Asleep Beneath The Flowers
Life of an Afrocentric 80's Baby…
Summertime Fun!
011 months ago
It’s almost that time! School is out for most students, if not at the finish line, community and apartment complex pools are open and the sunscreen is flowing. Summer vacations are being planned and children are whisked away in daydreams of Mickey Mouse and water parks!
But what about the 20 and over crowd?
I long for the days of summer camp and lounging at the library on hot summer days. I remember begging my mom not to send me away to sleep-away camp, and then calling her the last week of camp asking to stay for an additional session. Those were the days. I know understand how hard it was for my mom to find things to do for us this summer that stayed within her one-income budget and still provided enrichment activities.
I only have two major trips planned this summer and I look forward to both of them. They are out of the state of maryland and I dont have to worry about accommodations and routines. Having girlfriends who live in other states is a plus during the summer. They invite me to all the local festivals, concerts and not-so-touristy events.
Mimosas on rooftop, dancing under the stars and chasing cabs are some of the things I look forward to this summer.
And while I have a special someone waiting for me at home, I look forward to girl time.
Painting nails, talking in hush tones about things that are for mature audiences only and knowing that without a shadow of a doubt, there is always someone more adventorous than you.
So I charge you to have sometime away from your usual hangout. You would be surprised how much you discover about yourself!
3 Down, 9 to Go!
3
So as I look back on all I’ve accomplished this year in just three months, I’m thankful.
Thankful for loving friends and family who support my decisions.
Thankful for the work experience I’ve garnered thus far. It can only get better.
I’m also thankful for the fact that I see myself growing each and every day. Positive reflection is the key.
In a little less than 2 months, I’ll be turning 24 and can’t wait to spend it in the company of those I love. I want to be able to share with them the knowledge and wisdom I’ve learned and hope to have some shared with me as well.
On January 1st of this year, I made a list. List of things I KNOW I will accomplish this year. Below I’ll share it with you.
In 2011,
I will be employed (full-time benefits) with a company that roots its values in youth, social media/tech, the crisis amongst the African-American community and nonprofit work.
I will travel to (at least) 3 conferences pertaining to my craft.
I will travel for pleasure (at least) 3 times a year
I will speak to youth in a motivational setting
I will read 52 books this year
and I will find love this year.
The list continues to grow as the months pass, but I feel like I am on a good path.
Have you made a list of items to complete for the year? Share them below!
Dedication
0Times unspoken, words left unsaid,I thank the lord for allowing me to wake up each and every day.
My walk with you becomes closer each and every moment, i just know it can only get better.
Pictures on the wall remind me of what was,
Feng Shui tells me to move the bed to the East..or was that the West?
So much i’ve learned in 150 days, Never looking back, only raising my hands to praise.
Sankofa on my shoulder, reminding me to always remember my past
Because in order to build a strong future, I have to save the best for last.
Never regress, only look to move once the times have changed.
My ancestors taught me never to forget my name
Queen, Sister, Lover, Friend.
I hope to make you all proud, even in the end.
So as I end this impromptu prose, and let my light shine through..I send love and light to all of those, people i’ve wronged.
Especially you.
12 days in 2011
01 year ago
So we have reached one of my favorite numbers of the year, 12!
What I’ve learned in 12 days is that writing solves a lot of my frustrations. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my circle of family and friends that I can confide into and learn from but there is something about being alone in your own space to really find yourself. What makes you tick, the things that make you happy, etc.
I’ve learned that old habits are hard to break, but they can be BROKEN!
One of my favorite tweets I saw this morning during my Twitter hibernation was this one : @SelfEsteemQueen: If you’re waking up unhappy about someone in your life, it’s time to let that person go. #WisdomWednesday
Now I broke a lot of ties coming into the New Year, but sometimes ties don’t want to be broken. This particular tweet didn’t resonate with me based on one person, but a multitude of thought patterns, ideas, and communities that I associate with. I have to let them/it/all GO.
So as I embark on moving positively and with purpose in this new era, my mantra of the moment is: I choose to be happy, no matter what.
So, how has your first 12 days been?
Ringing in the New Year!
0I am entering the new era with no fear and no regrets. I have cut all unhealthy ties and I am working towards a brighter and happier future for myself.
Nostalgic of the days when I was working towards a goal, I am revisiting the 30 day love cleanse.
30 Days of focusing on me and what I need for a better me.
Details on the Love Cleanse as told by Mandy are located here.
Also check out the DailyLove . The inspiration for this movement!
Happy New Year!
Habari Gani? Imani!
I have FAITH that I am able to create the life for myself.
Day 21: No TV
01 year ago
by admin
in 31 Day Reset
Today was a easy challenge for me because I don’t watch too much TV anymore. With almost a year without cable, i have learn to catch everything that I want to watch online. However, i have started to watch this everyday from 12-1pm.
