Our deepest fear…I keep the deepness near. But I sunk into
my abyss and found out that I’m the deepest here. I used to want my poetry to be the sweetest
words that you would ever hear. Now it’s
clear that people want either bitter realness or for you to be insincere. Peer into my mind and use these words to
relate to your peers…or maybe relate to your fears. The difference between me and you is a
keyboard and the willingness for this to be my career. I bare my soul because God told me that I can
bear my role. I choose to obey instead of burying my head in a hole. How can
you shine if you choose to bury your diamonds in the rest of these coals? This
world is cold so allow my words to comfort you, Dr. Shoals. I write this for
those sick and tired and have to doctor their goals. Health is wealth, time is
money, and God is in control. So I have gold all in my watch, gold all in my
chain, everything all gold. I put that on everythang, we all grow. We all have
worth, and man will try to appraise you, but your praise will make your price tag
worth more than you know. I have begun to realize that, the more that He
shows. You think this is just about
these shows? This is about what He ultimately wants me to show and for you to
know. It just so happens that it flows.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; it’s that we are more powerful
than we know…This is Cocktails coming from my home cubicle of meditation. I put self-doubt in a coffin, sent it a
wreath and then buried it six feet deep.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cocktails Commentary::Happy New Year
It's been a while, but I'm back. I promise :)
TV, Off. Music, On. Bible, Open. Spirit, Open. Words,
Spoken. It’s been a while since I’ve
lent my two cents, so here’s a token. I
have to go from black skies to a cloud with a silver lining, Oakland. I was
missing for a while, and God had to get me roped back in. I’ve been placing my
burdens on the front end, and He told me that his yoke is easy and my
incentives were on the back end. Regroup and cast your net on the other side, I
have some Grouper, blackened. Instead of Robbin Peter to pay Paul, Baskins. Why
not bask in what I’ve been asking? Lord,
I seek Your face and voice because it feels like I’m the last one to hear it,
and end up being the last in. You said
your grace and mercy is everlasting, and I believe that, but forgive me if I
keep Tupac blasting. I’m Denzel trying to navigate this flight to keep from
crashing. I Lay prostrate at Your feet,
because no one can pray just one, so I’m trying to use these chips to cash
in. I thought this was going to be a
happy piece, but I guess I still have some shadows casting. So I keep my seat
belt fastened and know that I have to start fasting. Please don’t mistake this as me being depressed;
it’s just that I have a lot of passion.
I want to bear more fruit, so I have to get more connected to the
vine. So I have to be wise about how I
spend my time. 2013, I’m next in line. Lord whatever you’re doing, don’t do it
without me. This year is not about me. It’s about You and Your will and whatever you
are trying to pull out of me…This is Cocktails mixing those intoxicating words
to kick off the New Year. Thank you God for letting me be a vessel.
Monday, December 7, 2009
STATE OF EPERIOD: Holiday Edition
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.
So here it finally is. After much contemplation, prayer, and excuses of why I have not written this yet, here is my State of E Period blog that is well overdue. For those that have been reading me for the past ten years, thank you. To those that just picked up this email and are wondering, “Who the hell is Cocktails and why should I care?” keep reading and strap in. Even with my crazy self-imposed schedule I am committed to deliver this blog at least twice a month.
2009 Reflections…
It is crazy how God has been steering my life and making me trust in him wholly. Since the inception of E Period, LLC three years ago, I have learned more about myself personally, professionally, and spiritually than I ever have. And I’m not just saying that in a light cliché manner. I broke up with a long time girlfriend that everyone surely thought was my future wife. I’ve dealt with numerous dating situations. I braved foreclosure on my beautiful home. I painstakingly sifted through who was really with me, and who was there for the ride. I got hired somewhere, then subsequently downsized. And most recently, I came to terms with my own personal health. That’s just the abbreviated version. Why am I telling you this? Because, ironically, unlike most, my comfort is on stage and email telling all my transgressions hoping that my lessons will inspire and empower someone else (and not in a Tiger Woods type of way :-).
