sunday journal excerpt

Excerpt from my journal…

The room was almost full for my panel, one speaker had dropped out leaving more time for the four of us. I spoke then listened to the others; I couldn’t shake that feeling of an unseen baton being passed that stirred in me earlier in the day. A sister panelist took the floor. I listened to her speak about her research that affirmed what I have lived, experienced, taught, and had just spoken about as part of my talk. I listened, bristled, slid forward in my chair when she referred to me as “Auntie”; was taken aback, offended by what I heard as an insult, a diss. Was this young person calling me out of my name in front of a room that I now clearly noted was full of women much younger than myself?

Something came over me when I heard her say it again. As I sat back in my seat, I knew in that moment that a baton was indeed passing.  Though I don’t feel or look my age, my lifespan, with all that has occurred in that arch from birth to now, is unmistakably stamped with the number of years I’ve been blessed with. Because I had shared my exact age with my audience, I realized it and I had been heard, appreciated, revered not dissed. 

I was not prepared for this moment, the moment when one accepts their new seat on the stage, knows that their seat is more like a throne as we ascend to being honored as sage, seasoned, knowledgeable women who have been there, done stuff, lived to tell it, and maybe spilled a little tea in the process.

And so as I jot down my thoughts, I wonder if I can totally let go of that baton while at the same moment, I feel no resistance to the thought. Perhaps it is now time for me to speak in different forums sharing pieces of my story that I hadn’t considered were worth telling in a voice that is toned, rooted in sureness, and quite resounding.

So…

keep your peepers open!® 

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #TEDtalk #revelation #motivation #wellness #spillthetea #mystory #RECLAIMINGBGWH #photographer #photography #outdoorphotography #flowers #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

sunday royals

This morning I wake remembering the fairy tale magic of yesterday when a royal wedding unlike no other graced the world with hope. When a mixed race woman of color brought sparkle to the eyes of young Black girls in particular saying to them…anything is possible. I exchanged excited text messages with my sister and a few of my girlfriends who were up before daybreak to join in with millions around the globe as we watched with happiness and dare I say, a tiny touch of joyous envy. I thought about my childhood, remember wearing a crown for a few birthdays, seeing Cinderella and wishing I could marry a Prince then flashed forward to becoming an adult and looking for my Prince Charming. 

As I sit here this morning, I wonder if any of my friends were thinking the same as we quietly teared up with undefined emotions knowing that herstory was unfolding in storybook fashion across the pond and though not there, we were a part of it. I think back to this past Friday when I spoke at a Black women and girls health symposium about how alternative methods of self care can help (re)define self-esteem and marvel just a bit at the timing of my talk, the messages of some of my sister presenters, and this wedding. I know I have much more reflecting to do because both the symposium and the new Black Royalty raised questions, took me back, stirred my blood, and shifted me in less than 24 hours. I felt it happening, just don’t know what it all means though spirit tells me a good groove is coming on, so time for contemplation as you…

keep your peepers open!®

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation #wellness #mindfulness #herstory #royalwedding #blackroyalty #magic #RECLAIMINGBGWH #photographer #photography #goodgroove #artist #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

mothers

Wishing all who are Mothers, mother others, or are expecting their first a lovely day and to all who are missing their Mother/Mother figure on this Sunday, may your memories surround you with sweet & tender comfort.

keep your peepers open!®

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #flowers #photographer #photography #outdoorphotograhy #mothersday #rememberingmothers #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

sunday splendor

I have been moving about the city, walking with my camera in my pocket capturing tulips whenever and wherever I spot them and wow, they have been just spectacular! Their magnificent blossoms now fade, petals falling to the ground as their season in the season of spring passes to other beautiful specimens. Please enjoy a glimpse of the hundreds I was most fortunate to become acquainted with, as I spent time watching and communing with these little beauties. I invite you to take a few moments to take them in, take a few breaths, close your eyes and imagine standing before a tiny gift of nature that graces us for just a short time and be inspired. 

keep your peepers open!®

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #mindfulness #motivation #garden #tulips #flowers #art #selftaughtartist #outsiderartist #photographer #photography #outdoorphotograhy #igdc #UpOutDC #aCreativeDC

#keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis