Shirley Alvarez Unmasked

Poem: Venom

2011-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

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

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

2009-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

SADENESS (FINAL VERSION)

2009-09-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Another Version.

2009-09-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

My Version of "Sadeness" by Enigma.

2009-09-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

So Far......

2009-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-31T11:44:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Most Memorable of 08

2008-12-28T14:58:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

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.

The Essence of Chocolate

2008-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is one of my favorite indulgences, the taste to me is so comforting and pure. However, I never really liked chocolate to begin with, even when I was a young child. I'm starting to realize that every time I eat chocolate my mood changes. Lately, I've been craving chocolate whenever I'm sad or just having a gloomy day. I become this happy and alleviated person. Free of any pain or thoughts. I really do believe that biting a bar of chocolate is connected to good moods and happy feelings. Why is that so? well I decided to do some research on chocolate and see if it does have an effect on your mood change. This is what I found:
According to Dr. Adrian Owen, a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge, said that recent brain imaging studies have shed new light on why chocolate has an impact on mood. It's often assumed that chocolate contains psychoactive substances that affect brain chemistry. In fact, it is more likely that the unique combination of taste, texture and aroma in a bar of chocolate stimulate the pleasure centres than any other food."

*Researchers have found that eating chocolate, the number one food craved by American women, causes the brain to release endorphins, chemicals that make us feel good.
*Chocolate is a natural analgesic, or pain killer.
*Chocolate contains substances called Phenylethylamine and Seratonin, both of which (put simply), are mood lifting agents found naturally in the human brain. They are released into the nervous system by the brain when we are happy and when we are experiencing feelings of love, passion or lust. This causes rapid mood change, a rise in blood pressure and increasing heart rate, inducing those feelings of well being, bordering on euphoria usually associated with being in love.

Don't Keep Me Hanging On

2008-10-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Set Me Free Why Don't You babe?
Get out my life, Why Don't you babe?
Cause you don't really love me, you just keep me hanging on.
You say you still care for me, But your heart and soul needs to be free, And now that youve got your freedom, You wanna still hold on to me.
Get Out, Get Out of my Life and let me sleep at night, cause you don't really love me you just keep me hanging on!

let me get over you...the way you got over me =]
You don't want me for yourself, So let me find somebody else .....

[This Song ROCKS!!!] Keep Me Hanging On by Kim Wilde [1984]

The Spark of Life is Alegria

2008-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

"ALEGRIA," A JOYOUS; MAGICAL FEELING

A Mystical Performance by CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Cirque du Soleil (French for "Circus of the Sun," is an entertainment empire that was founded in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberte and Daniel Gauthier. Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world. It has a blend of acrobatics and special effects, with its own central theme and storyline. They draw the audience into the performance through continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props, and by having no curtains. Cirque produces 15 shows in every continent and the permanent shows in Las Vegas play to more than 9,000 people a night.
Alegría was created for Cirque du Soleil's tenth anniversary. The concept for the show was to be dark and heavy. Alegría! Alegría! Alegría!' Is Spanish for 'Joy! Joy! Joy!' Where I come from, it's what you say when you're in pain. It means life goes on."The show's main theme is about the abuse of power and the subsequent struggle for freedom. Alegría makes use of darker lighting and music than previous Cirque productions. The stage and the props use Gothic arches and harsh angular designs to attempt to invoke a feeling of oppressiveness.The music of Alegria has proven extremely popular and the show's soundtrack remains the best-selling Cirque du Soleil album to date.

For More information on Alegria go to : http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/alegria/intro/intro.htm

Cirque Du Soleil Official Website: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm

Beauty Deteriorates

2008-10-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Our Physical Beauty and attractiveness begins to deteriorate as we get older. I was just thinking the other day and I decided to share this new prespective. It's true that the True Beauty lies within our inner and Spiritual qualities. Beauty will not remain on the outside very long, and our bodies last temporarily on earth. Our body has no value, beyond being a vessel for the spirit.

