One Drop

Journaling has saved my life at least once. And if it has saved me once, it has saved me

countless times. This magazine is a journal of sorts. It is random, it is colorful, it is

completely personal. I will get raw and open here. I will dance around issues until I’m

ready to ready to face them. It’s real life. I’m not perfect, but I am always seeking

wholeness.

Journaling has saved my life because it has been my self-medication. During long bouts

of depression, I would write just to figure out the dark chaos that was writhing inside me

without words. In my journals I have been able to give words to the ugly pain. From

there, I have been able to send healing words back inward.

This journal is a young version of one of my greatest and oldest desires. Healing is my

ultimate goal. We’ve all been wounded in some way. If you’re into healing, come with me

as I search for the balm in all living things. All we need is one drop.

My camera, my pen, and I, Kana Kavon

The sun is forgiving, everyday

rising to greet me. I can only

accept such love, although it is

not always easy. I turn my

head, hoping to be excused

from such brilliance, but it is

impossible. The sun is already

within me. Humbly, I accept

this, my solar destiny.

Adoration.

Respect

each

moment.

“The oak sleeps in the acorn…”

Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts by Funkadelics

Growing My Green heart This summer, I began gardening. It wasn’t planned. In fact, it seemed to be a result of my excited impulses. One day in

late spring of this year, I was moseying through the farmer’s market. I happened across a great sale on several

plants like tomatoes, peppers, and several different herbs. So I ran for a box, came back, and selected several plants

to take home. I chose sage, stevia, peppermint, golden jubilee tomatoes, green chilis, and sweet bell peppers, I took

them home and placed them in a sunny spot in my backyard. I decided to get some nice clay pots and organic potting

soil for them. But, I realized that these plants needed something more. They needed to be planted in the earth.

In the next week, I was busily tilling the soil in a 2x4 foot area in my front yard. As I dug with the hoe and

shovel, I thought that I had chosen the driest, rockiest, most impossible place to plant. I unearthed several bricks, a

flannel jacket, and random pieces of glass and wire cable. I kept digging. After breaking up the soil, adding some

organic compost and water, I let the soil sit over night to get ready for planting. The next day in the evening, I planted.

After 3 weeks of waiting, I just knew that nothing was going to grow. I was nervous that I had chosen the

wrong place. Too much sun? Not enough? Bad soil? But the very next week, I began to see small yellow flowers pop

up on my tomato and bell pepper plants. Before I knew it, I was giving thanks for—and eating!— delicious golden

tomatoes that I had grown!

I must say that gardening is a personal, intimate experience. As I cultivated my small garden, I had

no idea what to expect. I had to come up with my own measures for supporting my plants and protecting them from

bugs and creatures. I had to be patient and faithful enough to know that my labor is never in

vain. I had to water and sing to my plants. I learned so much about myself as I interacted with my plants. I excitedly

showed my garden to visitors and always gave them a stevia leaf to chew as a sweet reminder of the rewards

of growing and being grown.

Sharea Sees

She is called Sharea.

Sharea is a fierce poet.

Sharea is beautiful, isn’t she?

Sharea captures the moments that make breath miraculous. The moments that you might forget to see.

Sharea sees.

Sharea, poet.

Just to carry my kisses the distance.

The wind blows

The past sits upon

my shoulder

Whispering Wisdom

into my ear

les oeuvres

portraits

are

poems.

Photography by Viktor Le.

Poetry by Kana Kavon

Self Portrait Nos. 2 & 3

II

Chronically given

to day

dreaming at night.

III

Should be fuller like the

moon

Is tonight. Round

supple

Glow casting slight

shadows

Mind phantoms dance,

daring eyes to catch

hold and kiss

But then there's this:

The light.

Self Portarit No. 7eight9

And was fulfilled.

Glimpses of me

Were all I could give,

Though intensely.

I was simply

Learning my

Own Light.

Selah

The only way I could know

Was in fragments

Of living and life.

Selah

Here about me rests the night

Impatience has met my backside

Anxiety has forgotten my name

Shame has eaten my cyanide.

