Invincible Porcelain

February Book 2 (Cion)

2012-03-02T07:46:00.000+02:00

I mentioned that February would be Zakes Mda month. I started off with Memoirs of an Outsider and then finished off Cion.

I REALLY enjoyed Ways of Dying about Toloki the professional mourner. In Cion the professional mourner is now in the US and learns about the ancestors of the people with whom he is staying. It took a while to get into the book. But I trust the author so I kept going on. When I got to the end of the book I wanted to know more about what happens to all the characters. I must add that I felt like the characters were a little thin. They were a little hard to bring to 'life' but I enjoyed the book none the less.

It would be unfair to compare this book to 'Ways of Dying' (which is one of my favourite books). I don't think you necessarily have to have read Ways of Dying to enjoy Cion. This book reminded me a little of Toni Morrison's works, which is great because I am a HUGE Toni Morrison fan. Her book A Mercy was the January book.

Couldn't resist

2012-03-01T07:23:00.001+02:00

Via The Classy Issue

Chesa gal!!

DAS KAPITAL is FIYAH!!

2012-02-28T15:52:00.000+02:00

It's here folks. Go ahead and have a listen and then listen again and then pour yourself a drink and dance to it. The Das Kapital remix of 'Today is the Day'. I LOVE it :)

Holy...

2012-02-28T15:51:00.000+02:00

If I was brave enough... I would. SO effing beautiful

Via MonaMade (source)

Heartbeat

2012-02-28T15:50:00.000+02:00

You already know how much I love Community, well I think I am becoming a Childish Gambino fan. This song is too much. LOVE IT!!!

Coming Soon

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000+02:00

quick album update

2012-02-17T14:22:00.000+02:00

I am starting to feel like there is 2 of me (is that even grammatically correct?). There is a part of me that is working endlessly and grateful when wonderful stuff happens. Then there is the other part of me that is just a ball of anxiety.

The closer we get to album release date, the stronger both these parts of me become. I look at this way: It is different sides of the same coin. I'm most anxious when I am by myself. I'm sick in bed today so I don't have to tell you what kind of a day its been.

When the anxiety gets too much, I remind myself this:

I am living my dream everyday
No matter what happens I am LOVED and I LOVE
I am worthy of having my dreams come true regardless of what I have or haven't done

And I also remember how amazing I felt wearing that dress on Expresso (cheesy, but it helps):

Story of my life yo!

2012-02-17T14:10:00.000+02:00

Via simonefiasco

I dare you

2012-02-17T14:02:00.000+02:00

Via MonaMade (source)

Say it aint so!

2012-02-17T13:19:00.000+02:00

Its been getting a little cold in the evenings and I think it means Summer is about to leave. Nooooooo!!! I'm gonna miss you Summer, you have been the best one yet. This is what I'm going to miss about you Summer:

Having my toes out and feeling the sand in my shoes

Wearing pretty shoes and showing my legs every once in a while

impromptu braais

Having drinks at Dunes with my happy-smiley-sunny-wearing-Marcee

Dont know why this pic wont rotate, but I will miss finding new places to have sundowners

Spirit fingers and showing mah legs some more

Aaaaah Summer. Lets make the most of our last few days together.

Truth

2012-02-13T23:04:00.000+02:00

via dream hampton (source)

FOREVER

2012-02-13T22:30:00.002+02:00

This remains one of my favourite songs. The first time I saw this video I was a little kid (about 7 or 8). I couldn't stop looking at her. She was just gorgeous. I just wanted to sing along with her and I didn't even know the song. RIP Whitney. What you gave us is FOREVER!

Conclusion

2012-02-13T22:30:00.001+02:00

via Nikia Phoenix

And I am not interested in being anybody else for somebody else.

Way back when (Falling)

2012-02-13T22:20:00.000+02:00

Let me just say that this is the first time I hear this bizarre rap at the beginning of the song. I prefer to original. Montell Jordan was everything. 90's RnB was my stuff man. I had THE BIGGEST crush on Montell lmbao.

I love cake, but....

2012-02-13T22:12:00.000+02:00

I love the site Cake Wrecks even more. I used to be a regular a few years ago and then I sort of forgot about. I rediscovered it today when I went to disable comments from my old blog (damn spammers are a nuisance).

Well Marcee and I had a good time with these Super Bowl wrecks. I know nothing about the sport but I thoroughly enjoyed the cake wrecks. They totally cheered me up

I could spend all day just looking at all the cake wrecks. Try it out :)

Not entirely sure about this one

2012-02-11T12:38:00.000+02:00

via retro glo

It's probably true. But I hate the pressure today. I really do.

February Book 1 (Memoirs of an Outsider)

2012-02-09T22:23:00.000+02:00

Zakes Mda is one of my favourite authors, so much so that this month I am reading two of his books. I was reading Cion when I bought Sometimes there is a Void (Memoirs of an Outsider). I stopped reading Cion, not because it was boring but because my curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to know where my favourite authors was from, where his love for writing came from, what his childhood was like etc.

