If I Were A Love Poet

The Honest Poem

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I've noticed that as I have gotten older I am becoming more of a girly girl in the sense that my apperance is something I am putting more focus on.  I give myself weekly facials, experiment with fashion, put more effort into the way my hair looks (i've relied on ponytails way too much in the past!), and over all mirror time has increased.  Does this mean that as I get older I become more vain or just a shift in priorities?  Have you noticed a difference in your mirror?

Finding Your Way

Finding your way in life is a task that takes time. I find myself waiting for the next thing; like my life is stalled. It's a very unsettling feeling. I love my life and everyone and everything in it, but I feel there is more that I should be doing; more to be exposed to.

One of the worst things one can do is compare oneself to others. Mainly because the path they took in life may not be meant for you. Still I find myself doing just that quite often. "If I had this..., If I lived there..., If I did that for a living..." It's something that sucks you into an unrealistic fantasy world. Living in this world is a trap!!! Lesson learned.

On to better things, I am very excited about possibilities that have arisen in my life. Please keep it in your prayers that I get this new, great job and new home! Truly appreciated!!

True Prespective

Thank you Lily!

Inspiration

I'm in need of a little inspiration...any ideas?

Enough Is Enough

Alright so being unemployed is taking its toll.  I am lost without a job.  Not only for a lack of security in the workplace but I can't go shopping and of course I see tons of things I want!  I know things should not be what I desire, there are more important things such as working with a purpose and financial security, but I miss the stuff and other perks of having a job!  I miss having an agenda or to-do list that involves more than just "find a job"!  Also, I want to move.  I want to go to a city unknown to me.  I'm thinking Chicago, New York, DC, Atlanta, etc.  Something new!!!

When Love Calls

Music has alway been a crucial part of my life.  It is my go to for whatever emotion I am feeling.  I think we all have that one song or artist that changes you preception of life, love, and happiness.  I remember the first time I heard “Love Calls” by Kem from his debut album Kemistry. I immediately fell in love with it. I'd recently graduated from High School and moved to Dallas to begin my education in Culinary Arts. These events in themselves were monumental, but when I heard that song I realized that I was no longer the person I once was.

Before leaving Arkansas my only source of musical entertainment came in the form of MTV, BET, and Power 92.3fm, if they didn’t play it I didn’t hear it. I grow up listening to hip-hop and R&B, some soul and blues from my parents and other relatives influence, but I never really took a liking to it. When I heard this song, it all changed.

“Love Calls” is more than an R&B song; it has soul, heart, and depth to it. Listening to it made me realize that I was no longer a child trying to fit in with my friends, I was an independent thinker that can describe and identify what I like about the song. His voice soft and soulful, the lyrics identifiable, the melody soothing, this to me encompassed mature adulthood. It was my gateway musical drug. I soon began searching down the R&B/Soul aisle of the music stores soon discovering Al Green, Anita Baker, Sade, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and that was invigorating but not enough. Next came the Jazz aisle where Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James reside. That is what I needed. I needed the soul, the audio poetry and art. These artists opened my eyes to realize that defining myself was a lot harder than I anticipated.

I was no longer one thing or another. I no longer liked on genre or another, I do have my preferences but I can appreciate it all. I now feel that everyone can find at least one song or artist from each genre of music. I can honestly say that I have out grown a lot of things, for instance, the need or desire to attend a concert in an arena setting with hundreds of people leaves a bad taste in my mouth. There are very few “artist” that I would actually pay to see (Kem, John Legend, and Maze feat. Frankie Beverly) and if I do pay to see them it has to be in an intimate setting, a small club or lounge.

I hear younger people talking or listening to certain music and it pains me to hear what has now become acceptable to the ear. “Hip Hop is Dead” by Nas and “I Used to Love H.E.R” by Common are true testaments to the current culture. It’s lost its way and I believe that the John Legends and Kems of the world are the anchors needed for my musical sanity.

Kem has helped me to identify and embrace this new uncharted territory I call adulthood. I feel invigorated yet calm and serene, mature yet youthful, my outlook on life and my future are full of rich tones and colors, I am adult.

Once Upon A Time...

Why can't real life be like the movies.  You know, in the beginning everything is bright and shiny, filled with possibilities.  Then, the life changing moment that sets the tone for the remainder of the film, the obstacles that get in the way of dreams. But all of a sudden, the "ah ha" moment when everything suddenly clears up. All the answers you've struggled with for the last 35 to 45 minutes (depending on the length of the film) come to a glorious conclusion with a look or something someone says to you.  In an instant your life is "happily ever after".   Those moments when you get the job and the guy.  I guess the purpose of those movies is to remind us that it is possible, maybe not wrapped in a pretty bow like on screen but possible non the less.  Perseverance and defining what you truly want out of life are the true essentials to gaining that happy ending.

What Should I Do

So, I am at a crossroads and could use some advice.  My hair.  In the last 2 years I have transitioned to natural and cut my hair about 6 inches.  So now I am trying to decide if I should remain natural or reintroduce myself to the creamy crack as well as if I should cut it shorter or grow it out. 

