Off The Hook AWE!Some Crochet Blog

Inventive, Sophisicated, WOWing (even me!) CROCHET-itis (I foam at da hook!)

To Praise

the

soaring soul

...

(to catch the

stirrings)

...

blossoms visited

of

revelatory

deposits

propagation promised

and

answers

on the unseen wind

settling

~~GinaRenay

"I Am A Mosaic(al) Hook"...Yeah, I Love Compliments! WASSUP LOOPS?!

✂ sugarpickle.etsy.com ✂ 's

Comment:

"your work is SOOOOO beautiful!!!

i want to stitch just like you when i grow up! :D

~~~~~

LET HANDS LOCKED IN VERSE SPEAK FLUENTLY

The translation of style

in my own voice

speaking fluently

expressively engaging

respond and response

I

answer in crochet

GinaRenay

I have learned that following what you love magnifies your talent.  You just have to have the faith to invest in it. ~ Leslie Rector

GinaRenayDoYou dot com

DARE TO BE YOURSELF!!! I'M LOOPED....Awe!Some Crochet

Make voyages!

Attempt them!

There's nothing else....Tennessee Williams

~~~~

I am on my way to work but had to finally upload some pictures that I took with my new camera--I love it!  Whadya think of the video below? 

Isn't that one baaaadddd model?! teehee  Never get any lip from her, nvr a complaint or needing an attitude adjustment! 

I made a quickie headdress--or headband-- for wk this morning. 

Tomorrow thru Sunday I'm free to dive LOOPS LONG into designing since an upcoming show is rt around the corner....

Peace of the stitch,

daring toBE

ME!!!!,

Gina (AWE'g 'Em Loops Gryl)

Loop 'Em

Um, the below post was in "draft" but it's time to let u all have a peek at my insanity...Yeah, I don't have an "official post" 2day, but I wore that skirt yesterday @ work, got alot of compliments. Um, the below post: try 2 follow, I know I have issues!

Girl, whew, you don't know!  pant pant I made it back!  Even got untangled from my own-tripping-me-up-yarn--what's up with that?!  I thought the yarn was on my side!  It could be, hmmmm, that the cat got into the yarn basket where She likes to snooze and carried her down the road...well, I thought I heard VOICES calling for help.  But alas I turned back over  (it's too early in the morn 3am, shut up out there...opps, was that one of mine?!)....fer shame, fer shame.  What kind of mother am I to NOT come to the aid of her imaGINAry chillen?!  Then the HOOK was pinging down the street after the culprit...I may have to "string" the cat up...yeah, PUN INTENDED. 
Well, the guys in white may not have the meds for me--I asked my twin sister RE!Gina (b/c she Repeats herself--Mom likes me best tho) to steal some and give it to the cat!  So, that's why the asylum's supply is low. 
~~~~~
enuf of the issues!
~~~~
I still have to wait if I'll have time to meet up with you this week/weekend.  Rt now still dealing with my poor car in the shop so w/o wheels until, ugh...well, soon.  Anywho, don't want to get down--let's stay UP with the HOOKIE & YARNIE SHOW....
PEACE,
Gina & her Issues
I heard they're contagious--be afraid, be very afraid!

----------------- Original Message -----------------
VICTORIA FUQUA

You are too funny. You'll probably have me crying on the floor. And I thought I was the only mixed nut left in the can! I would love to meet you face 2 face. My schedule is pretty much open this week/weekend. So you call the time. lolololol I talked to the guys in the white jackets and they said they can't touch you because they don't make meds for hookers!!! lolololol
love ya girl you crack me up!

Victoria

----------------- Original Message -----------------
> AWE~!~ Some CROCHET by Gina Renay

Hey, I love it and appreciate that!  The Hook does a body good!  tee hee
I appreciate the visit & keep check'g out my blog, Off the Hook, if you haven't already.  I usually post pics daily.   Haven't posted for today...yet.  Still working on another site as well.  Girl, can't keep a good stitch down, lol.
Well, ya get addicted ya know and I know the guys in white jackets are on my trail.  I keep telling them their asylum is not for me, it's not for me!  Let me be and walk the streets hooking to myself!!!
yup, have issues!  ha ha ha
Lady, when are we gonna meet?!  my face gotta crack up one more time, tee hee
g.