Let’s start with health. In October 2009 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. A surprise? Of course! Even though Diabetes runs on both sides of the family, and every single immediate family member has it, I still was walking around like Mr. Invincible and not heeding impending risks and health concerns. I was not getting enough rest, not eating right (I mean who can really get a Chargrilled Salad at the Velvet Room?), drinking like a sailor, and my workout was distracted (or maybe I was distracting myself) by drinking Gatorade and talking to chicks. I mean hey, I’m only 34; I got time to get my life right…right? Wrong. So this news is still fresh on my breath when I tell someone. I’m not telling you this for sympathy, I am creating awareness. Instead of throwing a pity party, I actually count it all joy. Number one, I actually had healthcare during the time (notice I said during) I was diagnosed, and found out that I have been diabetic for at least a year and a half, so I was able to stabilize it for a minimum cost. Number two, the stuff I always said I needed to do health wise I am now forced to do if I want to stay around, and I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Number three, I don’t see a young spokesperson for this disease so why shouldn’t it be me? I have Diabetes, but Diabetes will never have me. **Shameless Plug** “Cooking with Cocktails” coming soon…
Business wise, God has revealed to me, I’VE GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED! I realize that personally and as a company I am in unique position. Between my connections, out reach, artistic rapport, and creativity it is time to take it to the next level. I am still a humble dude and thankful for everyone that attends my events and supports the different endeavors that I present to the masses. I realize that it is truly not me, I am just a vessel. However I do admit that I got caught up in the “ego” of this industry. You have to be a confident person in order to survive, or you will get raked over the coals. You also have to be well organized and have a clear vision in place or people will place doubt in your spirit, and you will be hesitant to make a decision and roll with it. You also have to realize that people have small goals because of their own insecurities and fears. I will testify that I was that person. I spoke big dreams and moves, but never moved in my favor and destiny to make it happen. That yoke of mediocrity I declare broken going into 2010. STIR @ the Woodruff Arts Center was a great learning experience for me and my staff. It showed us the possibilities of not only what could be, but how it should be going forward, and why we never can go back. We owe that not only to ourselves, but to you ultimately. E Period is the beacon for the underground artist, or the artist on the verge of greatness being able to display their talents to a larger audience. Let’s keep this momentum going.
My personal reflections are too long for this blog. They will seep out over the next few weeks. But I will leave you with this. As a youth, I would shy away from leadership roles even though they kept giving them to me. I guess they saw something in me that I could not see in myself. In college and as a twenty something man, I actively sought the leadership roles, but did not allow myself to properly be used in being the person that God placed me there for. I abused and manipulated a lot of my power and opportunities (Are the statutes of limitations over?). Now, for some reason (LIGHTBULB) I finally realize why I have been through these experiences and have wisdom from them.
In conclusion, Amir Sulaiman said, “I know more than I want to, but not nearly enough.” We are constant students; we will never know it all. I thought I knew sacrifice, but know I can give so much more. I still am not as organized as I need to be. It is still a work in progress. Maybe that is my artist side. Spiritually I still struggle as we all do. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities. I know I have nothing to fear or worry about if I am rooted in God, but still do sometimes. I won’t even get into the whole lust issue. Just pray for me on that one J Hopefully I did not bore you with my first edition of Cocktails Commentary: Blog Edition. Actually, I haven’t even thought of a cool name for this yet. Feel free to send suggestions. The winner gets tickets to the next STIR event. Until next time, God Speed, do not slow down, you are more than conquerors. Stay blessed.
Sincerely,
E. Christopher “Cocktails” Cornell
Founder/CEO
E Period, LLC
www.eperiodllc.com
www.eperiodatl.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/eperiodllc
So here it finally is. After much contemplation, prayer, and excuses of why I have not written this yet, here is my State of E Period blog that is well overdue. For those that have been reading me for the past ten years, thank you. To those that just picked up this email and are wondering, “Who the hell is Cocktails and why should I care?” keep reading and strap in. Even with my crazy self-imposed schedule I am committed to deliver this blog at least twice a month.