Only wisdom remains

To be gathered like

Grains of wheat

There are stomachs to fill

Palates to sate…

I am the bread

Maker.

Auto Retrato Numero

Cinco: Growing Up

It is becoming less difficult

to hear my own voice

It is becoming less difficult

to follow my own heart

It is becoming less difficult

to see my own growth

It is becoming less difficult

to know that I know.

Addressin’ my TRESSES

About 3 months ago„I cut all my hair off„again. Yes, it was emotional. Yes, it was spiritual. For the past

seven years, my hair has been anything but a fashion statement. It has been a canvas; it has been my protest banner; it has been “come

hither if you dare” untamed mane; it has been my ICAN’TTAKEITANYMORE clean slate. My hair usually tells what

emotional time of day it is for me. For the past two years I sported chunky locs that most people really loved. Me, well,

I wasn’t too attached. To me they were the grounding that I desperately needed in life.

But two months ago, began feeling the need to release. Yes, it came after the end of the longest relationship I’ve ever been

in. Yes, I wanted to deny the fact that my wanting to cut my hair had anything to do with the breakup. But it did. It had to do with

that and so many other areas of my life that needed releasing. I went back and forth for a few days about it. But when my mom told

me that she had cut her hair off, I told her I’d call her right back and I ran for the scissors and chop chop chopped them off.

Then I headed to the barber shop and asked to be cleaned up with a nice fade„Not too clean in the front

About two weeks later, I had an emotional breakthrough. I realized that for the past three years I’d been deeply and

darkly unsatisfied. In that moment, I decided to become undepressed. It was easy as that. But then, it wasn’t. It means making the

choice every single day to think positively. It’s like quitting nicotine. Crazy as it sounds, unhappiness is an addiction for

many people. We simply get so used to it that we are afraid how life might actually be on the brighter side.

For me, getting happy means:

1) Imagining only the most wonderful, delightful outcomes in every situation.

2) Forgiving my Self. For real this time.

3) Being content with every moment.

4) Accepting people exactly as they are„always finding something to love.

5) Patience, patience, more patience„growth is such a gradual change.

To pull this together to a neat conclusion„my hair is my happiness gauge

You can read an extended version of my hair story here on my friend Neytiri’s blog www.afrodeshiak.blogspot.com.

It’s a pretty dope site if you’re into natural hair, Afro-Latin dancing, good food, or just a good laugh every now and

then!

Is Your Hair Hungry???Feed it!!!

Banana Avocado Deep Conditioning Smoothie

Recipe and photograph by Valerie Marman

Ingredients:

½ ripe banana

½ avocado

2 tbsp. water

2 tbsp. coconut oil

2 tbsp. olive oil

Directions

1. Peel banana and avocado and cut them into slices.

2. Place banana & avocado slices, water, and both oils into blender.

Blend on high for 30-45 seconds (or until mixture is nice and

whipped).

3. Part freshly washed and damp hair into 4 sections. Apply generous

amount of hair smoothie to each section.

4. Use fingers to detangle hair as you apply smoothie.

5. Cover with shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Rinse thoroughly and style beautifully!

The benefits of this deep conditioner are: moisture,

shine, strength, curl definition, and that it leaves your hair

feeling great!

His name is Maurice. We ride the bus together for approximately 3 minutes

every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I know his name because I finally

asked. I finally asked because he kept sitting so near me, facing me every

time, slipping glances. And it made me want to smile every time.

I first started seeing him this summer. Well, I first started smelling

him. He sat right in front of me. I looked up because I smelled Cool Water

cologne. And there was this head of thick, long locks. I got off a few

minutes later. We played the same scenario a few more random times this

summer. He got on at the same place each time. I got off at the same spot

each time. 3 minutes later.

Once, I told him, “Nice locs,” because they are nice. Thick, without

being Rasta; cared for, but not groomed. And a slight curl, like he wore

them in two fat french braids at night. I looked into his face when I said

it. His eyes were dark wildflower honey brown. His lips were full and

taut. His skin was roasted cashew brown. He wore his pants low and his t-

shirts white. He always smelled like cool water.

