Viewing entries tagged
Nomad•ness Tribe
Thank you so much to Homeboy Sandman... better known to me as Angel for placing his stamp on the Nomad•ness Travel Tribe Movement with our new theme song! One of the dopest friends ever!!
'Nomadness, you ain't gotta ask where your ass is/ You be pulling out passports like hall passes'
Election Day hysteria has commence upon the USA. This year was the first time I was able to vote absentee, and I'm grateful for it. On paper, no lines. Perk of living in the Bronx.
I feel emotional, on the verge of tears that I know will show themselved at some point today. It's going to be a mix of emotions. Tonight also marks the night that the first group of Nomadness Tribe members will being heading to the Dominican Republic for our 5th NomadnessX Trip. Seeing this man, our President Barack Obama, and seeing Nomadness continue to be the growing movement that it is...both deserve a moment of pause in my life. I look FORWARD to the next 24 hours, and how it develops.
pillow fight!!!
The Pastor said that my Aunt EB was the last to speak during the 'Reflections' part of my counsin Shalanda's funeral, this past Tuesday. A week ago today. At this point, I'd attempted to get up twice, to speak on behalf of the cousins, and really let out what had been on my heart. My Great-Aunt EB finished her story on how she was the designated person to break the news to my grandmother. EB finished, the Pastor went to take the podium... but Grandma (a woman I get much of my personality from) took the floor.
"I know the Pastor said EB was the last one to speak, but Grandma is here. I am in control," she said.
A collective 'Ok, here we go...' uttered from the lips, along with laughs in the family section. My Uncle Stevie and his 'Ok Ruth, I'm scared of you,' towards his mother is truly the hysterical subcontext that the Robinson/Brevard family is made of. My cousin Jewel, sitting side by side to me, saying that we were going to confuse people with how seamlessly the family section will go from crying hysterics to sheer laughter at our inside jokes.
Grandma finished, and I never did get the 3 minutes allocated to say what I'd intended...at least not during the services.
Two limos filled with family, leading from Collins Funeral Home, to the cemetary. The grandchildren packed into the second limo, myself included. The message I had was really intended for my younger cousins, as I'm the oldest.
"Well now that we're all in here, I want to tell you all what I wanted to say inside. Take the time to have an honest discourse with yourself, and figure out, what is your legacy? This is a one way ticket. What do you want to represent and leave behind for people to remember you by? You must take the time to do this, especially while you are young. It's so serious."
I think they heard me. I hope they heard me. Sister, and little cousins, all emotionally raw and all in the tightest bond we possible have ever had.
legacy...
Fast forward to this past Sunday. It was the Tribe's 1st ever NYC BBQ at Riis Beach. Stunning day and amazing company. Yet, there was one conversation that brought me back to the conversation I had in the limo. High Council member, Macario and I found ourselves talking about the growth of the group, and our plans going into the end of 2012. Macario touched right on it.
"You know you've created something that is never going to stop. Ever! Ever. It will just keep growing."
Honestly, I try to keep moving, and rarely take moments to 'stop and think' about what's been created from a mere thought...the most important things we have are ideas. Coming off the previous week, I knew that I needed to listen, breathe in the beach and the sentiment. I reached the point of no return with Nomad.ness over six months ago. Approaching the Panama trip, I'd say is when if things were going to fall apart, they would have. But they didn't. And they won't. There will be adjustments, massive growth, and a ton of additions to what really makes up Nomad.ness, but it is my public legacy and I approach it as such. All the more poignant after witnessing my 24 year old cousin transition to the ther side.
Your giggle and smile (that made you look Chinese) Shalanda, will be missed. I love you sweetie. Please send all your strength to the family, but in particular your mother and Grandma. Watch over us all, and tell Rudi I said hello.
RIP Shalanda...love you
It's a beautiful week. Stressful but beautiful.
Only 3 days out from my own birthday, I have to send a huge shout out to the Tribe's 6 month birthday as well. Almost 1800 members strong. Fitting, to say the least. It still keeps me a bit baffled at how many amazing things, relationships, business partnerships, and the like have all been fostered over the last 6 months under this group. Everyone, their own character.
Thank you to everyone involved. You have taught me so much, about...so much.
If you'd like to say thank you for either myself, or the Tribe's Birthday...we only have 3 days. Even a $5 donation makes all the difference. Our deadline is Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11:59PM. Looking to finish this Kickstarter with a bang.
We are doing amazingly well with the Kickstarter campaign, at $6100 with 22 days left! We are on the road to $10,000, and WE NEED YOU! Even a $5 donation all adds up and gets us one step closer to our goal by March 31st.
