Saturday, April 5, 2025

2010 Fan/Portrait art by Ashley A. Woods

 Black Gamer Girls + Work Exploitation

In 2010, I met Ashley, a black comic book artist, at a local anime convention. She was tall, with a short haircut and was in a cosplay of one of her own original characters. She was bright, nerdy and bubbly, and we clicked instantly. 

Friday, March 21, 2025

Daily Drills Viral Bubble Dress

 I came across a post of a creator talking about a new brand called “Daily Drills”. I assumed it was about equipment and tools or even practicing language learning reps until I started to read the comments to later see what the brand was about. 



Some of the items of this brand are basic, even outside of alternative fashion. One piece stuck out to me as the most bizarre one; the bubble dress. Bubble dresses were a bit cute for millennials in the early 2010s, after all as a gaijin gyaru who loves fashion, I had a few myself. I initially thought it couldn’t be that bad...

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Resume Under Attack! : Invading Jobs and Harrassment at Work

Cross Posted from  Jan. 10, 2024 1:16am 

When I was a young college student, involved with gyaru fashion, blogging, and event coordination, looking feverishly for jobs 14 years ago, I initially did not take into account bad actors who may use my resume for nefarious means. I was unaware of the blindspots I had with this once simple situation. 

I had given my resume to a woman who claimed she would assist me in updating it for the jobs that I wanted, and I thought she was doing me a favor. After a quick turnaround time, I was equipped with a shiny new resume, ready to send it to various businesses around my city to support myself and content creation. 


Unfortunately, this simplistic act of providing my base resume in 2010ish became a minefield of data for an overeager stranger who was now privy to all the info

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Mens Wear Part 1

I get requests from time to time about men's fashion. I realized I do not talk about male fashion much on my channels. So with this post, I will change that. Most of whom read my blog identify as women, so the content is geared to that.

*The pictures belong to their respective owners.*

gyaru-o
Gyaru-o from a Japanese magazine


Gyaru-O

Yes, Gyaru would not be complete if there were no male counterpart. Gyaru-o from a Japanese fashion magazine sporting a dark jacket with a grey shirt and extremely distressed jeans. Accessories include a silver cross, and an ornamented belt. Brown, slouchy boots keep the look casual.

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Bounce Kogals & Commentary


I recently shared a graphic design mock up (2013) on TikTok  based on the movie Bounce Kogals by Harada (1997). It’s a film that I watched in college, around Diamond gyaru circle days (2010-2011) for a gals’ night in with a made from scratch Osakan themed dinner with a healthy side of natto. Delicious.✨

It’s a poignant story of Maki, a bold and strong willed ko Gyaru in the ever so iconic kogal uniform, and an adventurous young student, Lisa, whose lives intertwine and those that exploit them in Tokyo, Japan. 

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Momoa Graduating and More Gyaru-fied 109

As January has been a clusterf*ck of events, let's focus on something else. There's been a few things that are going on in the JP gyaru world.  Let's cover them, shall we?

Soon to be ex egg model, Momoa


One of them is that Momoa is retiring from Egg Mag come this April. I briefly watched the video about her upcoming graduation from egg.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

What Bacteria Lives In Your Makeup Brushes?

 How Much Bacteria Lives on Your Makeup Brushes (and How to Prevent It)




Did you know your makeup brushes could be a breeding ground for bacteria? Without regular cleaning, they can harbor thousands (if not millions) of harmful microbes and germies. Here’s everything you need to know about how bacteria accumulate and what you can do to protect your skin for kawaii gyaru makeup.

Egg, C’mon Now!

Egg magazine pulled another clickbaity, race-baiting stunt again on their YouTube channel. I went to look for it the other day for this post, but it was removed. 


Momoa doing Blackface 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Innovation in Gyaru

 As a person that did cybermanba before DeDedo (with some people not liking it) as well as me wearing a camo hoodie for banba, I get why some people would not like style mixing or doing something off beat.

Black Diamond Lisha and Jp black diamond Harutamu
Time slip twins?!
 I was posted on “gyaru_fucks” for this outfit, yet Black Diamond’s Galeo’s Harutamu and outfit gets love and $$$. 