Recently we began catching the bus together regularly. He made it a

point to sit near, but always kept me visible. Once, he sat right in front

of me, but turned completely to his right so that our eyes could not help

but make perpendicular intersection. He pulled out a small, round

container of Carmex. With two fingers he rubbed the balm onto his lips for

the next 30 seconds. I tried my hardest not to laugh. Not because it was

funny or absurd. I wanted to laugh at how extremely well disguised this

act of sensuality was. And how shared. I could not laugh. No. So, I pulled

out my lavender shea butter and rubbed my hands until it was time for my

exit. Remember, we only have 3 minutes together. Less if the light at his

stop is green when he gets on.

He always looks with such intent and interest, and still he says nothing.

He has such direct indirections. Today, I spoke. It was rainy. The bus was

fuller than usual. I sat at the back of the bus, where I’ve never sat on

that route. When he got on, he came to the back and sat facing me, again.

I pressed a smile away. Adjusted my backpack. Got my umbrella. Avoided his

eyes some more. Honey brown eyes. But, after I pulled the bell for my

stop, I looked at him, almost laughed, and said, “What’s your name?” I

thought he said Morris. “Morris?” He shook his head. “Maurice.” He leaned

forward to repeat it. I nodded. “I’m Kana,” stood, and got off the bus. 3

minutes.

KITCHEN KORNER

Vegan Curry Cauliflower Soup

Recipe and photo by Ryan Maxwell

Ingredients:

5 cups water

o or 3 cups vegetable stock & 2 cups water

2 medium potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)

1 cup coconut cream (not coconut milk!)

1 ¼ cup frozen cauliflower

1 vegetable bouillon cube

1 tsp. powdered sage

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. onion powder

3 bay leaves

3 tbsp. yellow curry

½ tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. cayenne

3 large garlic cloves

1 medium onion

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except cauliflower into a deep pot. Bring to a boil.

2. Simmer until potatoes are tender.

3. Add cauliflower. Simmer until cauliflower is tender.

4. Pour half of the mixture (approx.. 2.5 cups) into blender. Blend well

(approx.. 1 minute) Add blended mixture to unblended mixture in pot.

5. Garnish with fresh cilantro

6. Enjoy!

Is your mouth watering??? Check out Ryan’s blog at http://plethorawhisk.tumblr.com/

INVEST IN ALOE!

Aloe vera is amazing! Cultures around the world have been

hip to the amazing powers of aloe for millennia. I recently

began using aloe for several different reasons and it always

blows my mind! My good friend gifted me with a lovely plant

that I’ve been cultivating since summer! You can find these

plants for rather low prices (I’ve even seen them at Walgreens

for less than $7!). Aloe is great for so many things! Here are

the ways that I’ve personally found it useful:

A natural, non-drying hair gel. I lightly spray

my hair with water, apply aloe gel straight from plant,

then apply light layer of coconut oil.

A cooling salve for heat burns—Burn

yourself while cooking? Peel some aloe and

apply the gel! It soothes IMMEDIATELY!

A perfect skin moisturizer. After a shower,

nothing keeps my skin moisturized all day like

aloe vera gel and a light layer of coconut oil to

keep the moisture in!

An internal cleanser—eat the clear flesh of

the plant and it keeps you regular and kicks out

bad bacteria in the stomach!

A remedy for ulcers—great for internal

stomach ulcers and external skin ulcers

Check out aloe…such a powerful plant will

change your life.

Singing Notes of Thanks

I thank you, Great Spirit, for endowing me with

life.

Many thanks to the many Spirits who accompany

and assist me along this journey.

I give grateful thanks to my mother and father,

whose abundant creative energy flows through me

and keeps me fulfilled and fortunate.

Thank you to my Sisters who always support and

nourish me—emotinally, spiritually, and

physically.

Special thanks to contributors, Valerie , Ryan, &

Viktor Le.

Many thanks to the children and young adults

whom I teach. I always learn from you.

Many thanks to President Obama for giving a

damn.

Many thanks to my Self for believing and growing.

Many thanks to you for communing with me. One Drop