Ringing in the New Year

Its time to shed a few pounds--
Shed the weight of
     so called friends who
         make excuses and pretend...

Its time to heal wounds--
Neglected truths passed over
     in favor of fancy words
         meant to numb the pain...

How quickly we mean so little
To people who claim we mean a lot
     and how quickly people cease to care
          just use you as a bridge--

But I'm moving on,
Pouring alcohol on open wounds
     breathe in the burning and stinging
          of healing flesh.

Its time to start a new year
Brighter and devoid of regret--
    wipe away past mistakes,
          learn from broken hearts...

Its time to shed that extra weight
Bury dead friendships and
      say my last goodbyes,
           walk away and never look back.

New Years Resolutions

I don't usually make new years resolutions, but this year, I think I have exactly one resolution: get rid of "friends." We all have those people who claim to have our best interest at heart, but really don't care about us at all. Sometimes it hurts to admit, that the people close to us are really not there for us, but there comes a time when we have to open our eyes and deal with reality. 

As I grow older, many of my friends have new responsibilities: children, husbands, and careers. I support them, and am not offended that I see or hear from them less. "Friends" on the other hand can make time to post on Facebook but not to answer a text.  "Friends" were all about your "friendship" when they were putting the pieces back together in their life, but now that they're not lonely, your "friendship" barely exists. "Friends" are dead weight. #NoDeadWeightIn2015

The Assignment

 

Whispers of War

Season 1

Episode 1

Nita meets the powerful Zuri for the first time and receives her assignment. Will it be fun, dangerous, prestigious, or boring? READ THE EPISODE »

Rough sketch of a Cecaelia woman

Every Cecaelia was given an assignment. Nita had been training for 17 years and today, she would meet Zuri--the one in charge of assignments--and begin her assignment. Nita could feel each of her tentacles shaking--eight legs and not one of them was stable; it was a wonder she didn't sink to the ocean floor. She hoped for a good assignment--something exciting but not too dangerous.

Dressed in her fanciest, Nita swam gingerly toward the scared hall. Today would mark the first time she'd ever entered the grand hall, built from deep red coral and spiraling up from the ocean floor. It was an honor, a privilege, and possibly a nightmare... Nita wasn't sure who she would have to be when she exited, nor did she know what she would have to do. Their creed told them, whatever was necessary; that was her duty. Duty and honor, that was all she was supposed to know. Somehow, she'd also come to know fear.

The older Cecaelia often talked about their assignments--tales of near death experiences and hiding from the watchful eyes of the Payeh. Nita had never seen a Payeh, the creatures that lived on the land, and she had only heard of death, but both topics were the cause of weakness in her legs.

The guards led Nita through the elaborate entrance to a room with an ornate chair, akin to a throne, centered on the back wall. Seated before Nita was the legendary Zuri. She was tall--at least six foot five--and her golden color sparkled like the sun glinting off the water. Each of her eight legs was adorned with brilliant blue rings contrasting with the deep red-brown of her hair which floated around her in delicate braids. Nita couldn't find any evidence of Zuri's rummored age in the flawless image before her, but as the woman rose from the throne, the regality in which she moved became the evidence.

"Nita," Zuri spoke the younger's Cecaelia's name softly. "Come, don't be nervous."

Nita swam forward, but didn't speak; she couldn't find any words to speak.

"I think you will like your assignment, Nita." Zuri continued. "There is a young Payeh boy named Jabir living on the coast. He can't fly yet, and sometimes goes for a swim. I want you to protect him."

Nita's eyes went wide and her heart stopped. She had been given a charge. It was an honor, but it was dangerous too. What if the boy saw her while he was swimming? Even worse, what if she failed and something happened to the boy?

"Remember, the most important things are that you are never seen." Zuri reminded Nita.

Nita nodded, wondering why this little boy was so important. She knew better than to ask questions. She would leave with one of Zuri's guards, make her way to the coast, and watch her charge from afar. She was now a guardian. Sighing with relief, Nita turned to leave--how dangerous could watching a young, flightless Payeh be?

Next Episode »

Book Review: The Invention of Wings

The Invetntion of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd

This book is from the author of The Secret Life of Bees, which although I haven't read yet, I love the movie. Between the back cover synopsis and blind faith from The Secret Life of Bees, I decided to give this book a whirl. It did not disappoint.