I was unable to put this book down. It made me realise just how little I knew about the history of Lesotho and the 'arts scene' in South Africa. It almost felt like I had gone to visit him in his home and every day was spent just listening to him talk. I am not disappointed that I bought the book. His honesty made me appreciate him even more.

source

I will be reading Cion for the rest of the month. 2 book in February? I'm impressed with myself *wink*

One of dem days

2012-02-09T22:08:00.000+02:00

I'm having an off day. This whole week has felt a little wonky. I just wanna hide out in my room and these migraines have been kicking my ass. I've had 2 this week, which means I have been out of action all week.

Ms Thang was one of my favourite albums when I was younger. It, like many of my albums, was stolen. I loved Monica's sexy tomboy vibes. Her, Brandy and Aaliyah were my girls when I was in my teens.

Had to have them

2012-02-08T23:15:00.000+02:00

I saw these in a magazine and started stalking them. One day I was meeting Marcee at Cape Quarter and she told me that she had spotted them. I wasted no time.

I wore them on Expresso.

pic taken by Liezel van der Westhuizen

Gaw-jus

2012-02-08T23:05:00.000+02:00

I want to reach out and put my arms around her. Perhaps some of that beauty and grace will rub off on me. Oh my... This photo!

via the life of ebony and ivory

Speak!

2012-02-08T22:58:00.000+02:00

"If you are silent about your pain, they'll kill you and say you enjoyed it"

- Zora Neale Hurston

Came by this quote on MonaMade. I couldn't stop nodding. I used to suffer in silence. Now I suffer no more.

Way Back When (Drive)

2012-02-08T22:51:00.000+02:00

I LOVE this song. Its such a red-wine-evening song for me.

One of the things I miss about doing 'midnight express' on Radio 2000 is playing music like this. I truly believe that I had a great radio career. It was fun and we were doing something that no other radio stations were doing (at the time). But you know... Somebody always has to fuck it up. One day... One day. I will return to radio.

January Book (A Mercy)

2012-02-06T23:21:00.000+02:00

I've decided that I'm going to try and read at least 1 book a month in 2012. In January I sat down with a book that I had bought and then proceeded to run from: A Mercy by Toni Morrison. I ran from the book for almost a year. I just didn't feel ready to read it. The 'right time' finally arrived and boy am I glad that it did. Anybody who knows me will tell you that I am a Toni STAN. I love her work and cannot be reasoned with when it comes to it.

Via SFGate

I don't believe in reviewing music or books, something about it feels unclean to me. I will tell you how this gorgeous book made me feel though: I was wrapped up in Toni's words and never wanted to leave the world they created around me.

I tried to read it slowly, but my hunger and curiosity got the better of me. The January book was AMAZING!!

Awesome Birthday Gift Wish-list

2012-02-05T13:22:00.000+02:00


Via Renata


Via Puppy Pictures


via Rotten Tomatoes


via Inetgiant

I'm not asking for much am I? All I want is ONE. I'm not asking for nine or a hundred. Just one :)

Porcelain Tees

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000+02:00

A week or 2 ago, we sent out 29 press packs. I picked the number 29 specifically because I am releasing the album in the year that I turn 29. In the previous post you couldn't see the t-shirt properly. I got my dearest Marcee to do some modelling and I joined in the fun as well

Ladies t-shirt

Guys t-shirt

We might start selling these. Dunno. I just did it for fun, but people keep asking me where they can get them. Might sell them... Aaargh dunno... We'll see...

Art

2012-02-03T07:50:00.001+02:00

Romance - Thomas Hart Benton, 1931-32

via Black Contemporary Art (source)

Something about this piece makes me think of a book I read recently (A Mercy by Toni Morrison)

Everybody are you in the house!

2012-02-03T07:40:00.002+02:00

This will forever be MY Mariah. I love ODB and I also love those dancing boys.

Its not a coincidence

2012-02-02T06:16:00.000+02:00

You may or may not know this, but my upcoming album is called Invincible Summer. I got the title from an Albert Camus quote. It has taken almost 2 years to make and along the way I felt like quitting. But love for music kept me going.

Over the past 3 months it has started feeling like it is the right time. Everything is coming together nicely and it doesn't feel like such a struggle anymore.A few days ago Today is The Day was featured on Clever Bird Banter, it was the first blog to put the video up. Ever since then I have been visiting the blog and guess what I should find there today:

via Clever Bird Banter (source)

Its part of a series of typographic prints by Matthew Kavan Brooks. This would make an awesome birthday present. Uhmmm... They are are available via Society6, just saying.... Yeah!

First TV performance

2012-01-31T07:15:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I was on Expresso, this was my first TV interview and performance. I couldn't sleep properly the night before (nerves). We had to wake up super early because the show starts at 05:30. Call time was actually at 04:45... WHAT?! Yes.

I performed Butterflies and Today Is The Day. Below is me performing Butterflies.

