Grandma Pearly

Whoever said life is short didn't spend much time living.

I have three Grandmas, from my mom, dad and paternal father's side, all who I love very much. Two live outside of town, and one a 15 minute drive away.

My Grandma Pearl(y) is a woman who is hard to forget if you've had the chance to meet her. She's tall, bold and religious. Three qualities I love in her. 

I must also mention: hard worker. I remember her drive and compelling attitude as insurance broker. Outside of her career, she was friendly to every soul she passed by. In the elevator, at the bank, at church or from inside her car. "Heellllooo!" "How are you?" "Don't I know your mummy?" Yes she could talk! And those suits and heels, never one to leave her house undone. 

Swag Tun Up

It's that time of year...spring was nice, but summer is when things really get heated.

Now that I am shaking off some spring cleaning that was in order, I am finally in gear to refocuses on a pile of projects that I am to complete by this coming fall. It's a welcome overwhelming feeling because I am the primary beneficiary in this hustle, a key detailed I had sacrificed over a long period of time. (Dat nuh mek no sense, right? I know sometimes I have to wonder about me too, lol.)

As mentioned, my main focus is in the opening my multifaceted space and festival. Both are coming along well, and the feedback has been so empowering, I can't stop thinking about it.

I am undergoing a world-wind of personal transitions, but I fundamentally believe that these difficult times are blessings in disguise. With reinforcers, such as the above image I came across, I know that following my intuition will only guide me to fruition. That said, I am also conscious of how I present myself to others when dealing with frustration and to be mindful that it is easy to let loose as opposed to maintaining control. So luckily I've been able to walk off a lot of tension and at the same time receive clarity.


As for why this resonates > I have learned, it is one thing to be patient and kind, yet it is another to open to disrespect and intentional put-downs. You will only receive what you accept and I have allowed some to take my kindness for weakness. So it's time to cut ties from toxic relationships and learn from this experience to strengthen present and future relationships, where I will not let the longevity of a relationship cloud when I am unhappy.

The Alchemist

No word of a lie, I wished this book into existence. While going on a 'Goodwill run' with my mom and sisters a few weekends ago I was determined to find The Alchemist. As soon as we entered the first store I headed straight to the book section, my favourite area. At first I was contemplating what type of book I would like to find, usually I pick up ones I have previously read but have borrowed out (with no return in sight) or I myself have borrowed (and returned) but do not own a copy. I also like to pick up magazine to look for fashion inspirations that I can tear from the pages and save for when their needed.

I cannot stress enough at the amount of SIGNS I've been receiving about pursuing a nourishing, happy, adventurous, spottieottiedopaliscious life. It all comes down to doing what you want and actually having the  NERVE to do exactly that. Mainly the messages come through the wonderful people in my life equivalent angels, along side videos such as these. As I get closer to the chunky goals I am pursuing, sh*t is getting real but the words of perseverance and trust have really mended those loose pieces in times of doubt.

So I am basking in the unstoppable energy and want to share with my fellow people too.

Here a few of the videos that have done it for me. I would suggest watching them in order. It will take an hour out of your day so make sure to make time to give your full attention.

The Three Most Important Questions to Ask Yourself

In recognition of...

A Brave and Startling Truth

We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

If we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls.

Love costs all we are and will ever be.
Yet it is only love which sets us free.
A Brave and Startling Truth.

It is possible and imperative that we discover
A brave and startling truth.

When we come to it
We, this people, on this wayward, floating body
Created on this earth, of this earth
Have the power to fashion for this earth
A climate where every man and every woman
Can live freely without sanctimonious piety
And without crippling fear

When we come to it
We must confess that we are the possible
We are the miraculous, the true wonders of this world
That is when, and only when
We come to it.

 

- Maya Angelou

What have you done for me lately?

I can be embarrassingly selfish, when it comes to my possessions and time. In my carefully crafted image of myself I would imagine that I am fairly generous. After all, the majority of my work is people centred and those who know me praise my patience, tolerance and calm manner. But honestly speaking, talk is cheap and I'm talking a good game.

There are various types of givers:

1. Uncle Sam -This group will give if there is a guarantee that they will have an immediate return. At Christmas they brag about the thousands they spent and usually are unhappy with what they receive.
2. Minimalists - If they can get away with bringing tooth picks (from home) to a party, they will. If you need 10 cents they will serve you ten pennies, no more no less.
3. Teeter totters - This group is uncertain, they may be anxious about loss and may go back and forth before deciding to give. 
4. Selfless - These people give without hesitation or reservation. They give out of kindness, not ego.