CattJacc and alll that

CattJacc Productions 

A man who makes beats, records talented artists, and sells some dope T-shirts.

. This is a local Alabama resident who desires to work with those who are in Birmingham and in the surrounding areas. He also happens to put on pretty rad events. I have attended many of the events he has held. I try to help out where possible. 

CJP just recently had an event at EuphoriaBham. This was my second time working the door for a Cattjacc event. I am a big supporter of his vision and of the artists that have grown these last few years. Below are pictures from several events I have attended. 

The evolution of Cattjacc has been a priveledge to witness. Every new beat, song that is produced, or event that takes place just makes the movement even stronger. 

 I want to point out that during the summer of 2020, Cattjaccproductions producer who goes by the name of Tiki and a few others artist put together a protest of art. I attended and I loved every moment of it. The event was not a divisive one. If anything, it was a beautiful display of love for community, family, and art. It was an honor to be present in the space they had created for all who attended the Birmingham event. 

On Facebook he also has a promotions and networking group. If anyone would like to see or learn more about CattjaccProductions click here https://www.cattjacc.com/ to be sent to his website. Stream his beats, buy some merchandise, and get to know some new talent. 

Its all love. 

Family Time

 A compilation of photos I’ve taken over the summer visiting my family. We may have distance separating us but my heart holds them close. 

We live about three hours away from each other. I have one car and honestly my maintenance of it could be way better than it is. I haven’t been able to visit as I would like but these pictures keep me together.

Keep going

How are you guys doing?

I am doing well and  I am content. My moms health has improved dramatically. I am thankful. I am writing a children's book. I am eager to see how that goes when I am finished. I won't spend this whole post talking about me though. 

Earlier in this blog I've bragged about my circle of people. I just love them so much. There is so much talent to be found all around me. In fact, even me writing and keeping up with my area of study has been impacted by the people who live life with me.  

As we go about our lives and we pursue our interests, I am inspired by the drive and determination I see daily. I am blessed to be around such authentic, intelligent, and creative people. It reminds me to be looking within daily to see how I can improve myself. 

So in order to help myself, I want to start writing and talking about what's going on in my neck of the woods. If something exciting is happening or I think someone is doing something cool with their lives I want to shine a light on that. I want to celebrate life and triumphs.

I will also be highlighting moments in time around us that may impact us in ways that we are not ready to admit. I want to speak about community healing, Alabama's prison problem, and many more topics. I just ask that you all bear with me. 

I will end this post by saying that my door is open to comments or questions, DM me on my insta just Click Here. 

XXX Hallie 

Get Out and Get Active

 Are you gardening this year? I certainly am. 

I have chose gardening as one of my self care activities which I spoke on last year. But I also love gardening bc of the physical labor it entails. Gardening is a great opportunity to get in the sunlight, stay active, and have healthy food options. Those are just a few benefits that come from gardening!!

Its been an uphill battle that is for sure. I am growing green beans, collard greens, basil, a small bit of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. My green beans are growing like crazy. Those are my favorite to grow. I’ve probably gotten a harvest 6 or 7 times this year. The collards are struggling right now but I have a feeling its the caterpillars who are eating them up. More pictures to come but no judgment on the garden area right now- I am a working girl so it's a whole mess after a few days of not getting down in the dirt.

Next year or maybe even in the fall I am considering doing some plants outside of my fence so that my neighbors can enjoy some of the produce as well. I’ve never done anything like that before. My thought is that a few years down the road I’ll know enough to be able to have a community garden. One that others can contribute to. That is a long way off though. So for now I’m sticking to the gardening basics which is stick with what you know.

Anyway message me on Instagram (my link is to the right) for feedback on what your favorite kind of plant to grow is! Below are photos from my garden so far this summer.

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My take on "Making History" with Alabama activists February 27th, 2021

 I know I am late but I took some notes while I watched the  Zoom call. Below is the touched up version from about 5 months ago. 

Click here to watch the " Making History Video"

On February 27th, 2021 some of Alabama's activists gathered together to speak on a zoom meeting titled "Making History". 

We have Satura Dudley as the host . 

Featuring Activists 

Celida Soto

Lady Freedom

Amaria Jackson

Travis Jackson, 

Martez File

Karen Nikki

 Diana Islom

Solomon Balaam- Reed.

I joined right on time and watched the whole video. It was inspired and it was heartfelt. 

Each of the panelists spoke on what made them begin their journey of activism. Everyone gave testimony on each breaking points which lead them to this zoom call today. The panelists spoke candidly and encouragingly about the process and what is has taken to get to where they are today. From speaking about their passions, their experiences, and their beliefs about what is happening in the city and nation around us. I wont share each person recalling their experiences but have included the link at the beginning of this post and recommend you take a moment to watch it. 

I heard one of the speakers say " We will Win." and I agree wholeheartedly. We will one day see the results we want. Giving up is not an option. Someone speaking made the statement that this is love work. Love work in the community to help one another and to make the changes that you want to see. Its continually pouring yourself out so others can grow and be lifted up.   

Nikki and Files both spoke on the feelings of  guilt that can come with activism. Whether it be from wondering if you're doing enough, and spending time away from the battlefield. Others focused on making sure we knew we needed to forgive ourselves. We are only human. It was an honor to see them and to hear them. It spurs me on to continue to be as intentional as possible to help others around me. What we do now may determine the life that others will live. I want to thank them for the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears, they have put in for our benefit. You are the real rock stars. 

 I am incredibly thankful that I was there to witness history in the making.

