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But I'M BACK!
I had some technical hurdles on the digital home front, but I am back and here to stay. It never ceases to amaze me how often I am reminded about the Gift and power of patience and inner peace. The few days without access felt like an eternity, in the midst of it, but I look back and can see that it wasn't that bad. Such is life. So much has occurred, since my last entry; where to begin? It's definitely great to see and feel more of the Sun. This past winter has been among the darkest for me, so I am absolutely committed to soaking up as much Vitamin D as I can. Roller blading, walks, cookouts, i'm up for it. Beyond that, is a blessing to live in the manifestations of my goals and passions. Mind blowingly - I know, it's not a real word, but I'm in a safe space - my three most recent major projects have all been recognized: TIME: The Kalief Browder Story (Netflix) - Peabody Award Winner Kill Move Paradise (Theatre) - Drama Desk Award Nominee for Lighting and Set Sprout House (NBCU Kids) - Daytime Emmy Nominee Like, whoa... Again, I'm just really grateful to be a part of projects with a powerful message and ones that speak to the communities. May I continue to do the type of work that I am eternally proud of, that speaks to who I am and what I stand/advocate for. Not only that, the fact that in each of these projects, I have been surrounded by people who were passionate about the work they put out, and the story or message(s) being shared; the makings of success. Also in this time, I've been working with my fellow Producers on our short film, FAWK. Since we're in the crowd-funding phase, to help get through post-production, it's been crucial for us to be as present as possible. Now that this site is back up and running, you'll likely see more info and updates in the near future. For now, I have some other writing of my own to tend to...*wink* Until soon...
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I aim, this quarter, to continue to be surrounded by only those who see impossibility as it relates to not trying, to not jumping openly in the abyss of, not the unknown, but infinite possibility. Last year (2017) taught me a great deal about the gift of Life and of myself and what I am able to manifest. I will not be deterred from the full actualization of that gift, nor should anyone I break bread with be denied exposure to it. I will not be hung up on trivial ideologies, nor will I cower in the face of opposition to my truth. I understand that my journey is not meant for everyone to understand. "They" did not buy my shoes. "They" did not pave my path. I will continue to say YES to Life; to proceed with open arms, in faith that the elements which has brought me here, will take me so much further. I understand that I have only seen the tip of the tip of the iceberg and will remain focused on the Vision that has been laid out. I will continue with the understanding that nothing works against me, if I don't work against it. This means that there are no setbacks. The hurdles I face are not meant to discourage me, but to strengthen my legs and lengthen the height of my leap. I am not afraid. I realize that in order for me to be the man I know I can be, I need to embrace the man I am today, without judgement. There is more work to be done and kicking myself is not a means to productivity. Apologizing for who I am is not an option, and seeking approval is null and void in the trajectory of my Life. I get to enjoy every waking moment I have, and I will not diminish that opportunity, for the sake of acceptance or normality. I understand that this vow is not to anyone other than myself. I am aware that nobody but me can be held responsible for anything I've laid out in this publicly private entry. Here's to a joyously abundant 2nd quarter. Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #2ndquarter #vows  11:06am I'm at the Equity building, waiting to be seen for two auditions: "Tribe" and "The Fabulous Stories of Hollywood Whores." I am #24 for the former, and #13 for the latter. Though I'm not really pressed for time, I was hoping to get one or both over with before heading to the 45th Street Theatre. We have to meet at about 1:45 for their audition and I figured I'd try to head to the [Drama Bookshop] afterwards. Then, at 6:30/7 is a soiree given by one of my contacts. I know this seems like a lot, but it's really not. I actually would prefer it to be that way. Full. Productive. Consistent. At some point today, I'd like to get these videos for the Spain trip done. It literally will only take 5-min each, so there is no reason I can't get them done and submitted. I am really excited about [the possibility of] that trip. It'll be nice to get away from the country for a few weeks. I think I'll head to the Drama [Bookshop] and look through Backstage, and maybe read a play before heading to 45th St. No need in [being idle] if there are other activities to be done. AT the point of this entry, I had been living in New York for about five months and two days. Already, I fell into the rhythm of packing my days with to-do's, leaving little to no room for rest. While it developed into a strong work ethic - that which still holds, to this day - I would eventually run myself to the point of exhaustion, twice, which would learn me to listen my body and treat it with the utmost care.