Right now we are clocking in at 131 Backers.
THE GOAL IS TO GROW FROM 131 to 150 BACKERS BY END OF DAY, MONDAY, MARCH 12th!
To do this we need YOU to pledge as little or as much as you can, and spread the word!
Thank you all so much for the support!
-Evie
TRACK OUR PROGRESS WITH US:
We want 100 BACKERS to pledge to the Tribe Kickstarter Campaign by Monday, March 5th!
LINK TO PLEDGE: http://kck.st/zxbSbX
Our deadline overall is to hit $10,000 by March 31st. And to get there we have our pit stops along the way. This is pit stop number uno!
It's about supporters! Even if you can only pledge $1, we're looking for people who believe in the project, the movement, and the vision to spread the word. We're at 67 Backers right now, on our way to 100 by Monday, March 5th.
Ready, set, spread the word!
We got this!!!!!!
As many of you know, last year Nomad•ness was successful in a funding campaign for the pilot episode of Berlin or BUST! The video which you can see to the upper right of your screen. --->
Our goal then was $5,000 in 45 days. We hit $6,620.
Now, with the Tribe surrounding me, it's time to go for the gusto! On September 29, 2012 the Tribe is having their 1 Year Anniversary, and it's going to be the Ultimate International Tribe Meet Up. What better way to bring that in then to have it shot and turned ino an episode for the crew?! It's going to be amazing!
So, the Tribe and I are on the road to raising $10,000 in 45 (now 43 days). As I type this we just got our 15th pledge and have IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS went over 10% funded at $1030.
When I tell you this movement is something that people believe in, believe me!!!
Even if you pledge just $1 it all helps us reach our goal. The fundraising ends on March 31, 2012 at 11:59pm. We have some cool rewards for people who pledge into the filming of the project. Remember, Kicktarter is all or nothing. If you don't make your goal (you can go over) by your deadline, you get nothing and no funds are taken from your pledgers. Thems the rules! Thank you to everyone who has helped both past and present, and I look forward to demolishing this goal, on the road to March 31st. Spread the word!
Lately, I've been feeling as though I have to keep many parts of my life under wraps. Waiting for official official announcements in both the professional and personal part of my life (no, I'm not pregnant).
Truth be told, I hate this sh%t. I'm the type that when I'm excited, invigorated, energized, in love with what I'm doing... and the who, what, where, why, and how that's involved with it, I want to sprint to the nearest hilltop and scream it to the world. SO much I want to share. Waiting for the proper time.
Until then I remain muzzled...
What I wil say is that yesterday was one of the best days of my life...and...
Nomad•ness TV is officially two years old today!!!
is unbreakable...
Nomad•ness Travel Tribe
women have toppage and stuff... so I heard the beckoned call from the ladies, and have the pre-order going for the new female cut tees. There are a limited number, and as with everything, I have dropped it in the Tribe first, so some are gone already. Get yours!! $15
Fellas, I also put another order in for you all as well. Grab yours as well!
thanks for everyone's support with the movement!!
Nomad•ness Bracelets have landed....alright alright I'm having a moment....(pause)
The backpacker in me is, frankly, geeked out! People who backpack know what these types of bracelets mean. They are a badge of honor. A statement of where you've been. They are a traveler's form of 'bling' right next to the stamps in your passport. I remember being in Thailand, skipping pass Khao San Road, and telling myself, 'Nomad•ness needs bracelets. The day I am traveliing somewhere and see someone I may not know rocking these bracelets I'm going to freak out (and or cry)."
Well, well, we know what happens when I get to thinking... welcome to the first batch of Nomad•ness Bracelets. I am already rocking mine, proudly, and slightly egotistically.
They are available for $4! Here on the site. Click any of these highlighted links or check out 'Tribe Merchandise' in the Nomad•ness Travel Tribe tab!
Tonight was just all types of epic! Shouts to Tribe members Shaila and Dean MF for joining me on Gypsy's show, The Hangover Takeover.
It was a really really dope time in the studio. It's always love and thank you thank you Gypsy for embracing the Tribe as much as you do. It is noted and appreciated.
