Collaborations, Poextings, Recordings and Detours - August 23, 2010
Zayra has taken a slight detour from the two projects she was talking about producing this year (before her near death experience). She has moved into working in collaboration with experimental expressionist poet, philosopher, musician, producer and performer, Tavius Dyer.
Tavius and Zayra met through a mutual friend, CJ White (South Bay Live), and started with a conversation over coffee about the possibility of collaboration without any significant knowledge of each other's work or style. Within an hour after their departure, they started their collaboration via text messages, which came to be branded "Poexting" by Zayra. It was a series of mini text poems written as a dialogue, which just happened to be so successful, Tavius and Zayra continued to write in that form over the next few weeks. After a short time of experimenting with that style of collaboration, Zayra and Tavius performed with their cell phones in hand at Vetted Word's anniversary party in San Francisco.
Due to the success of "Poexting" they moved into writing "call and response" poems (poetry written in response to one another, sort of like letters back and forth, via email), which turned into a sizable collection of poems now being formatted for publishing by Tom Boyle.
Inspirational and prolific writers, Tavius and Zayra, decided to move into recording and production. Currently Tavius is creating an interesting and provocative mix out of Zayra's unreleased poems, recorded in 2005 at Shine On Studios in Oakland by David Hughes, which included Michael Nichols as a guest vocalist on two of Zayra's poems. It is sure to be an exciting finished product!
It is a detour from what Zayra had planned, but then so is just about everything else lately. Stick around for the journey as it is sure to be illuminating, soulful and entertaining (only God knows what else)!
To learn more about Tavius Dyer, visit his website at: www.tavius.org
Gratitude for the Support - August 5, 2010
Many dear souls have offered prayers and support since May 6th when Zayra's car was totalled by an oncoming vehicle. The other driver ran a red light and t-boned the driver's side of Zayra's car at full speed. She wishes to thank everyone for their love and offerings. It will take some time to fully recover from the accident but she is grateful to be alive and deeply thankful for all the love that continues to be sent in her direction.
Every day is a miracle. Forgiveness, Compassion and Love are the only real choices worth making. Every breath is a gift. It takes great courage to live the life you are born to live, don't let anything or anyone stop you from reaching for your star.
Faded Hieroglyphs Receives First Place in African Legends - July 30, 2010
Zayra's poem Faded Hieroglyphs received the honor of first place in the African Legends competition hosted by Michele Stewart, in honor of the White Lion Global Protection Trust and the Leopard Conservation Project. African Legends is destined to be a beautiful coffee table book with magnificent artwork, additional creative writing and inspired poety. It is such a heart warming joy and honor to be included in this collection of work.
Zayra would like to thank Linda Tucker of the White Lion Global Protection Trust, Fred Berrange of the Leopard Conservation Project, Michele Stewart, and the other judges, for their heart centered approach to life, to creating a sacred place for such magnificent beings, and for including Zayra's poetry in their visionary work.
When the book becomes available, we will send out an announcement. In the meantime, feel free to support the White Lion Global Protection Trust (www.whitelions.org) and the Leopard Conservation Project (www.leopardcon.co.za).
Zayra's Interview with DJ "Mr. Clean" on KSCU 103.3 - April 29, 2010
Zayra is going on the air for an interview and poetry reading!
Tune in! Santa Clara University's KSCU 103.3 FM to listen to Zayra and DJ "Mr. Clean" on "The Delerium Show." DJ "Mr. Clean" is a spoken word poet and will be reading some duet pieces with Zayra! It is sure to be a great show!
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Time: 5-6 PM Santa Clara University, Benson Center,500 El Camino Real Santa Clara.The station is 103.3 FM in the South Bay and streaming live online www.kscu.org.
Studio Request Line: 408-554-kscu (5728) Feel free to call in with questions or comments!
Zayra's Photo Session with Kurt Loeffler - April 9, 2010
Zayra met Kurt through Mills College, as her daughter Natori is a student who is actively involved with sports, both swimming and crew. Kurt is multi-faceted and talented. He is a teacher, coach, mentor and stellar photographer.
To see more of Kurt's photographic talents, including Zayra's daughter Natori, visit his website here:
Zayra is grateful that he shot studio photos for her new book release, especially considering that she doesn't spend as much time in the water as she writes poetry about water!
To see the Oakland studio photos of Zayra by Kurt, go to the "Gallery" and scroll down.
HOT off the YouTube: Zayra's Interview with Suzanne Barrnet - April 5, 2010
The interview with Suzanne Barnett is now available on YouTube! It was great fun! Check it out!