2009 Reflections…
It is crazy how God has been steering my life and making me trust in him wholly. Since the inception of E Period, LLC three years ago, I have learned more about myself personally, professionally, and spiritually than I ever have. And I’m not just saying that in a light cliché manner. I broke up with a long time girlfriend that everyone surely thought was my future wife. I’ve dealt with numerous dating situations. I braved foreclosure on my beautiful home. I painstakingly sifted through who was really with me, and who was there for the ride. I got hired somewhere, then subsequently downsized. And most recently, I came to terms with my own personal health. That’s just the abbreviated version. Why am I telling you this? Because, ironically, unlike most, my comfort is on stage and email telling all my transgressions hoping that my lessons will inspire and empower someone else (and not in a Tiger Woods type of way :-).
Let’s start with health. In October 2009 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. A surprise? Of course! Even though Diabetes runs on both sides of the family, and every single immediate family member has it, I still was walking around like Mr. Invincible and not heeding impending risks and health concerns. I was not getting enough rest, not eating right (I mean who can really get a Chargrilled Salad at the Velvet Room?), drinking like a sailor, and my workout was distracted (or maybe I was distracting myself) by drinking Gatorade and talking to chicks. I mean hey, I’m only 34; I got time to get my life right…right? Wrong. So this news is still fresh on my breath when I tell someone. I’m not telling you this for sympathy, I am creating awareness. Instead of throwing a pity party, I actually count it all joy. Number one, I actually had healthcare during the time (notice I said during) I was diagnosed, and found out that I have been diabetic for at least a year and a half, so I was able to stabilize it for a minimum cost. Number two, the stuff I always said I needed to do health wise I am now forced to do if I want to stay around, and I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Number three, I don’t see a young spokesperson for this disease so why shouldn’t it be me? I have Diabetes, but Diabetes will never have me. **Shameless Plug** “Cooking with Cocktails” coming soon…
Business wise, God has revealed to me, I’VE GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED! I realize that personally and as a company I am in unique position. Between my connections, out reach, artistic rapport, and creativity it is time to take it to the next level. I am still a humble dude and thankful for everyone that attends my events and supports the different endeavors that I present to the masses. I realize that it is truly not me, I am just a vessel. However I do admit that I got caught up in the “ego” of this industry. You have to be a confident person in order to survive, or you will get raked over the coals. You also have to be well organized and have a clear vision in place or people will place doubt in your spirit, and you will be hesitant to make a decision and roll with it. You also have to realize that people have small goals because of their own insecurities and fears. I will testify that I was that person. I spoke big dreams and moves, but never moved in my favor and destiny to make it happen. That yoke of mediocrity I declare broken going into 2010. STIR @ the Woodruff Arts Center was a great learning experience for me and my staff. It showed us the possibilities of not only what could be, but how it should be going forward, and why we never can go back. We owe that not only to ourselves, but to you ultimately. E Period is the beacon for the underground artist, or the artist on the verge of greatness being able to display their talents to a larger audience. Let’s keep this momentum going.
My personal reflections are too long for this blog. They will seep out over the next few weeks. But I will leave you with this. As a youth, I would shy away from leadership roles even though they kept giving them to me. I guess they saw something in me that I could not see in myself. In college and as a twenty something man, I actively sought the leadership roles, but did not allow myself to properly be used in being the person that God placed me there for. I abused and manipulated a lot of my power and opportunities (Are the statutes of limitations over?). Now, for some reason (LIGHTBULB) I finally realize why I have been through these experiences and have wisdom from them.
