Time has taught me a few reasons why bosses floss and celebrate big…perhaps because of the consistent price we pay to be who we are, to answer our calls. The oppositions and obstacles come, most definitely. In moments of discouragement and uncertainty, I can imagine many of us find ourselves fighting to stay motivated. At times, I know I do… In one of those moments for me, the inspiration came in an email. This is my diary of experiences surrounding the 2022 Boss Honors Awards.
The Email
Pataki. Oun mi Ojo Abameta, Owara Mokandilogbon, Odun Egbawa Mejilelogun,
Mejidilogoji ojo igba ooru.
Saturnday, October 29th,, 2022
38 days into Autumn Equinox
The Moon…was waxing in Capricorn, a double dose of Saturn energy
It was still Scorpio season, and the day vibrated on a 9. Iba Se Oya(Orisa of Transformation) on Esu’s(Divine Messenger and Trickster) ruling day. It was mid rising, and I turned over in bed, groggy from a good night’s sleep. Still in bed, I checked my emails….scroll, scroll, scroll. An email appeared in my feed that read “2022 Boss Up Honors Awards.” What is this? I opened it and it read:
“Congratulations, Honoree….” I immediately squealed for joy, smiled from my spirit, and gazed to the Heavens and said, “Adupe O!” (Thank you) Lawd, Chimere don’ pulled another stunt! We’d connected in Divine mission twice before. The first was the TV Show, “Galactical Goddesses,” then The Real Housewives of Houston “EVO: Evolution of a Woman” book project, now this! You know I had to call and get the particulars. When bosses connect, something can be counted on to come out of it. This conversation birthed two more collaborations, an interview on 222.9 The Mothership Internet Radio for Sagittarius Season(Chimere is a Sag Woman) and a poetry performance from Moi at the upcoming awards show. I decided on writing a specialty piece to fit the occasion. Time to get it in…
The Gown
Pataki. Oun mi Ojo Aje, Belu Merinla, Odun Egbawa Mejilelogun
Marundilogota ojo igba ooru.
Moonday, November 14th, 2022
55 days into Autumn Equinox
The Moon was waning in my zodiac house…Leo
Iba Se Yemonja! The day vibrated on a four…a good time bolt down foundations. Its still Scorpio Season. Since the 29th of October, I’d nearly sprouted several new platinum hairs trying to find a dress for the occasion. Shopping online was a headache. Everything was either too sexualized, too boring, or just wasn’t my style. These things were aside from having to look out for the online sharks that show you a picture of a fashion masterpiece, then mail you a total disaster. One night after hours of searching I got so frustrated that I had to just stop and breathe. I realized I was the one out of balance, and I just decompressed and allowed myself to receive.
After a few moments, I heard it as clear as day. “Go to The Cottage Shop on Moonday.” my spirit said. The Cottage Shop is a resale and consignment boutique in the Montrose area of Houston. I frequented this shop on a regular before the 2020 plague, and this would be my first time returning since. What I loved most about shopping there was the fact that 100% of the proceeds from the boutique go to helping other women reclaim stability in their lives. Being a woman who knew shaky grounds well, I found this spiritual affirmation more than appropriate. I sure do love a win-win situation.
I set out on the day of this diary. It was a damp, cloudy, misty Moonday, but still pleasant. I got there early, almost as soon as they opened and went straight to the formal gown rack. There were only two dresses in my size, one a bronze/copper color, the other one a rich fuchsia. Both colors sacred to Oya…hmmm. I snatched both of them off of the rack and went to the dressing room.
In all honesty, I was more fixated on the bronze dress just looking at the two dresses on the hangers. The fuchsia one didn’t look like much on the hanger….it more so jumped in my hand because it was the color of my divinity, and it was in my size. I slipped into the bronze one, but alas, there were too many biscuits in the pan and I couldn’t zip it…..damn.
I tried the fuchsia one, mainly so it wouldn’t be a completely wasted trip. My disappointment dissolved instantly. The bronze dress was immediately forgotten because the fuchsia gown fit perfectly! The first thing I noticed was how smoothly the dress glided over my body and zipped just right. It had the perfect grip, not too tight, not too loose, not in the very least uncomfortable. I didn’t even need the hem taken in because I’m short! It was vintage, to match my old soul, and the design of the fabric reminded me of a tornado. Tornadoes are sacred to the Orisa Oya, for those who are unfamiliar with orisa tradition. So was the vibrant purple of the fabric. I felt like Odysseus when he shot the arrow through all 12 axes cleanly. Jackpot! I decided in that moment that this gown would not only be for the award show, but a ceremony gown as well. I stepped into the hall of mirrors in the dressing room area and got the stamp of approval from many of the other shoppers. Of course I purchased it, put it in the cleaners, then headed out to grab the silk for Mama Joyce’s crown. Back to Mothershipping.
