Poem: Venom

By: Shirley Alvarez

The energy that you manifest,

Creates a toxic environment,

In which I quietly detest.

The intensity in your eyes

Penetrates through my meat,

I need room to breathe,

But I’m trapped in this heat.

There is no peace in my heart,

As the impact of your presence,

Is tearing me apart.

You exaggerate the pace

Of your flicking tongue,

I can’t think straight,

For much too long.

You wrap your tail,

Around your past,

You thrive for misery,

To those living,

In your habitat.

If you continue this habit,

Your existence will not last.

The person that you love,

Is the one that you attack.

When I hear you speak,

You are like a snake,

Talking with its venom.

With your painful fangs,

You cling on to head.

You spread your saliva,

Down to my neck.

I close my eyes,

I can feel stings,

My mind shuts down

I give out a shriek.

You hiss in my ears,

I can’t help but to feel,

That every time you speak,

You are like a snake,

Talking with its venom.

It’s time to strike back,

And kill my vulnerability,

I will not allow you,

To feed on my innocence.

You bite me over,

And over again,

Damage is done,

But why am I still here?

The days seem dark,

As I look at my marks,

Consumed by your venom,

Is not how I deserve to live.

I need to break free,

And climb up a tree,

Inhale new air,

To be a better breed.

Instincts in me,

Telling me not to leave,

I cannot abandon you,

Even after all,

You have done to me.

The areas of my soul,

Unharmed and uninfected,

Gives me the intention,

To voice something honest.

I don't want your fate to end up tragic...

Realize the truth,

That the venom you spread,

Will come back to hunt you,

Causing you to self-destruct,

And be the ultimate VICTIM.

MY SOUL IS ON FIRE

By: Shirley Alvarez

Even on this cold winter’s night,

My heart feels warm,

And my soul is on fire.

I carry a burning candlelight,

Deep inside my core,

Taking my spirit higher.

I look up at the night sky,

And the clouds begin to cry,

Tears so heartily and white.

The snow begins to glow,

At the touch of my skin,

Here on my own,

My strength pursues to grow.

I clear my path,

With the moon as my guide,

I pray for sunlight,

I see a person in sight.

On this cold winter’s night,

The sparks in my eyes,

Rise with the presence of your smile.

You approach my hand,

Placing it on your chest,

I must confess,

When you kiss my forehead,

I feel starry snowflakes,

Traveling deep in my arteries.

Pureness is love,

Love is in my veins,

You’ve reinforced the light,

I use to illuminate,

My darkened days.

On this cold winter’s night,

You are the sun,

Embracing my face,

With your heavenly rays

"It's No Good"-Tribute to Depeche Mode

This video is about clairvoyance, dual nature, hiding behind the mask to keep intense feelings under control, Intuition, the ability to know in your heart that the person you love is really meant to be in your life.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF 2009 or Possibly of My LIFE =) Meeting Mike Shinoda.

I met Mike Shinoda at the John Levine Gallery in NYC on October 24th. He gave me a hug and held my hand. What more can I ask for? I've been a hardcore fan since I was nine years old. He's the rapper of the rock band Linkin Park. He's is an artist, musician, songwriter, DC shoe designer, he is also the frontman of a hip-hop group called Fort Minor. He is a caring, profound and decent person...a humanitarian who enjoys helping others. Him and the other guys of Linkin Park established a non-profit organization called, Music For Relief to aid victims from Natural Disasters. This is my third time meeting him, but this encounter was special, far beyond words. Mike was presenting an art piece at Gary Baseman's "True Self" exhibit. I attended the reception hoping Mike would show up...and he did!!! When he first walked into the door, I couldn't believe my eyes. I ran to him in a casual manner, just so I won't scare the guy off. My sister was so helpful, because she took hundreds of pictures as I stood talking to him and as he signed his autograph. He was so humble and sweet. My hands were shaking with shock and excitement. I was talking to him like we were friends. He would look at me with gentle and honest eyes. We had a great connection and he appreciated my gratitude and dedication as a fan. He also spoke with interviewers at the gallery, and I watched him. Mike did not disappoint me one bit. he is everything I expected and more. He is too good too be true. Lastly, he had to leave for a dinner reservation, because his ride was downstairs waiting for him. I also had to go home. We both left the gallery at the same time and waited for the elevator TOGETHER (aahh). Meanwhile, He was texting on his IPhone and I was trying to keep myself composed. On the elevator, I was screaming inside, This was a crazy once-in-a- lifetime moment. I believe everything happens for a reason, this was meant to be. No one will ever be able to understand the impact this man has made in my life, not even my parents, my sister, my family and friends. I made sure to tell him this, and all the ways his music and his existence has helped me get through so much. As we walked out of the elevator, he turned back and said "thanks for coming to the show, take care and hope to see you soon" I almost died.

Mike Shinoda
from Linkin Park

Mike Shinoda is a musician, record producer, and artist from Agoura Hills, California. He is best known as the rapper, songwriter, keyboardist, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of rock band Linkin Park, and as a solo rapper in his side-project, Fort Minor. Linkin Park was formed in 1996 and achieved mainstream success in 2000 with its debut album, Hybrid Theory. The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and won two Grammy Awards. Mike Shinoda also provides artwork, production and mixing for both groups. A week after tragedy hit Haiti in the form of a massive earthquake, Linkin Park stepped forward to help the country's struggling residents with Download to Donate for Haiti, an ambitious project featuring new music from some of the industry's top musicians.

