MTV Networks+Spike Lee= Breakthrough Week...

This week has been especially influential.

Today was the first day of rest after two days of working on a MTV Networks Special Events gig hosted at the Hammerstein Ballroom. I have never worked in the production realm of events. It's a whole other animal. I enjoyed it more than I ever imagined, and found myself so grateful that I had the experience to see it. Some of which you all will see in a future Nomad•ness episode documenting exactly what the hell I do for 'work'. Jamming in the Production Office to the sounds of Doug E Fresh and Questlove on the 1s and 2s didn't hurt either...at all. I uttered those infamous words, "I love my job" a few times last night. Learning, soaking in all the knowledge and networks of those who have worked before me.

From the Office PA, to the House Rigger, to the Production Manager, and even the two drunk employees from MTV that ended up in my car ride back to the Bronx, I wasn't afraid to ask nor afraid to tell. I'm back in New York with a sense of confidence in my work ethic and presentation, in a way I've never had before. Dengue Fever might have thickened someone's skin.

Today, I rest in preparation for the next two days ahead. Just got the confirmation that I'll be working with Spike Lee and crew for a shoot. In trying not to be a fan of ALL these people's work, I am a fan. I can't help it. What it's doing is magnifying that sense of confidence, knowing that among these people I have to turn it up a notch, know the role I was hired for, and rock the house (or Prospect Park).

It's going to be an early morning, so I'll be writing until I pack it up soon tonight.

I guess this post is my way of saying I've been blessed, and I'm grateful.

It further confirms I'm on the right track and just need to keep pushing through it all. 2011 is going to be a break through year. Mark my words.

(Shout out to my boyfriend on scoring a scholarship for Upright Citizen's Brigade. Power couple.)

cooking in the dark with Jean-Pierre...

This video is one of the reasons why I dig JP. Get in there and get it done. I loved watching this in the backgroud and the video came out dope. Support my fellow Jet Set Zero castmate Jean-Pierre's blog!

President Barack Obama and 1st Lady sketch...

Raw talent here. This man is nice with the pencils and pens. I had to repost. Enjoy his other works on YouTube as well.

the answer...

Today reminded me of why I started traveling in the first place. Those moments when you see things, meet people, and are in awe of something greater than you've ever seen before.

It is one of those moments, where love takes on a new meaning, and true life is lived. It is where true inspiration is bred, and grown.

I am so blessed and humbled to have been able to see all I did today, and to experience all of the Angkor Wat offerings.

Walking through Angkor in the midst of a full on monsoon shower and lightening storm was the eeriest, and most enchanting thing I have ever done in my life. The photos...my goodness, the photos. You all are in store for a huge treat with upcoming travel photography and a pending episode in a few weeks.

I love this! I feel so alive today!!! Thank you all who have supported. It, literally, means the world to me.

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Jay-Z+Warren Buffet+Forbes...a discussion on luck

Forbes, Warren Buffet, and Jay-Z in a discussion on the power of luck, in the 400 Forbes Video.

I dig it.

Angkor Wat: sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise

Sunset

Yes, I am about to be on my Lara Croft, Tomb Raider shit in Cambodia next week. So, one question remains...

Angkor Wat: Sunrise or Sunset?

Feel free to use the photos above for reference...Thoughts?

3...2..1. Cambodia

I'M GOING TO CAMBODIA on Monday!

Look, I am very grateful and open to the experiences that have come, and will come from this excursion in Thailand.

Yet...I cannot front on the fact that your girl has been nearly obsessed with the idea of going to Cambodia, specifically the ruins at Angkor Wat. It has officially been a year from the first time the loyal readers have first heard me talk about this place.

The rave reviews that I have gotten from friends who have recently backpaced the area has only been more reassurance as to my needing to get my ass there.

So, why now?

Two words. Visa run.

My 30 day visa for Thailand is done, finito nect Thursday, September 30th. I cannot believe that I have been here for a month. What the hell?

in the jungle, under a waterfall...

Today this waterfall, in the middle of this jungle, brought me to life...dopest day in Thailand by far!

Jet Set Zero Season 8 Thailand Cast and Crew

Photo by Tyler Batson

Homeboy Sandman+mtvU

The homie, Homeboy Sandman does it again! Many of you know I am dear friends, an avid supporter, and co-conspirator with the underground hip-hop giant in NYC...the saga continues.

He has a video that preimered on mtvU. VOTE SO THAT IT STAYS THERE! Moves are made, I will do any and everything I can to support this man.

It's a movement...help support! Vote Homeboy Sandman's "The Essence".

Ps. Little random Evie fact...I co-hosted "The Freshman" when I was in college with a friend, Heather.

conversation with a Monk...

After the riding around in search for apartments in the 5000/bhat a month range ceased, David directed us to a Buddhist monastery for what they call “Monk Chats”. I kid you not, they had a sign on the door that read just that.