Nowadays, I am very conscious about the amount of time I spend working and creating, as well as prioritizing time for meditation, rest, nourishment and sleep. I am no longer living in the illusion of competition. Instead, I am giving in to the passion of my Journey and am pursuing my desires with great intent, clarity and purpose. That, in and of itself, is what keeps me going. Oh, I didn't book that Spain gig, after all; but it was certainly worth the effort. It eventually led me to other travel/work opportunities, down the line. I'm excited to see what else comes up, looking through more journal entries. Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #journals #reflections #nyc ON the morning of June 23, 2014, I woke up, having slept in for a couple of hours. I cannot remember if I went right into my morning meditation or stalled for a bit, but I do recall my phone being on silent. Eventually, I checked my phone, noticing that there were a handful of missed calls - more than what seemed "normal." Then I noticed text messages, Facebook notifications, all wondering where I was, if I was alive and okay...say what? I then noticed a link attached to one of the messages. It turned out that a Donnell Smith had been shot and killed at a house party in Brownsville, BK, the night before. That shook me to the marrow. What are the odds? I had been living in Bushwick then, which was close enough to home, but the fact that the guy had the same name took me somewhere, mentally. I did a check-in on my life, and wrote this: It Could Have Been Me 6-23-14 It could have been me Showered by metal rain Poured from clouds of rage Anger, jealousy, envy Or sheer miscommunication of the underaged Could have been me Laid, bathed In the blood of my own flesh I was lucky, I guess Or warned Better cherish life today For tomorrow other plans may be underway It could have been me Departed without reason Gone for endless seasons Words unsaid Sentiments in my head As I lie in bed I was sleep, but I woke up This time Hold me now I don't want to go Not knowing if you know What you mean to me How your Love affects me How my Love yearns for you Until they take me away I am here. And I'll tell you every day Deeply, passionately so I need you to know I love you, I Love you  ("Prayer" from Jprwpics, on flickr.com) #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #Prayer
In full awareness of Women's History Month, I am inspired to kick my first blog of the month off with a poem that I wrote for a Female public figure, who I always looked up to, growing up. She was known as America's favorite Mom, for many years; but I liked to think of her as Auntie (no Mom outdoes my Mom). In 2012, I had the immense and humbling honor of experiencing three intersecting dreams of mine, all at once: (1) I got to meet this incredible Woman; (2) I got to work with this incredible Woman - She was Director, on the project I worked with Her; (3) said project was one of my favorite plays, A Raisin in the Sun. During this process, I was able to witness, first-hand, Her brilliance, magnificence, passion and humbleness. So, for Her, I wrote this: O' That Woman She visually whispers accolades to my ambitions Welcomes my presence as a rite of passage Into a new world, excitingly divine Close enough to touch But too precious to handle with human hands Ah, she...she smiles upon my intentions Nodding approvingly that I have fulfilled my purpose Or at the very least captured the essence of such a goal She speaks miracles and revelations to the village And send them on with her blessing, her peace Her...piece of experience at which millions have witnessed And thousands seek to attain She is the water that is fluid, soft Strong May I be all that she knows I can be And more than I perceived in me And from this day, I know it won't be long I have reached the start of an escalation to the dream Made to bear its fruit and nourish my longings Today, she has already kept me Already known me Already given me exactly what I had All along Thank You, [Gift of Dawn] #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #WomensHistoryMonth #ThankYou
I want you to know - no matter what you are going through, at this present moment - that no rain storm lasts forever; it will be very much worth the Journey to break through it and bask in the sunshine that is yours to claim. Every today is your gift and opportunity to make it that much better than yesterday. I'm cheering you on!  #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #YouGotThis #iGotYou
CURRENT Situation: on set of my very first television commercial. I know right, WOW! Of course, I cannot say (just yet) what it is for, but I will say that 2018 is definitely showing me Love. For that, I am exceedingly grateful. It's a true testament to the truth that one never knows what is going on beneath the surface; so one should always keep going, yea?
