SCENE from the web series DIRTY HEARTS

Below is a photo from episode 2 of the new web series, "DIRTY HEARTS", Directed by Victorious DeCosta. That's me playing Veronica, (Ricardo's wifey), and I'm not letting him walk out that door! Ladies... You feel me? Web Series is coming soon...

Jasmine Clemente & Mark Towns Por Amor (Director Rodolfo Duran)

Jasmine Clemente & Victorious De Costa 

I've always been proud of my Latino roots, especially since my culture has such an eclectic history. In fact, it's one of the things I pride myself in because to love beyond skin color or race, means to procreate a family from the spirit & soul. To me, that is the essence of pure love.  This, I purposely chose a dark skinned brother for the leading man (Victorious De Costa) in my romantic music video, "POR AMOR", to show that love is skin deep. I fully support & encourage interracial relationships, and though I wish I would've included more couples to showcase that, we wrapped up the video pretty quickly due to scheduling. Enjoy the video & please comment, share and post everywhere!!! Below are some Behind-The-Scenes photos.

THERE'S BALANCE IN THE IMBALANCE

IMAGINE IF ALL THINGS MATCHED EQUALLY? WHAT REASON WOULD WE HAVE TO GROW?

As usual, I planned my day to get the most productivity out of it but something interrupted my anticipated flow of events: my reaction to negativity.  

We all have it. It's as natural as night and day. We live in a world where gravity pulls us in opposing directions all the time and due to our free will, we yield towards one or another.

I don't know why I felt so compelled to react, but after some weeks of scrolling down my social media news feeds and reading posts that support cutting people off, being better off without fake friends, or complaining that if they're not getting back what they're giving to someone then they're going to holdback, I felt compelled to respond...

It's one thing to see one post about it, but to see it recurring over weeks and months, I found it to be an issue, and so I wrote a status that stated, "There's balance in the imbalance".

Sounds crazy right? But I tend to care about people. I really do. And because I love to see people shine at their brightest, it bothers me to see when they're letting their light dim because they're feeling hurt or unappreciated. Eventually it turns into bitterness. 

What I'd like to say is that if you're a natural born giver, you're probably a compassionate, loving person which the world needs more of. And though it can be frustrating to not receive the same amount of gifts, time, and/or affection back in return, the key is to NOT EXPECT IT. When we start expecting things to come back to us, then we kill the element of surprise. Also, if we're only giving with the intention of getting something back, then that becomes a business transaction, and not a true gift. Thus, remember that the universe works in checks & balances and always returns depts. (Karma) So never think that what you put out you won't get back. Just accept that it will come when you least expect it. But should you look or anticipate it, you will become disappointed because you will stop the air from flowing freely by becoming rigid in your thinking. And gifts should never feel "forced"; they should come from a genuine place.

Secondly, I also see posts like, fake friends are temporary and real friends are always there. Again, why become bitter because life naturally takes people in different directions? Just because someone is not available as often as they used to be, doesn't mean that they were never a good friend to begin with, or that they're fake for reprioritizing their time. Change is as normal as a baby growing teeth and as a senior citizen losing them. The key to healthy relationships is freedom, and we all have different lessons to learn, different paths to walk, and different reasons for doing what we do. At the moment you make a person feel obligated to reach out to you, it then becomes a chore instead of a joy. Don't give them an ultimatum to stay or to leave the friendship/relationship because they'll probably leave to join less domineering circumstances. 

Thirdly, don't knock others just to make yourself feel better on social media. Like attracts like, so just because your Facebook status gathers a bunch of "LIKES" doesn't mean it isn't negative. You're just attracting similar people who share your sentiments, but who says they're operating from the freedom to love unconditionally & non judgmentally? At the end of the day, it's everyone's prerogative to do what they feel, but I tend to believe that because everyone is different, we shouldn't try to control the need for people to think, say, feel, and do the same things we do. I say, let it flow....

