Family

A touchy subject for some but I thought I’d take a look at it. My family is nowhere near normal, my parents are lesbians, I’m Jewish, my little sister isn’t even related to me and my non-related “family” feel more like my family then my “real” family does. Crazy right?

I used to live in Joburg for most of my early years, until I was about 9 so the phase of life that would really determine what kind of person I am was spent with my “other mothers” family. They never treated me like an outsider; I was considered part of the family; I was treated like a blood relative, they protected me, loved me and cared for me as if I was their own. They taught me life lessons I could never have learned anywhere else so for that I am thankful to every single one of them, my true family.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my real family, whether connected through blood or marriage, I love them but it doesn’t feel the same. I grew up around a family based on love, understanding and patience, and the transition was hard, to go from that surrounding of love to one where you’re only really noticed for things you’ve done, can do, or accomplished.

I know they love me, and try to understand me and make me feel like part of the family but it doesn’t work out well, and I can see it’s foreign for them. I’m also in my hormonal, moody teenage years, discovering who I am and all the nonsense so I cant be making it very easy for them to understand me and I guess I don’t try very hard either. That could be my goal for this year; try and be part of the family. It’s still hard though going from one type of family, to the complete opposite, where you know that you’re loved; it’s just not shown often enough.

I still miss my “real” family, that’s a love that could never be replaced. It just goes to show that family doesn’t have to be blood related, it’s the people who love you unconditionally and always stick by you even in your darkest hours.

Hannah

Tears In Heaven

Twelve days ago, Angel Joubert, our friend, daughter, sister, baba and team-member tragically lost her life in a car accident in Johannesburg, South Africa. The news of her untimely passing sent shockwaves through her circle of friends, her family, her community and shook the foundations for all of us here at The Modern L HQ.

Angel had touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. Here is a few messages from friends and family members for whom the void that her loss had left us with, can never be filled:

Mother and daughter

Marcel – Angel’s mother:  "To all Angel's friends: from the bottom of my heart, a special thank you to each and every one of you who touched her life and made her smile, for the support you offered me and for standing by me whilst having to deal with your own pain. For my Darling Angel: I love you so much my Angelchild, you made me smile, you made me cry, you made me laugh and you made me proud. What an honour to be you Mom and share so many things with you in your short life! Life will never be the same again without you and no one will be able to fill the enormous hole your passing has left. I will love you always and forever!"



Angel & Tihan



Tihan – Close Friend: “A prayer from Heaven
 
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
 
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
 
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
 
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
 
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
 
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
 
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
 
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
 
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
 
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
 
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me “



Frans, Lucinda and Angel



Lucinda & Frans – Close Friends: “Sissa You were our Angel on earth and now our Angel in heaven to stay...

God borrowed only his best to us for a little while and now you are safe in his arms out of harms way...

Your voice is silent, our arms is empty, but our hearts will always be filled with your love and memories.

We miss your soft and gentle touch, the sweet loving kisses and hugs... you are so far but yet you feel so near...

We still wait for the day to come for you to enter the door or the phone to ring on your tune... I guess that day will never come and we will never hear you say... “lief jou boetatjie” and “lief jou sissatjie” we will forever hear it in our hearts...

Your time spent in our lives was too short and we will give anything just to have you back again... you are safe and not hurting anymore... so please wrap your golden wings around us and ease the pain... till we meet again.

Love you around the world.... Boeta & Sissa “

Michelle – Close friend: “Angel you were the only girl I knew who treated everyone equally with love and respect. The world had so much to learn from you we will never forget you, you will always remain in our hearts “

Carmen & Angel

Carmen – Close friend: “MY FRIEND, MY ANGEL... Your battle is now over, no more tears flowing down your cheek,
no more pain, no more suffering, now you are no longer weak.
I still do not understand why this had to happen to you,
but I am proud to say you are my friend.
The day you closed your eyes,tears come rolling down my face,and ever since they haven't stopped. But I cry because I'm hurt and angry, just cause you left so fast. Although I know in my heart your happy and safe....
Now you are my Angel, so spread your wings out wide,
please wrap them around me whenever you see me cry.
Our time together was memorable and God took you way too fast,
But the most precious thing to me was you being there for me
and me wishing I was there one last time to see the way u look!!
I will never say goodbye to you my Friendy,
cause I know this is not the end for us to see each other.
You will only be going to a place where there's no pain nor suffering.
I am happy for you, for you will be with God.
For now we need to go in separate ways.
You were always there to listen, love, and defend me in everything.
You were my very best friend.
In my triumphs you were always proud.
I'm very grateful and proud to call you my friend.
Here deep inside my heart you'll always be.
I would give up everything I have just to hug you one more time.
If only I could turn back the time I would have never let you go.
I felt the world stops and my heart stop beating when they told me you're gone...
How I wish I was only dreaming.
Just like the rain; tears fell down from my eyes, I couldn't speak for a while.
Thank you Friendy..
For always understanding, listening , caring, and loving me for the rest of your life.
It's difficult to let you go but I must.
Till then;
See you in Heaven..”