AS of late, in my continual practice of silence and stillness, I am learning, more and more, the gift of Patience. It's actually like a Power...a Superpower; heeey, Wakanda! I digress *ahem*. The less I worry about what is coming next, and from where, the more surprised I am when something comes along, especially with a booking to sweeten the stride. It becomes less about the grind itself and more about meeting dope individuals who also love what they do. That alone increases the likelihood of more opportunities to come. IF this is just the tip of the iceberg, in my journey of silence and stillness then, . Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #stillness #WakandaForever BY the title of this entry, I get the feeling your head probably tilted ever so slightly, or you did that little scrunch-thing with your face. It's all good. Fret not, this entry is rated G. *ahem* Shall we? THIS week has been chock full of blanket moments; experiences in which one feels like one is wrapped up in a warm blanket, euphorically elevated to one's highest vibration. It is almost spiritual. At least, this is my personal definition of it. Now that I think about it, I do believe that is among my own personal terminology. Ah, I digress... ONE of the most highlighted blanket moments this week: Black Panther. Yup, last night's rehearsal was finished on the earlier side of the evening so I decided to see if I could land a ticket. What. An. Experience! That's all I will say about it; I try not to be the one to hype things up. I will add that I plan on seeing it again tomorrow evening...and possibly Sunday afternoon... It was a great experience that I would be delighted to wrap myself in. NOW that I think of it, I have been in the midst of what I like to call Creative Hell Week. I know, I know, another one of my "terms." I am so gratefully in a vortex of consistent work that my current projects have met at a crossroad, this week. Added, were some solid auditions to keep the creative mojo strong. Overall, it has been a great week of blanket-worthy moments that I secretly wish I could stay wrapped in, (Wakanda) forever. Speaking of Wakanda, did I mention that Black Panther was a dope film? *Reads above paragraph* YES, I did. Well then, may your experiences be blanket-worthy. May you be so euphorically elevated to your highest vibration that you too desire to stay wrapped in its inspirational magic. May the Spirit of the Panther be with you. Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #BlackPanther #WakandaForever #blanketmoments  UP until this very moment, I have been contemplating what I wanted to share in this first (and loooong overdue) blog of 2018. Earlier this evening, I read an email from a dear friend of mine, who wanted to express his gratitude for and to the people in his life. Humbled to have been on the receiving end of that email, that list of I Am's, I was inspired to happily oblige and reply with my gratitude-now list. I then wanted to continue these positive vibes and send my list to the people who humble and inspire me. Then, I decided I would do it in a slightly different way.
IN reading my friend's list, I realized that the very act of professing our gratitude brings about a feeling of renewal, and a fresh start, in that very moment. We do not have to wait for New Year's Day or life anniversaries (birthdays) or even the beginning of the week to begin anew. Every day we are given to rise from our beds, we are already new. We get to use today to be better than yesterday; that is our clean slate. No matter what occurred yesterday, it does not keep you from being your best You, today. With that being said, here is my gratitude-now list: I Am grateful to have been a part of a dope email chain (re: dear friend's shared gratitude list). I Am grateful that I get to have passionate people in my life who inspire me to be passionate about Life. I Am grateful for stillness and silence. I Am grateful for getting to wake up and make today better than yesterday. I Am grateful that I have stepped into my Purpose and get to live in it every day. I Am grateful for my Blackness. I Am grateful for parents who support my path, even though they were afraid I'd be homeless or broke, in the process. I Am grateful that I got to experience being homeless and broke during my time living in NYC - without it, I might not have realized how resilient and resourceful I really Am. I Am grateful that I can find a way. I Am grateful that I have found a way to maintain inner-peace, assurance and gratitude, in the face of uncertainty and bullshit. I Am grateful for Love over fear. I Am grateful I get to be a Happy Black Man on a show that little Black boys and girls will see and remember when they're grown. I Am grateful that I no longer feel that I have to prove myself or have to fit into the boxes that society has created, just to feel like I matter (dammit!). I Am grateful for Our stories, Our strides, Our history. I Am grateful for my commitment to Happiness, no matter what. I Am grateful for my own permission to cry, to get pissed, to need, to ask for help, to stumble, to fall, to cry some more and then to get right back up and be dope as shit - that felt good, right there... I Am grateful that I know who I Am, and that much assures my stability in every situation. I Am grateful for the ones who take the time to know me, the ones who understand me and all my quirks to know that my Love goes beyond words. I Am grateful to those whose eyes have reached this point - no matter what you may have said about this long list, along the way - because it means that on some level, you believe in me and my mission. Thank You! Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #newness #gratitude #blogspot #thankyou #iAM WHAT is it about this time of the year that has many of us either going into overdrive, trying to tie up loose ends, or deeply introspective, meticulously evaluating the course of the year, to date? We increase productivity, we shop more, we workout out more, we connect with more friends and we eagerly anticipate the coming of a new year. But why? Are we lamenting over our actions throughout the present year and are in need of a clean slate? Have our sown seeds shown us what is to come in the next season, that we cannot wait for it to manifest? I wonder...