 If someone is brand new to the style, they have yet to get their basics down first before wanting to do something new, but my makeup was consistent and on point back then. 

Some people have no idea on how to do make, don’t want to do the make, don’t know how to do basic coord making, or seem to want to rename old styles that already exist. How is this innovation? How is it being innovative If you can’t even do the basic reiwa make up?

Monday, December 9, 2024

The Original Cybermanba

 Post with terrible text colour choice (a graphic design nono) reads : 


“sweetie, you are a beauty 
when doing ONLY MANBA. but please, dont so that

Its ugly and scary and mixing styles is wrong. SO WRONG.

Monday, December 2, 2024

The Gyaru Comm is Failing!


 The Gyaru comm is failing! What is causing our community to fail? After 17 active years in the comm and observations of the good, the bad, and the ugly, there are several reasons that I've deduced to why this is. 

Negativity

During the early to late 2010s, there was Gyaru Secrets, a place to originally air out how you felt about certain styles or your views on being a gyaru. The rules changed to be able to allow secrets to be made about individuals, allowing people to talk crap about another gyaru (whether they were gyaru or not) and to still be close to the object of their hate.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

This Year is Flying By!

November 20th. 2024

 


Its already late November, and December will be well on its way to completion! What a crazy year its been! From getting a promotion to getting fired because I wasn't gossip besties with the staff there. But, at least I am not doing more work than what I am getting paid for (I don't mind working hard! But when you're made to be an example when others are just going to watch you overwork yourself is not fun!!!!). 

I thought that with many hindrances with my old jobs and my previous inexperience, working hard and doing my best to be as helpful as possible for my managers would save me and work in my favor. Turns out, that work isn't based on all the hard work that you do, but how much you can kiss ass, not make people feel stupid if you happen to have a lot of experience, and gossip about people. Took me a long time to figure this out, but I guess it will help later in my career? Not what I was expecting! 

Friday, November 15, 2024

Terrible Drug Store Make Up, or Nah?

2016?
A while back when I went to the beach to try to relax, I had stopped at the Water Tower to just mosey around. It was a lil while ago... but I was checking out some of the make up booths a little until I saw Katy a make up artist who had me try some purple lip shades.

Don't get me wrong, the eyeliner pencils I drew on my hand with lasted a nice long time for quite a few hours! It actually made me rethink checking into and buying eyeliner pencils for my make up.

Bye for now!

Monday, November 11, 2024

Eyelash Custom

Eyelashes
DIY Project!       
Difficulty level 1 star

In the last bit of the summer break I had, I wanted to try out something new with my eye makeup. Not only did I use a different liner shape than I usually do and have done, I decided to do something different with my bottom lashes. If you remember me from a few years ago, I used to cut up and double up lashes to create my own look.
For this dolly gyaru eye make look with bottom lashes, I will guide you through the steps. Don’t worry, its super easy!

What you will need:
§  Diamond Lash  Sweet Eye
§  Eyebrow scissors
§  Patience


1.       Grab two bits of the Sweet Eye lash that you will use, 1 for each eye
2.       Gently snip the lash hairs a few at a time horizontally to your preference to avoid a really boxy appearance
3.       Carefully cut the holding strip twice to create 3 slender parts. This can be pretty tricky if your hands aren’t too steady!
4.       Store for later use or wear immediately!
And you are done! Look at you being all awesome!


Thank you for reading! Comments are appreciated and I’d love to see how your lashes turned out! 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Bad Managers and Marvelous Bands

Published November 5th

Before becoming acquainted with Eurobeat and Trance music due to my involvement in gyaru, I was in love with the sparse amount of Jrock and Jpop music that I could get my hands on. It was a hard time back then as resources were limited for Japanese music online.



 Malice Mizer was one of the bands I fell in love with as their outfits were quite majestic and the vocals of the frontman, GACKT, were captivating. Though their songs have continued to entice listeners, they had long since disbanded; Malice Mizer later disbanded and the former frontman, GACKT, embarked on his solo career in 1999. 