Enjoy The Silence

latest video I've directed called Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode.

It's No Good- Depeche Mode (Unofficial video)

SADENESS (FINAL VERSION)

Another Version.

My Version of "Sadeness" by Enigma.

So Far......

I've been feeling a bit of sadness. It's okay though, because without this feeling I wouldn't be able to appreciate the feeling of happiness. I've seen to a degree the darkest part of the world, and the most beautiful part.

The video below is called "Sadness."
There is something about this song that gives me strength and makes me feel vulnerable at the same time. It may sound and be titled as a sad song, but it actually stirs the opposite emotion. It's postive and uplifting to me. I love it. It also takes me into a whirlwind of different emotions. I can listen to it in any mood, any day. It's a powerful song.
**I never forget to live my life with passion.**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqNZ5Y5BgdA

Shirley's New Year's Resolution

I've been thinking about the changes I want to make in my life, the goals I want to achieve and the new things I want to try. I want 2009 to be a year of rejuvenation and healing. I'm ready for new experiences, have a better insight on life and meet new people and build relationships. I want to start writing my first book + read a ton of books. I want to get into swimming and exercise to gain more muscle weight. I need to get in the habit of drinking more water and not take everything so seriously. I need to have some light-hearted crazy fun! I want to produce more "music videos." Get A's on my college courses. Create more Random/Abstract Art. Increase my Independence. Get My Driver's License. Forgive someone for (secretly) hurting my feelings. Bring my family closer and continue volunteering at the Henry Viscardi School.

Happy New Year Everyone!!! Be Safe & Rock out 2009!!!

Just Like A Circus

The Most Memorable of 08

1. Meeting Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) at the Champs Store in Times Square on July 22, 2008.

2. Graduating from Henry Viscardi.

3. Winning the Yes I Can Award! and attending the ceremony in Boston with my family.

4. Getting Accepted to Berkeley College.

5. Going to the Projekt Revolution Concert.

6. Spending my 18th Birthday in NYC with my cousin & sis and staying over the Marriot Marquis in Times Square.

7. Senior Prom at the Chateau Briand + My Senior Trip

8. Going to Linkin Park Concert at Madison Square Garden with special guest Jay-Z

9. It's been a year of Disillusions and Confusion.

10. There's been Happy and Grieving days.

11. It's been the first year in my life that I've cried the most.

12. Losing friends and gaining new ones.

13. My cousin Savanna's 1st birthday on September 11.

14. Falling in and out of love. Maybe. Or going through an Euphoria phase. I still don't know. whatever...

15. My Ipod for being there for me. It's been my tool of escapism. Music has been my medicine and it's helped me cope with everything I've gone through the past year.

16. Barack Obama wins the Presidential Election. =]

*Oh yea and one more thing...Seeing Britney Spears make her "music" comeback. She was never gone to begin with. I'm Happy she has her life back on track. It's Britney Bi**h!

My Top 20 Songs of 2008

Which songs were the most played on my Ipod this year?

1. Disturbia- Rihanna                                 

2. Circus- Britney Spears

3. Seven Lives, Many Faces- Enigma

4. Given Up- Linkin Park

5. Now You're Gone- Basshunter

6. Sadness- Enigma

7. Rehab- Rihanna

8. Trouble- Britney Spears

9. Crush Crush Crush- Paramore

10. Wicked Games- HIM

11. Calabria- Enur

12. I'm Yours- Jason Mraz

13. Addicted- Saving Abel

14. Heartless- Kanye West

15. Green Light- John Legend

16. Live Your Life- T.I 

17. Hot & Cold- Katy Perry

18. Better In Time- Leona Lewis

19. Let It Rock- Kevin Rudolf

20. I Hate This Part- The PussyCat dolls

Healing with Acupressure

I started taking Acupressure about more than a year ago to release any skin tightness, to improve blood circulation, and to deeply relax my mind and body. I find it working very well by improving physical endurance and appearance. There is nothing supernatural or magical about acupressure. This is practiced with the use of only one human tool: the thumb, by applying pressure on the surface of the skin. Although, I don't have a complete understanding about how acupressure works, I want to dig a little deeper and learn more about it. I believe in acupressure and I know it stimulates your body to naturally heal itself.

Acupressure has been practiced as a healing art for at least 5,000 years. It is the third most popular method for treating pain and illness in the world. Some people believe that acupressure was originated in India and through its Buddhist monks and saints it spread to Middle East, Egypt, China, Japan and Korea. However the science of acupressure was practiced and developed in China.

Acupressure has been an effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. I think the advantage of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others, even if you've never done it before. You just need to simply follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. The only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the body has vital energy called "chi" or "qi" that flows along invisible lines of energy flow called meridians. There are thought to be at least 14 meridians connecting our organs with other parts of our body. Acupressure points lie on those meridians and if the flow of qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it's thought to be the cause of ailments and lead to disease anywhere along the meridian. That's why a practitioner may apply pressure to an acupressure point in the foot to relieve a headache.

There is a natural source of healing power in everyone. When this healing power is activated, it triggers a series of intricate internal processes, which produces a Healing Response. Pain, injury or stimulation to your body alerts your body that help is needed. This is when the Healing Response begins by the unleashing of endorphins into your blood to help heal the affected area. The heart rate increases, blood pressure is altered and the delivery of endorphins and nutrients required for repair is accelerated. This speeds up the elimination of toxins from the damaged area, which also promotes healing.