Blessings to each of my lovely supporting readers,
If you are new here, welcome to my sacred space. If you are a regular still riding, thank you for your continuing commitment to stay in touch here. When I see 66% out of 450 of my readers opening up my newsletters, that tells me I am making a reach that has a home in your hearts. It has been amazing getting email replies from some of you as it keeps me fueled and motivated.
Summer is a busy season, and with just wrapping up my biggest event partnership with Boston Black Pride, I am finding myself super exhausted more in my recovery from my break-up and deep grief of my dear friend passing more than anything. A lot is ending and forcing me to change while picking up new commitments.
BUT WHAT TIME I HAD WITH MY TEAM, THE ARTISTS FOR BOTH OPEN MIC AND FESTIVAL, AND EVEN MORE… EXPERIENCING ERICA MASON! WHAT AN HONOR! READ MORE ABOUT BOSTON BLACK PRIDE 250 YEARS HERE . The Gems & Jewels Open Mic Series has been slowly budding these last few years, but even more these last few months. Norvia at Fort Hill Bar & Grill has been absolutely amazing with trusting us as we bring in the storytelling Roxbury seems to crave.
In the meantime, I am finding myself needing more help. What does help look like for someone like me? I am always burnt out, tired, and underpaid. There is not enough space for me to grieve. I am moving through the medical care system trying different anti-depressants just to keep from gaining weight or letting my fibromaylagia take over my wellbeing.
There was a time when my body only remembered survival.
Now, every stretch, every dance, every deep breath, every poem, every song, and every step toward the water reminds me that healing is possible. Moving my body has become one of the gentlest ways I honor myself after trauma. It isn't about perfection—it's about coming home to myself, one moment at a time.
That journey continues to shape everything I create through Saafyr and Gems & Jewels. 💎✨
If you'd like to follow along, my newest videos and upcoming events are live on my website! You'll find updates, reflections, creative offerings, and ways to stay connected.HERE IS THE LINK TO LEARN MORE.
This month, I'd love to see you at one (or all!) of these community gatherings:
TONIGHT: 🎤 Gems & Jewels Open Mic & Karaoke at Fort Hill Bar & Grill—bring your voice, your truth, or simply your presence.
SUNDAY, JULY 19TH 🌊 Wellness on the Beach at Carson Beach—movement, wellness, vendors, lite bites, and community in the sun.
SATURDAY, JULY 25 🎶 House of Inspiration Family Music & Arts Festival at Almont Park in Mattapan—a free day of music, art, and family fun.
Thank you for walking this healing journey with me. Every smile shared, every hug, every conversation, and every creative moment reminds me that joy is something we can build together. I hope to see you soon. 💜
Be Love, Be Radical, Be YOU!
444-CAST
July 2026 brings massive cosmic shifts, headlined by Mercury retrograde in Cancer (lasting until July 23) and Jupiter entering bold Leo. Read your specific sign on platforms like Astrology Zone to navigate communication mix-ups early in the month and expect exciting, fast-paced changes toward the end of July.
A quick look at how the stars are aligning for your sign this July. If you are a cusp-baby, consider both signs in your reflections:
• Aries: Your career is soaring, but watch out for explosive, rebellious moments in your relationships around July 3. Keep your conversations diplomatic to avoid unnecessary meltdowns. • Taurus: Expect surprising financial news or shifts in your daily budget. This month challenges you to redefine what true success means, shifting the focus from physical items to deep, emotional security. • Gemini: Mars in your sign gives you immense energy and drive. Use the first three weeks to process your thoughts before speaking. The Full Moon at the end of the month helps your ideas finally come to life. • Cancer: It is your birthday season! July is a gentle month of reflection rather than fast action. The July 14 New Moon in your sign invites you to honor your past, look at old photos, and connect with loved ones. • Leo: Jupiter blazes through your sign, making this a golden era for wealth and romance. Stop hiding in the shadows and share your talents with the world. • Virgo: Trust your instincts. Focus on new hobbies, hanging out with friends, or going on dates. Mid-month brings a great opportunity to do whatever brings you joy. • Libra: Your social life and long-term career goals are highlighted. With Mercury retrograde, double-check your emails and texts to avoid miscommunications with coworkers. • Scorpio: July starts with a few fits and starts, but it ends in a spectacular way. By the final week, expect major milestones and breakthroughs in your personal or work life. • Sagittarius: You are expanding your horizons. Late July brings abundant blessings and luck, especially when Jupiter highlights your travel and learning sectors. • Capricorn: Focus on balancing your needs with those of your partner. The second half of the month helps you find clarity in your personal life. • Aquarius: Relationships and partnerships take center stage this month. The Full Moon in your sign on July 29 allows you to express your truest self. • Pisces: Your imagination and creativity are very strong. Try to balance those big, dreamy goals with a bit of practical, real-world action.