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Is Gyaru Racist?

Lately, one of the biggest topics in the gyaru community, outside of the validity of newer gyaru substyles like tropical gyaru and the blunders and controversy of a project that eggmag has been disappointing us all with, is "gyaru fashion is racist." Not just the extreme manba fashion from the early 2000s, but as a whole movement.

Japan- Gyaru Beginnings

For a quick history lesson on this particular subculture and its fashion, there were girls who rebelled against Japan's beauty norms of pale, white skin, being modest, quiet and subservient by tanning, being materialistic, and partying. As time passed, girls involved with the style seemed to want to outdo each other, or to just push the limits, to stand out even more. This brought upon changes of the next popular accessories and clothes, to bleached/dyed hair, and affected the makeup and also their intensity of their tans. Some of the notable trendsetters and icons at this time were Buriteri and the gyaru circle Angeleek

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Sunk Cost Fallacy

 I really wasted my own time trying to be on good terms with people who hated me, wanted others to do so too, and liked seeing me disrespected and frustrated. I wasted my own time working on a few (not all) projects where the goals were constantly shifting out of reach, the budget to pay me was nearly nonexistent though there were investors and new equipment for the group, and projects/benefits that were dangled in front of me I “hadn’t worked hard enough for it yet” despite making appearances to the least important events I was informed about and creating content etc.  

I thought that putting in more work, not bring up what was hurting me and crossing my boundaries, and extending myself to be there for others would actually work… because that’s what I was told and I held on to that belief. But, at the end of the day, I was important enough for them to be so concerned about me improving my life, which was a big NO for them. 

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Kawaii Gyaru Themed Wallpaper pt 3

 Here is the third installment for gyaru themed wallpapers. The theme for these themes (wowzers, thats a lot of "th" words...) is pretty in pink!

Nokia Phone
Technological nostalgia with a pretty twist. 

Quilted Cushion

SailorMoon




Now, some wallpapers with a hint of pink. 

Pretty Dark Chocolate

Black Pink


Simplistic Black Lace on Pink Background

I do not own these images, but curated them from submissions on the web. 

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Sept. 19, Break Ups!

 This month has been interesting. I can focus on a few things now and give my time to people who appreciate what I do. I finally took a bit of time to relax, and tend to a few things that needed to get done… to make more time for my hobbies. :) 


So, what’s been on my mind recently?

Breakups and New Beginnings 

Not all breakups are simple and amicable, or easy. I’ve been watching a lot of TikTok recently. lol 

It can be hard going through one, especially if it’s a first long term relationship or the breakup might be messy. Maybe the two aren’t a good fit. Maybe someone tried too hard and the other not enough. Maybe one person thought they could see other people and the other did not want that. There can be all the tears and sobbing and wanting that person back with impromptu declarations of “changing”. Or, two people just drift apart and accept it. 

 At the end of the day, nothing worked out and it’s time for something else to fill in the space!

There can be a plethora of factors that can lead to a break up (and a lot of feelings that can be birthed from it!), but instead of settling for someone who’s not your type and being miserable, check out some of the activities that can take your mind off things. 

I’d love to say some cliche things, but every situation is truly different. Sometimes people hold the blame for another’s actions and others would rather destroy your world, friendships and career than mutter a simple “sorry”. Sometimes people are chill instead. 

On my Twitter account, I’ll be posting some activities that you can do if you find yourself in a romantic (or friendship) breakup! 


If you have something to share, you can share your stories or thoughts below. 

Friday, August 30, 2024

August 30

 Its already the last few days of August. This year is flying by so much. I had some good news earlier this year, and someone took it not so well. Its wild that some people would want to cozy up to you and then not be happy for you and in turn want you to be miserable alongside them. But, it was to be expected of them. 

Outside of that, I have been enjoying TikTok recently! I had an account for a few years to watch a few things here and there, but have recently started contributing content that I archive on my Youtube channel. It has been fun and a little more manageable for me than when I became a Youtube Partner back in 2010-2011.

I have some things I need to edit a bit before posting, and it makes me really excited!