In conclusion, Amir Sulaiman said, “I know more than I want to, but not nearly enough.” We are constant students; we will never know it all. I thought I knew sacrifice, but know I can give so much more. I still am not as organized as I need to be. It is still a work in progress. Maybe that is my artist side. Spiritually I still struggle as we all do. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities. I know I have nothing to fear or worry about if I am rooted in God, but still do sometimes. I won’t even get into the whole lust issue. Just pray for me on that one J Hopefully I did not bore you with my first edition of Cocktails Commentary: Blog Edition. Actually, I haven’t even thought of a cool name for this yet. Feel free to send suggestions. The winner gets tickets to the next STIR event. Until next time, God Speed, do not slow down, you are more than conquerors. Stay blessed.
Sincerely,
E. Christopher “Cocktails” Cornell
Founder/CEO
E Period, LLC
www.eperiodllc.com
www.eperiodatl.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/eperiodllc
Monday, February 11, 2008
STIR Presale Tickets On Sale Now!!
Party People,
Presale Tickets are flying out of my hand. We had over 150 in attendance last month. We are expecting to double that number because the word is out!! STIR is the official Valentine's/Black History event to attend on Friday. Why? Because you want more than the cliche Friday events that has inundated Atlanta nightlife. WE HAVE SPECIALS FOR SINGLES, COUPLES, AND STUDENTS!! You are out of excuses. Buy your tickets now via PayPal. They will be more at the door. AND IT'S STILL WORTH IT!! Live Band, Live Painting, Vocalists, Poets, Independent Film, Vendors, Food, Drinks, and more!! Holla at ya boy!
Cocktails a.k.a. Cupid Doesn't Lie
http://www.myspace.com/cocktailscommentary
Advertise with the E Period Newsletter Today!! eperiod@gmail.com
OVER 10,000 SUBSCRIBERS CAN'T BE WRONG!!
Please note that there is a $1 Service Charge for Payments on Paypal
Click Here to Purchase Tickets for Singles!! Click Here to Purchase Tickets for Couples!!
Presale Tickets are flying out of my hand. We had over 150 in attendance last month. We are expecting to double that number because the word is out!! STIR is the official Valentine's/Black History event to attend on Friday. Why? Because you want more than the cliche Friday events that has inundated Atlanta nightlife. WE HAVE SPECIALS FOR SINGLES, COUPLES, AND STUDENTS!! You are out of excuses. Buy your tickets now via PayPal. They will be more at the door. AND IT'S STILL WORTH IT!! Live Band, Live Painting, Vocalists, Poets, Independent Film, Vendors, Food, Drinks, and more!! Holla at ya boy!
Cocktails a.k.a. Cupid Doesn't Lie
http://www.myspace.com/cocktailscommentary
Advertise with the E Period Newsletter Today!! eperiod@gmail.com
OVER 10,000 SUBSCRIBERS CAN'T BE WRONG!!
Please note that there is a $1 Service Charge for Payments on Paypal
Click Here to Purchase Tickets for Singles!! Click Here to Purchase Tickets for Couples!!
E Period Presents
STIR (Sounds, Thoughts, Ideas and Rhyme)
Black Love Edition
@ Art on 5, 2001 Martin Luther King Dr., Ste 530, Atlanta, GA 30310
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2008
Doors open at 9 p.m.
Show starts at 10 p.m.
Singles: $10 Presale and $15 at door
Couples: $15 Presale and $25 at door
HOSTED BY COCKTAILS OF E PERIOD
LIVE BAND: Tri Music
FEATURED VOCALISTS: Mark Nelson, Ken J Martin, and Trav Wright
FEATURED POETRY: BET Lyric Café Artists Spinxx and Bridgette Levi
Indigo the Queen of Erotica
LIVE PAINTING by Corey Whitehead and Cartrell Coleman
LIVE BODY PAINT by Alan Grimes
INDEPENDENT FILM by Tenisio
TOWN HALL DISCUSSION ON BLACK LOVE featuring Ed Garnes, Jr.
BRING CASH!!
VENDORS ON SITE!!
FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE!!
CASH BAR!!
FREE PARKING!!!
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