The greatness that is the COSBY SHOW!
Don’t even get me started on a Different World (starting with Season 2).
How was your Day 21?
Day 18: Teacake Inspired
01 year ago
by admin
in 31 Day Reset
Rosetta says: Today’s challenge has two options: one for those who already have a partner and one for those who are single and looking for a partner.
Keisha says: I’m so happy that this was Day 18. Anyone that follows me on Twitter (@IAMKJR) knows that I am on a #teacakehunt. For all those that don’t know, I’ll explain. One of my favorite authors Zora Neale Hurston wrote a little classic called “Their Eyes were Watching God”. (Highly Recommended) Teacake is Janie’s(main character) last husband and true love. He allowed her to be free.
Not gonna totally give the whole book away, but I realized after my last relationship that I cannot settle for anything less than greatness. I need to be true to who I am.
I’ve recently signed up for two online dating sites and I’ve gotten mixed results. Sometimes, they have fizzled into something, others…I dont even remember names at this point. But I recommened it to everybody. We live in a very different and digital age from before. Try Something New (Stay tuned for that post).
But I haven’t lost hope.
I’m still holding out for my teacake.
How was your Day 18?
Day 17: Find a Good Therapist
01 year ago
by admin
in 31 Day Reset
So if you’re wondering where some of my posts are…I’ve moved them offline. I figured that some thoughts, ideas and epiphanies need to stay with me..No worries, though. I am still in it to win it.
Rosetta says: If you don’t yet have a therapist, find one. A good therapist will be someone you feel comfortable talking to. It also helps if their office is in close proximity to your home, work or school. It shouldn’t be a hassle for you to get there for your sessions and you certainly don’t need the additional stress.
Keisha says: I have personally reaped the benefits of seeking therapy. Once in 2006 and again earlier this year after really bad changes in my life. I felt like I had no one to talk to…no one could understand. I am thankful that their was someone who reached out and listened to me. I am also glad that I sought out the help. I’ve never been one to shy away from a open ear so talking about my problems came natural to me. It was the listening that was that hard part. But I made it through.
Recently, I’ve been looking for a new therapist that won’t charge me a arm and a leg. I move over to new insurance at the beginning of the year, so I am adding the task of finding a new therapist to my 2011 bucket list.
How was your Day 17?
KJR
Side note: If you are in the DMV area or have access to listen to the radio online, check out Audrey Chapman. She has been my on again off again open ear. She has a weekly radio show that has been running for as long as I can remember. Check her out at audreychapman.com
Day 13: 100 Things That Make You Happy (50 Listed)
01 year ago
What makes you happy? What kinds of things, people, activities, music, memories, places, foods, smells, make you feel alive? Sit down for about half an hour and come up with a list of 100 things. I know, it sounds like a lot, but once you get going, you realize that there are actually hundreds of things that make you happy! Nothing is too small or silly to put on this list. It’s YOUR list. Don’t think. Just write. Whatever first comes to mind will be real and true for you.
So, here’s my list:
- Love
- Cupcakes
- finding great fiction books
- FRESH Oreos
- Sushi
- Dancing
- Spending time with my friends
- Erykah Badu
- Jill Scott
- Lauryn Hill
- Songs when Lauryn and JIll sing background vocals
- SWING PHI SWING
- Laying on the grass in spring
- Besting my mom in cooking
- Movies(esp w/Sanaa Lathan)
- Newsprint
- DC Metro
- Receiving Mail (that isn’t bills)
- Talking to young people
- Black LOVE
- Trips to the library
- Looking up how to cook new things on Epicurious.com
- Going to festivals in the summer
- Making crafty gifts
- Making my Momma PROUD
- Gym
- That feeling after a nice hot shower
- My iPhone
- Road Trips
- Pitango Gelato (Pistachio)
- Philadelphia
- Harlem
- Book Festivals
- Fixing things in my apartment
- Baking
- Weekly Skype Calls with my BFF
- Taking care of Business
- Multi-tasking
- My desire to help women
- Old School Nick Cartoons
- Nonprofits
- Learning new things
- Netflix
- Mom’s old stuff
- Pictures of my Mom and Aunts around my age
- Blogging
- Photography
- Swimming
- SEX
50 was hard…but I am still working on the last 50 this week!
KJR
Day 12: Create your vision board
21 year ago
So sometime in october, I decided to create a vision board. Now since two of the things that I posted have come true, I’m working on revising and updating the piece.
Since I created this, i’ve achieved two of the items listed:
-Slim in the gym
-Attended the Essence Women’s conference
Both have been great experiences and allowed me to see the benefits of positive thinking.
Other things listed:
Making my dreams come true, love and pictures of happy couples.
I can’t wait to see what else I manifest.
How was your Day 12?
KJR