Stay tuned!



Thursday, August 8, 2024

GAL REVO

GAL Revo, short for Gyaru Revolution, by Miyu Yoshida is now available as a website! 


GAL REVO was founded in February 2014. We are the largest source for digital Gyaru magazines, as well as to archive other things GAL. We aim to provide HD & watermark free scans.

I have been a subscriber of Gal Revo for many years, becoming quite impressed with Miyu's sharing of a large variety of gyaru fashion magazines. She is the proud owner of an extensive, drool worthy collection of trendy Japanese gyaru fashion magazines, possibly out of all the gaijin gyaru.  And with her ig accounts as well as a brand newnwebsite, you can enjoy these scans as well, whether at home or on the go. 

Check them out here! 

Stay inspired!  


Thursday, June 6, 2024

Brow Blindness

As a formerly fuzzy browed gal finding myself in love with gyaru fashion, I found the importance of shaping and designing a brow look for myself that worked.  

I happened upon a trend on TikTok recently called “Brow Blindness”; a phenomenon where you are so used to your former brow that you don’t recognize how thick or oddly shaped they are! A few people have shared some of their looks, being able to laugh at themselves and showcase how great their brows have gotten over time.

TheLanarenee 
Her brows are impeccable now 💖

Janelle on TikTok looks quite flabbergasted at her old brows
Strongest of brows

Strong, but doesn’t overpower her features 

Dinero wishes someone would have informed her that her brows weren’t working for her. 
Before


After
Aren’t her red locks GORGEOUS?!

I can definitely relate as my natural brows had several transitions since I’ve became gyaru. Here are a few pictures of my old brows.

The arch is plucked… can’t you tell? 

What kind of shape is this?! 

Have you had brow blindness? What did your brows look like before you found the best shape for yourself?



Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Acen 2024

 Acen 2024 came and went, and it was a hot one this year. It seems like there was a larger influx of people who came out to enjoy anime and manga festivities. 

I saw many cosplays and some fashionistas that I was enamored with which is always delightful.


Here are some of my favorites:

Met a cute couple <3

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Mothers Day

 Happy (late) Mother’s Day to the Mom’s out there. 💖


For some people, it’s not a fun day filled with gifting or receiving roses and cute cards, as some moms may have passed or were abusive to their children. Maybe some moms experienced a miscarriage, lost a child, or may have been abused by their children. 

Hopefully, there can still be some joy found. 


Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Gyaru Spotlight: Ari Marie

 This (cross posted) Gyaru Spotlight is for Ari Marie! 

I met her around 2010 or so when she applied to a nago-sa project co-founded by me and LA. We didn’t give her a clear cut answer as the Chicago nago-sa/gyaru project was having internal issues that needed to be resolved first and foremost. Our bad for not being upfront about that when you applied. 


Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Movie Analysis: Nobody Knows

Have you ever had a movie that you’ve watched stick with you after you’ve watched it? I have. I was chatting about current movies the other day and later reflected about the ones I’ve already seen. “Nobody Knows” is one of them. Its not a gyaru movie, but a Japanese one that gave me a glimpse of what some kids may be going through, or have gone through in broken homes in Japan. 


      A pensive, triggering movie suggested to me where a mom moves and finds a new apartment in a new part of town. She introduces herself and her eldest son, Akira to the other tenants, and goes to finish moving in. 

<b>Spoilers ahead!</b>

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Veteran Gals Vs. Newbie Gals

Its a thing currently. 

As I dive gently back into the realm of online gyaru worlds, I am met with tons of posts that I would have loved as a beginner gal. There is so much content out there to inspire and enjoy. Some things, also bring to light some of the darkside of Japan and several different fashion subcultures like Jiraikei.

Amongst the plethora of nostalgic fashion posts, or people debating whether or not manba is offensive to black people, I am met with posts declaring how mean and callous gaijin gyaru veterans are. I am met with posts about how ignorant and helpless newbie gals are.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Gyaru Themed Phone Wallpapers

 It’s been a long time since I’ve done gyaru themed items here on this blog. Posts about scenarios and what would you do in them and my mission statement, my values etc is great especially with what has happened with meeting new people who seem to be oblivious about that, but what about the MAIN topic of this blog, Gyaru‽ 

So, I’ve dedicated some time to finding some cute wallpapers that you can decorate your Home Screen with. If you need these in a bigger size, let me know. 