I want to color my spirit and expand the depth of it, (The picture above inspired me), I need to nurture my soul, expose myself to nature, music, good people, art, etc, express myself with language and visually, open my heart and experience love before life runs out. I've been on this spiritual growth journey for quite some time and I do want to dedicate time to empower and protect my mind & spirit. Also be Patient with myself. The longer something lasts, the more valuable it becomes.

Our beautiful spirit will never deteriorate on us. Appreciate your existence in the world. We all have a purpose that needs to be acknowledged and fulfilled. Live with passion everyday. Don't allow anyone or anything to break your spirit apart and don't be afraid to cross over the dark side from time to time. Our imperfections and struggles make life worthwhile and interesting. We will never be in a situation that is too hard to handle. When you dive into the dark, the light is barely visible. When we go through so much pain, disillusion and heartache, don't worry, these are the experiences that make us human. How can we learn about ourselves and know what is important in life? It may be hard to think and find the strength to swim back to the surface but everything happens for a reason . Fight until the end, and everything will fall into place. I've been through my dark hours, and I'm still a positive person. The point is to enrich our spirit we need to go through our dark and happy hours. As long as you can come out and be more self aware and better person. Our spirit is whats left of us when are bodies deteriorate. Our Core lives for eternity, expand it, give it the potential to fly.

Seven Lives, Many Faces

2008-09-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

ENIGMA, the electronic musical project started by Michael Cretu (composer+producer] is back with a seventh studio album called "Seven Lives, many faces". For those who've never heard of "Enigma," in my opinion it is one of the most soothing sounds in music I have ever encountered. It stirs passion and different emotions inside me that I find way too profound to articulate. Everything you hear from Enigma, is obviously a mystery and is up to you to figure out and interpret the meaning behind every song. The lyrics and songs are like flashlight beams, they don't show you everything, you have to look at what's between the lines. It does contain some sexual overtones, but this is not sexual music, it is sensual music, and there is a big difference.

Enigma's music is surreal and spiritual. It combines sensuality with spirituality and balances these two in the most amazing way. Haunting, evocative, dark, moody and magnificent, Enigma's music offers vast musical explorations of sound and sensation that dazzle and amaze, explorations in estoteric, spacey keyboard music, mixed with samples, slamming beats, ethereal vocals, and tribal chants. This is an extraordinary piece of work that introduces questions of virtue and vice, religion, faith, lust and universal love.

Enigma inspires me because it has the potential to take my mind and spirit into another world, as if I'm flying across the universe to reach another planet. It connects me to the divine and distracts me from reality. This may sound Extreme but you have to listen to believe it, but of course everyone is different. Music affects us as individuals and our reactions are never the same. I listen to Enigma, so I can liberate my spirit whenever I feel trapped...to remove my mask and be in my true nature... or to just simply relax and feel sane. It's great music to play during meditation or to listen at night before you fall sleep. It sets the mood and captures your soul.

P.S. My moms finds it humorous to know that I listen to Enigma, because I'm only 17 and people my age dont quite grasp or appreciate this kind of music until they're older. I don't know, that's just who I am...and age is just a number. Although, I must thank her for introducing me to Enigma!

"Released in December 1990, ENIGMA 1 immediately captivated fans and critics worldwide with its innovative sound collage. The breakthrough single Sadeness Part 1 topped the charts in 23 countries, while MCMXC a.D. hit #1 in 41 countries and garnered 57 platinum awards - including triple platinum certification in America, where it has reigned the Billboard Top 200 album chart for over five years."

Enigma Discography

1990: MCMXC a.D.
1993: The Cross of Changes
1996: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!
2000: The Screen Behind the Mirror
2003: Voyageur
2006: A Posteriori
2008: Seven Lives Many Faces

for more information on Enigma go to: http://www.enigmamusic.com/index.shtml

The "Xander" DC Sneakers

2008-09-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be sure to be getting my pair this week, since I'm a huge Mike Shinoda Fan, also known as the MC from the band Linkin park. His father is Japanese, so he's half-Japanese. Growing up in California he enjoyed drawing graffiti and animation designs, but he was also surrounded by Japanese culture as well, which became part of his professional artwork.

