22

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!!! Let's be real... I've been waiting like 2 years to say that and actually have it be legitimate!!! Now that I've gotten that out of my system, i want to express how happy i am to be alive at this time. there there are so many things I have to be grateful for! Though my life was nothing like a fairy tale, I know that this was the life that was inspired for me I know my different challenges trials and opportunities were placed in my path so that way I can grow and learn and experience things that would have shaped me into the best person I can be! These 22 years have been incredible! to be honest I never really imagine myself this happy and this at peace! within this last year especially, I feel like I became more aware of my purpose here. looking back on my life I wouldn't have changed a thing. I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without the blessing of a strong mother, an absent father, friends that have inspired my soul, and my discovery of God. I see so many good things in my future. Is it weird to say that I actually feel my age. I can't wait for the adventures in store!

She brings joy to this old heart.

My Home

The cool breeze with the scent of sea salt. Moist skin in the gentle Sun. Trains breaking a fairly silent day every 32 minutes. Weeds growing in the cracks of distressed roads and sidewalks. Kids playing double dutch. Boys waddling because their pants are obnoxiously low. Bright flowers. I love the lavender in the garden. Corinne Bailey Rae playing on my porch step. My sister, beautiful even if she is mad at the world. Michael, so gentle and meek... I love that about him. My mother's ribs and black bean rice on my plate. The fish market down the street with its overflowing customers. Men whistling at me. Angry parents yelling for their children to come inside and eat. My mother, so slim and beautiful... and not aging. Green all around me. Hip hop blasting from zooming cars. flowers to honor the falling on nearby sidewalks. The corner stores. The fried chicken shop one block down filling the evenings with the savory chicken. This is my home, and always will be.

It's That Time...

That's right good people.... It's So You Think You Can Dance Time!!! For any of those that don't know me, I love to dance... So much that I majored in it. This show inspired me to face my fears and audition for things that scared the crap out of me! I have always thought about going on the show but I personally don't think I'm there yet. Anyway, this is the show's 10th season!!! I can't wait to see all of the talent and new styles!! I will let you guys know that I am that girl that yell at the TV whenever a sick routine is on and yes.... I am that girl that will run to the studio after the show and dance to my favorite song from the routine..... I have no shame in this.

Enjoy some of my favorite routines

Some of the very many.

Perks of being a Modern Dance Major

•  Sweatpants and Sweatshirts all day....everyday
• Occasional Massages (I actually wouldn't mind more of that)
• Your teachers may drop a swear word and it's kind of entertaining
• We roll around on the ground
• Random Dance Sessions
• You can pick a wedgie and it's normal
• I can take off my shirt and not feel weird (although that can sometimes backfire when I'm in different class)
• My teachers can stand on one leg and do crazy jumps
• My teachers are inspiring 
• We have structured improvs which are amazing
• We slam on the floor as a class when class is over
• You meet the most amazing people
• everyone has bruises
• We have a "Birthday Spanking Machine" (Don't ask...I won't tell)
• I can be sweaty and no one will judge me
• You can wear some pretty weird things
• and......well no matter how bad my body aches at the end of the day or ice sessions I have or tears i shed....... I get to dance everyday.

Herbal Tea, Sweatpants, India Arie, Glasses, and Hair Up....This reflection paper will be a breeze.

Pose

So I absolutely love my new film camera!!! The pictures are coming out so incredible! Here are some pictures from my Make Up Photoshoot. My dear friend Charlotte is a make up artist, and she was brave enough to use me as her model! In her words I'm not a "Mingar" (ugly). Did I mention that she's from England?! We listened to Ella Fitzgerald and munched on sugar cookies! Inspired by 1700s Maria Antoinette "Powdery"Look... Enjoy!

Before the shoot

Charlotte :)

Her sweet dog

The look

Her table

Her Records

fire place

Guitar

The shoot (done in her house)

(she seriously took about 50 pictures of my lips alone)

(caught off guard)

<3

The Baby Is 18

My Baby sister Ora turned 18 today! I honestly don't know where the time went. I remember when we were fighting over which toy on the commercial was "ours" for Christmas. As we got older a lot of things about our personalities clashed and it went to the point of completely ignoring each other. When I left for college we both learned that separation was exactly what we needed. We'r eon better terms now and I have learned so much about myself through her. She makes me a better person in ways I wouldn't expect. She's a bigger part of me than she will ever know. I love the annoying weirdo with all my heart. Happy Birthday Sister.

The last two photos were taken in 2010... that was the last time we took a picture together...That's going to change :)!!