Maxwell band night (to be re-edited.... with photos...)

  

At Elastic Arts Maxwell-Thomas had a show. It was my first time hearing about them, Heartlets.

The played closer, paradise, and Hollywood. They did a cover of a good fighters song as well as A little info I found to read with to you:

 About the band

Maxwell-Thomas

Maxwell-Thomas is a post-grunge, alternative rock collective led by songwriter, Stephen Mortensen. From its debut release in 2010, the 6-song EP, “The Ghosts I’ve Touched” to 2021’s full album, “Daisuki Baby,” Maxwell-Thomas has had numerous friends and collaborators touch its music. In 2022, the band finds its current line up energized by the eclectic drum stylings of Jun Takanarita, the dirty guitar slinging of Quinn Dean, and the pounding, pulsating rhythms of bassist, Tim Schiltz. Motivated by one passion, the desire to rock, Maxwell-Thomas finds itself at a career-peak as the group perfects an all killer, no filler set list. Taking inspiration from artists like Foo Fighters, the Pillows, and even iconic video game soundtracks such as “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “Persona 5,” Maxwell-Thomas is intent on delivering a performance that is tight, polished, and brimming with electricity. Stream Maxwell-Thomas anywhere you find digital music. Search “Mistreat Me” or “Scattered” to hear fan favorites.

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The opener was Bass-, one of their songs had me envisioning a high speed car chase for all the wrong reasons set in the 70’s with a slight sepia tone tinge. 

Diamond Gyaru Mistakes (storytime #3

Hi Heartlets, this is a post in two parts; Here is the link to the youtube video~ 

So, during the last few years after not getting my fellowship at the University of Chicago possibly due to someone breaching my boundaries and contacting another manager where I am working to get me fired again, I had time to think about various facets of my life. Of course, my involvement in the gyaru community, me being gal and things of that nature come flooding back to me, the good and the bad. 

When I joined Diamond gyaru event circle, America's #1 gyaru circle back in 2010 or so, not only was I elated that I got accepted into a galcir, but I was also so nervous! The best of the best! Gals whose subgenre styling; makeup, hairmake, outfits and demeanor, were on point. 

With my acceptance into Diamond gyaru circle, I felt validated as a participant no longer new in the scene. My efforts spent into my look and commitment to engaging positively with others were noticed. 

Two Midwest Diamond gyaru, another one, L.A., who was accepted into Diamond after being in Chicago's 1st gyaru circle Kamikaze girls, helped get me acclimated into the new level that I entered. Within any organization, school, social club, and so on, there are ground rules to abide by. A few of the most obvious ones were to be a lifestyle gyaru; hair and make done and styled daily. Another rule was to not be involved in drama. 

That meant no GyaruSecrets posting. No replying to secrets made about you or your circle members. Being catty. bitchy, or starting trouble for others or with others was certainly OFF the table. Little did I know, that my being involved with a gyaru who may have been behind my rejection response with Kamikaze Gals would be my blindspot. 

For those of you who have been with me on my gyaru/gamer journey would have known about the times of me being stood up and blown off by a gyaru who I found out was someone that was deliberately sexting the guy I was in relationship at the time. Not only that, but calling me and some other Black*Cherry members a bitch on her blog years ago and other actions. 

Looking back on it, I did NOT want to be the girl who fights with other girls over a guy with self esteem issues. I wanted to work things out and make gyaru life amazing in Chicago. But, there were things I had to accept even though it weren't things I wanted. 

Miyavi 20year Anniversary Tour

Photo Credit AXS.com

My YouTube channel wasn’t the only anniversary celebration to be had this year as Miyavi, a well known Japanese-Korean rockstar from Japan, was celebrating his 20 years as a guitarist and entertainer this year. People who may not be familiar with Jrock or the Visual Kei scene may recognize him in movies such as Maleficent, Unbroken, or the show Arcane. I haven't seen any of these yet.. so don't spoil it too much! ;)

Cartoon Network is Here to Stay

Some time ago, Cartoon Network fans heard of news of the beloved cartoon station shutting down. I vaguely remember coming across something on Twitter some time ago regarding this. However, the news didn't illicit a strong reaction as I haven't personally owned a television set since I entered Diamond Gyaru Circle.

JT Holmes, a fellow Twitterite posed a question to his followers,  
 

JT Holmes asks his followers about their favorite Cartoon Network shows.

Some of my favorites and shows that I did watch during that time to see what they were about were the Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Lab (who wouldn't want their own secret lab to retreat to after a long day at school?), Billy and Mandy (their dynamic is hilarious!) Tom & Jerry (a classic despite its comical violent nature), and some Adult Swim Shows that showcased the anime that my late sister, Ella McFearless/LicaMica/Vega Voodoo) and I fell in love with.