Enjoy.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

GAL💎VIP

 

Hey rockstar⭐︎

Besides writing for my blogs & a site for gaming& tech, did you know I also wrote a few articles for GAL💎VIP?

During the year of 2012-2013, there was so much going on outside of Amerigyaru and college senior life. I was quite busy at the time, but it felt great dedicating some of that time and effort for the gyaru comm. 

I was given prompts to write about; very different topics than what I’d normally write about for my own blog or for the gaming/tech site. I hope my articles,(non alc.) beverages and managing S.A.D.S. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) helped you❤️. 


Mata ne 🌺

Thursday, March 14, 2024

May 14th, 2024

 Its already mid May, and the weather seems to be going a little steady. 

Since this has been on my mind for a while, I had some instances of gyaru style hiatus and became a bit of a weekend gal! (something I thought I'd never do! But due to a new set of circumstances...)

The first time I did this it was a hiatus of sorts around 2013. I had let my eyebrows grow out and return to their natural, black and thick state, stopped perming my hair and using wigs, and took a break from the lashes and nails. It was weird seeing myself so plain yet complete (no need to fill in my brows etc.). I also ended up cutting off all permed parts of my hair as it grew out, and just did twists and such. 

This probably lasted for a few months, until I stopped and decided back to old routines. Taking that time off allowed me to just be reacquainted with myself without all the bells and whistles. 

Several years later,  when I began studying and working at a university, I took another hiatus to forgo the make and hair and things to blend in a little, and focus on work and study points as there were people who had way more time dedicated to understand. Of course, halfway through that period, I did start to do more toned down versions of my style, experimented a bit and kept the bolder looks for events and weekends. (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

Though I have done faux locks before with my banba gyaru make up, I went without it with a blue set. It was a little odd, and perhaps doing gyaru makeup and being creative with my style a large majority of the time made me feel as if the look wasn't complete without the lens and lashes. I looked really tomboy-like again for a while.

With those few breaks, I also noticed I still do my contour the same, but got used to looking how I did before all the heavy makeup.

With having done such extreme styles and doing such bold eye makeup, you can get accustomed to what you look like in those moments. A sense of dysmorphia when you skip out or don't do your makeup routine is a snippet of a conversation I had with someone who loves lashes. 


Monday, March 11, 2024

Spotlight: Atelier Pierrot; Size Range Increase!

I am so excited that a lolita brand, Atelier Pierrot is increasing their size range! As a J-fashion blogger and enthusiast, I am always impressed when brands are inclusive or become inclusive for other body types, whether it be Western ones or Japanese ones. March 11th starts their Plus Sized Fashion Festival and sale to cater to the Western and plus sized fans of their designs. You can now fawn over posts of their latest pieces on their social media.

Ebunny, a twitch streamer, singer and former onee gyaru, modeled for Atelier Pierrot and looks gothically amazing in the tiered skirts and gentle ruffles.

A qoute from her instagram:

"The Japanese elegant gothic lolita fashion community usually doesn't see someone like me representing brand clothing for lolita. As someone who's loved egl fahion for almost 20 years, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be a full figured, plus size, thicc, whatever adjective you like to use (lol) black woman modeling for a lolita brand in Japan. This is a type of representation I would've loved to see as a child, but sometimes you gotta be the change you wanna see!

Thank you to all the hardworking Japanese and non-Japanese staff at Atelier Pierrot for making the investent and effort to produce high quality lolita fawshion clothing in plus sizes. Egl should be for everyone to enjoy regardless of size, race, gender, height, etc. They are taking small steps everyday in the right direction."

You can follow the brand here to keep updated on their designs. And here is a link to the dress modeled by the lovely Ms. Ebunny herself.

You can follow Ms. Ebunny here on her IG.