Erin, Angel & Nikki

Nikki – Modern L team member & friend: “dedicated to The Jones Family... She touched so many lives... In our own ways, we can celebrate her life, as hard is may be at times.  

Jones family... Wow did you guys show me something in life.   I got to share in something that will make me look at life so much different for the rest of my life.

I offer my strength to you and pray to Him to keep you at peace... She was a remarkable young lady...  Her memory forever lives in everyone she touched with her gentle soul! Heaven must be beautiful right now...

My condolences to Angel’s family and the rest of her friends in this time. 

Love to you xxx

Sing Softly the Songs of Your Angel

Sing softly the songs of Your angel
Let Your angel let you sleep
For Your angel, in her wisdom
has begun her angel’s song.

Sing softly song’s of Your angel.
It holds the angel’s power
It lets the angel let You laugh
It lets the angel make You smile

Sing softly songs of Your angel
In your angel You must trust.
Your angel cared for You.
Your angel wouldn’t  let anyone hurt You.

WHEN YOU ARE LONELY
JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES.
SING SOFTLY SONGS OF YOUR ANGEL
YOUR ANGEL IS WITH YOU “

Erin – Modern L team member & friend: “Angel. I have not known you for a very long time... I have not known you well enough to say that you are my best friend... But I have known you long enough for you to have a special place in my heart and call you my friend...we did a photo shoot together and I will never forget the way your beautiful face lit up with your unique smile when u looked at me and I made a silly joke or I made you laugh... The moment we met we instantly clicked, like we had known each other for years... What you told your mom bout me, Jones told me and I will never forget... You really are an amazing woman! Thank you for giving me a part of your life to get to know me and trusting me, I am honoured to be able to say that we shared special moments together in one perfect day !!  You will be dearly missed and always loved… Be safe and I will be joining you someday... So for now Rest In Peace Angel...”



Nikki, Erin, Angel & Chantell



Chantell – Modern L team member & friend: “Shining Star

The angels looked down from heaven one night

They searched for miles afar,

And deep within the distance

They could see a shining star.

They knew that very instant

That the star was theirs to gain,

So they took you up to heaven

Forever to remain.

Look down on us from heaven

Keep us free from hurt and pain,

You'll always be within my heart

Until we meet again…”

Angel with big brother, Gavin

Gavin – Brother: “Dear Angel. You were truly a blessing to all of us. You were and will always be our little piece of heaven! You were my angel and I, your guardian! I always protected you as best I could! It seems the roles have changed, for now, you are my guardian angel! I love u always my little sus! “

Miss Jones: “My baba, my lil Angel, I miss you so much! You made the world a better place by just being in it and I am truly grateful that you came into my life. My heart is broken now that you’ve been taken away and my world has been turned upside down. I want to thank you for the wonderful people you brought into my life, the awesome memories I’ll never forget and the part of you that I will carry with me forever. I love you!



My babygirl and I



It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.”

To everyone who knew Angel and made a positive impact on her life, our sincerest condolences go out to you and we thank you for being a part of her life.

I would like to thank the Modern L team for all your help and support during this very difficult time and for being there for me despite having to deal with your own loss. To my co-owner, Martha; models Erin, Nikki and Chantell; designer Ilse and columnist Straight Stella (who never left my side) I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I would not have made it without you!

Angel's cross at the accident scene

DJ Cheeky Cherry Bares All!

According to P!nk, God is a DJ and life is a dancefloor. And if that’s true, then this DJ is a Goddess. We meet up with DJ Cheeky Cherry to chat about her love for the decks and entertaining the crowd, how she got to where she is now and being a Cheeky Cherry!

·         Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a Female DJ focused on the gay market, I love music, I am a very down to earth person at home but when I get behind the decks my cheeky side appears.  I love all kinds of music but my favourite is old school. I love to kick back with friends and Party.

·         When did you decide that you wanted to be a DJ?

The First time I went to a gay club, I was about 16 years old and the DJ just played his heart out with so much passion, he had the crowd at his feet and then I said to myself: “Self, I also want to do that” It’s a weird burning feeling inside of one, It’s something you just know….

·         How did you get into it?

I played on Virtual DJ for about 3 years , mixing and matching so I was a Laptop DJ, then Lindi Lush established Fabulush DJ School, I actually won my Beginners course. The aim of the competition was whoever comes up with the best pickup line, mine was “Do you have a mirror in your pants?  Because I can see myself in it.” See what I mean about the Cheeky side… and from there on my DJ career took off with a bang.