The Xander (high-top) shoe is part of the Mike Shinoda DC Remix Series™ Collection, in conjunction with his Glorious Excess (Born) art show on display at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown LA.
Mike chose traditional Japanese patterns and koi scale textures for his shoe and packaging; the sole features custom fish scale tooling created just for this project and artwork sublimated underneath. Mike's art, renditions of his latest work, is found on the upper, the insole, and the outsole; his signature is on the heel; and 'limited edition' is embroidered in Japanese on the tongue.

for more info go to http://www.mikeshinoda.com/

Shirley UnMasked

2008-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

unmasked? What do you mean?

The definiton of "unmasked" according to the Dictionary is
1. to put off one's mask; reveal the true nature.

How does the word "Mask" relate to my life. The mask is a symbol that I use to represents how I feel and what I am experiencing. There are moments when I feel trapped in my own world...I feel masked in appearance and I am unable to show my true nature.
I've been through so many dramatic changes in my life, like all of a sudden dealing with sickness at a young age, to facing challenges I never thought I would confront. It's transformed me in so many ways and I'm probably not same girl you've probably seen in my disturbia video below. Sometimes it gets to a point where it's diffcult to show my real self, and I don't know why. I'm not bragging, on the contrary, I feel fortunate to be living a life that's been both a blessing and a curse, but I've learned to take the negative things and bring them out in a positve light. Life has been inspiring and has taken me to many depths. but I feel it is time let loose and embrace who I am without fear. I think everyone feels masked once in a while and wants to be accepted for who they are.

I want to get to the very essence of my being, in all the ways I can think of, psychologically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I want to Connect and be honest with myself and to those I care about around me.... and also to the world, which I hope will connect with me as well.

I found this article in a website called Bella online and it truely describes how the "mask" has an influential impact on my life. This article talks about it's symbolic meaning and what it means when you see it in your dreams. I personally haven't dreamt with a mask but it's stil reflects the concept and meaning I've been looking for.

"Our "mask" is the face we show to the world. We have a wardrobe of different masks for different people and situations. Your closet may include masks for job interviews, masks to wear at work, at parties or with family and friends. Some people may be worthy of seeing you without your mask, and some people may never earn that privilege.

Psychology calls this mask the "persona." The mask is a method we use to avoid revealing our true feelings for real or imagined reasons. We may use our masks for personal gain or for protection. We may also use our mask to avoid hurting or offending others.

Merging with our masks can be positive or negative. When the person wearing the confident professional mask actually becomes that person, this is positive. But identifying with a masks that hides true feelings that need an outlet can be negative and harmful to the true self.

Masks appearing in dreams as artificial beings such as aliens or cartoon characters may symbolize that you are pretending to be someone you are not. Ask yourself why and with whom you are wearing the mask. What does the mask say about the message you are sending about yourself to the world?

Are you forcing emotions or pretending to feel something that you no longer feel in a relationship? Are you hiding your feelings? Why? Are you dealing with the feeling that if you revealed your true self, people would turn away from you?

If someone else is wearing the mask, they likewise are hiding their true feelings from you or may be deceiving you in other ways. Take a look at the other symbols in the dream to identify the issue.

Your dream may be telling you to take a look at why you fear revealing your true self or feelings. Perhaps you have outgrown a relationship or career. If you are having difficulty connecting with who you really are, you may want to consider consulting some of the excellent books or tapes currently available. Debbie Ford's "The Secret of the Shadow - The Power of Owning Your Own Story" is one of many excellent tools and is highly recommmended."

WELCOME!

2008-09-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my brand new site
My name is Shirley Alvarez. I'm Just an average teenage girl, with a whirlwhind of thoughts living inside my head.
This is a place where I'll be expressing my thoughts, ideas, images and anything interesting I think is worth sharing.
In the meantime, I want to share a video that I made this past july with footage over 10 years ago. I was quite a performer at the age of six and I had tremendous passion for dancing. Unfortunately, these days are not how they use to be. Life has been surprising and unpredictable, but I go along with it and try to keep a postive attitude.
This is my first time making a video and I hope to pursue a career in editing music videos one day. Right now I'm in the process of making another video, so stay tuned =]