Check the video above to see the shenanigans.
and drumroll.....Panama Awards for those who missed them on the show:
Andrew: Young Grasshopper Award
Gyasi: The Storyteller Award
Gypsie: Shocker Award
Rasheed: Hide Behind the Hookah Award
Bayyina: Focused ADD Award
Tomika: Mogual Award
Claire: Vitamin C Award
Dean: The Body Award
Damon: Youth Award
Shaila: Cheetah Award
Tangee: Mom Award
Sheila: All Eyes On Me Award
Blue: Abuelo's Grandson Award
Tarmac Jerry: Tarzan Award
Alex: 'I'm not that guy' Award
Melanie: Bravery Award
Majida: Serenity (until Alex is drunk) Award
Love you all and thank you for making Panama what it was... stay tuned on Friday at 1pm for the State of The Tribe Address for the next trip!
mark my words...
last night was the first meeting of my Tribe Dream Team, the Inner Circle, the Safe Place... ok we're still trying to work out the verbage on exactly who the hell we are.
look, my vision has always been grand, grandiose, massive...but getting 5 other people in on the inner workings and behind the scenes brainpower of Nomad•ness, is a whole other level of takeover...
As Viola Says: 'You can't trade in your dream, for another dream.'
Bluff Resort in Bocas Del Toro, Panama:: Tribe Headquarters
I titled this photo, 'Good Morning' because it is what the Tribe woke up to, everyday, while we stayed in Panama this past week. Our own oasis, private beach, and dirt road with no name.
We were completely off the grid.
Solar powered everything, rain water recycled showers, and no internet access after the first rain drop fell. It was perfect. No talk of tv, cell phones, and the lack of internet (knowingly) because in the end we knew it was about us. The quote that kept floating around the week was 'everyone who was supposed to be here, is here.' I believe in my gut that this is true.
To wake up everyday to the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore, watching a native crack open a coconut with the blade of their machete for your breakfast, and breathing in the wealth of air was one thing. But, for me, as the 'creator' of this Tribe, it was a daily reminder of the truth that comes with the belief of manifest destiny. It wasn't the place for me, it was the people.
This was the first ever Tribe group trip. The Genesis of it all. This, in hindsight, is where if everything is going to fall apart, it should have. 18 strangers (for the most part), living under one roof, in a foreign country, only knowing each other through online, no readily available transportation, no television or phones for distractions, just us...and it was absolutely amazing. Words have scattered their way around my brain, but it's still a struggle to put it all together to emphasize exactly what I feel.
Pride. Will. Faith. Family. Knowing. Trust. Love. Love. Love...
love. In many, various forms, I feel we all found that. I know I did to varying degrees.
For me, this trip showed me first hand that no matter how outlandish people think my dreams are, they are mine for a reason, and they will all come true, as I intend. This trip showed me that no matter what people's opinion of who I am, what I do, and how I do it are...it's my visionary journey and in that, and the Universe, I will trust wholeheartedly. Whether I have known you for decades or days, you will see how I create. I will make you a believer.
Ultimately, what I took from this trip were two ideas that transcend 'I' in any form: the essence of family and team. This is a family. There is a bond that the people have on this trip that will never be duplicated. We were the pioneers. We cooked dinner together every night, and woke up to eat breakfast together every morning. In reality, I can't tell you the last time I've even done that with my own biological family. Real talk.
Team work makes the dream work.
As I think back, look through photos, and video footage, it's all about team. Again, I surrender to the fact that in the threads, in the Tribe, we speak openly about prefering to travel alone, yet the speed with which 18 of us packed up to move in together or a week, was brain numbing. From people helping me with shooting this week, to people cooking dinner, to cleaning, it was all team.
The Jungle Brothers gave the Tenders a sense of protection. The Tenders gave the Jungle Brothers a sense of being nurtured. We support one another as a unit.
I don't even know how many of us can say that about our own families, yet we have one another. It's also the reason why I have always known that this journey was bigger than just me. It's why the Tribe now plays a very specific role in the series, as you will see once the Panama episode is edited down. It's why I always knew that I was a messenger of the Universe, and as I have said to the stars above 'Use me'. I see myself as a vessle for change. Worldwide change.
this trip. these people. their heart. my vision. our travels. Nomad•ness Travel Tribe forever.
The Firsts:
thank you for trusting in the vision. trusting in me. love each and every one of you.
-Evie
Theme song for the day...
Off to Panama this afternoon!!
Commence the Nomad•ness Travel Tribe's 1st EVER group trip!
Here goes something...
"Since we are the best and you agree with me right?
No need to debate... the way we move sh*t
See we're kind of like the government, so just respect my conglomerate"
Last night was a huge night for Nomad•ness Travel Triibe. A huge thank you shout out goes out to our DC member, Julia who organized the DMV (DC, Virginia, Maryland) Meet Up last night. For about a month now, I knew I was going to be attending this Meet Up, as a surprise. This was huge for me as it was the first time that I was able to see with my own eyes, how these things go down in other cities outside of NYC. My goal is to be in a position where I can do these drop ins so effortlessly that even the event organizer doesn't know that I'm coming.
