"LIFE" in Salvador...Pt. 10

Wow, what a busy week this has been. A good busy. The showcase is really coming along. It's going to be so good. Please, come out and support if you can. I will post the flyer to the site shortly. Again it is Monday, May 22 @The Triad on 72nd ST(btwn. B'way&Columbus)....showtimes are 7PM&9PM. Please come support me and my fellow University of the Arts/NYC bound newcomers...Kaitlin, Laura, and Scott. They are all extremely talented and are excited about this project. Also, look forward to many upcoming series that I will be presenting and performing in. I'm developing some cool projects with a great team of musicians, promoters, and other artists who all believe in my ideas, and are very excited for the future. It feels so good to have a team of people who believes so much in you. It really helps. It's a support team, and I know we all can use it in our lives. So be prepared, my vocal showcase and theatrical showcase are all in the works. Just continue to send out that positive energy. I can feel it YA'LL!!!

I have to send out big big big "HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY" to my Aunt Edwina!!! She goes by Mary Woodley, but the fam' knows her as "Aunt Edwina." "HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!"

Well this is the final Journal edition for "LIFE" in Salvador. Thanks to all who have been following along. I have received numerous emails, and phone calls. It means a lot to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just know that, this is my last journal entry about my time in Salvador, but not the last of me blogging. I will now go on to blog about current events in my life. and I will begin to start a food for thought( which I have sort of done with the quotes), I will post poetry online, and whatever inspires me. I would love to hear your feedback on my poems and lyrics, and also I would love for you all to begin to express yourself. It can be through poetry, song lyrics, haiku, prose, quotes, questions, or just train of thoughts. I will post in my weekly updates to share with everyone. So get your LIFE!!! Also check back for photos as well. I will be downloading more photos to the site throughout the week.

Journal Entry 2/27/06

I am very sad. I really don't want to leave. I have that feeling I got when I was kid. You know that feeling, of wanting to stay, not wanting to go home. Man, I wish I was given that extra week. I really like it here. Next year I will definitely stay longer. Bahia....Salvador, is so beautiful. So many gorgeous black men and women...my people! This is amazing. I mean, the people here, remind me of, my people I see in the US. I can see it in the features and the mannerisms. I know for a fact that we are all apart of the same lineage. I swear some of my black people, here in Salvador, can pass for my members in my Jones and Anderson family tree. I didn't expect to see this. I didn't know what to expect. I was told about the culture and the African descendants in Salvador, but never did I imagine this. It was like looking at my brother, my sister, or my best friend. Wow! I am really going on and on about this. I am just so amazed by this experience. I am flipping out. What a lesson!!! I'm making a vow with myself to continue to learn the language. I will be fluent. Just give me a couple of years. I'm learning so far. I've gotten pretty far as well. I can carry basic conversations. I must say, I'm proud of myself.

Well I didn't meet the love of my life, but I met some really really nice people. Whom I'm sure I'll keep in touch with years down the line.

I just recently found out that the kids at CAASAH will probably only live until they are 16. 16???!!!?? That's not a long life. Aw, that hurts my heart. They won't even have a chance. "C" basically has about 2 years to live. "M" has about 4. That was so heartbreaking when I heard that news. "C" has lived at CAASAH all her life. If I'm correct, she came when she was a year old. She was the first child there. I mean, all she knows is CAASAH. She has lived in that smelly, unsanitary, and cumbersome hospital all her life. What kind of life is that for a kid? For anyone? And, all she's known all her life, are drugs and antibiotics. Just being around a lot of HIV and AIDS patients, I can tell how the drugs have affected her physical shape. She's still beautiful though. All of the little ones look up to her. She's like Mother. And she loves them to death. Hmm...I don't know what else to say.

I'm going to miss it here. Those kids need so much. I want to be the one to do something special for them. Yeah, when I come back I will have new clothes, shoes, and bed linen for them. I wonder who will still be here, when I return...? I mean, I am so blessed. I mean I have so much, and Yes I thank God for everything. The culture here is calling my name. I will return. I will do more research back home about my family lineage. I will share what I learned here with everyone I know, and come in contact with, in the States. I am so FULL.