USUALLY, I treat my birthdays as my own Personal New Year. Even when I wish others a "Happy Birthday" - Disclaimer: I do miss birthdays here and there, and kick myself for it because I want to catch everyone I know - I try to include "Personal New Year" somewhere in my message to the one in celebration. It's one of the primary reasons I opt to travel on or around my birthday, to give myself permission to go inward, analyze my Journey, get to know me more and find out what about me is evolving. Then, when New Year's Eve comes around, I am the guy who is happy staying in the house, watching TV, meditating or pigging out. Don't get me wrong, I do still hold on to some of the ritualistic superstitions like: making sure all of my laundry is washed, or detail-cleaning the house the day before, and even making sure I'm going into the new year with a certain amount of money in the bank and on my person. But, I also find myself stressing less and less, the closer to the closing of the year that we get. Nonetheless, I am intrigued by the way we, generally, start to get antsy in the final month of the year. THIS year's Journey has taught me how to surrender and to let go; and in a myriad of ways. I look back over my steps and I realize the patterns of walking away from certain situations without hesitation, embracing new ideas and values with open arms, even understanding the loss of loved ones gone too soon. I realize that none of it is in vain and each step has either been with fully conscious intent or subconscious dharma, always informing the next step and contributing to the overall mission. Even when I did not understand how - and there are certain lessons I still grapple with - I made the choice to lean more into Faith, instead of stress. I have learned that uncertainty is the greatest platform for opportunity. Now, I'm really starting to see that it is about the Journey, because the destination is a deceptive illusion that will have you chasing your own ego, before you get to taste the fruits of your desires. PERHAPS, it is in my practice of silence and stillness that I have been able to reach this level of clarity. Perhaps, this very moment is the only one that should be getting all of my attention. Perhaps, I will stay on this effortless flow out of 2017 and step confidently into 2018, no rush necessary. Perhaps, I should challenge you to do the same. Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #NewYear #rocksteady To date, it has been 6 years, 3 months, 3 weeks and 5 days since I moved to New York; and as it closes in on the week leading up to my Personal New Year (birthday), I have found myself in a space of deep introspection. I have constantly been thinking about the course of my journey - which I would not trade in for the world - yet, also wondering how different it might have been if certain vital steps and opportunities were missed. There have been many a day when I would kick myself for not being where I feel I should have been - and honestly, from time to time, I still do. I have complained about things and circumstances, yet always find myself right back to a space of Gratitude and Humbleness. Those moments are my reminders that I am right where I am supposed to be.
Today, I sat in a cafe and journal-ranted about all of the elements that I felt were working against me, or seemingly holding me back. In the midst of that rant, I began to recognize the solutions/remedies for those same complaints. Literally, for every complaint I spoke of and listed, there were one or two solutions I was able to clearly see that would combat that thought process and challenge myself to turn them into opportunities. I realized that I was beginning to allow myself to get so distracted by the elements I wanted to see changes in, that I nearly missed the open door to those very changes. Mahatma Gandhi was right: Be the change you want to see. Being present does not necessarily mean having all the answers. Rather, it means acknowledging where you are, what you feel and where the opportunities to modify and improve lie. It's all there, really. I am learning, every day, how to live in the now and how to see the light in every waking situation, step by step. Of course it is not always easy, but very much worth the effort, in the long run. Yea, I'm still figuring it out. Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blogspot #FiguringItOut Growing up, I often wondered what made people live in cities/towns that were prone to natural disasters. Having only experienced, at most, severe thunder-storms and blizzards, I thought that was enough to deal with. As I became an adult and started traveling, finally getting to know the world outside my own, I began to understand there was little difference from what I was used to as a child and how people in those areas see it. People can only be where they are. Those who leave are the ones who can; those who stay - or move to those areas - have their reasons, and they need not be questioned or challenged.
