say...

what you wanna say
and let the words come out
honestly I wanna see you be brave

Thank You Dr. Angelou

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."

"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness."

::Dr. Maya Angelou::

The passing of a blessed poet, activist, and inspiration lends itself to remembering there are some amazing people in this world.  Dr. Angelou was a Phenomenal Women who broke barriers and transcended the human race, not just African Americans. She set the tone for creativity, expression, and philanthropy and she inspired brown girls like myself, teaching us to be Phenomenal Women.

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Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

::Dr. Maya Angelou::

8 hours in San Diego

When I got to Cali one of the first things I did was take a trip to beautiful San Diego.  I had been to SD on a day trip before and only beach hopped.  This time I decided to take in more of the sights.  I visited the historical Gaslamp Quarter, filled with bars and restaurants, shops, theaters, and much more.  Also in the Gaslamp Quarter, that was a nice little surprise to me, is Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play.  It's a beautiful area surrounded mostly by million dollar condos, professional buildings, hotels, and some restaurants.  Then I made a visit to Qualcomm stadium where the San Diego Chargers play and ended out the day at Mission Beach, of course.  I can't wait to visit SD again for an overnight visit and take in more of the nightlife.  I got a feelin it gets pretty live in Gaslamp.

Leap of faith

"There's a reason we refer to 'leaps of faith' - because the decision to consent to any notion of divinity is a mighty jump from the rational over to the unknowable. Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark." Elisabeth Gilbert

she's your queen to be

we made eye contact for a few seconds

i turned my head blushing at the sight

of his beautiful brown eyes interlocked with mine

i quickly glanced back towards his way 

wondering if his chocolate skin showcased any rosy undertones

i found myself walking closer to get a better view

from ear to ear his smile lit up the universe

the stars were jealous that night

"Hi, my name is..."

"...Queen" he interrupted.

"soon to be my Queen, I only hope"...he finished.

I hear an echo in my soul

I can't say enough how awesome Instagram is.  So I randomly saw a beautiful picture of Echo Park Lake with downtown LA as the backdrop.  It was absolutely beautiful I had to see this place for myself.  So I ventured out on a picnic, enjoying the view and the sun, with a little nap sprinkled in.  I think I found my new favorite place. Until Instagram shows me something better...

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come 

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love 

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

- Chris Tomlin

I'm still fly

Two weeks into this new thing called life.  I'm still on high and very proud of myself for following my heart and I'm super thankful that God put this passion in my heart.  I'm an explorer so of course that won't change, and hasn't changed.  As many times as I have been to LA, I've already discovered two places that I had not yet heard of or visited before (thanks Instagram!).   One being El Matador State Beach in Malibu and the other the Venice Canals.   Beauty, beauty, beauty.  I am constantly reminded why I love this place so much, and how what I receive from this place, I can't get on the east coast...or at least in the DC area.  

El Matador State Beach is located in Malibu, just past one of my other favorites Zuma Beach, and is known for its sea caves and large rocks. Now if you're afraid of heights, not sure that this is the place for you, because it's a bit tricky to get down.  There's an incline and you start high up, go down the incline through some dirt and rocks then you hit the stairs.   Once you get to the stairs, it's all good.  Maybe there's another closer entrance, not sure.  Anyways, on this lovely 90 degree day, I saw 2 couple taking engagement pictures (or what I assumed) and another guy proposing!  It was right then and there that I decided I wanted to get married in California lol.  It just offers such an amazingly beautiful backdrop that makes you want to be in love.  Sigh..that's a post for another day lol.  The water was freezing. And not the type of freezing that gets warmer the longer you stay in it.  It was cold the entire time and I'm sure my legs just eventually got numb to the coldness.   Even though it was a very hot day, there weren't many people at this particular beach.  Understandably so since you pass several beaches to get to this one.  I walked down the shoreline, with the water on my right, and beautiful beachfront dream houses on my left.   I found a nice deserted spot with barely anyone else around, just how I like it.  

I put my headphones on and jammed to Chrisette Michele "Better" album, which is my current fav.  The song that stood out the most in that moment in time was "I'm Still Fly".   

"I'm tryna feel like a girl wants to feel

Like when she's in the love of her life, of her life yea

But if I'm all alone

When it's time to go home

I'll 2 step on my own tonight

Either way, I'm still fly"

No matter what happens in my life the next day, next week, month or year, I am happy and comfortable in my own skin, and proud of the woman I am and have worked to become.  No matter the outcome.  No matter who I have beside me at the end of the day.  I'm still fly.  Either way it goes :)