Zayra's new book "The Secrets of Unknown Flowers" due for press by May 1st, 2010.
Plus there is a new audio collection in the works "Love Takes the Long Way Home"...
more to come...
Interview for Suzanne's Studio & New Horizons - February 16, 2010
Zayra was interviewed tonight by Suzanne Barnett for the studio series, which features interesting, wacky, and "hot" new artists (as Suzanne likes to say) in the pursuit of perpetuating dreams, fun and nonsense that inspires. Stay tuned for the show's release date. In the meantime, feel free to visit Suzanne's website to read all about her exciting line up of artists, cooks, dancers and musicians all creating something in the great madness of being passionately alive!
The End of LinkedIn and All Poetry - January 1, 2010
In addition to Zayra's MySpace deletion, as she moves forward into a more focused approach toward sharing her work, she deleted LinkedIn with 250 connections and 17 recommendations, and All Poetry with 272 friends, over 12,000 comments, more than 120 contests, several trophies and enough poems to fill three books. It was with careful thought and consideration that she deleted the accounts. It was after five years of multi-platformed internet "networking" that she decided to streamline her art into a few well choosen locations that will allow for deeper focus and personal control with less distractions.
She looks forward to sharing her materials via her website, blog, Twitter and Friendfeed, as well as growing into new avenues of expression. May you all be blessed with great joy and awakening in 2010!
Peace!
A Heart Felt "Good-Bye" to MySpace - December 13, 2009
Zayra is grateful to MySpace for the fan base that started in 2006 but it is time to say good-bye after 111,365 plays and 59,266 views. What an illuminating experience!
The top two tracks launched and shared through MySpace were "I am SHE" and "Drowned Cathedral."
"I am SHE" on its first run was featured in conjunction with Twin13 in the UK and had over 23,000 plays, then its on second run over 11,000 plays, for a grand total of 34,000 plays! It was definitely the top favorite from the Crowned Compassion collection!
"Drowned Cathedral" is not to be ignored with a near 10,000 play mark in six months from the Sleep in the Sea Tonight with Me poetry collection.
Considering that we are talking about poetry here, then these are really generous numbers for which Zayra is humbly grateful to everyone for listening to and sharing with their friends. She will remember MySpace as the first connection with others globally who were interested in her poetry and graciously befriended her work, as well as spread it to others. In some ways it is sad to see MySpace fade out but in other ways it is a great reminder that all things have a natural cycle, even unnatural things in cyberspace!
If you are interested in finding Zayra's poetry, it can be found on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, ReverbNation and many other digital on line locations. You may also order the CD's throuh CD Baby or by contacting Zayra directly at zayra.yves@gmail.com.
Zayra as a Guest Speaker at New Sun Celebrations - November 11, 2009
Zayra is sharing her creative journey and process with the circle on Sunday at 11:00 AM at New Sun Celebrations. If you are in the area, feel free to join us....
Experience Transformation thru Your Own Creative Voice!
Free up your creative spirit and live from total abundance...tap into your creativity as a means of growing and sharing your joy!
This is your opportunity to become happier, healthier and more prosperous through powerful exercises, poetry, art, music and energy healing!
If arriving by car, allow time for parking to be in the Center by 10:45am. Other transportation and location info available at: www.OurCelebration.org.
Zayra as a Guest Speaker at CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies) - October 1, 2009
On Tuesday, October 6th between 3:00 and 6:00 PM, Zayra will be a guest speaker in the course "Spiritual Intelligence" taught by Daniel Deslauriers at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Zayra will be sharing her poetry and discussing her journey within the domain of Spiritual Intelligence. She would like to thank Dr. Deslauriers for his generosity in asking her to be part of the experience.
Zayra's New Book - COLOR ME POMEGRANATE - - September 11, 2009
NEW BOOK RELEASE: Color Me Pomegranate
The pomegranate, as a symbol and for its color, has historical meaning for women both in mythology and literature. Zayra's literary poetic collection, Color Me Pomegranate, travels through the many layers of mythical women turned into real women living these myths out in every day life. On the pages of this collection, we encounter Aphrodite, Medusa, Meda, Persphone, Athena, Inanna, Ishtar, Gaia, Sophia, Durga, Kali, Mary, The Black Madonna, Eve, Anne Sexton, Marilyn Monroe, Sylvia Plath, Kiki de Montpamasse, Lee Miller, Berthe Morisot, Joan of Arc and the Scarlet Woman in all vessels, in every woman's body. It is the fall and resurrection of all women within the mystical experiences, which are often times as full of suffering, as they are gritty, and soft on the emotional path toward the alchemy of self discovery, self acceptance and self love for the spiritual evolution and content of the feminine. The book ends in the rise of all women through the Goddess in a transfiguration: "I am SHE."