Those favorite shows had us on the edge of our folding chair seats as we zipped through space with Melfina, Gene Starwind and Faye Valentine and Spike Spiegal, or wondering the outcome of a war with Gundams involved. Or finding that life under the sea with the SeaLab 2020 crew is filled with humor and odd moments. Yu Yu Hakusho proved that you could still kick ass in the afterlife and Wolf's Rain entranced us in a melancholic story and beautiful visuals. Or even taking it slightly further with the Space Ghost Coast to Coast Show (2001-2004) and had most of the jokes fly over my head as most of those were intended for adults with more life experience. Home Movies was another series that had me drawn in with its wiggly outlines and dry humor. Definitely, a series that I'd like to revisit now that I'm an adult. 

I've shared my favorites that I enjoyed with my little sister, and now turn this question to you all; What were your favorite shows on Cartoon Network in your youth?

I look forward to reading your answers!

In the meantime, I'll be catching up on some Cartoon Network shows on their Livestream.

Gal Circle Rejection (storytime #1)

Rejection 

Hi Heartlets🫶😈✨

So, have I ever told you that I was rejected from a gyaru circle before?

Those who may see my posts popping up on Twitter may have seen a little bitty post about that regarding my gyaru lifestyle? era? career?

Nick Cave @ Mca

 

A man willing to risk it all for his art. That is the man I went to go see give a talk about his recent installation at the MCA, dear Heartlets🫶😈✨ . Nick Cave's talk has been my 3rd artist talk of the year, and this one called out to me the most. I came across a book with photographs of his body of work and I was intrigued. I liked the playfulness of some of his designs and his take on issues as well. His colourful forms and patterns was refreshing to come across after having instilled the mindset of realism and achieving high levels of detail was most important than the joy one can receive when making artist pieces.

Some of the take aways from this interview was that he believes in working with materials AND people that you trust is so important. Nick also likes to have moments in solitude at his studio even with a team of competent assistants. As time has passed, his art work is still created with found materials from outside. 

One aspect of his workflow that I admire deeply is his ability to jump into a project quickly without much preparation time or materials or the need to transport materials from his studio to an artist residency elsewhere. I am not sure the pace of his workflow, but to be able to not overthink the details so much surprises me. 

Have you seen Nick Cave's body of work before? Share your comments! I'd love to hear from you!

Sept. 17th,2022

 I actually started this post on September 8th... whoops...

Everyone, sorries, some youtube posts weren't uploaded for about two weeks or so..... but, I will still continue the 30day/post challenge!! I had to take care of some paperwork and meetings, as well as tending to some clerical duties for this blog as well.

Things have gotten a little backed up and its eaten away at some of the energy for this blog publishing-wise. I am grateful that I am finalizing some things as they have taken a toll on me and my parents for far too long. Though I am grateful, I have taken a route thinking that I would somehow achieve some dreams not only for myself, but for my parents and great grandmother as well. 

Anyway....

On the 17th at 8pm,well... there was an event at Murasaki sake lounge in the Loop.  Its an intimate, cozy bar to visit if you are in the mood for some Japanese fare and delicious drinks whilst English and Japanese Rhythm and Blues play in the background. If you like and appreciate Japanese culture, food, spirits, and music, and even want to practice your Japanese, I highly recommend it! 

That evening, I spent the time with a fellow University of Chicago Intern and friend over food, live entertainment, The Real Folk Blues and YMCA were a few of the songs. We chatted about travel plans, career goals and perceptions, and looked forward to seeing each other again.

In the meantime, I am going to sip some tea and have a breakfast, get in my stretchies/yoga, and edit several blog posts that I started... like this one for instance.

Until next time,

またね

Morning Walk

I went out today for a brief walk and to enjoy a breakfast of some sort of baked goods and some sunshine.　I bought a croissant, and walked to my favorite spot. I met a man named Jesus who spoke Japanese, English and Spanish! He also asked me if I knew how to speak Italian and French. (I did ask him initially if he spoke Spanish based on his English speaking accent… hopefully that wasn’t rude… I’ll pose that question a little better moving forward. He was surprised I knew a little Japanese and I heard him reply in Japanese, which surprised me! 