So this is me now:

Natural and Straigened

Now where should I go from here

Option A

Option B

Option C

 

Any thought?

I Wish I Had Legs Like This

Around My City

Excellent curry popcorn!

408 W. 8th St., Suite 102, Dallas, TX 75208

It's Time To Get Yours!

So when I need to get refocused on the task of life, I re-read Get Yours! by Amy DuBois Barnett. Its a great read filled with personal life experiences and insight as to how she became the fierce woman that she is. From your love life to the importance of friendships and your career, this book has it all. I always find myself energized and ready to take on life, and even become more up to a broader range of oppurtunities. If you are looking for a self help book that doesn't scream self help, give this a read.

Time Will Tell

So whats been going on with me? Well, I officially graduate on May 22, 2010 (woohoo!!!) So now I am looking for a job. I have never been without a job, so this is uncharted territory for me! I am a Nutritionist, not a Dietitian; there is a difference! I didn't get accepted into an internship this time around so I will be reapplying next year. If you hear of any open positions let me know. I would love to become a writer for an online publication or magazine, but also have an interest in non-profit organizations. So to my lovely readers (all 2 of you! lol) keep me in mind and prayers! Thanks guys!

Love At First Sight

Spring Time, Sunshine

You know, I woke up this morning in a great mood! Have you ever had a day that you wake up with a smile on your face for no other reason than your happy with your life? That's me! I got some not so great news earlier this week, but i wasn't all that upset about it. Everything happens for a reason, right? I think the sun shining, a gentle breeze, and brightly colored blooms gave me the realization i was in need of. Me life is awesome! Sure, my bank account and closet may not as full as i would like them but i know i will get there!

A part of getting my into this springy mood is changing my surroundings slightly. Rearranging the furniture and/or changing the colors in a room with paint or accent pieces, and of course fresh flowers are a must! Here are a few of my favorite options:

Each of these beautiful options can be found at westelm.com, worldmarket.com, pier1.com, or urbanoutfitters.com

I Have Failed...

So i wrote in the beginning of the year that one of my goals is to post at least 3 times a week. Unfortunately, i failed to realize just how demanding my schedule would be being a full time student (taking 6 classes this term), working 2 jobs, and dealing with a lack of sleep (I'm averaging about 4-5 hours a night, I'm used to 7-9!). This is tough! The good news, i have 4 more weeks left with this schedule. Believe me, i am counting down! Any who, i don't know if anyone is reading this, but if you are i can defiantly use your positive thoughts and patience's! If you are out there, let me know how your doing with you resolutions.

Seasonal Depression or Hibernation?

So during this time of year (in the northeastern portion of the US) i feel a change in my focus and my outlook turns pessimistic. Is it seasonal depression or just our innate sense to shield our bodies from the brutal cold that changes us? What should i do, force myself to leave my nice warm bed or just ride it out till spring?

Future Plans

OK, so i read somewhere that in order to make your dreams come true you should put pen to paper. So I decided to use a keyboard instead. First on the list, my dream job!

1. Travel
2. Independence
3. Relaxed company culture
4. Upward mobility
5. Maximum financial return
6. Flexibility
7. Fashion freedom in the office

These are just a few to start, this list will grow as time goes by. Give me some ideas.

Happy New Year

So it's 2010! How the heck did that happen so fast! I can't even remember 2009. To begin this year i have decided to write my resolutions here so you guys can keep me accountable. I really want to achieve my goals for the year, so, here goes.

1. Write a post at least 3 times a week. With my schedule for the year, writing will be a true task but it's good for me. I enjoy exploring all the things that life has to offer from fashion, food, museums, traveling, and fun with family and friends. I need the release from the day to day grind.

2. Date more, or rather any! I have not been on a date in years! Literally! So I am going to put myself out there. Having that special someone is something that is important to me and also something that I have neglected actively. That is going to change!

3. Take more pictures. I have decided to become a more interesting person! Funny, right! I am going to do more and document my life in photos.

4. Spend more time with friends and family. I am a loner. I enjoy being by myself a bit to much. This goes hand in hand with #3 in my effort to become a more interesting person. Enjoying life with friends and family is crucial to a life filled with happiness.

5. Become more adventurous with fashion! I am safe in every aspect of my life, including the contents of my closet. I need more color, prints, and patterns, varied lengths and fits. Also my shoes (my loves) need a major upgrade. I haven't purchased any shoes in over a year! Blasphemy, I know!

6. Join something! I have yet to join a/an group or organization, and I'm in college. This place is crawling with 'em! Joining a group/organization not only will allow for me to become more involved in my community but will help with the social joys that I have missed out on in the past. Keep in mind joining means nothing if I'm not actively involved; that will help with #3!

Alright, there they are! My personal goals for the year. Please send good thoughts and suggestion to help me stay on track and achieve these goals! I can do it!

What about you, what are your goals?