Rubber Duckie, You're the (40foot) One!

Rubber Ducky

I mean, like seriously? Who wouldn't want to see a 40 Foot Rubber Ducky just a floatin' in the Hague, near down town Norfolk. Just a hangin' out in Ghent! Something about this big piece of whimsy, just makes you a little warm and fuzzy inside! I think it takes us all back to that inner 3 year old, that still lingers, deep inside! Haha!

Actually, this Rubber Ducky is not a kids toy at all? Mr. Ducky is a world wide traveler having spanned all continents with visits in over 14 cities. The Norfolk stop being the only 2nd US appearance. He's been to Osaka, Hong Kong, Sydney and Amsterdam Well excuuuse me! Check out the stamps on his passport and learn about brilliant Dutch artist Florentijin Hofman here:
 http://www.florentijnhofman.nl/dev/project.php?id=154

I have to admit, it was all surreal. All anyone could do was just stare, and so did he. There were so many people out to see the Rubber Ducky who was parked or "Pond-ed" outside of the newly renovated Chrysler Museum of Art as part of opening week. Perfect marketing idea by the way! The whole seven cities came out! Taking flicks with the oversized fun seeker, while others like ourselves had a little picnics, there was even a magician entertaining the large crowd gathered around the Hague. Walking up to the Ducky was like nothing I have every experienced! Felt very Alice in Wonderland-like for sure, and instantly he made you happy. However I did have a quick flashback to that moment with the giant "Marshmallow Man" in Ghostbusters. (Yeah, I went there) True story people!  None the less... you know we took the opportunity to take our selfies!

Still Standing Journey to Wonderland Shoot

 

 

It's been quite a "Journey" getting the JTW Project together! It has been fun, exciting, hard, trying, challenging, stressful,  but most of all rewarding, just knowing that there is something special brewing.  Along side the Silverback Grizzly;  super producer and photographer, we were able to knock out some pretty cool pictures and promotional footage! I wasn't sure of the location at first, but then a certain energy, started to take over. A certain understanding if you will.

 

I loved the contrast of the hard background. The chipped concrete, the worn down remnants of rich history, the stillness in the air. The acknowledgement of the fight for freedom.  I  loved the notion of these ruins "Still Standing" after surviving World War 1, World War 2 and other American conflicts.      

                                 

We "shot" at Battery Church, which was built between 1897 and 1900. It was part of the coastal artillery batteries put in place to protect the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on historic Fort Monroe. Guns once, locked and loaded.

                                                                                                                Adding to the history?  This place was where the first enslaved African from Angola arrived known back then as Point Comfort in 1619. (http://aliceatlarge.blogspot.com/2013/08/culture-club-african-landing-day.html)  May of 1862 President Abraham Lincoln came to Fort Monroe to direct the fall of Norfolk and later made history by signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

 

I too bear the scars from my own battles and wars.  Having gone through so many trials and tribulations, life has thrown my way. I  too, remained "Locked and Loaded" armed with ever lasting faith, an open mind, and a very strong heart. I AM a tough cookie. Taught to be that way. My father used to tell me, "Tough times, don't last, tough people do!"  I too am "Still Standing!"

 

This was the perfect place for the last piece of my production puzzle. I related to my surroundings, and I left the shoot feeling grateful, humbled with a sense of strength and a new found respect for life and those that have come before us. Bearing the notion of moving upward and forward at all times! Never giving up and always "Standing Strong!"

Soon I will share my project with the world, and I cannot wait! The "Journey to Wonderland" show is a celebration of life to include, history, traveling, cuisines, lifestyles, and all the things that make this journey exciting! I hope you join me as we explore, the beautiful things in life!

 

 

Throwback Thursday! Hosting the International Children's Festival - Asia IG Style!

Had THE BEST time hosting at the International Children's Festival! My family and I have gone almost every year, with Mom in all her glory, a staple representing at the Thailand Booth. So when I had the opportunity to emcee, heck ya? On board!

 Even better, I was planted at the Asia stage to announce many of the countries and acts through out the day. Fun! Fun! Fun!  Each country had a special traditional performance and man, amazing! There were so many great performances, but I will always love the Chinese Dragon Demonstrations. The colors, the movement, the bodies, the sounds.  Enticing.

Growing up mostly in Asia, this really brought me back to my roots! I loved being around so much culture at one time and I salute the city of Hampton for bringing us all together!

 

More than 30 countries were represented at this years festival. Yeah, the weather did show out, raining most of the day, but that didn't stop the magic!


In addition to traditional performances, each country's booth had cultural crafts and presentations. Kids received "Passports" and were encouraged to get a stamp from each country they visited. Tell me that isn't the cutest ever!

Not only did the kids have a ball, but the food? Ah, amazing! I mean, Greek Gyros to Pad Thai to Korean Bulgogi to Mexican Tacos and I can go on really. This is one of the many things my family and I enjoy about the Hampton International Children's Festival. The fact that you can have an international lunch? ROCKS.

Always a good time! This year, the new addition? Those exotic animals, that you get to pet and take that quick "Selfie" with. All in all, I was honored to be apart of Hampton History!