If you're hurt because some friends are not as close to you as they used to be, then express how you miss them, or express how you can't wait to cross paths with them again when life presents the opportunity. But don't jump to the conclusion that they're fake because you feel that they owe you more then they're able to give at the moment. Also, if you're a giver and you're feeling unappreciated, then maybe it's time for your giving nature to be accepted by people who have a deeper need. (And be careful not to give solely because you enjoy feeling needed. That can happen when you begin being praised so much that you attach yourself to the identity of being The One That Everyone Depends On) Although it's a great feeling to be acknowledged, don't do it for the rewards. Give because it brings you joy to give, and then you'll never feel disappointed. Thus, if you start holding back out of resentment, it will hurt you more then it does anyone else because you're not living from your authentic core. 

The moral of the story is to allow people to be who they are by accepting the fact that there is more balance in the imbalance. How? Because if everything matched at a perfectly equal amount of give and take, then we'd never GROW. We'd stop where we are because we'd be so satisfied with the equilibrium that they'd be no reason to stretch our emotional or spiritual muscles. So trust in the universe and open yourself to the diversity of it all. 

On-Air Interview by SpokenVizions Magazine

In the beginning this video pauses frequently, so please either skip to later parts of the interview or be patient. It's approximately one hour.

 

Astrology for Creative Artists

WHEN FATE INTERTWINES WITH A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION
DUE TO THE FULL MOON

January is all about New Years resolutions. But for me, the stars were literally aligned in my favor to specifically jump start 2014 with much more than just a wish --- Astrologist, Stefanie Iris Weiss, (Author of Surviving Saturn's Return) explained in detail what the new moon in Capricorn means for me, and everyone else starting from January 1st until the 15th.

Now first off, (no offense to you Capricorns), but my birthday is May 23rd which makes me a fabulous Gemini! However, as Stefanie states, the new moon in Capricorn will give everyone an extra push to get off their asses and put their plans into action within the next two weeks (regardless of your sun sign). Imagine a goat running up an incredible mountain, pushing anyone who gets in their way with their circular horns. Can you picture it? The goat represents Capricorn. And some key words for this earth sign are ambition, determination, strength, and work.

I found this information extremely helpful since I happen to be one of those artsy types that loves to discuss new age philosophy and intellectual theories. In fact, not only do I know my sun sign, (Gemini), but I also know my ascendant (Leo), and guess what? Well, my moon sign just happens to be in Capricorn! I calculated this by knowing my time of birth (10:40 A.M.) - which makes a world of a difference when reading my horoscopes! But fear not! --- If the most you know about horoscopes is the sign of the month you were born in, this blog entry will explain how the new moon in Capricorn will effect everyone on this planet from January 1st through the 15th. And if you still think all this astrological stuff is all a little bit much to believe or understand, (somewhat like a crazy cult following), just remember that the moon does effect the ocean tides and people are mostly made up of water by approximately 75%!

OK, so let's get to the point! After meeting Stefanie Iris Weiss at Sana Vita for a New Years Day workshop, she explained that the best way to capitalize these next two weeks is by starting something new or stepping out in faith! The power of the new moon falling on New Years Day in Capricorn, can boost up your career to the point where a promotion may be just around the corner. Especially for those creative artists with millions of great ideas running wild but never seem to be able to contain them long enough to formulate a structure in how to execute them; now is the time to form a six-month plan because Capricorn supports a successful outcome! Thus, if you're an Actress who's been jumping from audition to audition, maybe now's the time to schedule a meeting with that casting agent you've had your eye on! Or if you're a painter who's been thinking of putting together a new exhibit or art show, now's the perfect time to begin brush stroking the picture-perfect theme! Stefanie strongly suggests not to waste this strong energy that's here to help plant our feet firmly on the ground and point us in the right direction! I don't know about you, but I think that's a great way to start 2014! Oh, and by the way... since this is my own blog... why not mention what my new years resolution is? It's to enhance my health so that I can build the stamina and vitality I need to fulfill my ultimate purpose in life, and live it passionately!

For more info on Astrologist, Stefanie Iris Weiss, please visit her website www.saturnsisters.com