Today Is The Day video

2012-01-26T06:16:00.002+02:00

Here it is folks:

Curly Harp Lee

2012-01-25T07:22:00.000+02:00

I kinda like Curly Harp Lee ha ha ha.

via Culture of me

Woza Album

2012-01-23T06:50:00.000+02:00

For the past 2 weeks we have been sending out promo packs. Because I am releasing this album in the year of my 29th birthday I decided that 29 is the magic number. This album and turning 29 are both quite a big deal (for me). So we sent out 29 promo packs and have received such lovely feedback.

Some of the ladies who received the packages took pics and said how much they loved them. Ladies shirt is white and the guys shirt is charcoal. I will get a nice shot of me wearing the guys shirt. WOZA ALBUM!

All Black Everything

2012-01-20T13:57:00.000+02:00

Once when I was at the convent school I drew a garden and in the garden I added some black flowers. One of the nuns made me go outside and find black flowers. She then told me there were no black flowers. Seeing this, I suddenly felt such relief. Dont ask why I held onto that for such a long time lol.

Via Serious wapanese

Lesson of the week (Pick up the phone)

2012-01-20T13:39:00.001+02:00

I'm sure you are familiar with his journey and how long it took me to start looking outside of South Africa (for opportunities). When I started out I was being told by record label execs, small time producers, people with no industry knowledge, radio presenters and their grandmothers that I couldn't do it. I'm a middle child, proving people wrong is what I do for fun, so none of that BS got to me. My manager (and everything) Marcee eventually got tired of hitting her head against a brick wall and decided to approach radio stations outside of South Africa.

Immediately we were struck by how open and accepting they were of the music. Not because the music was shoddy but because rejection had become the norm. So Marcee got music playlisted in 36 countries. At this point we thought it was safe to try at home again. We sent out CDs and every time Marcee made the follow up calls, she got excuses about the CDs never arriving or a million other excuses as to why they hadn't listened to the songs.

This morning I was so fed up with how difficult it was becoming, so I decided to call the 'culprits'. I don't feel entitled to airplay in SA, but expecting to be treated is something I do think I deserve. By the time I had gone through all the phone calls I realised how tough it is in some regions (for SABC radio stations). One music compiler told me that the post office is far away from where they are. They have to go pick the packages up themselves and they don't even get all of them most times. Another didn't even have access to email. They were all really patient with me as we worked out systems that would ensure that the music arrived when it was supposed to arrive. Until I had spoken to these compilers I really had no idea how 'broken' the systems in place are. It put the entire (South African) music industry into perspective for me.

Lesson of the week: Don't get mad. Pick up the phone and find how YOU can make the situation better. Sometimes that's all it takes.

Truth!!

2012-01-19T08:25:00.000+02:00

Via KC Art Director

They WHAT?!

2012-01-19T08:19:00.000+02:00

This hangs in the ladies bathroom of one of my favourite restaurants (don't judge me, its a lovely place despite what they hang in the bathrooms). The first time I read it I was like 'women who do WHAT?!'.

Its LOVE folks

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000+02:00

So last time it was Lady Killer. I'm happy to say that I am in love again. This time it is with the most unlikely album: Cole World (Sideline Story). I am but a hip hop seedling so sometimes I don't connect with hip hop like most people do. Yesterday while I was working I came across an album that sweet Marcee had. I put it on and I'm finding it hard to listen to anything else. Oh yeaaaah. I'm actually listening to the album right now.

Tea Time!

2012-01-18T07:20:00.005+02:00

One of my favourite things to do is find nice places to eat or have tea. Weird because I am not even crazy about 'warm drinks'. Marcee and I were having a busy morning, but we decided to stop somewhere and have tea. Goooooo TEA!

Makes me wanna sing 'Teacup'

Teacup by BlackPorcelain

Pot of Rooibos (the good stuff)

Marceeeeeeeee!!!! Nail polish matches her earrings. Nice :)

Flash Bright

2012-01-18T07:15:00.001+02:00

I keep finding more of these. Click here to find out the story behind 'flash bright'. Sometimes I close my eyes and sometimes I look away. Flash bright mayne. Flash Bright!

Way Back When (Nonchalant)

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001+02:00

5'o clock in the morning, where you gonna be?! I really wanted to be a rapper when I was younger because of women like this. You were not cool if you did not know this song mayne. Ha ha ha.

Happy Birthday (to the greatest)

2012-01-17T23:37:00.000+02:00

Via Mona Made (source)

Such a beautiful man. I love that he stood up for his beliefs and was not apologetic for being himself.

Only A Mother

2012-01-17T07:15:00.000+02:00

I heard this song (Only A Mother) late last year and I've wanted to share it on the blog for a while. I don't know why I didn't just go onto Soundcloud *slaps forehead*. I don't believe in describing songs, but I will tell you how it makes me feel. It makes me feel like all my anxiety is evaporating and that I am floating. Weird. But true :)

Its by a band, from England, called Cherry Ghost . Their's is another one of those albums that I NEED to have NOW!