A few hours later at the airport:

So here I am in the airport, already going through a little withdrawal. So I stop in this store to make one last souvenir purchase. Faintly, in the background, I hear a CD playing. The sound gradually gets louder, and I hear the group Afrodisiaco....ahh...I started to tear up a little...I began to relive my trip...all the memories, the CCS staff, the volunteers, some local friends I made, and the kids at CAASAH....ahhhhh. Ok, pull it together man. It's going to be alright. Everything is good. Peace Ya'll....

"VAI COM DEUS."

"What's Stopping You?"

-Cornelius "Life" Jones

(theme from the upcoming cabaret featuring new talents Laura Catlaw, Kaitlin Rose Mercurio, and Scott Page...with Cornelius Jones Jr.)

JC and Me...the dawn of "Carniva...Salvador" 

"CARNIVAL '06" - Blocos os Mascarados com Margareth Menezes 

Lois and Monica...up close and personal. 

Monica and Me..."Milk in my Coffee!" 

"LIFE" in Salvador...Pt. 9

Goodafternoon everyone. Today is going well for me. I did some background work on "One Life To Live" this morning. I must say this was the quickest on camera gig I have ever done. We were done in like 20 minutes. I was a photographer in one of the scenes. Tune in to "One Life To Live," and you may be able to see my debut performance. Now don't get me confused with the other brownskin photographer....I'm the shortest brownskin one...you may be able to get a quick glimpse of the back of my cleanly cut and lined head...or you may be able to catch my caramel brown hand cupping this huge 35mm camera. HEY YOU GOTTA START SOMEWHERE...RIGHT!

I got some shocking news yesterday about a family member. Don't worry, all is good. Just send some good energy out there for me and my family. Life can really take you for a world wind. It can also speed by like the NY Subway system. I won't go further into detail about what is going on, only to respect the privacy of my family, but lets not forget to nurture our Young Ones...they need all the love, support, and help that we can give them. They need Guidance, and a Clear Direction. None of us are perfect and we make mistakes. But we need to educate the Youth, share with them our downfalls in life, communicate with them, let them know that they are ok, and hopefully they will listen and learn to make wiser decisions in life.

Have any of you heard of the Tahitian Noni Juice? Well I've been drinking it since January, and I've have been in such a great mood, and a clear frame of mind, and my energy has been lifted. It's becoming really popular, and it has so many health benefits. I can go on and on, but you have to just try it for yourself. Let me know if you are interested, I have some contacts...I'll hook you up.

Well this is the second to last Journal entry. I was amazed at how much I wrote. I'm actually going to(when I get some downtime) print a hardcopy, in book format, of my Journal entries. I know some of my friends and family are not really into the online thing, so the book would be perfect for them. Hmmmm...let me know who would be interested in that. Is that something you would be interested in reading? And then I could also do like a mini picture book on top of that??? Hmmmm....how does that sound. That thought just came to me. I would love to hear your feedback. Enjoy and continue to have a good week.

Journal Entry 2/24/06

Wow, my time is really coming to an end. My last night is tomorrow. I had so so so much fun in my bloco last night. I didn't get home until 6:30AM today. I was dancing all night long...from 1AM to 6AM. Woa!!! That was crazy! And I still reported to work, which was my last day. I told "M" that today was my last day, and that I would be going back to the United States, but I don't think he really understood. I will definitely come back next year to visit him. I would love to adopt the young fella. He's an adorable kid, and so is "L". They are my favorites. The kids taught me so much. I learned new words in Portuguese and the correct grammar, all from the kids.

A thought in between recapping my day:

So I realized that within the black community, in Salvador, there is a lot of bisexuality...men who sleep with men. I was cruised and had conversations with a few men, whom wanted to engage in sex. Of course it was tempting, and I was partially not opposed to it...I'm human...the men here are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L...I don't know who spat them out...My Goodness!! However, these same exact men were the ones, I observed picking up females on the beach, in bars, in clubs and even some of my fellow colleagues. So it had me thinking about the HIV/AIDS rate in Brasil. I mean, part of my mission is serving in this small community of HIV/AIDS affected individuals. But there are other communities, not only in Salvador, but all over Brasil that have been affected by the AIDS crisis. So, I became really observant to life outside of the hospital. I was constantly wondering why so many of the kids ended up in CAASAH. I mean, Brasilians are so free here...I Love that...no inhibitions, but on the flipside it's a little dangerous. I guess the DL phenomenon is not only an American thing, which we know, in the States, is one of the leading causes to the increase in HIV infection rates. Especially in the black community. I had conversations with some of these guys, mainly Afro-Brasilians, and it was interesting to hear what they shared. Hmmm....more HIV/AIDS awareness is needed here, and the DL/bisexual lifestyle needs to be discussed here in Salvador.