·         What’s your favourite part of being a DJ?

The Crowd, I just love making people dance and seeing the happiness on their faces and also to be able to express my genre.

·         What kind of venues do you cater for?

I am a Jill of all trades, big venues, small venues, 21^st parties, weddings, birthdays. I can cater from Old school rock & roll to new age Hip Hop.

·         What’s your favourite venue to DJ at?

At this moment I must say its Club54, the dance floor looks like a real dungeon scene, the sound quality is immaculate, the venue is clean and the people are very friendly.

·         Who inspires you?

The Man upstairs is my number one! Oh Bad DJ’s and I get my inspiration from various people in my life. Music influences I would say is David Guetta , Tiesto, Avicci and the list can go on.

·         Favourite song and artist?

At this moment it’s Jealousy by Will Young working on a remix so watch this space….

·         How does being in the spotlight affect your relationships?

Oh my word! It has had its effects and stating that I am single now for almost a year, the thing about being in the spotlight requires us to be friendly to our fans, late nights and days away from home and if you don’t have a strong relationship and trust then it won’t last, its priceless to have the love of your life supporting you as a DJ.

·         How does being a lesbian affect your bookings?

I get more bookings, it’s probably the girl on girl action that attracts the straight clubs but in general Female DJ’s are very rare so TGIF! (Thank God I’m Female)

·         Any advice for aspiring DJ’s out there?

Not everyone is built to be a DJ, there is a lot more involved then by pushing a couple of buttons and shaking your crazy ass. If you can feel the music burning inside you when you listen to a track, when you can read a crowd, pose for photos, drink tequila and listen to a track in your headphones while mixing it with the current one playing ALL AT ONCE, I’d say you’ve got talent. Always remember Practice makes Perfect!

·         Where can our readers go check you out?

I have a Facebook account called DJ Cheeky Cherry. You can also catch me on BBM 27B39E0E or drop me a mail cheekycherry@webmail.co.za .

·         What can we expect from you in 2012? Any exciting news or something to look forward to?

Oh yes along with my gigs and parties I am proud to say that L’Fusion Eventz is back, and this year will be filled with ladies and men’s events, productions, parties. There are a lot of new things to look forward to but I don’t want to ruin the surprise now…

To get in touch with DJ Cheeky Cherry contact The Modern Talent Network. You can also catch her at future L’Fusion Eventz and check her out right here on The Modern L in upcoming articles and photoshoots.

Interviewed by: Miss Jones

Photography: Kris Venter & Jay Alan

Artwork, Layout & Design: Trudie Nel & Miss Jones

About a girl

I met her on a Saturday. She looked like a fairytale princess. I knew she was forbidden as something that beautiful can’t be kept.  I saw her on a few occasions thereafter but not much was said between us and I could only admire her from afar. Until that night…

I saw her again that night, but this time it was different. Again, she looked like a princess. She sat weeping on the steps, someone had broken her heart. Seeing her like that broke my heart as I could not bare seeing her in so much pain. I offered her a smile, a few kind words and a shoulder. She accepted and it felt as if time stood still as my heart slowly melted. I felt it. Something I hadn’t felt in years. I’m falling in love…

As time was passing, we became closer and our connection grew stronger. As did my fondness of her.  But I can’t tell her that. I’m scared, frightened as a child during a thunderstorm. I don’t want to lose her, I can’t.

We are now at a stage where we’re spending most of our free time together, cuddling on the couch, holding hands, laughing, sharing, falling asleep next to each other. And every moment spent with her takes my breath away. I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like having her lips on mine, our touch turning from affection into passion and feeling her heart beat against mine.

I can see it in my mind’s eye, I can feel it in my soul, but I will never experience it and I cannot let her go…

The Modern Talent Network

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If you're looking for talent for your next event, we'll hook you up!

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A Letter To My Crush

How do I start this? Well maybe I should just tell you like it is, maybe I shouldn't do this. Anyway here it goes:

Christmas is creeping up on us and I am looking up to the stars tonight. They look funny, it's as if they swirl and all of a sudden they create your face. I wish you can see this smile on my face, I must look so silly but I don't care. Your face in the sky is looking at me smiling too, so I decided tomorrow will be the day when I tell you that I have a crush on you.

It's like you taking over my mind, I sometimes smell your perfume even if you are not there, how did this happen? Do you know how beautiful you are to me, I love the way your eyes sparkle when you laugh. Guess I can't really tell you how I feel so I am telling you like this;

I want to hold you, take your hand and be the reason you smile. I want you to sit next to me on Christmas day singing carols, I really, really want to kiss you.

Maybe now you will see after reading this you will realize just how many times a day I think of you, maybe one day you will like me the way I like you.

Hugs and kisses
Me