HVN222 Cherry Ghost - Only A Mother by heavenlyrecordings

Every day

2012-01-17T07:09:00.000+02:00

I wake up every single morning and do something that terrifies me: living my dream. Sometimes its easy (like when I write songs all day or am in studio recording) and sometimes not so much (when bills need to be paid and when people think that I need to justify my life choices). My life has become one big balancing act.

I am no longer on the pursuit of happiness. I've had joy in me all the time. Now I am learning to enjoy the balance. Dr Demartini said you cannot want the coin (in this case my dreams) and not accept both sides of the coin. Some days are easy and others are really tough.

I'm learning. I'm growing. Every single day.

Chillin'

2012-01-17T06:53:00.000+02:00

Via Zulu Dancer (source)

Coming Soon

2012-01-16T09:20:00.000+02:00

Video shoot day feels like it was AGES ago

The video for 'Today is the day' is on its way. I'm hoping I will have something to share this week *crosses fingers*

Today is the day by BlackPorcelain

Lana

2012-01-16T09:10:00.000+02:00

Sometimes you're up. Sometimes you're down. Always keep your head up.

I watched only 1 min of both the songs she performed on SNL. I think it was just nerves. She definitely gave a better performance on Jools Holland *shrug*. I am not a fan, but I think that she will be fine.

Truth

2012-01-16T07:08:00.000+02:00

"You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody"

-Maya Angelou

In a perfect world

2012-01-13T08:04:00.000+02:00

via Art of Kawaii (source)

Cheers!

2012-01-13T07:51:00.000+02:00

Last night I finished writing the last 2 songs for the album. I cannot wait to go into studio and record them. The project feels complete now. For a while it felt like there was something missing. I am happy now. Marcee will use this post against me when we are 'done' and I start faffing again. Yay!!

I'm posting a pic of a glass of wine because I cannot have any alcohol for the next 4 weeks.

P.S I am not as angry as I was yesterday. I'm still disappointed that the album won't be released in March

Sitting. Waiting. Fuming!

2012-01-12T09:09:00.000+02:00

I wish I could properly express how bloody pissed off I am right now. Have to change the album release date to April (instead of March). Aaaarrgghhh!!

I don't belong to a label, so I have not been assigned a deadline. I took my time with this project (almost 3 years on and off). I wanted the music to be to my satisfaction. Everything is almost done and I have to change the date because of something that has absolutely FUCK ALL to do with the music.

I need a time out...

Couldn't resist

2012-01-11T08:22:00.000+02:00

Via MonaMade (source)

Butterflies by BlackPorcelain

Reeeeeemix!!!

Butterflies (DJ Zinhle Remix) by BlackPorcelain

*drops mic and exits stage left*

Coachella

2012-01-11T08:17:00.003+02:00

This song is so sweet. I love her voice. OMG Brooke Fraser you beaut!

Because I'm worth it

2012-01-11T08:14:00.000+02:00

I am strange and okay with it ;)

Party gifts

2012-01-09T07:24:00.000+02:00

A friend was having a dinner party and gave us these. They are from Charlys Bakery, so there is no need for me to tell you how yummy they were. Aaaaaah!

I'm still on Facebook and Twitter, I think I am just enjoying the blogging a little bit more. I am trying not to have a contact stream of (often) useless and (sometimes) useful information. I need to finish the album and focus for the next 6 months.

Natural Grooming

2012-01-07T09:12:00.000+02:00

Firelei Baez from Natural Grooming Series (via Black Contemporary Art)

Whaaaat?!

2012-01-07T08:55:00.000+02:00

I cannot get over her voice and that dress. I heard this song once and feel in love with it (and her).

Can't stop singing that chorus *dancing*

Love

2012-01-07T08:38:00.000+02:00

Via MonaMade (source: eva jeanongoco)

Lesson of the week (Potential)

2012-01-07T08:30:00.000+02:00

Marcee often says to me "don't listen to what people say. Listen to what they do." This week I learned to listen and let go.

I have always been a people person, but not in a conventional way. I thrive in social situations; getting to know people has always been fun for me. My mom says my parents took me along when they went to register me for creche. While they were being given the tour, I stayed behind in one of the classrooms and started talking to the other kids and learning the songs they were being taught. Ma only realised that her daughter was missing when they reached the office. When she eventually found me I asked her if I could stay in the class while they were busy. So you see how much I love new experiences and people.

My love for other people stops when I have to work. I do not work well with others... Well this was until I decided to pursue my dreams. I quickly learned that there were many other people involved in the making of an album and I would have to grow up (just a little). I am less of a pain in the ass to work with, but somewhere in the back of my mind there is a voice whispering 'that person is gonna fuck up, so don't take your eye off the ball'.

This week 2 people 'left' the project (reasons don't matter) and I was not surprised. In the pursuit to be a 'team player' (I dislike that word), I started putting a lot of emphasis on potential and ignoring everything else (including results). 'Surely if that person had potential then I would be a 'bad person' if I denied them an opportunity to develop it?' Obviously I now know how ridiculous (and arrogant) that is.