Well my bloco was so much fun last night. I truly got my "LIFE." Man I danced in the parade from 1AM to 6AM nonstop. I was on fire!!! I had this crazy adrenaline rush. It was like...the world was mine. It felt so good to be alive. It was like the hugest payoff, for such an amazing 2 weeks, of bringing joy to my kids life. I wish I could stay longer. I don't want to go home to the grind...this is Paradise...this is Living. Putting in good deeds and rewarding yourself the way you like. I am not ashamed of anything...not ashamed of my likes and and dislikes...as long as I am comfortable with it...who gives a...!!! I love LIFE, I love Brasil, the language, the beach, the men, my Black people here...My Family...My Ancestors...they are here I can feel it. Man, I am such on a high right now, and I don't even do drugs...The way I feel I never need to do drugs. Just went off into a tangent, which is all good. But back to the bloco...it was the Mascarados Bloco with singer Margareth Menezes. She was the bomb! She sang "Festa." I lost it! I love that song. Well for one, it was a song that I was familiar with, and it is a fierce party song. I'm going to enroll in some Samba classes. I have to get that lil hip action the Brasilians have going on...it's real cute. I will return next year, and do the Mascarados bloco again...do it up!!! I mean all that energy is amazing. Just people...out in the streets, singing and dancing...hanging out windows....Just proud of their culture. I got winks and kisses from everyone...Men and Women....Just free spirited.

Another thought in between recapping my day:

About 4 days ago, A newborn arrived. He or She had to be no more than 2 weeks old. A new adult female, had arrived to the hospital as well. This young lady was the baby's mom. She had to be no more than 24. She was so sad. She was in tears as she walked back and forth, embracing her newborn child, as she was embraced and comforted by a volunteer nurse. I noticed the nurse began to pray with her. Sad to watch, but beautiful to know that she will live, and her baby will have LIFE as well. I know it...I have hope.

"Surrender to Self-Love"

-Cornelius "Life" Jones

"Cerveja!"...Monica, Katie T., Katie H. 

CCS Brasil Staff...Viviane, Fanny, Alex, Grace, Vinni...They are the Best!!! 

My Girls and Me(Katie, Cornelius, Monica) 

"LIFE" in Salvador...Pt. 9

Goodmorning. So what has everyone been up to? Busy, Busy, Busy...I'm sure. Everyone has projects going on...I love it. Ya'll are DRIVEN!!! So can I just tell you about my Monday. It was definitely an off day for me. So I had a 2nd callback for the role of Daddy in "Sweet Charity." The show is going out on tour later this year. It went well, but I had some off moments. I guess every audition can't be the best. I actually needed that because it humbled me. Somedays, your body and brain will just tell you NO, and you must give in. Well, my Monday actually started at 6:30AM. Yes, I was up that early. I was getting ready for rehearsal for my upcoming showcase. Well we met at 8AM, and rehearsed until 10:30AM. My callback was at 11AM. I had a photo shoot scheduled for noonish, and I had to report back to the callback, to sing and read sides, at 5PM. A day right??!!!?? Well, at the 11AM call, we learned a new combination, which was easy. However, when it was time for my group to dance the "Brass Band" combination...I just blanked!!!! What happened??? I don't know, my brain said GOODBYE. So I laughed it off, and asked to go in the following group. They let me dance in the next group. It was better, but not my best. Well....what can you do...sh!$ happens...right? And you can't turn back time. Just "Dust Yourself off and Try Again." So, we then danced "The Frug" combination. Of course I had to redeem myself. And ya'll I HIT IT!!! I was on POINT!!! Hopefully my "Frug" combination erased their memory of my "Brass Band" combination. Wow, the life of auditioning. Well, after the audition was over, I dashed to the photo shoot for the cabaret. I was an hour late. We nailed the photo shoot in 30minutes, and I must say we have some nice shots. Save the date ya'll...Monday, May 22, 7PM&9PM @ The Triad on 72nd St...I'm doing a cabaret with 3 graduating seniors from my University. It's going to be hot, and I'm enjoying working with them. It's very humbling...it's like I'm giving back, and sharing the knowledge, and growing as an individual. So the photo shoot went well. I then nourished my mind and body and went back to sing and read. Well, I turned it out. However, I started singing the wrong verse at the top of my song....OH LAWDY!!! What was going on? Hmmm...maybe too much stuff in one day. Yeah Me being "Mr. Busy" in the words of James Brown III and Jason Jarrod Lewis. Well, I was a good sport. I laughed it off, and said, "Ummm...give me a second...let's back up again...ok Take 2." The Producers and Directors thought I was so hilarious. Well I got back on track and turned it out. They seemed extremely pleased. I actually had a lot of fun, and I'm glad that I took my time to back up, and start again. It was my audition, and I wanted to be as polished as I could. Well....You have those days...YUP. Just give it room, pick the pieces up, and start again.