The Jewelry
Pataki: Oun Mi Ojo Bo, Ope Okan, Odun Egbawa Mejilelogun
Adorin ojo Igba Ooru
Thorsday 12.1.2022
70 days into Autumn Equinox
The Moon was waxing in Pisces
The day vibrated on a 1, ideal for new beginnings. The moon was waxing in Aries…right on the money.
I was still coming off the creative high of Mama Joyce’s crown creation. My hands still itched for more, so I went ahead and created the jewelry that I would wear with my gown. I decided to make myself some healing stone jewelry, as I have so many others. I chose vibrant purple and rainbow titanium stones, accented by some camel bone beads I charged on my ancestral altar for over a year. It was my way of thanking my ancestors, and taking them with me to the party.
I made a copper choker with these stones with matching earrings and gypsy knuckle rings. Invitations were sent out, well wishes were coming in, my thank you video reached all I intended it to, and the next day was the big day.
The Poem
The poem wasn’t hard to write, as I had been in a place of reflection since October 29th. Receiving this award was a major milestone, and often times I found myself reflecting on the years of blood, sweat, and tears it took to get to this point. Being the empath I am, I couldn’t help but feel the collectiveness in that sentiment, granted I was one of many honorees who would be receiving the same milestone. I took pen to pad for us all, and wrote the poem “The Cost to be the Boss.” I can’t remember the last time I memorized a poem so fast. Then again, I’m pretty good at themed poetry if I do say so myself!
The Road trip and the Mansion
Pataki:Pataki: Oun Mi Ojo Eti, Ope Meji, Odun Egbawa Mejilelogun
Mokanleladorin ojo Igba Ooru
12.2.2022 Moon waxing in Aries
71 days into Autumn Equinox
Moon waxing in Aries
What a great night for new beginnings! Surprisingly, I was relaxed, happy, and grateful! I Mothershipped as normal for most of the day until it was time to adorn. Of course, I took care in my special bath in milk, honey, and rainbow rose petals, complete with a bentonite clay mask. Maroon left hand, soft mauve on the right. Shea body butter infused with lavender and frankincense. Minimal but bold makeup, locs pinned up. Oh yes, I did the most. Glammed up and feeling royal, I called my car. I took my last looks in the mirror before leaving and remember being so happy with the woman who stared back at me. I felt more motivation to help other women, other people, feel the same.
Now, the venue upgraded and shifted two days before the event in order to offer the guests more for their money. It was an upgrade though…and upgrade to the Monarch Mansion II. This resulted in nearly a 1 hour road trip for me. I tell you, The Spirit always has His/Her ways of reminding me that my priestess hat never comes off. People love to say “I wear many hats.” I like to say, “I wear the same hat with many feathers.” This road trip turned into a counseling session between myself and my driver. As we journeyed across town, he took me on a journey through his life. I delivered the mail as normal. Always the work. Always, Always, Always the work.
Ogun blessed us with a smooth and pleasant trip that ended in a well paved, valet driveway of the massive Monarch Mansion. Get this…the mansion was at a crossroad. Iba se Esu! My driver got out of car, opened my door, and helped me out of the car. I smirked at the two lions on the gate, and the other two at the door. I saluted the spirit animals of my sign and went inside. It felt like I was walking into a new chapter of my life.
It was an amazing evening! Everyone looked great, and the turn up was just right. It wasn’t too wild or too solemn…just right! It was a very inspiring energy, rubbing elbows with other arms that didn’t mind using some elbow grease to achieve their milestones. I was comfortable in my skin, and my dress. One of my line sisters came, my 11 at that. Ironically, the day vibrated on an 11/2…alignments. There were other members of the blue and white family in the house (Zeta Phi Beta Sigma),and of course we connected. The performance went smoothly, divine work was done in various conversations, I took lots of photos, and even reunited with a long lost friend. Due to the mansion being at the crossroads, I took a minute to go outside and blow Esu some cigar in gratitude before taking home the 2022 Boss Honors Award for Literary Orator of the Year! An award for afose…(the power of words) works for me. All of this…and I still made it home before midnight. It was a perfect.
The One Woman Afterparty
When I returned home, I noticed 2 packages on my porch. One box held a bouquet of beautiful purple and white flowers, complete with chocolates. The card simply read “Congratulations.” I could tell by the name I was called by who the flowers were from. I smiled. Stayed outside long enough to take it all in with the night air. The award glowed in my hand, shifting colors in light every few seconds. Oya sure does love Her rainbows! I removed my shoes and let my feet feel the earth’s pulse again. I allowed the hem of my dress to brush the other red carpet of autumn leaves. I took a chocolate out of the box and bit into it slowly, savoring the sweet taste of victory. I also treated myself to a quick selfie photo shoot and live video before opening the other package. What was it? A new pair of headphones. That was my cue to get back to The Mothership. Esu snatched and ate 3 chocolates at the door. I decided in that moment that this would be one of many awards to come. I beamed back up, more motivated than before.
Beam up(tune in) to 222.9 The Mothership Internet Radio for more “Patakis'” or modern-day sacred stories infused with orisa, infused with mystic groove!
Ase in Love,
iiiYansaje T. Muse