Have fun!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

SHIBUYA! by softboiledegg

softboiledegg of the legendary egg gyaru magazine just dropped a new catchy song four days ago after sharing some behind the scenes clips on their Tiktok. I was curious how it will turn out as there were clips of gals doing parapara to a nonstandard beat in the background while two of them had close ups of them rapping/singing. Its also a bit refreshing to see a more recognizable gal makeup being worn by the main artists of the song. The song is also complete with some wild lyrics, but what could be wilder than opening your song with how fresh and clean.... you are from their song Gal is Mind?

Check it out here:

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The Fine Line Between Normal and Special

Having been heavily in the gyaru scene since 2010 after being on a gaming platform around 2007-2009, I experienced moments of pseudo "celebrity". Though small in comparison to some of the well known names out there, and there were others who were cooler or more kawaii, at the time it was a big deal in this little bubble. It was thrilling at times, but the amount of progress I felt was needed, becoming a sell out, and what content should I publish to entertain hundreds of people is something I had to think about constantly.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Friend/Partner Poaching

Recently on social media, my former feed of pictures of food and statements of "its better being solo than surrounded by people that don't like you" is now filled with random stories about friendship or partner/boyfriend poaching and situations of overly humbling (or outright disrespecting (Black) women (ie. Rihanna x Chris Brown, Beyonce and Jayz, Ciara and that one guy before her current husband Russel) who are successful and the critiques on such circumstances.

This kind of poaching is regarding someone taking your friend and excluding you out of the relationship. Essentially, "stealing" your friend from you. This can also happen when you are dating or in a romantic relationship, and your friend wants to "steal" your partner from you, causing your boyfriend to cheat on you if he has no empathy or respect for you.

Apparently, women who go for married men, or unavailable men feel as if they need to "win" and be better by showing their worth by being able to seduce someone away. They get the feelings of feeling better than you, hotter than you, sexier than you, and this boosts their ego and makes them feel powerful if something is triggering them to feel less than. It is also a breach of trust if this person was considered a friend or claimed to be, and simply is a form of disrespect for boundaries, and a "power move" to become dominant and cause pain to the other party.

As for friendships, I haven't seen a lot on the topic outside of the "stolen" friend having more clout or popularity which makes them seem cool or pretty to be around them, or that the new friend has resources, money, a car, or connections to be used for their own benefit. You are left behind because they didn't want you, but what the people around you can do for them and their social status even if they cannot reciprocate.

Sunday, January 21, 2024

How to NOT Dox Yourself

Keeping yourself safe is pretty standard advice.

So is making sure that when you hand your resume to someone who is a complete stranger to you to "fix" that they are someone you trust with that information. A stranger can go and see where you are working, and if you are getting out of an abusive relationship, you don't want that person knowing where you are since they are not capable of respecting your boundaries and treating you with respect.They have the potential and will/might just cause drama with the people around you and get you fired. A stranger who may be a win-at-all-costs sadistic, bruised ego type can have access to your references that may have loved you and your work ethic before, and "furnace your references".

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Values, Failures, Mission Statement

Good evening! How are you? Are you doing alright after the pandemic and with all the chaos going on in the world? Are you doing alright with your work load or with the topics you are studying?

You know...this blog was generally centered around various aspects of my days throughout college, events I hosted with others, or what I found cool. However, it didn't allow much in the ways of getting to see your perspectives and such.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

We deserve love - Anti Latinx/poc hate, fatphobia is not tolerated here

 For the most of us, we can all agree that we should all be able to be respected for who were are when it comes to our ethnicities, body types and for the languages that we speak beyond English and to have healthy high self esteem.

On Abuse, Jealousy and Isolation

 It’s interesting that someone can claim relationship titles or anything to justify saying awful things about you to the people who you may have stronger bonds with, even under the guise of “caring” (and never bring it up to the person they are referring to). 

And those bonds that were stronger don’t question it, don’t question the intent to why they were being talked to by someone that was not introduced properly, and don’t even get the person of the topic involved. That bond is weakened and ultimately destroyed, and the target of the conversation is isolated and has no support group after all the talking, an abusive, jealous person's favorite outcome more than just moving on and minding their business. 

