Ol' Virgini

It's just 3 days shy of 1 month since my arrival to the east coast. One month. Wow.

Here's an excerpt from an email I shared with close family and friends:

[A]ll is well because the Lord constantly provides! I had a shift at my job that provided me with a window to leave the company and relocate; and my lovely cousin so graciously invited me out to Virginia. Can you guess what my answer was when she asked me? Hmmm, how about a nonchalant, "Ok." Then, I drove to my birthday twin's apt to ring in our midnight celebration.

Perhaps you're not used to making nonchalant answers to things that probably shouldn't be decided on nonchalantly. How about thinking of it this way: what have I got to lose? And then the reply would be simple. Nothing.

Nothing.

So, Feb.8 I received some farewell advice from my dad- he's pretty much amazing- hopped on a plane, and arrived at BWI as the newest east coast girl. (;

You're probably wondering what I've noticed since I've been out here. Well, incorrect spelling is a huge problem. Just take a look! http://cheezburger.com/View/4448733184. (I love "Fails"- hilarious!) Other than that, I've just noticed continuous confirmation about my decision. From clients who have ties to the area, to the lady sitting next me on the plane who's daughter successfully did what I'm doing, to randomly meeting well connected people in the area (ahem, establishment owners).

I also attended a panel at U of MD via invite from a dear friend. There I met Bill Ayers. You all remember him? Google it. I must say, he is very intelligent; and, speaking with him I gathered that he is very personable as well.

Pretty fancy, huh?

There you have it- I'm well on my way into a grand adventure. Enough time to do something crazy, but not enough time find the energy to convince myself to do it. Don't worry, the opportunity has only just begun...

Before leaving, I visited family.

This is so sweet! My cousin, Lilly, made her specialty for me. Her beary cake.

Mmmm! It was delicious!

Sea you later Reign City!

In Vogue- Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is such a timeless beauty. From her craft, to her philanthropy, and of course her God given beauty. She's inspiring.

more info on her philanthropy

Colleen Atwood custom corset with lace trim (Angelina’s own). Club Monaco cashmere cardigan.

In this story: hair, Colin Jamison for iTalent Company; makeup, Toni G. for iTalent Company. Production design by Thomas Thurnauer at the Magnet Agency. Details, see In This Issue.

Photographed by Mario Testino

What The Griot Said....

A few weeks ago, my Sudanese grandmother read my fortune. It's a tradition, also popular in Turkish heritage, where an elder reads the remaining coffee grains that have dried along the cup (see image below).

I kid you not my friend, every time we do our coffee
drinking/fortune reading tradition I always expect her to say, "You'll be married in 3 years and have babies," right before concluding, "Because I want to see this before I die." Of course this gets a big eye roll and a "Haboba!" (Grandma) from me. On the contrary, she was SPOT ON. She told me everything about my current life while I just waited for her to slip up- but she never did. Wow. It's amazing because of what she told me was to come. She said that after this moment of now passes all will be white. The uncertainty, discontentment, shell-shock- gone. And the next step will be clear for me. I suppose to you this may sound vague or misleading, but I assure you, my friend, it was oxygen.

photo courtesy

When Perfection Leaves Me Empty

Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything. -Eugene Lacroix

I am not the type of person who makes the same hundred resolutions each new year because I don't like to disappoint myself.

"Well, I got 3/100 last year...I think I can do the 97 this year!"


No thanks. If I can't do it perfectly the first time, then I don't want to do it. So, where does that leave me? One resolution; two? In all actuality, it left me with none.

"If I can't do it perfectly the first time..."

Looking back over the last decade there are several things that I was successful at- earning my B.A., planning and taking a trip to Paris, earning the title of Miss Black and Gold, and reaching my 25th year. (Ok, so that was in the last 2.5 yrs but you get the point; just stay with me.) Although there were several key moments, I also know there were several key opportunities that I used guaranteed success to cover.

You know what...I'm not going to do that anymore. I'm going to force myself to take risks that could potentially leave me flat on my face. I want to be able to use my artistic talents and learn to be the best that I can be...and be proud of that!

It's time for me to start walkin' the talk. No more being timid because someone else out there may be doing the same thing (better). I'm just going to keep reminding myself that my own unique fingerprint will let me own this craft, this project.

Even if they're bumpin' the same LP doesn't mean they're bumpin' the same edition.

God has blessed me with gifts to share. I will stop being greedy!! Forgive me for being greedy!! So, I resolve to be a better me from here on out. To take more risks and remain faithful that God will enlarge my territory as a result.

I believe this will fill the void of emptiness, and I will no longer find myself on the spectators side of the metal fence, but in the action, contributing all of me.

Perfected.

Cloudy In My Head

Lately, I've been having a reoccurring eagerness to reach for a pen and write the clouds away until my head is clear again. As an old soul with many different interests and motivations, I sought out a way to share my catalogue of thoughts.

Behold, my web journal.