This year represented the 15th Annual International Children's Festival in Hampton. Interested in being a vendor or sponsor next year? Call  (757) 727-8311 or (757) 728-2085.

To have your country represented at the festival, contact Event Coordinators at 727-8314. Looking forward to seeing what new cultures we can explore next year!




         Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/internationalchildrensfest to see more pics!

Culture Club: African Landing Day; Honoring the Truth!

"If the Atlantic were to dry up, it would reveal a scattered pathway of bones, African bones,
marking the various routes of the Middle Passage" Dr. John Henrik Clarke

Elder Blessing & Welcome Native Tribute

Spiritual Sunday, came on a Tuesday for me. The weather was warm, the sun kissed, the beach calm.  I was honored to bear witness to the 2nd Annual African Landing Day "Ritual of Remembrance" Event. August 20th, has been officially proclaimed by the City of Hampton, as the day we remember our ancestors who lost lives and endured 246 years of bondage. I am sure the beach was far from a welcoming sight that fateful day in the summer of August 1619.  

"Opening Of The Way" 

African Landing Day commemorates the first ship of enslaved Africans who came ashore at Point Comfort. Unbeknownst to them, these human beings who arrived on English Territory-North American would go on to lead to the beginning of the institution of Slavery. Our ancestors from Angola, Africa would eventually go on to help build this place we call the United States. 

With the aroma of burning sage and inscent in the air, the event started off as tradition would have it with the "Drum Call to The Ancestors."  We marched behind the beat of beautiful African drums, from the Seashore to the Gazebo. We were then officially welcomed by Chadra Pittman Walke Founder/Executive Director of the Sankofa Projects, with an "Elder Blessing" from Dr. Dawson, who's young age of 91 had everyone up

Sage to represent our ancestors ashes. 

in cheers! The "Opening of the Way" came from Priestess Auset, Priest Khepra and a dear friend of mine Priestess Amani. 


We then witness a traditional dance by the Ubuntu Dance Collective Childrens group! Adorable! In addition to the many special dedications, one of the highlights for me, was to hear Mr. Calvin Pearson, Founder of Project 1619, Inc., speak.  He told the story of what some historians fail to revive. He told our truth. I was instantly intrigued. I yearned to learn more of this truth....

Mr. Calvin Pearson, Founder of Projects 1619 Inc. 

"In May of 1619, the Sao Joao Bautista started loading 350 Africans who had been captured from the Ndongo region of Angola.....The Bautista was attacked by two ships, The Treasure and The White Lion.  Sailors from the White Lion boarded the Bautista looking for gold and sliver. When they opened the cargo hole all they saw were Black faces staring at them. They were not equipped to take on human cargo because they did not have room or food...So the White Lion split up the 60 or so of the healthiest Africans with the Treasure and headed to Virginia. In August of 1619, John Rolfe, widower of Pocohantas, was at Point Comfort on this fateful day and he wrote in his diary "About the latter end of August, a Dutch man of Warr of the burden of 160 tons arrived at Point Comfort, Commanders name was Capt Jope.  He brought not anything but 20 and odd Negroes."  In the memoires of Capt. John Colyn Jopne, captian of the White Lion, he wrote in his journal that he unloaded 20 and odd Negroes at Point Comfort..." 

"Drum Call To The Ancestors"

Excerpt from the African Landing Day Commemoration Symposium 2013 by Mr. Pearson. 

He went on to say that those "20 or so" Africans were traded for a bushel of corn.  

Members of the Angolan Embassy joined this special occasion and were welcome by the City of Hampton. At this point, I was almost in tears. Wow. Full Circle.

"Drum Call To The Ancestors" walk from the seasore. 

At the conclusion of the event, I can tell you one thing, we had a "Higher Power" amongst us! Proof of the full moon that lit our path to the ocean. We were given a longstem white carnation to represent those we lost and our ancestors.  As the drums played, we were lead to the seashore, some marching, many dancing, everyone smiling! I took a deep breath, with a prayer and kiss to the carnation, I tossed mine into the ocean. To see the love, honor, and joy on everyone faces as they tossed their carnations....priceless. 



I left feeling so full of life, history and with such appreciation for all of those that came before us. I felt enlightened. So much pride in knowing that, our strength, really, really, comes from somewhere. Our strength came from those who shed blood, sweat and tears, as they fought for humanity. Those who shed blood, sweat and tears, so that we can have the rights we do today. 

Efforts are being made to build a monument in honor of the arrival of the Africans at Fort Monroe. For more information please visit: www.project1619.org. 

Temple of the True Living Waters

"The Forest of Family Trees" Ms. Maat Free, Guardian of Ancestral Remembrance

Let's continue to encourage our beautiful youth! They will shine bright in our future! 

"Ritual of Remembrance" 

Continential Park Gazebo,
National Monument of Fort Monroe, Hampton, Virginia

The City of Hampton welcoming members of the Angolan Embassy. 

Priestess Auset & Priestess Amani 

What a gorgeous full moon! The Carnations in the silky ocean against the moonlight,  breath taking!