Potential (n): a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.

Lesson of the week: A person's potential is NONE of my business. I should instead be focusing on what that person is DOING.

P.S I am not mad at the people who 'left the project', that would be immature. They were both very honest with me and I really value honesty. This post is not about them, but about the lesson that I have learned form the experience. I cannot grow if I do not learn from my experiences. I am grateful for the experiences and the lessons.

Yep

2012-01-06T09:17:00.001+02:00

via fran-cophonecountry

I LOVE my community

2012-01-06T09:11:00.000+02:00

Abed & Troy are EVERYTHING! My brother introduced me to this show a week ago and I am addicted.

Pics via zap2it

Truth

2012-01-06T08:54:00.001+02:00

Via e-pic

I laughed out loud when I saw this because I am one angry woman when I am hungry. I heard the word 'hangry' from my friend Semenya and I thought it was PERFECT! I suddenly thought, how did I not know this word before? What did I use to describe the madness that occurs when I am hungry? LOL

Via e-pic (source)

My birthday is in 2 months... This pillow will make me very happy. Just saying.

Perfect Timing

2012-01-05T08:31:00.000+02:00

Was checking out some of my fav blogs and found this quote:

This is an important lesson to remember when you’re having a bad day, a bad month, or a shitty year. Things will change: you won’t feel this way forever. And anyway, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones your soul needs most. I believe you can’t feel real joy unless you’ve felt heartache. You can’t have a sense of victory unless you know what it means to fail. You can’t know what it’s like to feel holy until you know what it’s like to feel really fucking evil. And you can’t be birthed again until you’ve died.

— Kelly Cutrone

Via MonaMade

Off my chest

2012-01-05T08:04:00.000+02:00

I can't sleep. It seems that when I take a step in the right direction, something else goes wrong. I am in a boat and people are poking holes in it. So now I am 'plugging' holes and trying to steer. I wish this was a journey that someone had already taken because then I would have instructions on how to do this. I am in completely unfamiliar territory. Been prescribed meds for anxiety (stress is causing near-blinding migraines), but I will rely on food, meditation and exercise (to get me through this).

Putting on my Samurai face.

I LOVE Samurai Champloo

Image via Nerd Locker

Sending out stuff

2012-01-04T09:17:00.001+02:00

Promo stuff... Album release in 3 months and I'm fairly calm (where is that damn sarcasm font when you need it?).

I see you baby!

2012-01-03T19:28:00.000+02:00

My dearest, sweetest Marcee has been growing her hair. A few weeks ago she trusted me enough to let me dye her hair. Isn't she lovely?

If this music and writing thing doesn't work out, I might just open up a hair salon.

Quick One

2012-01-03T19:04:00.000+02:00

Back in Cape Town and I have just seen, the ungraded version of, the music video for 'Today is the day'. I am both excited and nervous. I am excited because it has taken us so long to get to this point. I have wanted to shoot this music video FOREVER and now it's (kinda) done. I am also nervous because up until now I have been able to 'hide' behind the music. Very people know what I 'look' like, when I am 'performing', so this is something new. I guess you could say that I am shy in my own weird way.

Gonna leave you with the song, while I wait for the video to be graded. It is available on iTunes and Rhythm Music Store.

Today is the day by BlackPorcelain

It's Summertime

2012-01-03T18:52:00.001+02:00

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

I used to LOVE this song. Its summer time and its all-shorts-everything type of weather. I used to love Smooth, also loved her song Mindblowing. I used to own that album (Smooth). Aaaah good times!

Just believe

2012-01-03T18:45:00.000+02:00

via melody's blog

I'll be home for Christmas

2011-12-23T23:30:00.000+02:00

Yes indeed I will and will therefore be posting less. I had hoped to have a music video to share before the year was up, but alas (don't ask).

I will be home with the family and I will hopefully get to see some friends as well. Wishing you peace, health and love for the holidays. 2011 was tough and very rewarding. I am hoping for more growth, love and sharing in 2012.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS :)

Sankara

2011-12-22T00:31:00.000+02:00

I know its already the 22nd, but this does not make him any less significant. On the 21st of December in 1949 Thomas Sankara was born. Happy birthday and rest in power King.

"The revolution and women’s liberation go together. We do not talk of women’s emancipation as an act of charity or because of a surge of human compassion. It is a basic necessity for the triumph of the revolution. Women hold up the other half of the sky." - Thomas Sankara

source

Ms Patti!!!

2011-12-22T00:05:00.001+02:00

Sounds of my childhood. No child growing up in Soweto in the 80s didn't know this song. Love me some Patti!

Shout-out old school Metro fm.They used to play songs like this all day on Sunday.

Hellooo Summer

2011-12-22T00:02:00.000+02:00

It's time for...

Playing silly buggers after wine tasting (and purchasing)

Cocktails and sun

Yummy food. Those wontons are to die for :)

And more drinks ;)

We only have a few more days of 2011 left in Cape Town, so we decided to treat ourselves. Jozi is fun, but we will miss our fav spots. I LOVE Cape Town in the Summer :)

Flash Bright

2011-12-21T23:43:00.000+02:00

Its that face that kills me. Maybe if I post enough of these pics Marcee will do something about that disrespectful flash of hers lol.