Here are some clips from specialists about the dynamics of this  

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ECKkCUWDx7w&feature=sharec


https://youtube.com/shorts/LoVxuD9z-QA?feature=sharec

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Anti Latinx or poc hate is not tolerated here


You know that at a certain distance, you might recognize someone or not by their gait or body type? Or if you didn’t know some groups of people could be taller or shorter and all that or that there could be similarities etc??I had an experience with that once, and it backfired on me and I didn’t have a chance to explain or even apologize or get some sort of  clarification. Especially to the people that mattered the most to me. 

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Afromexican article that you must read!

 Check out this amazing article from Black Girl Nerds on AfroLatinx people and history!!

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Changes

 Currently revamping things for this new year so old posts and such aren’t available at this time. 

YouTube videos have followed suit as well, but I appreciate the comments and views that I received over the years when embarking on a journey of self discovery. That included my own fashion adventures and mishaps, as well as meeting people and coordinating events and learning about what it takes to be a gyaru or be in a group, let alone becoming a leader and group manager/coordinator and understanding what that entails from the ground up. It’s a lot of work and not just super kawaii sparklyness when you want to surpass just hanging out, to something that can be self sustainable and long lasting for ourselves and the community at large.   

This has tested me in ways that I would have never known it would, as I saw the fun clothes and sparklyness and happy fun times and just had that at the forefront of my mind than just studying and making grades. 

I am grateful for the lessons learned throughout all this, even when I didn’t understand it all at the time. 


Thank you

I’ll be a Spanish Speaker

 This year, as I notice myself taking a break from learning Kanji and new Japanese words…I want to make my childhood dream come true (and maybe even try to find old telenovas from telemundo from the early 2000s til 2004) by self studying more basic Spanish phrases before I sign up for an online course. 🫡🥰


I can roll some r’s, and get around basic pronunciations thanks to Telemundo shows and some Spanish music and being around Spanish speakers in high school and beyond. Plus, there’s some similarities with French so it may even help a bit. It has been a regret that I DIDNT take Spanish class when it’s more widely used. Doh!!😣 I would have had more chances to use it often outside of class. That would have built up vocabulary and sounding less textbookish, and helped with natural speed and rhythm. 


After studying Japanese and finding out more dialects and perceptions of those languages as well as being cognizant of  English and slang and historical(racial) contexts in America…. It hinders me studying Spanish a little as there’s sdifferent forms of Spanish being spoken (Mexican, Spain’s Spanish, Ecuadorian or Guatemalan Spanish)I don’t want to just stick to the one that’s seen as “better” or more standard and unintentionally disregard other forms that’s spoken due to colonization etc etc. nor do I want to take a route that may be “easier” in terms of conjugation but it’s not usually spoken because it’s not standard (most likely due to colonization and number of people who speak it or that countries power and influence) but seeming as if I’m just lazy when the majority speaks a different and more “acceptable”(?) form of Spanish. This thinking keeps me back from diving in fully which is something I’m working on aside from just making grammatical mistakes while speaking. 


In the past, I self studied a handful of Cantonese (tones are soooo hard, and there’s like, 6?! 😵‍💫), then had French class for 2 years, then Japanese class for 1.5 in college (I could NOT do self studying with this on grade school. Well… I guess beyond words for Ms/Mr, basic numbers and yes/no. And I’m not counting memorizing songs at all despite it helping with immersion). 


I also see there’s an app for reading the language and you can poke at the words to get their meaning right in the sentence. I’d love that and will be getting that one of these days because I see it’s super handy.

Friday, November 18, 2022

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.

—-

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. 

Friday, October 21, 2022

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. 

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Miyavi 20year Anniversary Tour

Miyavi 2022 Youniverse 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! ;)

Sunday, October 16, 2022

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 questions their followers of their fave Cartoon Network Cartoons
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.

Monday, September 26, 2022

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?

Thursday, September 22, 2022

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!

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

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

Monday, August 29, 2022

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ズスに会った。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💎




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