I recently went to Womxn of Color Weekend, which, by the way, I am overdue for a proper recap for y'all. I got you. Anyways, and met some amazing people, including this one special star-seed named Sharah, who introduced herself to me as Onyx. Unlike my kitten Ony (happy birthday baby girl), this grown woman has lived many lives and shown me what it looks like to shine through the cracks of each one. Together, we came up with a conceptual series where we combine her abstract visual art and my poetry to present works that is not only free and accessible, but to initiate our next radical chapter in our creative process.
Translucent describes something that allows light to pass through, but softens it—making what lies beyond appear hazy rather than perfectly clear. In a more poetic sense, it can also represent clarity, honesty, and a life lived without disguise.
I had the joy of meeting the creator of @the_glass_jar_project , and since then we’ve been building, healing, and strengthening together. This collaboration is our first offering—a fusion of abstract visual art and poetry that invites you into our creative process as we imagine and create brighter futures for ourselves and our communities.
Our first piece is “Translucent.”
✨ Next word: “Illumination.”
Thank you for supporting independent artists and our creative journeys. Be sure to follow both of our pages for what’s next.
Have you purchased any products from me, and want to continue supporting? Well, my new supporters have gotten the chance to experience my new Self-Love Sprays, Self-Love Oils, Chakra Jewelry, and Healing Energy Readings. This is all normally in person when I am vending, which you will find me at a few more events this summer, as well as, my Online Bontanica which will be renovated soon.
If you send me a picture of you with something you purchased from me, I will send you a $10 Gift Card and reserve a stamp on my loyalty card. I would love to shout you out on my website and newsletters if you feel comfortable sharing and would like people to know where to find you!
Some of you may have already heard my song, “Blessing” (streaming on all platforms), as well as a live performance of “Curses”. Well, these are 2 out of 5 tracks I have been working on since 2022. It has been a rough & long beautiful season healing my Solar Plexus Chakra, but I am finally seeing my head above the planet and recognizing how powerful this whole galaxy is, as it shines through my core. My project “Chosen” is set to release in 2027, but I am praying to have a team that will help me execute and see this through. I choose you! In time, I will be reaching out asking for more help, and I pray you or someone you know will push the gate open with me.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I am looking to book 2 features for July & August!
I will be hosting our Self-Care Sundays with a lovely twist! Register [HERE] as a Participant or Vendor (no fee, bring your own set up). Tell-a-friend to Tell-a-friend!
Are you looking for ways to get your story out in the world?
I am looking for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, leaders, and supporters that have something they want to add to our crystalizing community of Gems & Jewels ! We have featured artists like Black Picasso, Louie the Bee, Red Shaydez, Capuriga, and more! Once you submit the form, we will announce to you when you are featured next.
This is a free mutual aid service with a goal to become a philanthropic radical arts initiative for BIPOC Queer surviving girls and young womxn seeking support to build their blueprint to thrive. We deserve to move towards financial freedom. I pray we support your journey in the ways you need.
You have special gifts, and they should shine! We are excited to grow with you! 💎
Got an Idea? Want to connect to my products & services? Available to volunteer with opportunities to get paid? Looking to manifest a healthy and wealthy lifestyle?
There are always ways I can improve my skills….
My team works really hard to come together and we welcome all the feedback that will help me grow as a leader with this special community.
If you attended an event, worked with me as a client, or have thoughts about the newsletter, anything, feel free to fill out the form linked below!
Invest today, Change Tomorrow! My work is mostly volunteer-led with offsetting costs in personal investments, in-kind donations, selling products, offering services, running other businesses, consulting, and writing grants, which don't always promise a gift.
Special Thanks to the Alchemy Fund for awarding me a Grant of $200 that would go towards honorariums for our Gems & Jewels Open Mic Features!
As a proud Alumni from Dunamis Boston, I have been able to grow with their amazing support within this journey. Get in touch, sign up, and grow with Dunmisboston.org!
Your donation of $5, $100, $500 helps us build a radical future! Thank you for your love offering!
