When I think about Spring and Summer, I think about being naked. Those excruciatingly brutal winters takes a toll on this here Floridian gal. After a season of depressing weather, I’m almost bursting for the opportunity to wear absolutely nothing at all. Which is why this denim jumpsuit trend baffles me. (Source 1, 2, 3)
can you see me allll the way to the left??
In college, a few of my friends and I took advantage of the free wellness activities offered on campus. Our torture choice was Pilates. Man, that was a real work out. That was also four years ago. I’ve had a brand new mat, still in its package, laying in the trunk of my car for over a year before I decided to stop being lazy. So when Wellness Wednesdays rolled back around at Atlantic Station, I finally put my mat to good use.
This year marks my 14th year living in Atlanta. Over the years, I’ve met some amazing church friends that I’ve grown to call family. I had the pleasure of celebrating with one of those friends, Naomie, as she graduated from Georgia State University. She is one of the most exuberant people I’ve ever met. So petite yet full of so much energy. Needless to say, we had a blast. My body still hurts.
Bahamas, 2009
Have you ever laid in bed at night wondering whether you would open your eyes the next morning? Scary, right? But for many of us, when our alarm blares, by the grace of God, we open our eyes again. I don’t know about you but sometimes I just want to exhale. Whew! I made it another day! I’m not sure why He saw fit for me to live but I’m sure glad He did. Being alive…it truly is a blessing.
I woke up in the morning feeling fresh to death
I’m so blessed, yes yes
I went to sleep stressed, woke up refreshed
I’m so blessed, yeah yes
Water in my face and everything is in its place
Peace of mind even my grace
I’m so blessed, yes yes yes
When I think of watercolor, I’m reminded of my painting class freshman year in college. I sucked at painting but I was great at making a mess. You mix and mix and mix, attempting to create the perfect blend of calming colors but really, it’s just a blurry blotch of ink. This is what I associate watercolor with: an abstract, beautiful mess.
I can’t say this is a trend I’m excited about. It’s a bit bland and…watered down. Perfect for this time of year, tho. Rainy, gloomy with a splash of peace and serenity.
When I first started blogging, it was more of a public journaling experience. I didn’t care who read it. I didn’t care who commented. As my blog grew, more and more people would tell me something specific about a post that really inspired them. Then and only then did I realize that someone actually reads this thing. One of my biggest fans of my blog is Miss Heather Lindskold of Between the Covers. I can ALWAYS count on Heather to like, comment or share one of my posts. I have never met Heather in my life but I promise, the support I receive from her, a complete stranger, (well not really because we’ve beeeen buddies on Twitter 
), means the world to me. And I know it comes from a genuine place.
In the beginning, I used to take it personally when my close friends didn’t read my blog. Not in a badgering “Why haven’t you read this post” way but in a “What I did this weekend is up on my blog. It’s been up -___-” kinda way. But, I got over that really quickly. A while back, I attended a going away gathering for a friend and one of the ladies said something that completely transformed my perspective on receiving support from friends. She said “your friends are not your customers”. OOP. And it makes so much sense. So when a friend of mine asked a question on Facebook yesterday, I had the perfect (well, I thought so) response for her.
My friend asked:
“Why is it that you can receive more support from strangers than of those who you’ve known for years?”
My elaborated response:
It was right before bed when I first heard Janelle Monae’s song, Q.U.E.E.N. I thought to myself, “what is this noise that I am I listening to right now?” By the second and third listen the next day, I finally realized how perfect it actually was. Oh yes, Miss Monae brought it with the funky beats and hip-hop slash gospel tones. But more than that, her lyrics spoke to the very thoughts I’ve been mulling over for quite some time. It was at that moment that I decided to reclaim my Queendom. I decided to reclaim the respect that I feel I’ve lost along my way.
“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.”
Keeping in mind that the annual Met Gala’s [costume] theme for 2013 was Punk, I gave every look a second and third glance. I will say, I cannot hide my disappointment with what I saw at this event.
Worst Dressed:
Beyonce disappointed me YET AGAIN (but I’m not surprised because she actually can’t dress) with her Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon ensemble. Excuse me, Givenchy .
Kim Kardashian in a dreadful vintage 70′s floral custom made couch cover. Excuse me, Riccardo Tisci.
Regularly Dressed:
There were others that must not have read the invitation stating the theme because they were dressed way too cliché for my liking. Often the Queen of this is Kerry Washington. Her style is always hit or miss. And those Olivia Pope gloves did nothing for me.
Notice that I refuse to defile my blog by posting those bland creations? Ok.
The highlight of my weekend was being able to witness the nuptials of two of my friends. But, not without some pre-wedding drama. If you were in Atlanta this weekend, you experienced the monsoon winds and incessant rain. I was already running a little late to the wedding. My GPS noted that I was only five miles away from my destination. But not before I got into a fender bender with a white Mercedes-Benz. At that point, I was absolutely ready to burst in tears. Just two months ago on a rainy night, someone hit me from behind. And now, on a rainy day, I hit someone from behind. Just my luck.
My mood was completely ruined. I texted one of my friends letting her know what happened and that I would not attend the wedding. Long story short, after exchanging insurance information and shooing off the officer, I was able to attend the wedding. I’m so glad I did!
There are some people who come into your life to show you something and then leave. There are others who come into your life and completely ruin it, lol. And then there are some people who come into your life and unknowingly help you become a better you because of who they are.
I don’t remember how we met. I just know that she has changed my life for the better.
Today is my best friend Bekky’s birthday. I’ve never done this before but she really has a special place in my heart. Never have I ever met such a genuinely humble, giving and caring spirit before. Bekky has truly taught me (and is teaching me) what it means to be a good friend.
She’s done SO MUCH for me. The least that I can do is to use my platform to share some of the few things that make her a beautiful individual on her special day.
I cannot recall every little thing but what I do remember is…
1. Having an assignment to sleep outside during homelessness week and her coming along.
2. Her family sending me to London.