Well, I am almost at the end of my CCS Experience in Bahia. There are about 3 journal entries left. I hope you all have enjoyed reading the journal entries. It's been so refreshing to be able to share my experience with all of you. Enjoy this entry and have a great week and weekend.

Journal Entry 2/22/06

There has been a lot of great things going on. Where do I begin? I'll focus on what I have to do today....ummm.... Internet Cafe, get a costume for Carnival, exchange cash, buy more souvenirs...something for Joe Joe and Cliff. I may have to skip the tour today. There is so much that I have to do because I'll be leaving soon. So recap on yesterday...We took a few of the kids to the beach. It was so much fun. They were all so well behaved. Except for "L". "L" is actually deaf. She got a little out of hand while playing. But she didn't know any better. She gulped down a lot of salt water, and the she spat on me with a mouth full of water. She thought it was amusing, but I didn't. So I quickly reprimanded here. Anyhow, all the kids were having a ball. It felt so good to see them so happy. I mean being cooped up in that hospital 24/7 is not a good life. They were free. Heck, I felt free. It's almost like prison. I mean, I've never been locked up before, but I'm assuming that's what it felt like. Actually, it reminded me off being hospitalized last year, due to my emotional breakdown. I felt so trapped in the hospital. I was screaming to get out. So I can just imaging what the kids and adults go through. I mean I was only there for about 10 days. They have been there for years. Well, I had a lot of fun with my kids. Again, it was so refreshing to see them playing outside. They love to get out. You can tell by the change in their mood and personality. It's good for them. "J", "E", and "C" were having a ball. Not one fight. The older girls were having a great time as well. Of the older girls, there is "C", she's 15, and "M", whom reminds me of my niece, she's 12. A big and healthy looking 12 year old. "M" loves the water and loves swimming in the deep end. She is really good...she needs to be on an Olympic swim team. "C" is the best swimmer of the younger ones. I carried "E", "J", and "C" to the deep. They were all scared, but I assured them that I had them. It was actually kind of fun taunting them. It brought back childhood memories of my brother and me, and the boys from the neighborhood. My kids are truly bringing out my inner child, and everything is so stress free. I love it!

Well after placement we traveled to this historic Catholic Church and headed to the mall to purchase our Carnival tickets. Carnival is a huge part of the Brasilian culture.

Oh....I didn't write about Monday's visit to the Afro-Brasilian museum. I got so much info from the Museum. I was also shocked when I discovered that my lineage/my tribe/my ancestors may be from West Africa...Benin to be exact. There was a map that showed, where the African slaves were deported, during the slave trade. There was a tribe from Benin that was split between North and South America. One half was sent to Salvador and the other half was sent to Richmond, VA, my hometown. This was so interesting. I will do my research when I get back home to see how accurate this is. Wow man! Whew!!!!

Well it's time to eat.

"At First You Don't Succeed...Dust Yourself Off And Try Again"

-Aaliyah - R.I.P.

Cornelius "Life" Jones