That time again

2011-12-18T11:59:00.001+02:00

It is almost the end of the year... And what a long year it has been for me. Long and very painful for the most part. I've come to the conclusion that it was growing pains. I have grown in ways I never thought possible in such a short space of time. Over at the old blog I used to do a 'what (insert year) has taught me' list. So I thought I would do it one more time

What 2011 has taught me

1. People prefer to be lied to
I guess this is not news, but Truth was the theme of the year. I had to be honest with myself about a lot of things this year; career, health, finances, music, family, friends... The year started with me in an awful way: I was doing a job that I didn't believe in, I was well on my way to being 'more than slightly' overweight, the album was on hold and I wasn't making enough money to get by. I had to get honest (with myself). It was tough, but had to be done. Had I not been honest with myself I probably would have fallen apart. I wish I could say the same for the people I encountered along the way. While I was on this 'I am healing myself with truth' high, I decided to take some people along for the ride. I mean, why get better by yourself right? After a while I realised that the stories we build our lives around are much more comfortable than the harsh sting of the truth. Which brings me to lesson number 2.

2. Nobody is coming for you
I realised that deep down inside there was a frightened girl who was waiting to be saved. Not by the handsome Kal-El from Krypton or anybody with super powers (although that would have been nice too). I guess I was waiting for some big event to happen and all, or most, of my problems would be solved. 2011 taught me that nobody is 'coming for me'. There is no super magical team being assembled to come and conquer your problems. Once I came to that realisation I started being my own super hero. I also stopped trying to be a super hero for other people. It is both arrogant and ignorant to think that you can 'save' someone. That's not to say that I don't give help to those who ask for it. Bringing us to lesson number 3

Image via Superman Super Site

3. I love these damn kids!
Once I quit the job that I wasn't so sure about, I started volunteering at the Shine Centre 5 days a week. I didn't have this much free time at my previous job. I've had very few awful mornings ever since I started volunteering 5 times a week. Its hard to be an ungrateful grouch when you start your day with those little smiling faces. 2011 taught me that being of service 'fills me up'.

4. I LOVE food
I love food and this year I learned how to make it love me too. Previously I didn't care where my food came from or how it made me feel. I just ATE. 2011 has taught me to be a little more aware of food and how it makes me feel. I now know that sugar gives me headaches, wheat makes my tum unhappy and a bunch of other things that I didn't know before. I have committed myself to eating at least one raw meal a day.

I KNOW that its not a raw meal, but its from Harries Pancakes and it was gooooood!

5. The force is strong in this one
I always thought that I was tough. This year and all its financial troubles, moves, changes and BS has taught me that I am tougher than I give myself credit for.

Took this pic on one of our road trips. I just felt like posting it here

6. SWSWSWSW
One of my favourite quotes by Jack Canfield: Some Will. Some Wont. So What? Someones Waiting. After trying to get my music onto SA radio, my sweet manager and I finally gave up. We didn't give up on everything, just SA radio. Once we did that we were able to find countries where radio stations LOVED the music. I am no play-listed in 36 countries and am not so cut up about previous rejections.

Voila Magazine put me in their style fix section. I was so stoked!

7. Memories don't live like people do
After Steve Jobs died, a lot of people called him a genius and a master mind. Many said that he was one of the greatest minds of our time blah blah. I do not agree nor do I disagree with any of these statements (because I don't really care, to be honest). What I found interesting was that as soon as he died, so did many of his indiscretions/negative attributes. There were perhaps a few people who spoke about the not-so-great things that he did, but they were definitely in the minority. 2011 taught me that They will give you hell while you are still alive and forget all about it when you die. So its best not to care what people think of you and your journey, they're gonna keep changing their minds anyway.

Image via Time

8. My song
Finally: I learned that nobody can steal your joy. Nobody! People do not control how you feel. You do. I have been through a lot this year, but I am also the happiest I have ever been in my short life. If I had to do 2011 again, I probably wouldn't (ha ha ha ha). I would not erase it either, because I am grateful for it's lessons. I am looking forward to writing more songs and singing them. I cannot wait to see what the new year has in store for me. I hope you are looking forward to it, without any of the baggage of this year.

Today is the day by BlackPorcelain

P.S I almost forgot to add that LOVE IS EVERYTHING. It was love that got me through this hellish year. I am grateful for love.

See the year off with a BANG!

One Love :)

More rain

2011-12-17T10:52:00.001+02:00

SWV was and remains one of my top groups. Lawd I used to play this song all the time.

Taj, Coko and Lelee... I love these women! And I see a young Tyrese made an appearance in the video too :)

Sexy Canadian

2011-12-17T10:34:00.001+02:00

To see more of the hotness that is Ryan Gosling head on over to Hurricane Vanessa

Reminders

2011-12-17T10:29:00.000+02:00

I LOVE being in the kitchen. I recently discovered that I love to cook and try out different recipes. I cook when I am happy and sometimes I cook when I need to be happy.