----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: VICTORIA FUQUA

Hello Ms. Renay,

Haven't heard from you in a minute. So I figured I would browse your site for the latest Hookery.
I just love your collection. It is awesome!!

I'm trying to get this weight thing under control so that I can try on some of your creations while singing Jill Scott's "hater" song. You feel me??? lol

Anyway, keep doing what your doing and may God continue to "hook" you up!!!

Peace and blessings,

Victoria Fuqua

(ed.  This is why I'm a "hooking nomad"--noT mad, nomad...but I will come to a corner near you.  It's all that wilderness training!

Be afraid, be very afraid!) Gina

The Blog of Loop-u-ment Must Chain On!

Even the YOUNG

are Hooked!!!

Say "LOOPS r Us!"  Pose for the camera now, click, click!

Designer/Stylist/Fiber Artist

Gina "AWE!D GRYL" Renay 

The ori~GINA~tor of Madness Loops, "foaming at the Hook"!!!

CROCHET AWE ~~~ REPRESENT CANDACE

Model:  Candace

CROCHET WOW:::: (W)himsy (O)riGINAting (like) (W)OAH

Model:  Mercedez

W.O.W.  CROCHET

Wonder

Often

WOWS!!!!

Loops 'R Us!

I got a few minutes before I get full swing into my day just to post a quickie of photos I rec'd in my email today.  I shot a video from last Sat.'s event at Ray's Ova Da Edge that I wanted to hook-ument.  Always got events, ideas on the horizon daily so have loops, will post.

Check out my designs that they wore onstage for Koffee's final song...

Models Matthew & Elanda

Designer: MOI Hook

Photographer:  Victoria Fuqua, Singer, Actress

  G!NA RENAY (MOI Hook imaGINAtive), Go Hooked Loops Go

Matthew, Elanda, Mercedez, Candace

I Love Compliments--It Increases My Face Value!!! (Recent "hook me proud" loops)

OFF THE FREAKING HOOK! I ESPECIALLY LOVE THE TRIM! GIRL, I'M COMING TO YOUR HOUSE FOR LESSONS! LOL. BE BLESSED!!!! THAT IS WHY YOU ARE AWE~SOME!!!  Ms. Ann

How long did this take? You are truly gifted!Beautiful!  LaTonia 

How long did this take? You are truly gifted!Beautiful! Nappy & Artistic

I just love this outfit. You really go where most other crocheters are afraid to go. Keep on doing what you're doing girl!  Trina Crochet

~~~~~

I'M GOING IN YOUR CLOSET WHEN I GET THERE!~ I AM TRULY FEELING THIS! WOULD LOVE TO MAKE THIS! SO MY DEAR WHEN IS YOUR BOOK COMING OUT!!!!!!!!!! ~ Ms. Ann

wow this is fly ~~ Diva Queens Renee is bold and beautiful! just breath taking! ~~HQ ~~~~~ I love it!  fierce! DQ I love this! ~~~ Crochet Hooka Girl, you know you are a crocheting wonder. When are you doing your instructional DVD? (Not that it's going to help me put it down like you, but still... LOL) :) ~~ Marilynn ~~~~~~ OH, I'M LOVING THIS!! ~~ MeMahogany ~~~~~~   I think this one is my favorite of this shoot. . .the design is fun and she really becomes one with the painting. . .real art. . . .nice! `````

Upcoming Event--This Hooker Is Getting Her AWE!D Loops On! Plus Another Show The Day Before--Keep Sending Up Those Prayer "Chain" Loops For Me!!!!

VERVE LOUNGE

511 Peachtree St.

Atlanta, GA

"Ability is of little account without opportunity."
~ Napoleon Bonaparte

AWE!Some CROCHET Dance Models Dance!!!! Hook, Don't That Make Ya Proud?!

I love being a part of what you represent. You are an awesome and fun-spirit woman, so your designs can't help but signify who you are. Call me whenever you need me. LOL
Candace