Two Poems Published in South Africa's KREATIV "Flax to Gold" - August 15, 2009
Two poems by Zayra Yves, "a love story inside the structure of colour" and "inside the field of my soul," are published in the most recent release by KREATIV in South African anthology titled: Flax to Gold.
This anthology is available and can be ordered from Myra Lochner at e-mail address: myrataal@mweb.co.za. You may order it from the address below:
KREATIV SA POSBUS.PO BOX 4404 GEORGE-OOS.GEORGE EAST 6539 SUID-AFRIKA.SOUTH AFRICA
Zayra is grateful for this honor.
Zayra is back at the Awareness Network! - July 13, 2009
"Transfiguration: Art, Poetry and Mini-Collages" Art is an expression of the heart, dreams and soul. This is an opportunity to experience the transfiguration of your inner most psyche through art, poetry and mini-collage. You will use art and poetry to draw out the song and image of your dreamscape as it manifests in a new figure with a new map to navigate. Creative journeys and supplies are provided.
Divine Science Community Center 1540 Hicks Ave., Campbell, CA
Come join us for the journey! Hope to see you there!
Zayra's Poetry Mixed at the Chiller Room Frome FM in the UK - July 1, 2009
You can now download the Chiller room as a Podcast, and play it anytime. It was the final show on Frome FM and features a track from Acabella and Zayra Yves and many Big Ibitza chillout summer Anthems.
~ "Empty as Nirvana" Goes to Portland - May 20, 2009
IN OTHER WORDS bookstore Events - AUTHOR READING: Zayra Yves Reading "Empty as Nirvana"
Time: Saturday, June 20, 2009 3:00 p.m.
Location: In Other Words Women's Books and Resources
"Empty as Nirvana" is a passageway between worlds, it is a fusion between the modern and ancient. It hides nothing as it explores the moments of arrival and departure in relationship, as well as in religion, tribal traditions, love and heartbreak. We are exposed to the compassionate nature as much as the haunting memories of survival after savage experiences. In this book we hear the voices of Buddhists and mothers mixed together; of Zimbabweans, South Africans, Zulu's, White Lions and Egyptians. Zayra Yves shows us that she is capable of seeing into the soul of our soul that leaves us feeling pure rather than exposed, sane rather than lost. She is a passion-filled force embracing both her human desires as well as the divine essence. "Empty as Nirvana" has been compiled from both new material and previously published poems that have been included in magazines, journals, audio recordings, radio broadcasts, and other print publications. Yves is a multi-faceted and thought provoking writer as she delves into the raw soul exposed in all of its paradox, pain and healing. Her poetry is often spiritual without being religious while it is earthy, mystical, flowing - like a river that moves through the universe of stars. In its course, it reveals the human suffering that cries from the abyss, the majestic cathedral of the ceremonial soul, the erotic body of light, the undeniable presence of the muse, the great hope for a more expansive state of compassion, and the rapture of total abandonment of love.
If you live in Portland, come join us at IN OTHER WORDS bookstore! We will love to have you there!
http://www.inotherwords.org
In Other Words Bookstore
8 B NE Killingsworth St
Portland, OR 97211
Tel: 503-232-6003
Peace.
~ Big Minds, Big Hearts and Big Poetry Come Together Again ~ - February 21, 2009
On March 7th and 8th in Los Angeles Genpo Roshi, Bill Harris and Zayra Yves are sharing the stage. Zayra is scheduled to read inspirational poetry in between Bill and Genpo's workshop sessions.
It is a remarkable combination! Here are the details:
https://www.centerpointe.com/bigmind/details/
And, if you register early you'll also receive a copy of Genpo's amazing book, "Big Mind, Big Heart" and a collection of Bill Harris' articles about spiritual growth, "Oneness Isn't Metaphysical."
~ Poetry, Art and the Company of Angels ~ - February 16, 2009
On Sunday, March 1st at 4 in the afternoon there is a poetry reading at Ernesto's Studio in Pt Reyes Station. Reading poetry is Zayra Yves whose modern-day poems are spiritual, earthy, mystical, flowing. Joining Zayra is Renata Santerre reciting the poems of Rumi, Hafiz, Kabir, Rilke, Tagore, and Maya Angelou. These two women will present an inspiring afternoon of words from the heart, both past and contemporary. Refreshments will be served.
Ernesto's Studio is next to the Reyes Cafe outdoor patio.