The Toast 'To The Tribe', the personal stories of everyone's backgrounds, and I as spectator, were all so emotionally overwhelming to me. Opening up to them all about my journey, the tears just came...finally. I know I'd been fighting them for awhile. Seeing the way it all came together, the slew of mental Polaroids that are emblazoned in my head, and the stories embedded in my heart. Damn, it's amazing to see this thing move in the flesh.
It IS a conglomerate.They are all pillars for the movement, and I love each and every one of them. Much respect and gratitude.
One, I am who I am, and I am the most comfortable in my skin now than I ever have been in my life. I know my strengths. I am well aware of my weaknesses. I love myself just the same. With that comes the wisdom to also know that some people will 'get it' and some people won't. Everyone's perceptions of you and your actions, will also be a reflection of their own experiences in their own life. Therefore; you cannot and should not aim to please everyone else. There was a time in the past where I was very self-conscious about the way I looked, how I acted, how much emotion I would let people see, and it turned me into an anxious ridden mess. I have grown so much from those years into a confident, forward thinking, headhunter. I know I am an extremist. I know I am a control freak. I also know I am personable, yet have a knack for getting shit done (to be frank) in a way most people couldn't.
My work ethic is kind of sickening at times. But I will quote one of my mental mentors, Will Smith again. (see inspirational video below) "If we're both on a treadmill, either you're getting off first, or I'm gonna die. You will not outwork me." There you have it. When you find your calling, what you are CERTAIN you were put on this Earth to do, to offer the world, that's the level your brain functions on. Period.
Two, I am turning into my grandmother. This is the revelation that made me laugh and I'll be talking to my vixen grandmother tonight about it. This woman is in her 70s and is so on point. I credit it to the phenom genes she has since passed down to me, but more importantly, she keeps moving! When everyone else in my family, and many peers her age were migrating down south like a flock of birds, for a slower pace, she was completely against it. I get my short boredom threshold from her as well. She has to be active, and she is. I see my evolution into her most when I host events (like this past NYE with the Tribe). I've been throwing house parties since I was in Middle School. This is a secret love of mine. My grandmother, also, has been the host of damn near every family function. That's her thing. Her and my Aunts. No matter the event, there is something you will see...my grandmother moving and handling everything. When everyone is telling her to sit down, and relax she's looking at them with a steak knife and the look is enough for them to know they better go sit down, enjoy their drink, and let Ruthie handle the background. And she does flawlessly. Is it stressful? At times. Does she delegate? Yes. Does she get a high off of seeing other people enjoy themselves? YES. And that is where I think there is a disconnect with some people. When you are a 'giver' you get your enjoyment out of everyone else having a good time, not by getting drunk and being part of the shenanigans. That's your satisfaction and your reward. Thus, I am turning into this woman more and more by the day. I'd have it no other way.
Three, I am most attracted to (which is giving away to solely attracted to) people who live with a purpose. This 'attraction' spans from relationships into friendships and even 'familyships'. These are people who attack their dreams . A huge lesson I learned in 2011 is that entrepreneurs, get other entrepreneurs. We (without explanation) understand the hustle, time, blood, sweat, tears, and money (can the church say amen) it takes to build your own personal empires. We get it! We know the fear, risk, and utter faith it takes to bet everything on YOURSELF. And that is precisely what it takes to make it happen. You must give everything! I was on a date last week and the gentlemen made the comment, "I know that anytime we speak, 2/3 of the conversation is going to be about Nomad•ness and the Tribe." I smiled and laughed because he is 150% right. When you are building you HAVE to be that tuned into what you are doing until it launches on its own. My conversations with 'builders' are amazing, and different in many ways from those when I am just interacting with people generically. The smoke and mirrors are gone, and we have a true mental connection. That's what I want in my life for 2012.
All in all, I'm pleased with what has shown itself, and the filtration it's bringing about. Starting that physical cleanse tomorrow. I really ask for everyone to take the time, and even if it's just one thing, find your revelations going into the first week of 2012. And thank you so much for the support you all have given. 2012 is THE year!
The Jetsetter's Holiday Fiesta went off lovely last night!!!
Shouts out toe FREE CANDY in Brooklyn for hosting the event.
I didn't get home until today at around 5pm, from last night, but it was all worth it for real. It was my first travel oriented, in person, event hosting gig and I absolutely loved it. It was great to meet members of the Tribe tht happened to be in town, and makde it out. Shouts to Faraji (bearer of the photos below), members that came up from the DMV area, and new faces who were added into the group last night.Thank you to you al for the love and support. Looks liek a good time was had by all!
Loved hosting!!
Glamour Passport photos
