Tag

blogger

Sep 06
1

Back to Basics

By | Baby Jade, Blog | No Comments

Erratically put together, is a badge I wear with honor. I accredit my new bio description to my therapy sessions. Mainly journaling. Growing up the middle child (middle child syndrome is real yall) I needed to find avenues to vent my constant frustration and faux vengeful thoughts. I did everything from eat my feelings, to playing an instrument, to drowning my thoughts in endless hours of mindless T.V. (welcome to the 90’s). Listened to angry grunge music; “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was my anthem. Finally, because I’d exhausted every other option, I started to write. What did I write? Anything. Everything. It didn’t matter so long as it stayed true to my thoughts and feelings at that moment. Honest. Raw.

After my first entry, I felt calm. Thinking it was a fluke, I didn’t write again until the next time I needed to get something off my chest. Elated once again. Thus a pattern began. I began to live for my writing sessions. But now I looked forward to writing not just about the bad but about the good, the mediocre, the boring, my crush(es), you name it!

The greatest part was that I didn’t actually understand the growth that was happening to me until many years later when I’d go back and read my entries. Writing became my therapy. It was the way I’d cope with major moments in my life. There’s something to be said about being able to write out feelings before confronting the problem.
So! As a part of my overall self-remodeling, I’m going back to basics. Picked up this beauty at Target and ready to channel my inner Bridget Jones. #shenanigrams

*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 16
1

Head Down. Get to work.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” – my man Mandela

After being back in LA for 3 weeks, this quote rings quite true. While I’m thrilled to be back (LA is home), something feels different this time around. I tried pinpointing my feelings to try and figure it out but to no avail. Man did I make excuses, though.

“Maybe I need to get acclimated again.” “Maybe get our house unpacked and in order.” “Maybe seeing my friends.”

Nada.

Then, as I was hiking this weekend, (damn, I didn’t miss that ish, but boy does it feel great!) Zeus himself shot me with one of his golden thunderbolts ⚡. That shit hurt … but the message was clear: I’m not the same person I was when I left almost 2 years ago. Call it cliche. Call it growth. Call it whatever you want, just acknowledge it’s truth. Things that mattered before don’t matter this time around. Dreams are clearer and more attainable. Goals are set. Distractions are recognized and shut down immediately. In short, can’t stop, won’t stop. Failure is not an option, and being inactive is the same poison by my definition. So! It’s time to get to work. My newly adopted motto from Gina Rodriguez, “Head down. Prayers up.”

Start each week off on the right foot. Set goals. Make plans. Support others’ visions. Sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish when we try.

Happy living 💛’s.

*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 07
1

Happy Birthday Red!

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

This weekend marked what would have been Lucille Ball’s 105th birthday. As I celebrate along with the millions of fans both old and new, I think of how Lucille came to be the infamous Lucille Ball.

tumblr_kt2fvv4oBU1qzo24qo1_1280

Like many, I own, watch, and rewatch episodes of “I Love Lucy” on a regular basis. I can recite many by heart. While others watch for pure enjoyment, I watch as a teaching tool. I mean, who’s a better comedic teacher than the king of slapstick herself.

screen-shot-2014-10-18-at-8-37-45-pm

What some may, or may not know, is that before she was Lucy Ricardo, Lucille Ball was the star of B-movies in Hollywood. How on earth did she make the jump from B-star big screen to A-star small screen? She went by way of radio. Turning her radio hit series “My Favorite Husband” into a show about the lovable Ricardos and their pals the Mertzes. MFH provided the content and layout for “I Love Lucy” but that still doesn’t explain how she became the funny gal we all know and love?? Simple. She learned it.

b08f08eac820408df8d2172c2810f35c

Don’t misunderstand me, comedy can’t be taught, BUT it can be finessed. And that’s where Buster Keaton comes in. Desi saw the comedic genius that Lucy was and decided to bring in the big boss to help her hone that genius. So Buster, along with Red Skelton, took Ms. Ball under their wing and a star was born. But it wasn’t easy.