How, though? I wonder about the psychological effect it has on a community who might yearly endure the damage or loss of property, the seemingly daunting task of having to pick up the pieces and begin again. I do not pity these communities, but rather salute their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of elements out of human control. Those cities and towns I have been fortunate to visit over the years inspire me, because Life goes on. It must. It is a reminder that we are a part of Nature, whether we realize it or not. Having the gift (or curse) of will is not an exemption from the evolution of the planet we share. The social constructs we feed into, and inevitably perpetuate, are merely distractions. They are ill-usions, compared to what really matters. Yet, despite it all, the natural cycle continues. Where and how we fit into that is based on what we choose to acknowledge and contribute to the evolution, be it helpful or otherwise. Nonetheless, we weather the storm, and we continue forward. To those who are, have been and will be affected by the natural elements: You are forever on my mind and in my prayers. Stay strong, be safe and Live on. #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #Pray4TheNations  The flicker at the center of hopeful eyes
The base of the waves in the afternoon tides The grind between jaws of determination The heart of a nation I Am anticipation, resilience, elevation Of the Human Spirit, I Am The roundness of lips professing Love for the first time I Am the reach in the strive for success The assurance of a mind at its best Rest for the weary, answers to the query In search of a release I Am Clarity at the precipice of Peace Get to know me The hug after a nightmare The kiss in the midst of fallen tears The missing heartbeat in the face of fear Never defeated, I Am always there The open palm of gratitude The exhale of relief The waist of lovers' cuddle time Rest but never sleep on me I Am the flex in a Freedom Walk The confidence in Revolution's talk The stand taken The air that upholds the Fist of Justice I cannot be held down because I Am the ground that supports The People But I cannot be walked over because I Am the Future inevitably manifested I Am the haunted Past The part of hi(S)tory tried and tested And I passed Evolution because I Am the Present The surprise in gifts God-given The breath of the Living The strength in Forgiving The reason for Giving Not to be dismissed because I Am the storage facilitating memory So miss me with amnesia because I Am the analysis in every diagnosis The decibels in every scream The calm before the storm The pulse of the alarm I Am every thing and any thing in between #GetToKnowMe #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blog #iAm Loss (n): the state of being deprived of or of being without something that someone has had Losing anything is never convenient; keys, wallet, a job, a relationship, oneself... Though a lot of these mishaps are only temporary, and many are avoidable to some extent, there is a piece of us that is altered/modified. Whether we believe it or not, something in our perception changes. Nonetheless, a lesson resides at the end result of the matter, be it when the item is found, a new job is had, the relationship is mended or at least civilized, the worth of self is rediscovered. Or the opposed... Loss (n): death, or the fact of being dead Perhaps the heaviest loss I have ever experienced, and undeniably the most traumatic, has been that of a very dear friend and former castmate of mine, not even a month ago. This dear friend and I recently shared the stage in the very play that our hearts were set on from our introduction to it - Kill Move Paradise - back in April/2016. A true bond was formed; and not solely covered in Art, but one steeped in the abundance of Life. I cannot readily admit that I have come across another being who carries such a Light and capacity for Love that it viscerally magnify's one own capacity. Even as I type this, I find myself having a quite difficult time understanding or fully processing his transition. True as it may be that his energy, Light & Love are significantly larger than the shell of his flesh that once contained it, there is the (selfish) part of me that wishes that shell could have carried his physical presence just a while longer, 30-40 years more. It's not fair... My life has changed, quite literally. Every day, I wonder, I ask aloud, I sit in a cloud of confusion, trying to make sense of what I am afraid I will never fully understand. There is a part of me that is at a tremendous loss. Loss (n): a losing by defeat. We lost at battle