Living

I am a proud HBCU graduate. The rich history and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities span hundreds of years and across familial generations. Showing pride for the legacy that defines HBCUs and their origination consists of untold stories of trendsetters and trailblazers that didn’t let the color of their skin dictate their right to a quality education. Following in the steps of these phenomenal individuals  makes that pride burn even brighter. If you’ve ever known an HBCU graduate you know we stay hype and our rivalries are strong.  The history of our institutions of higher learning are rich, complicated and vast. Our loyalty goes beyond a name, it hinges on a rich history of  black men and women who fearlessly educated themselves, served our communities and dared to disrupt the idea of what society at the time said an educated person looked like. Some of this world’s greatest inventions were created by these genius minds.

It was on thee highest of 7 hills in Tallahassee, FL at Florida A&M University that I was introduced to adult life, its hard knocks, life long friendships, hangovers, trap music, my husband …..a degree.

Two weeks ago my husband,  two of my best friends, and I took a road trip back to where we all connected for a little homecoming action.

HBCU homecomings are a phenomenon in their own right. Stepping back onto campus brought back all kinds of memories. Memories of that time I got out of my car and my heel broke, and recollections of club behavior  when we had to link arms to make it back to the car, and those times when you were her eyes and ears when he was seen across town. You know, when you honed your  ride or die homegirl skills.

…….. and the exact area where I heard my now husband yell out, ” Aye, Mimi.”

So. Many. Memories.

An HBCU homecoming is an amazing mash up of loud music, good food, and vendors. It’s best described as a cultural experience.

I remember it being warm during homecoming but this year the record heat curbed my enthusiasm for going to the game. When I say it was hot, it had to be close to 95 degrees without a cloud in the sky, and against my better packing judgement I didn’t pack a pair of shorts. Sitting in that stadium with jeans on was a recipe for heat stroke so I passed.

I took one for the culture team,  grabbed a watermelon lemonade, some shade and a seat for a little people gazing.

We had grand plans of partying Saturday night away, instead we opted for a girls night in complete with delivered food, laughs and sleep. This getting old thing makes things so simple. I can’t wait to go back next year. I was called Ma’am a few times so that was a rude awakening that I am not to be confused with the younger homecoming set. Next year I’m trying to be up in the parking lot with the old alumni and their RVs. I’m glamping to homecoming next year. Watch.

What college did you go to? Did you enjoy your college experience? When was the last time you went to your school’s homecoming?

September was rough. Intense to say the least and I am welcoming October with open arms that I hope will be clad in sweater material soon because I am completely and totally over the heat.

September worked every good nerve, I felt anxiety and uncertainty on everything having to do with my purpose.

To be a creative is exhausting.

It is always your creative, lofty and in my case dreamer behavior being reminded that life doesn’t always see the beautiful colors and the art in the unusual, it instead sees the black, the white, and the gray. It is that constant fight against life to not quell your spirit and forcefully push it into a box, cause if you let it you know you will feel suffocated and sad. As a result in an attempt to not let your dreams be packed in a box and tucked away to make place for “reality”  your mind is constantly working over time to see how your gifts can make money so that you can be fulfilled in all areas.

The. Struggle. Is. Real.

In a roundabout way that was my September. Praying, believing and putting into motion things that would allow life to make way for my gifts and understanding that it may not look like what I want but may manifest in a way that I need. I think I’m kinda, finally open to the unknown. I’m understanding there are things I can’t control and I’m letting go.

I’m letting go for an awesome end of the year and the ideal that my life is bound to be beautiful and I have control to create that beauty with the small things.

Fresh air does a body good. Saturday I grabbed my camera and the babies and we headed downtown to grab a few photos of Trina. That mere obligation on my calendar turned into an impromptu Saturday morning filled with laughter, and a plain old good time.

I think I forgot how much I missed my camera and the outlet that photography has provided me in the past.

Once Trina and I were done with her shoot, we ventured down Edgewood, taking in the scene, living in the moment, hanging out with one of the village aunties.

Village auntie B has the best house ever, with natural light to die for.

….and nail polish.

I took the rest of the weekend to rest my mind and my body. Quarter 4 is ahead, and if I plan to live this life I feel I am bound to live I have to put in work.

We all have to work to build a life we are proud of.

In all of it’s ugly there is beauty in life, lots of it. We have to work to find and nurture it. For me that means picking up my camera more and journaling here hoping that my images and words and honesty may encourage you to get out there and stretch a little, and love a little and live a lot.

Have a great week friends!

It really shouldn’t be that hard to sneak away with your significant other. The truth of the matter is dating your spouse is very important but I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes the logistics of making it all happen exhausts me before one plan is made.

Last Tuesday my husband and I handed off the children for the evening and trekked downtown to see Cirque du Soleil Luzia, which is playing  under the yellow and white tent at Atlantic Station through November 19.

Cause I am an absolute cheap date.

We’ve seen quite a few Cirque du Soleil shows but this was the first that I’d seen that involved water. Set in Mexico, Cirque du Soleil Luzia really captured the captivating colors and sounds never disappointing with jaw dropping acrobatics and stunts.

Complete with a Guiness World Record juggler and a contortionist that made me cringe at times, I am always in awe of the talented performers that travel with Cirque du Soleil. My mind wanders to, how did they even know they could do this and then I think about all of the time these performers give to their craft to be the very best at what they do.

We did attend during media night and were able to capture photos and video during the show. Here is a short video of the clips that I put together ( may take a few seconds to load) . These do the show no justice.

Cirque du Soleil Luzia will be in Atlanta through November 19 with showings Tuesday – Saturday at 8p. There are matinees available on Friday and Saturday at 4:30 and Sunday at 1:30 and 5p. Ticket prices start at $35. This particular show would be great for children as well.

I did receive press tickets for this showing. All opinions are mine.