I feel so small when I am cooking. But I also feel like I am a part of something big.

And then sometimes I get a lovely reminder of how beautiful and unique we all are

When I'm not cooking or blogging I'm on Twitter or Facebook or at home or working or... You get the picture ;)

She is BAAAAAAAAACK

2011-12-15T20:03:00.000+02:00

After taking a break from blogging (not by choice, but because of her work load), my dearest Marcee is back!

Check her out HERE

I LOVE Tigers

2011-12-14T09:05:00.000+02:00

via Fuck Yeah Illustrative Art!

I wonder...

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000+02:00

I wonder if he knows how much I love his smile...

Let it rain

2011-12-14T08:46:00.000+02:00

I will admit to having being on the fence about him. Not anymore. I am all his after this song. Yessir, his album (the next one) will be MINE! *evil laugh*

P.S Its RAINING in Cape Town, which is odd because we only get rain in Winter. This is more Jozi weather. I was missing home so bad, but it looks like home came to me. I wont complain.

Flash Bright

2011-12-10T12:27:00.001+02:00

Some people have serious problems like heavy chains (cue Kanye's 'chain heavy'). I have a best friend whose camera has an unbelievably bright flash. I am not exaggerating when I say it is blinding. We were going through pics recently and I realised how many of these 'flash bright' pics we have.

Why the face? Huh? Why? She wont let me be great

Lights Out, Words Gone

2011-12-08T07:36:00.000+02:00

I need their album in my life. I just wanna play this song while driving on a Summer evening. I like the music video, but I also don't. Don't ask. It is still a lovely song.

Go all the way

2011-12-08T07:24:00.000+02:00

"If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean mockery—isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. It will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you’re going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is."

via atomos

Truth

2011-12-08T07:16:00.000+02:00

via atomos

Fear

2011-12-05T18:05:00.000+02:00

Truth

Via Flo-Yo

Sunday Inspiration - Crazy

2011-12-04T18:08:00.000+02:00

I LOVE playing this song in my car, especially when I am feeling down. And you already know how I feel about Mr Tyler ;)

Video Day

2011-12-04T18:02:00.000+02:00

On Friday we shot the music video for Today is the day. It was my first music video and I was so bloody nervous. You would think I would have been excited because I have wanted this music video for so long. I was so worried about how my performance would translate 'on screen' and whether I could pull it off.

When we arrived, I was certain that I had made a mistake and wanted to run back home. What I found what I got there was a lovely crew who made me feel so at ease.

We arrived and the crew was setting up. At this point I was nauseous from nerves.

Being 'walked through' what I was supposed to do. Eeeek.

Charmaine doing my make up. Charmaine is just so lovely. LOVED working with her

Nervous smile

Setting 'the scene'

Padraic and I trying to figure out why that damn bow tie wouldn't let me be great!

Shooting. AAAAAAAHHHHH!!

Men at work?!

Charmaine :)

Once we were done, I was ECSTATIC and wanted to shoot another music video (typical). I will put it up once the director (the super cool Padraic O'Meara) is happy with the final product. Yay video!!

Today is the day by BlackPorcelain

I'm also on Twitter and Facebook *wink wink*

Zwakala

2011-11-29T09:15:00.000+02:00

I LOVE Stimela mayne. I truly do. Working with Ray Phiri is on my bucket list.

Need a holiday

2011-11-29T09:09:00.000+02:00

Image via top ten Africa vacations

Its been a loooong year. I need a year long holiday. From my lips to the ears of the universe Insha'Allah (God willing).

I'm here too: Facebook & Twitter

My little stars

2011-11-29T08:54:00.000+02:00

For the past 2 years I have been a volunteer for The Shine Centre. I found out about The Shine Centre while I worked in radio. I had interviewed one of the founders and she invited me to one of the schools they work in. It just so happened that one of their schools was right behind the building where I lived.

Anybody who knows me, knows that I love kids and I am very passionate about educating them. I thought I knew how poorly some kids were being educated, but I really didn't. Meeting these bright little stars and finding out that some children in Grd 3 were barely literate broke my heart. I decided on the spot that I was going to volunteer. My dad often quotes Gandhi 'be the change you want to see in the world'.

Seeing these kids every morning is honestly the highlight of my day. Now that I have 'down graded' my day job I am able to volunteer Mon - Friday. Last week was our final week with the kids and we made cards for each other. Best cards ever!

If you are in a position where you can spare an hour out of your day, please think about volunteering. I know not everyone can do it, but we always need more volunteers. And if literacy and kids is not your thing, think about volunteering elsewhere. It WILL change you and your world. I stopped believing that the government, most governments, can make a difference. I only believe in people. I've seen how people can make a difference by caring and getting involved.