with fate. No, it does not make me afraid to live, but rather determined to live more fearlessly. But it does hurt. Every day it does, and in a way that is different, almost newly compartmentalized; every day. This loss feels permanent, and I have yet to discover the lesson at the end result, because I am not entirely sure what that "end result"' is [supposed to be]. This past month has been an ironic balance of tragedy and triumph. While mourning loss, I have been giving myself permission to celebrate recent career strides, bookings and new friendships that have formed. It helps. I get that one can not understand the fulfillment of joy without the awareness of pain, yet these reminders only lead to more questions: (1) why this kind of pain? (2) why his life? (3) why now? (4) why? Again, the answers may be out of reach, right now, but I have to trust that they will come. Otherwise, I would go through Life at a loss of Faith, which is sure to be at my own demise, yea? Until soon... #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #blog #SidikiFofana  Yesterday was the final performance of Kill Move Paradise, at The National Black Theatre (written by James Ijames, Directed by Saheem Ali). The final curtain also happened to fall on the birthday of Tamir Rice, who would have been 15yrs young today, and was greatly represented in KMP, as Tiny (Sidiki Fofana). For the first time in my career - and even uttering this feels strange - I honestly do not know how or what to feel. Closing shows can usually be a challenge - especially, when working one to be proud of - but this was not like any type of show I have ever done. I am not so sure the recovery, or "getting back to life" is or will be so simple. This piece is such a strong representation of Life that I began to notice when the world of KMP felt more like realism than the world I walked into when I left the building after each performance. What of that? How does one walk away from that? The rave reviews - especially one such in The NY Times as a Critic's Pick - the cheers and standing ovations, the celebrity appearances have all been outstanding and truly humbling; however, what I have found the most gratifying has been the privilege to witness lives changed. Literally. Lives have changed in front of our eyes, and that is something that cannot be measured by ratings or applause. It is the way those eyes rest on the subjects before them, how they search for the right articulation while their spirit shouts monologues of gratitude, openness and liberation. It is the awakening in their energy that is so tangible that it can be held. I have never seen anything like that before, As Daz (Clinton Lowe) says in the show, "that's transformation." That's magic. That is the beauty of Theatre. Today, I celebrated my 6th anniversary living in New York. With that celebration came the bittersweet taste of a job successfully executed, but passed. In the morning, I silently hoped for an email requesting a special encore performance, just so I can get back into that world and touch one more life, say their names one more time, be a part of the release that the is and has been much needed in our communities. I wanted one more time to stand up for and represent every Grif in America who carries - knowingly or otherwise - the burden society has place on their psyche, on their flesh. I wanted to cry, to laugh out loud, to shout, to get angry, then forgive, to play and feel hopeful of a better tomorrow. What I resolved to do, however, was to do every bit of that in Donnell's life. I resolved to be as free in my daily life as I was able to feel in Kill Move Paradise. I am going to claim my ascension on this earthly plane. The message and the purpose has not faded; nor shall my contribution to it. Isa (Ryan Jamaal Swain) said it best: "A little more work to do." Until the next Piece of Power... Thank You, Sade Lythcott, Jonathan McCrory, Nabii Faison, Denzel Faison, Paris Campbell, Randolph Logan, Byron McCray, Cheryl Duncan, Gabriel Lawrence, Garlia C. Jones-Ly, Christine Jean Chambers, Kojo Ade, Chris Holland, Laksman Shapiro, Gregory Caldwell, Candace Leacock, Reynaldo J. Nunez, Alan C. Edwards, Palmer Hefferan, Ntokozo Kunene, Maruti Evans, Darius Smith, Darrell G. Moultrie, Adrian Alexander Alea, Christina Franklin, Saheem Ali, James Ijames, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Clinton Lowe & Sidiki Fofana for your Love and Being. #SmithDonnellE #OnMyMind #KillMoveParadise #NationalBlackTheatre #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy |
AuthorDonnell E. Smith Archives
March 2020
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