Mid February Update

It has been months since I have posted. A lot of things have happened since then. I got married! The holiday season has passed and the new year has come. My mom is continuing therapy and I pray for her healing. We are half way through the second month at this point. 

  I am still daily trying to search for peace in my everyday life while also trying to make sure my health and wellness are top notch. Currently I am quarantining until I can test to see if I have covid-19 or not as I have been exposed. I'm locked up with my pups in my bedroom and all is well. I am about to get into the wine.

America welcomed a new president and we stood still as the Capitol was breached. Alabama saw a prison deal be signed by Governor Kay Ivey and the new Wiretapping Bill (House Bill 17) being pushed forward as well. 

As this month ends and the new month arrives I will be paying attention to the senate seat Richard Shelby is going to leave open. Right now, we have another with their eyes on it and she worked under former President Trumps administration. Her name is Lynda Blanchard. 

I am looking forward to what the rest of the year will be like and the fight Alabama citizens will bring to those who do not wish to see us prosper. I'll be updating with my gardening plans soon.

Anyway, I wish you all well! xxx

Half a Decade

 Five years ago... 

The man I will soon marry and I were heavy with the flirting, but were still friends in my junior year of college. I was crushing super hard, on you, Matt. 

Fast forward to the present and it’s just 4.5 weeks until I get to marry my best friend. Love of my life. Comfort when I’m sad. He makes me laugh and smile. I’m so incredibly thankful of the man he is. I have been so blessed to have his love and support. 

During this year and especially these last few months Matt has looked out for me and he has worked hard to build us a life. I couldn’t be more thankful. 

Don’t get me wrong, our relationship, just like all successful ones, take work and being willing to actually communicate with each other. So additionally, I am thankful for his willingness these last few months to help me work out and understand all the emotions I’ve felt with what’s going on with my mom and the country. He supports me when I protest,  come what may and has joined me more than once when standing up to injustices. He is supporting the things I’m working towards and the life I want to have. I’m having a benefit concert a week from now and there is he, helping me succeed. 

My only encouragement to anyone reading this is to find someone who loves you and helps you, like Matt does to me ❤️

Wherefore Art Thou Mother

 My mom is coming home today. 

Thank God, Covid-19 couldn’t keep her from the healing process that was needed. Thank God for her healing and for the peace that covered my family as we experienced this tragedy together but also a part.

 I had taken a back seat from social activities and from getting out into the community during this time. I wanted to be able to visit my mother if it was possible. Sadly, it was only possible to touch her hand and kiss her forehead after an end of life meeting I attended with some family members. After this meeting I was only able to see her through a window. It was a miracle that her health continued to improve to the point where they will release her today into a home health care program. 

 During this last month and a half, I met every day with so many unknowns. I was planning my wedding for November, but had no idea if both of my parents would be in attendance. I was lashing out at my loved ones, housemates, and coworkers. Maybe not in ways they knew about but the anger and frustration about what had happened to our family was still there.

 My family has been through the ringer many, many times before. I experienced anger and confusion in my heart growing up because of some of the things that happened to us or to family members individually. Through, I am a survivor of many trials, I still have irrational anger at random situations. It has become glaringly obvious to me that I have held onto some of that anger I had as a youth, even as I pretend like I have healed. I mean the assaults on my character, my beliefs, my morals, my feelings and understanding of the way the world around me was and continues to work. This assault coming from some family, friends I have lost, and total strangers.

 

As I sat next to this window a while ago, or inside my house, or outside in my car during my break at work because we can't eat inside due to covid-19, I had a lot of time to think. It's hard for me not to meet anger with anger. At the beginning of this month I find myself opening up to that, admitting to it, feeling it. I won’t be ashamed of my journey, just glad I made it though. I can't live my life feeling this way, its so incredibly isolating. It's not good for my health and wellness. I know I can't help too many others, if I'm not helping myself. I know I have work to do. We all do. 

 I want to challenge us all to work on those struggles that have felt almost life long. It can really hurt. I know the pain can feel almost unmanageable. I believe that working on ourselves, our own health and our own wellness is the best thing you can do for others right now, in this moment. Just like on a plane that is going through a problem and the oxygen masks drop and you're instructed to help yourself first, then you can help the person next to you. It's not selfish to do self care- its necessary to put in the work to help and heal yourself first. 

Love you all. 

Digging in

 So Lets Talk Gardening 

My grandmother taught me as a child about planting flowers at her home in Alabaster. My parents taught me about yard work EARLY on. My siblings and I have a lot of practice in clearing out yards-when we felt up to it. I got more experience while working on the grounds crew at Montevallo during college. My supervisor Mrs. Virginia was amazing and I loved learning about just general maintenance of plants while working with her. We spent time out in the greenhouse on Flower Hill.

 I am new; however, to planting produce for consumption. I started this spring and have loved it. I am loving the exercise, the productivity and the results of gardening. Aside from my new puppy trying to destroy my plants, it has been a good experience and I find it quite therapeutic. 

The past month, though I have planted some produce in anticipation, I feel a little drained. I really had to tough it out to get the plants going. Even garden maintenance has taken a toll. Actually all of the the things I had been working towards feels a bit strained. Am I feeling a bit of  Mars Retrograde, perhaps? Either way,  I’m trying to use my creative side and get what I can done, day by day but I am making little progress.  So I will be making this turtle like walk until the end of my slump. 

In the meantime, I’m posting some garden pictures here for my encouragement. Stay moving even when it's slow going, readers.