mixtapes & musings vol. 2
family vacay, swollen eye, and a whole lotta moonshine.
…it all started when I got beat up by a toddler
You would think I’ve learned to bob & weave by now, but baby, those tiny hands turn into fists of fury real quick. Honestly, I can’t even blame her. A 12-hour road trip in the very back seat of a (albeit comfortable) 2-row vehicle, with no room to roam the land and an upset tummy (yep, she threw up, too) would make anyone’s wits start to itch.
The security blanket had to be dosed with a hose at our first pit stop - and until we reached our destination… in a bag awaiting wash at the cabin, it would stay. Luckily, I brought a blanket for myself, which she gladly used as a replacement.
…and we were good… until we weren’t.
Let me talk my sh!t real quick - wtf is going on with Atlanta and its traffic? Every time I ride through, there are several accidents and some random standstill traffic that doesn’t have to be. I’m already a certified passenger princess, and Atlanta always adds to my 13 reasons why.
Now, all drama aside, I was trying to change a diaper in the backseat on a curvy road, which led to a swift smack in the eye… specifically the eyebrow… more specifically, my eyebrow piercing, which is now a bit irritated.
So aside from walking around with the involuntarily “people’s eyebrow” for the remainder of our stay - we are here safe, fed, and rested.
le photo dump
“Your life is already artful - waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art.” -Toni Morrison
“You might never, ever come down… it took too long to get this high off the ground (don’t run just stay awhile)” -Anderson .Paak
peace isn’t just for vacations (musings & meditations)
Prepare yourself to do better, love better, and take care of yourself better. Set the intention to make your home your sanctuary, a place where peace and harmony reside. Allow yourself not only to declutter your physical surrounds, but also your mind. Clear out old thoughts and habits that no longer serve you. Create space for new, positive energy and opportunities. Allow them the space to flow through freely.
Letting go = freedom. You are capable of cultivating this calm and carrying it with you, no matter where you are.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Inhale slowly, and allow your lungs to fill with the calm and serenity you felt on vacation. With each exhale, let go of the stress and tension that you may feel as you transition out of vacation mode.
Imagine yourself back in that peaceful place. Feel the warmth of the sun, the freshness of the air, and the sounds of nature that lulled you to sleep. Visualize carrying these things into your living space. As you walk through your home visualize the dissipation of the clutter in your physical and mental space. Release the need to control everything, acknowledging that some things are beyond your grasp. Let go of the worries that weigh you down, trusting that you have the strength to handle whatever comes your way.
As you open your eyes, take this renewed sense of peace with you. Nurture it daily and allow it to guide you to a better, balanced, rested version of yourself.
a few quick notes:
If you enjoyed this letter, consider sharing on your favorite platform or restacking it on Substack. It’s one of the best (and free) ways to give a creative their flowers in real time. In the case that you would like to donate to the coffee fund - here’s my Ko-Fi link (never expected but always appreciated).
songs that inspired this weeks newsletter
ICYMI:
BlackStack
BlackStack is a private publication that curates black history, music, culture, quotes, call-to-actions, and whatever we desire to share. BlackStack focuses on “community first” and provides an outlet for our black creatives to create without limitation. This is OUR renessaince and is meant to feel like a good ol-fashioned cook-out. If you would like to learn more about the #BlackStack revolution - come check us out!