Summary

The book is inspired by the life of women's rights activist and abolitionist Sarah Grimke, although it is not a biography (or non-fiction for that matter). The story is told through the eyes of both Sarah and a slave named Handful, each alternately telling their story. Sarah and Handful strike a forbidden and complex friendship when ten-year-old Handful is given to Sarah as an eleventh birthday present. As the two girls grow up together, their worlds change, but both are on a quest to find freedom. 

What I Like

The uneasy friendship between Sarah and Handful is quite delightful to watch grow. Handful is delightfully spirited--taking a lot of trouble-making qualities from her mother. She is strong-minded and determined despite her position as a house slave. Initially Sarah is eager to make a difference in the world but less forceful in her attempts to defy the restrictions placed on her as a women. The juxtaposition of the two characters works very nicely and adds likability to both characters. I was worried that the book would be a bit depressing, but the sad and terrible moments are handled well.

Whether the story was focused on Sarah's quest to bring equality to both the races and the sexes or Handful's attempts to get her freedom, I found myself engrossed in the story. While I found Handful's portions of the story to be more captivating, Sarah's story was quite inspiring as well. The story was engaging enough that I stayed up later than intended two nights in a row to finish the book. 

What I Didn't Like

There was nothing about this book I didn't like. I definitely recommend it!

Announcing Whispers of War Season 1

There are a few teaser posts for the Whispers of War Series (hopefully they haven't confused you if you've already read them). The official beginning of the story will start this week. I hope to continue the Whispers of War series in the fashion of a TV show: each week a new episode (or installment) will be posted. Season 1 will start this Friday, December 26, 2014. Stay tuned!

30 Before 30

A chronicling of 30 things I hope to accomplish before I turn 30.

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Sports

From the basketball to surfing, this collection features posts about some of my favorite sports.

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Fire

Fire is exciting and fun to write about. When you need some excitement and heat, check out this collection of fire-themed and inspired poetry.

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Water

Water is one of the most relaxing and peaceful elements in nature I can think of. From slow and steady drops of rain to rushing waves, water is one of my favorite inspirations! This collection of mostly poems focuses on the beauty and peace of water.

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Animals

Feeling strong and powerful like a lion, free as a bird, or as agile as a squirrel? Certain traits have always been epitomized by a particular animal (the wise owl, for example) and throughout time, many cultures have revered animals. Posts here are dedicated to the non-human members of the animal kingdom.

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Faith and Belief

Writings here are on the topic of faith. As a believer in Christ, most of the writings are based on faith in God and Christ, but some are on faith in general.

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Fantasy

Posts here deal with fantasy and fairy tales: from unicorns and mermaids to brand new ideas from my own imagination. For a little bit of fun and a break from reality, check out the following.

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Friendship

What's life without your friends? This section is dedicated to the beauty (as well as the trials and tribulations) of friendship.

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Girl Talk

Sometimes, it's just a girl thing. This section contains information that concerns women, from femininity in the professional world to body issues, from exploitation to Sexual Assault Awareness Month. See it from a woman's point of view:

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Music

Exploring the beauty of music, writing here, delves into the power of music. These posts contain a combination of commentary, praise, and reactions pertaining to music.

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Holidays

Food, family, and fun. That's what I think of when I think "holiday." (Granted, it wasn't long ago that holiday was simply a synonym for no school.) This section is dedicated to the holidays, whether it's to get you in the festive mood, or simply to talk about the origins of a particular day. Check below for everything from Halloween stories to general posts on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.

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Lessons From A D9 Organization

D9 is short for Divine Nine, the nickname given in reference to the 9 organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Being a member of a greek organization carries many stigmas sometimes stemming from organizations in other councils (yes, there are many council, and they're all a bit different) and other times from bad press. This section is dedicated to highlighting the positive (and intended) effects of joining a greek organization. The main series in this section is "What being Greek taught me," which consists of a series of post detailing the most important lessons I learned from being a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization. Note: I can only speak for my own experiences, if you're thinking about joining an organization or curious about the organizations in general, you should check a variety of sources for a more complete image.

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Kinks & Curls

This is a collection of posts on the struggles of naturally curly hair. Included here are posts dealing with my personal hair journey: the transition from relaxing my hair to appreciating its curliness. Also, poems and words of encouragement for curlies and those that appreciate curlies. Experience the ups, the downs and everything in between of living with Afro-textured curly hair.

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