When they first started, Buster put Lucy through a scene to see she’d handle a situation. How she’d ‘act’. She bombed. It was at that point that Buster said, (I imagine exactly like this) “look kid, you got great chops but you’re thinking too hard red. We’re gonna run the scene again and this time, I want you to not think. Instead: Listen. React. Then act.”

And the rest, as they say, is television history. Needless to say, she took to heart what Keaton taught her. She later would use those exact words to try and create the next generation of comedians.Except this time she’d tell them to “SHUT UP! Listen! React. Then act.”

The great thing about Buster’s words is that they still remain very true today. In the world of acting (comedy in particular), it’s very important that one doesn’t act. Instead, listen to what’s being said. React to it internally. Then project externally.

Thank you, Ms. Ball. Not only for your timeless comedy but for continuously being a teacher to those of us willing to learn.

Happy birthday Red!!

Lucille Ball has knives thrown at her in the television series 'I Love Lucy', 1951. (Photo by CBS/Getty Images)

Lucille Ball has knives thrown at her in the television series ‘I Love Lucy’, 1951. (Photo by CBS/Getty Images)

Aug 03
3

Eritrean Woman: Blood of My Blood.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Infomation, Jade's Top Ten, Uncategorized | No Comments

Fact: By 1990, 40% of Eritrean freedom fighters were made up of women. Making the EPLF the highest percentile of women fighters than any other liberation army worldwide. Let that marinate for a second!!

Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

When I sit back and reflect on this, so many things become clearer in my mind. I’ve always admired the grace that Eritrean women embodied. Couple that with strength, resilience, and a loving heart that’s the cherry atop this sundae. My God, this woman sounds like some sort of medieval sorceress who spends her days strategizing world peace, while cooking monster meals for her little ones before sending them off to school, which she inevitably does on the back of a unicorn. In short, she doesn’t seem real. I mean, how do these women make it all seem so effortless?? Tell me your secrets. Tell me, I say!

The beauty of all this magic is that when you’re born into this reality one doesn’t have to look far. I’m fortunate enough to be talking about the many mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, & friends I have in my abundantly blessed life.

I mean, is it a wonder that I’m a strong-willed feminist? It’s forged in my make. It runs through my veins. The perception that a woman can do anything and everything a man can. Think about it! Eritrean women have been fighting since 1810. They not only held house and home, they fought on the field alongside their countrymen. At a time in the world where women (although the backbone) were brushed to the side without thought, their opinions dissuaded, it’s knowing the stock one comes from that can shape who we are.

Eritrean-fighter-EPLF-woman.jpg

Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

Sorry mama. Sorry baba. I know of all the things that make the Eritrean woman, you wish I’d veer towards the domestic but that’s a no-go. Strap me up and send this jigna (warrior) to the battlefield (uh, hypothetical battlefield because you know…. I bruise easily 😔)

Jokes aside, I  want to take this moment to thank the thousands of women who’ve paved the way for me. You’ve taught me that my abilities in life can exceed all my expectations if I just do it!

A’day Eri, in all my endeavours I carry your spirit with me. Blood of my blood. 💚❤💛💙

*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 20
1

California, Here I Come…again.

By | Baby Jade, Blog | No Comments

 

Lily’s on her way and I’m following suit. As I pack the last of my things and bid the twin cities farewell, I reflect on the last 22 months. I’ve never come to terms with the fact that I left LA in the first place (bad planning on my part). But revisiting this chapter has made me aware of a few things:

1. (I start with a cliche) Things happen for a reason. The growth and revelations I’ve had have only been made possible because of my return to MN.

2. My family has always been my core.

2a. That being said, my family goes beyond blood ties. I have the very best family a person could ask for. That we aren’t all blood related, makes the relationship that much more.

3. Having a vision is key to making changes. The execution is what unlocks the dream and creates the reality.

4. I’m returning changed. The type of change that is required for Los Angeles.

5. Creativity is powerful. Nowadays, you can literally create your profession instead of waiting on others to create it for you.

Goodbye, Minneapolis. Watch over the loved ones I’ve left in your care. LA, your prodigal daughter returns. Not to mention, Los Angeles has one kick-ass night view. *sigh* I’m home. To be continued….

*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 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

 

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