--
Ernesto Sanchez
P.O. Box 43
Pt Reyes Station, CA 94956
Art Studio (next to Cafe Reyes)
415 370 4339
~ Just Can't Get Enough of the UltraFeel TV ~ - January 29, 2009
UltraFeel TV has invited Zayra's poetry back onto the scene to release Retrograde Motion!
There is one special audio poem in this feature you will want to hear because you cannot find it anywhere else on the web or inside any of Zayra's current audio collections: Houdini's Handcuffs. Yep! It is a mixture of erotica, spiritualism and tiny bit of fetish, just enough to keep you interested!
* Daily Buddhism Features Crowned Compassion * - January 13, 2009
Crowned Compassion, Zayra's first audio poetry collection, is being featured on Daily Buddhism.
Check it out!
http://www.dailybuddhism.com/
It is a wonderful blog dedicated to modern Buddhism as it applies to every day living.
~ Second Edition of Ordinary Substance ~ - January 4, 2009
The second edition of Ordinary Substance is now available at Lulu. It has a new cover and it suits the collection! For those of you who purchased the first edition of Ordinary Substance, I wish to thank you for your support and remind you that only 150 copies were printed of that book so you officially have a collectors item. May your new year be filled with joy and the beginnings that are born from lotus seeds, thus the new cover of Ordinary Substance!
~ Retrograde Motion at CD Baby ~ - December 19, 2008
Finally it is here and fully loaded onto CD Baby! Check it out and listen to samples!
http://cdbaby.com/cd/zayrayves3
RETROGRADE MOTION” is poetry unlike the poetry you are familiar with. It is not spoken word and it is not a song but it is somewhere in between. You definitely want to own and indulge yourself in all twenty-two richly complex pieces, which are set to a bed of music created by Gardner Cole with tribal sounds, new age vibes and an all around moody meditative feeling. The temperament varies from the sensitive feminist to the morose, from the artistic to sarcastic, from the beautiful to gritty, from the transformational to spiritual and on into the unknown where one simply decides to be unfinished.
Zayra Yves is not like any other poetess you have heard, she poetically sheds the layers of life to bring out the volume of emotion and experience underneath the lyrical observations. Zayra is a poet who has a gift for sharing rare intimacy with her listeners and has a natural inclination toward courageously exploring the adventures of the heart. Her ability to recapture the past and echo it in the present as if it were a living moment reminiscent of friends, lovers, exile, discovery, sorrow, boats, rouges, bandits, trees, dancing naked and butterflies, is seductive and colorful. It leads you down the path of love.
~ Zayra's New CD: RETROGRADE MOTION ~ - November 8, 2008
"RETROGRADE MOTION," Zayra's long awaited and newest audio poetry collection is currently in production at Disc Makers and is scheduled to arrive off the UPS truck on December 3, 2008. It is over due and past schedule but well worth the wait.
"RETROGRADE MOTION" is poetry you definitely want to own and indulge yourself in. It is worthy of personal immersion into all twenty-two richly complex pieces, which are set to a bed of music created by Gardner Cole with tribal sounds, new age vibes and an all around moody meditative feeling. The temperament varies from the morose to artistic to sarcastic to beautiful to transformational to spiritual and on into the unknown where one simply decides to be unfinished. Whatever your mood, attitude or vice, you are certain to find yourself or lose yourself in these interestingly diverse audio gifts of poetry from Zayra's new collection "RETROGRADE MOTION."
Here is the line up:
1. Becoming Abstract
2. The Blurred Version
3. Caught in the Fading Light
4. Consider the Sound of Water
5. Evaporation
6. How a Stone Comes to Life
7. An Invitation in Exodus
8. Listening to Charles Bukowski
9. A Lost Cry
10. A Lover & the Echo
11. Ms. V
12. My Sin
13. The Night Bird's Last Tear
14. Not Waiting
15. Pilgrim Hitchhiking
16. Red Clay
17. Sanctuary
18. She Transforms Herself
19. Star Flowers
20. Sudden
21. Unfinished & Untangled
22. What Might Still Be
Several of the poems on "RETROGRADE MOTION" appear in her book "ORDINARY SUBSTANCE," while others are brand new poems released in this collection for the first time, and are slated to appear in her new poetry book due for print in January of 2009.
Sign up to reserve your copy of "RETROGRADE MOTION" now! Send an email to Zayra at zayra.yves@gmail.com to find out the details or add your email address to the list for announcements.
Al Diaz and Zayra Yves Connect on BlogTalk Radio ~ Live on Purpose - August 25, 2008
Al Diaz and Zayra Yves connection on BlogTalk Radio to share ideas about the transformative influence of art in our lives and how to bring that into living on purpose.