Singing with the fishes

2011-11-24T22:30:00.000+02:00

Last night I had the opportunity to perform my new single 'Today is the day' at a private function at the 2 Oceans Aquarium. I was really nervous because I hadn't performed live in such a long time. The audience was so appreciative and beautiful, it was incredible. One of the reasons I stopped performing was because I felt like I was performing for loud drunk people who weren't there for the music. I wanted to do things properly when I finally decided to perform again. It was fun and it made me want to perform in intimate venues like the one we were at.

How pretty is this pic?

During sound check, we couldn't help looking back at the 'predator display'

Marcee loved it too

Here is the song. Its also available on itunes and the Rhythm Music Store:
Today is the day by BlackPorcelain

I am in such a good place. I love what I do and I am doing what I love. I honestly cannot wait to start performing more.

I'm also on Twitter and Facebook

Remember this?

2011-11-24T22:18:00.000+02:00

Every kid in Soweto knew the lyrics to this song. Oh man I still love this song so much. Confession: when people talk about Mariah Carey, this is the one I see in my mind.

Huurr Did

2011-11-24T22:15:00.000+02:00

I have been wanting to do something different with my hair for a while now. I've just been a little scared and also wasn't sure about leaving my African hair in the hands of someone with no experience (I do my own hair). A friend told me about a place on Long Street (Hand) that could hook it up. I trust her, so I went and got my 'huurrr did'.

BEFORE

I was so nervous that I had a Martini at Greens before my hair appointment

No prizes for guessing who had the PINK drink. SMH

AFTER

I had not been in a hair salon in almost 4 years. Can you believe that? Kept falling asleep in the chair. I admire women who go to the hair salon often. It is painful to have to sit still for so long. I'm happy with the results, although I am gonna go back in a week or 2 to see if we can go lighter.

One love. New-Hair Porcelain :)

I'm @BlckPorcelain on Twitter and just Black Porcelain on Facebook

Truth

2011-11-22T07:56:00.001+02:00

"I think what motivates people is not great hate, but great love for other people."

- Huey Newton

Sabotage

2011-11-21T08:24:00.000+02:00

Over the past few months I ave been trying to get 'healthy'. Which means that I work 5 times a week, eat loads of veggies and fruits, drink more water and cut down on wheat. Well done Porcelain, right? Yep. I am well on my way to healing all the damage I have done to my body over the years (by not eating right and not getting 'physical')

I seem to be struggling on one front though... Sugar. I stopped drinking fizzy drinks a long time ago and I hardly ever have coffee. Giving up sweets was hard, so I cut down. I now only occasionally buy Marshmallows or Milk Bottles (I was an addict for real). The ONE thing I seem unable to give up is cupcakes. This is very disturbing. If I could live on cupcakes and wine ONLY, I would.

This is pure JOY

A friends dad made these for her birthday. I am still dreaming about them

Charly's Bakery knows how to make a girl happy

More Cuppy Cakes :)

This is sabotage... I think I like it.

Sweet Tooth Porcelain. Out!

I'm also on Twitter & Facebook

I did try to warn you

2011-11-17T20:20:00.001+02:00

When I said that I LOVE Cee Lo Green's album (The Lady Killer), you thought I was playing didn't you? Well, I wasn't. Its been on repeat all day (again).

I think it is safe to say that the man can do no wrong in my eyes. The outfits in the 'I want you' video are KILLING me!! I need them in my life.

You can agree with me here or over at Twitter or Facebook. As long as we can agree that Mr Green is the biznis lol.

Courage

2011-11-16T23:13:00.000+02:00

"The fact that you can feel the fear means you also have the courage to get beyond it. Otherwise, the fear would serve no useful purpose."

- Ralph Marston

"The beginning of courage feels like fear."

-Ralph Marston

The Lady Killer

2011-11-16T23:10:00.000+02:00

Look what I recently got:

Yessir it is Cee Lo Green's album. I have been meaning to get it for a while. I have had it for 2 days and it has been on repeat for 2 days. Its been a while since I have listened to an album without skipping too many songs. I only skip the intro and outro AND 'Bodies' (it will probably grow on me).

I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!

Porcelain. Out.

You know I'm on Twitter and Facebook right? Cool. Just checking.

It's a celebration (bleep)

2011-11-15T07:40:00.000+02:00

Just in case you don't why there is a bleep in the title: The title is from a Kanye West song and I didn't feel like putting up a 'PG' title. Git it? Good :)

Yesterday Marcee and I had a very NB meeting. We were both very scared about the outcome, as it would affect how well we do this 'tiny label' thing of ours. The outcome was even better than we imagined. She was working at a place called Table Thirteen in Green Point, so we had a mini celebration.

I had wine (obviously)

And the Lemon Polenta. I wanna learn how to make this.

All smiles

THIS is why she was smiling. THE BEST baked cheesecake ever!!

Marcee had the chicken mayo sandwich. The food at Table Thirteen is amazing

Marcee had tea. I have proof that she is becoming an old lady.

Hoping November will bring me more good news.

I play on Twitter and Facebook too.

Porcelain. Out!