今朝、外で出た。散歩して朝食が喜びたかった。クロワッサン買って好きな場所で歩いた。そして日本語、英語とスペイン語できる男の名前はﾍｽﾞｽに会った。あたしに正しい語で「フランスご、イタリア語で話してできる？」と聞いた。まずは、英語で「スペイン語が話してできますか」。多分丁寧じゃ無い。。。ヤバいぃぃ。。。でも、私たちはびっくりした！

The fresh breads of the day/今日の新しいパン

Mr. Turtle！/カメ「亀」さん

He was able to take Japanese classes in his high school in L.A.  So jelly!! But, L.A. has a bigger Japanese population so it’s understandable compared to a predominantly Black/African American high school on the south side of Chicago. Even though the popularity of anime had won the hearts of Black kids of my generation, maybe Japanese people or near fluent non native speakers wouldn’t want to teach in a dodgy, dangerous area… 

Jesusさんは学校で日本語を勉強した。羨ましいぃぃぃけどわかった。L .A.は多い黒人人口いってシカゴの南でより多い日本人がいる。でも、少し黒人子供達はアニメが好き。黒人の心にかんど色々アニメをしたと思う。多分、日本人や日本語できる先生はシカゴの南で行かなかった。。。危ないな町から。。。

I will continue to learn more Spanish words and study more Japanese as well. 

もっとスペイン語の言葉と日本語の文法が勉強して続ける。

Ciao/またね💎

Ashnikko Concert

 Super late post but I enjoyed an Ashnikko concert after her Lollapolooza show.

She’s outspoken, has amazing blue hair and even did a collaboration with Hatsune Miku. What a legend! 

Some of the songs I find quite catchy are Deal With It, Daisy 2.0 and Tantrum. 

Thank you Ashnikko for the amazing energy you brought to Chicago.

Until next time.

En Memoriam Of LicaMica (Trigger warning)

This month, this season has been interesting for me, two years after my sister's death. While some things have been quite fun, I've been thinking about my sister and the relationship that we just didn't fully have for whatever reason and factors that played into that. To have been going through a lot of what had happened alone whilst blogging, YouTubing, making gyaru events, and completing college has been quite a feat. 

I never wanted my sister to die. 

Though we weren't tied at the hip and had our own lives, it pains me that we could not and did not become close. I didn't want her to be continuing on with using hardcore drugs throughout her pregnancy post high school. I didn't like seeing her change and not complete the goals she had for herself. I hated how she made it seem like everything was ok even though it wasn't. Thinking on it these days, maybe she didn't want to make it seem as if things weren't going well for her so I wouldn't judge her. (?)

Having seen her and someone else help her evade DCFS check ins a few times, seeing her punch her pregnant belly, getting glimpses of alarming things and to have it end up in her overdosing and wondering if I had to identify her body and what she looked like after 2 years of not seeing her... it was heavy to take in. It still is. 

Its heavy to take in things like this while pretending everything is ok and as if there aren't things disappointing you and worrying you. While trying to keep up a facade of things going right outside of gal and gamer life/drama/conflict. Its heavy and painful to have someone putting themselves and their children in danger willingly. 

Outside of the painful parts that I've come to terms with, I do my best to appreciate the moments when we had some fun times; when we would watch anime together, the project we worked on, and being happy for her when she had things that weren't harmful to her. 

Perhaps there were unresolved pain or maybe something that made her want to walk in the shoes of someone that did heroin and such. That maybe she wanted to feel invincible despite some health issues and the path she took was one that she thought she could come out of.

There were professionals who knew that the kids were unsafe and had a plan to help her be the mom she wanted/could have been, there should have been more people making it acceptable to use that assistance and not undermine the usefulness. Or if her family or the people she felt were her "saviors" would have guided her away from a life of being another statistic since I've always been told that everyone else has their life together and are oh so Christian and wise.

To keep things positive... she's not in pain anymore and the kids are safe from things they are too innocent to be a part of.  That I had some close friends to bond a little more after with. That she's with mom and other family members...

In due time, this won't hurt so much.  

またね★

IMPORTANT *PLEASE READ

 Good evening to you. 

Despite a lot of years having flown past us all, I wanted to make it clear to you all with my intentions and motives when entering the visual kei/gyaru/jfashion/academic/entrepreneur and anime/gaming scenes, let alone dating, business partnerships and friendships and allies. 

Despite having depression and body/gender image issues, I do not, and repeat, DO NOT condone hatred towards people based on their body type, gender, or race. 

Various comments and such have been made about my character that I do not and did not appreciate. I also do not appreciate giving several members as well as a business partner multiple chances to sit and talk things over that they did not want to complete with me than slandering and defaming me while I do a lot of the admin work to help make things happen.

Questions can be directed to lishamisha22@gmail.com with header "Comments/concerns/questions"

Sincerely,

Lishamisha22/Leo