~~~~

Ova Da Edge Restaurant, Jan. 19th, wrapping up--look at those gorgeous models reppin' AWE!Some Crochet by Gina Renay

Martin Luther King Center "The Eternal Flame"

The Eternal Flame

I picked up the book "Do You!" by Russell Simmons.  I lost my driver's license & had to get another one.  While there, had a few minutes to read a couple of pages...."doing me" has been my walk for sooo many years I just didn't have a name for it especially when people try to label me--of course labeling doesn't work--I'll metamorphose rt in front of you!

~~~~~

The face in the mirror

"Our inability to see beauty doesn’t suggest in the slightest that beauty is not there. Rather, it suggests that we are not looking carefully enough or with broad enough perspective to see the beauty."

-- Rabbi Harold Kushner

Who are you? You can gaze at your reflection in a mirror but you’re not likely to see your true likeness. You are beautiful, unique, perfect. Do you see that?

The world needs you to see how whole and complete you are -- now. Can you begin to own your divinity? The world needs you to know who you really are so you can be the mirror for others.

"The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing."

-- John Muir

I Have A Dream

I HAVE A DREAM by Common

Rest In Peace

Drum Major Instinct

We Shall Overcome

Before The Show...

Doing Me --  I'm So Looped!

Yep, the ISSUES are ever w/me!  Getting ready for the fashion show for Koffee's release album...

(Actually I'm posting this 4:33 am on 1/23--shhh, don't tell...)

The Show Must Go On!!

Hey Gina;  You go Girl.  I've been praying for you.  Keep up the good work.  There is no limit for you!!!!  Donneania

~~~~~

"You are unbelievably amazing!!"  ~~ Aji Blu

~~~~

Car is completely undriveable--brakes & routers.

Day by day....

Got to rent a car today so I can do tonight's event--KOFFEE Album Release Party.  Ray's Ova Da Edge, 483 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta

~~~~~

**New upcoming event**

      

Club Opera
1150 B Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Ga 30309

Saturday April 26th.  Show begins at 6PM. 
30 minute performance by Ashley Rivera and Blackjack Ketchum from 9PM to 9:30PM.   

  

Take a Virtual Tour of Opera.

 

http://www.operaatlanta.com/venue/venue2.html

"wow mrs. gina your work is totally awesome!! your creativity in crochet is truly a talent and a blessing."  ~~~  Diva Queens

Model/Designer/HHIC (Head Hooker in Charge):  GinaRenay

Moment to Moment: I Must Gather Strength

This is the urgency:

LIVE!

and have your blooming
in the
noise
of the
whirlwind....

Model:  Maria

Designer/Visionary/Fiber Artist: 

Gina ! Renay

It is 9 am, and my car was towed last night to the shop...I am glad even tho the shop was only 2 blocks away, I did not choose to put my family in jeopardy by attempting to drive there, whether there was traffic or not.  You must use your common sense and intuition and not try to save money b/c of inconvenience. 

So on this day, I have to choose living in the moment in whatever the outcome may be, of trusting that all will be well and I can endure life's ups & downs.

pray for me...

(my precious cargo!

Alyisha, Jamilah-Renay, Jasmine)

After work....chilling

After eating at Quiznos, I decided to "con" my child--ok, ok "Hook" her--into shooting a few videos of Me & My Issues--plus showing a glimpse of today's styling at work earlier in the day.  Rec'd ALOT of comments & compliments and 2 jealous remarks, which if you have been around a quick witted New Yorker, you'd know it would be the first and last time you'd make such a remark--as they 2 soon found out.  And they were co-workers.  Alas, I don't play games...so that was squashed, never to be brought up again!

Silly Me--but I LOVE my Flip Video

CROCHET DOES A BODY GOOD!

Model:  MARIA
silver sequined halter & skirt fashion statement by AWE!D GRYL GinaRenay

of AWE!SOME CROCHET

“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.”

