I took a moment for myself. I cleared my head and thought on what it was I wanted to accomplish for the day, and where it was I needed help. I simply prayed. (If you prefer meditate, that works as well,) It’s all a matter of taking time for yourself. To calm yourself before you start your day.
I coupled that with a warm cup of lemon water and off I went.
I gotta say, it was one of the most productive days I’ve had, in which, when I finished I wasn’t cranky or ready for a nap, but rather ready to do more in my day.
And so this is my tbt to better days.
We forget how important it is to start our day preparing ourself for the day.
My challenge to you. Namaste

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Aug 19
0

Eritrea: A culture not defined by its food, but certainly enhanced by it.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Food is an essential part of any culture. I remember waking up some mornings, to the familiar aroma of foul mudammas being made. My mouth would water as I’d drag myself out of bed and scurry (as fast as possible while still half asleep, mind you) to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. As the water would clean away the previous night’s rest, I’d become more alive and my excitement for what laid in store for breakfast would heighten. I’d say a quick “morning” to the family and find my place at the table. I’d pour myself something to drink, and look at the spread presented before me. No matter what other dishes laid before me, my gaze always rested on the foul mudammas. The savory combinations of favabeans, peppers, tomatoes, onion (which I’d pay for later but didn’t care) a splash of lemon and oil, always gave me a sense of comfort.

That’s what I loved about growing up in a habesha household: sitting together and eating familiar foods that, not only brought us together, but also would place joy and comfort in our #hearts. That may seem outlandish to some but to those that can relate: *fist*

It’s because of these moments that I treated myself to a nostalgic lunch. Yum!! Eritrea: A culture not defined by its food, but certainly enhanced by it.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B