We go in and sit down, as a group, to speak with one (eventually two) of the monks.  There Tyler, Jeremiah, and myself all listened to the life of this seemingly young monk who had been in practice for 11 years. After his life story, we were able to let him into ours through questions.

I took the opportunity to speak about two things that have weighed on my mind, both generally and specific to this moment in my life.

1. Buddhism emphasizes the idea of living in the now, and constantly being present. How does that transfer into goals one wants to attain in life? How do you balance ambition with being present?

2. Any advice on how to deal with Rudi’s death?

The talk was interesting in that for a very long while, he would not look at me when answering questions. He would have consistent eye contact with Tyler and Jeremiah, yet with me it was very shotty, even when answering one of my questions directly. His body language also changed immediately upon the arrival of his studies teacher. It was almost eerie to me. But I digress…

I cried. Listening to him speak on his own mother’s death, as well as the necessity for me to stay true to “investigating” my own emotions in regards to Rudi’s passing really put me in a place where the strangers, cast members, and cameras became irrelevant, and while looking this monk directly in the eye, tears fell. Overwhelmed at the idea of death, as well as being in the midst of dialogue with the revered messenger of Buddhism, the religion I have always felt closes to, was heavy on the heart.

I donated to the monastery and walked away with two matching meditation necklaces (one for myself and one for Nelson), as well as a bracelet.

We left and I headed towards Tyler’s bike, only for David to say “You’re riding with me.” How do I explain David? David is a high dosage of crazy, balanced with education and charisma.

He’s the type of guy that blurs the line between famous and infamous, fear and legitimate danger, life and death. Here I was riding on his bike, both invigorated and terrified as I see him as a person with few limits.

He spoke to me about Rudi, the passing of his father, and death in general. The night before, over drinks a conversation ensued about the paradoxes in the Universe. It touched on everything from art to quantum physics. There is some heavy shit being dished out in Thailand. He said that he felt my energy deeper last night. He is a mind reader and magician, though.

So we rode, everyone else followed and I felt so alive. I released my hands a number of times and just let go. There was a dangerous comfort that I had on his bike, and for tonight it agreed with me…for tonight. 

 



the 30 bhat meal...

This is my first real legit meal of Bangkok outside of the free breakfast of fruit and bread at the hostel.

Green curry potatoes (I think..), a fish paste, with rice and a bottled water.

30 bhat.....or about 95 cents. Yes cents in US Dollars.

phenom African fashion designer...she's only in high school

Sometimes you give your stamp of approval on projects. Sometimes you recommend someone. Other times, when you fully believe in the talent and drive of someone, you co-sign!

I, Evierobbie, cosign the &*^% (insert whatever expletive you wish) out of Ms. Nyorh Agwe.

Where do I begin? First off, she's only in high school! I met her this past month, through FashionCamp NYC as I was their personal paparrazi and blogger for three weeks. The last session took place the first week of August, and from the beginning, Nyorh had a prescence that simply radiated above many of her peers.

At the conclusion of each week, all groups (a total of 50 inspiring fashion designers, merchandisers, etc...) have to present their own ideas for a unique fashion line. Nyorh spear headed her group's "Petals and Poison" line which fused rock with femininity. Just as Francine, the SVP of Coach and Creator of the camp questioned the group, she stopped Nyorh and asked, "Where did you get your shirt? It's great."

Nyorh's response, "I made it."

Everyone in the room was sold! Hailing out of Cameroon, West Africa she moved to the United States in 2000. Currently, located in Maryland, Nyorh started working on her collection ASPIR3 after watching her very first episode of Project Runway.

In her words:

I entered the 2010 Downtown Silver Spring StreetGlam fashion show. This show was the show that made it for me. A lot of women really responded well to the collection and I started having serious orders, and my brand name was getting bigger.

I soon landed an Agency contract with PDB Group Ventures and have been getting more involved with other fashion shows such as 'Passion for Fashion' and just recently the Taste of Words "A Rose is a Rose" Tim O. Productions Show.

While all of these opportunities are great, especially at my age, my main focus right now aside from pleasing my customers is to add all I have learned and all my experience into a wonderful portfolio for college. In the near future I hope to start a mens collection, to be accepted into Parsons School of design and graduate as a Fashion Designer, and to even incorporate my work into more humanitarian subjects. For example, right now I have created a graphic tee shirt that my company sells for $10 and 95% of the proceeds go to America's Heart Association.

Please view and support this young sister doing her thing for real.

Nyorh contact:

nyorhawumagwe@yahoo.com/240-671-7776

Nomad•ness Eps. 8: Taj Mahal

Nomad•ness Episode 8 takes us to the mecca of India, and one of the World Wonders, the Taj Mahal. This one monument was the whole reason this trip was planned in the first place. Join us as we deviate off the intended itinerary and end up in the desert on top camels...