-Demosthenes

Hook Momentum

"Simply FANTABULOUS!! WOW!
Great JOB!!"
~~~ Sonia
~~~~~~~~

"Your talent is amazing! ♥"  Vicky

~~~~~~~~

Pictured from left to rt:  Designer GinaRenay, Matthew, Elanda,D'Antionette,Maria,Venessa
 

Random Loops

Got a tentative date for another fashion show in April, the 26th....This guy is an actor, model and producer. 

Spoke with another  promoter today--she got my name from a model/producer friend of mine...2 upcoming shows.

Wore a red shawl (photo unavailable....until I snap it, duh!) I whipped up in an hour and some minutes--rec'd alot of compliments!!!!

Model:  MARIA

Designer:  Gina "AWE!D GRYL" Renay

"No Curves, No Dress"

I do declare--that's GINA RENAY!!!!

Listen carefully to the moderator:

"NO CURVES, NO DRESS!"

THE*STRONG*BLACK*WOMAN

The strong black woman has died

The Strong Black Woman has died

while struggling with the reality of being a Human instead of a myth, the Strong Black Woman passed away.

Medical sources say she died of natural causes, but those who knew her know she died from being Silent when she should have been Screaming,

Smiling when she should have been Raging from being sick and not wanting anyone to know because her Pain might inconvenience them.

She Died from an overdose of other people clinging to Her when she didn't even have Energy for Herself.

She Died from Loving Men who didn't Love themselves and could only offer her a crippled reflection.

She Died from raising Children Alone.

She Died from the Lies her Grandmother told her and her Mother told her about Life, Men & Racism.

She Died from being sexually abused as a child and having to take that Truth everywhere she went everyday of Her Life, exchanging the humiliation for guilt and back again.

She Died from asphyxiation, coughing up blood from Secrets she kept trying to burn away instead of allowing Herself the kind of nervous breakdown she was entitled to.

She Died from being Responsible, because She was the last rung on the ladder and there was no one under her She could dump on.

The Strong Black

Woman Is Dead.

She Died from being a Mother at 15 and a Grandmother at 30 and an Ancestor at 45.

She Died from being dragged down and sat upon by un-evolved Women posing as Sisters and Friends.

She Died from tolerating Mr. Pitiful, JUST to have a Man around the house.

She Died from sacrificing Herself for Everybody and Everything when what She really wanted to do was to be a Singer, a Dancer, or some Magnificent other.

She Died from Lies of omission because She didn't want to bring the Black Man down.

She Died from Tributes from her counterparts who should have been matching Her Efforts instead of showering her with dead words and empty songs.

She Died from Myths that would not allow Her to show Weakness without being chastised by the Lazy and Hazy.

She Died from hiding her Real Feelings until they became Hard and Bittter enough to invade Her womb and breasts like angry tumors.

She Died from always lifting something from heavy boxes to refrigerators All By Herself.

The Strong Black Woman Is Dead.

She Died from never being Enough of what Men wanted, or being too much for the Men She Wanted.

She Died from Being too Black and Died again for not Being Black enough.


She Died from being Misinformed about her Mind, her Body & the extent of her Royal capabilities.

She Died from knees pressed too close together because Respect was never part of the foreplay that was being shoved at Her.

She Died from Loneliness in Birthing rooms and Aloneness in Abortion Centers.

She Died in bathrooms with Her veins busting open with Self-Hatred and Neglect.

And Sometimes when She Refused to die, when She just Refused to give in,  blonde hair, blue eyes, being rejected by the O.J.'s the Quincy's, the Cuba's, and the Kobe's.

Sometimes, She was stomped to Death by Racism & Sexism, Executed by Hi-Tech ignorance while She carried the Family in her belly, the Community on her head, and the Race on her back!

The Strong Black Woman Is Dead!

Or Is She?

I KNOW I'M NOT!!

Pass this on to all the Strong Black

Women that you Love, Respect,

and Admire!

And the Black Men who care.

VICTORIA FUQUA ~~ HOSTESS For Upcoming Event: KOFFEE's Album Release Party 1/19

That's my girl!  She's one of the hostesses for Koffee's album release party on 1/19 at Ray's Ova Da Edge....

We met face to face last Friday--what an AWESOME time we had!

Check her out

www.myspace.com/victoriafuquamusic

~~~~~~

Outside the Perimeter Mall, Atlanta on Friday 1/11/08

~~~~~