Who Run The World? Girls.

18th August 2015

wanted

I have fully accepted being  the “voice of reason” in my group of friends. Though, knowing this almost makes me question their sanity. It is comforting talking them through their issues because we all relate in one way or another, and once again, I am reminded that no one has life figured out, but it’s so much more difficult accepting that when things aren’t going as we hoped.

Recently, through various hours of conversation, dinners and even face timing, we have all managed to feel unwanted in one aspect. Everyone has their own issues, whether that is job related, personal relationships, friendships and life in general, we are all experiencing this in our own way. Personally, I know this completely sucks and I wouldn’t wish this empty feeling on even the rudest person. But, as we always close our conversations we each other, we are reminded that life does go on, even when it feels like it wont.

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People, are just that.

27th July 2015

lookbookyellow

This past week, I spent my days discovering one of the loves of my life, Tennessee. I went on a family vacation, and one of the biggest things I took from this, other than it being near impossible to coordinate with 18 people, is that I am worthy to be heard.

One day during our vacation, I visited my friend Jessica in Nashville. There is nothing bad I can say about this city. I loved the view, the incredibly homey cafe we had coffee at and of course the southern charm of everyone we met. She invited me to an anniversary party at a recording studio. Of course, I decided to go, but I had no idea what or who I would be walking into at this soiree.

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Don’t Be Afraid To Suck

15th July 2015

sunflower

Living in the same state as John Green is cool to think about. Being in the same room as John Green is even cooler to think about. Hearing writing advice from him is almost out of this world. I was able to do this yesterday and it was by far one of the most inspiring discussions I’ve ever be a part of (including hearing Oprah!) The one message I took from listening to him and a few of the actors from the movie “Paper Towns” is to not be afraid to suck.

I know this is easy for John Green to say because he is so accomplished now. Everyone knows who he is and he has the ability to make you feel every emotion with a single sentence. His writing has inspired others, like me, to chase their dreams. “Paper Towns” has been my favorite book of his so far because similar to his other stories, the characters are so relatable, and so alive. The not so subtle message in “Paper Towns” is to see people as more complex instead of just a single definition, and also to find yourself. This has been a challenge but I am getting a good grip of who I want to be and what I want to do.

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Going Places

9th June 2015

flowers

There are certain people that come into your life who are meant to stay a while, or just briefly. Either way, I do not believe we meet anyone by mistake. Well, tomorrow, one of these special people is moving on to another chapter, and although work will not be the same, she has become so much more than just a co-worker in our short time together.

It didn’t take long to realize we would friends shortly after I started working. She would spin her chair around as she was browsing fashion and lifestyle stories while working on her section of the newspaper. We would also compare playlists and talk everything from Hozier, dating and feminism. The days I’ll miss most are the ones where we would be midday at work and she would forward emails to me about travel destinations, and most of the time she could even suggest places to go because she has traveled all over. She has taught me how to be patient, but most importantly, she taught me the importance of being independent.

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I Got It From My Mama

10th May 2015

mom

Today has been solely dedicated to the most important person in my life. I consider myself lucky that I am able to call my role model and best friend my mother. There has never been a time that I have needed her and she didn’t drop everything to help me. She is everything I hope to be and she truly deserves more than a day to be thanked and celebrated.

One of my most treasured memories with my mother is when I was starting first grade. She told me that I was not better than anyone else in my class and none of them were better than me either. She also told me that if she ever heard I was bullying someone because of their clothing she would make me wear mismatched outfits to school for the next two weeks. I don’t think she was ever truly worried of me being mean, but this definitely worked and she just wanted me to be kind to everyone.
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“Any woman who counts on her face, is a fool.”

6th May 2015

stump

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy receiving a compliment. For the longest time, it was so difficult for me to just say “thank you.” I always felt like I had to give an excuse instead of just accepting it. As I’m growing older, I have discovered that it means more to hear how smart I am versus how “pretty or cool” I am.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been complimented on my personal style, looks and even my humor. Still, nothing makes me feel more confident or leaves a stronger impression than when I was complimented on my intelligence. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hearing I look nice and my style is awesome, but being told I am smart means so much more because it has nothing to do with the exterior and it also makes me feel like I am an engaging and interesting person. This also made me reflect on school and growing up as the shyest, insecure book worm, that I have finally outgrown.

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Lessons Learned from My Mini-Me

30th April 2015

malynnblog

I try very hard to continue being a positive role model not for only my younger cousin Presley, but also for all girls her age. She is getting older, and she asks a lot more questions than she use to, but I continue to answer them honestly. I am so proud of the person she is growing to be, and I am even more amazed at the lessons she’s still teaching me.

I was at her house last weekend and she asked if I would help her pick out an outfit for school. I was super excited because she still thinks I’m cool and fashionable. We started talking and she mentioned a boy at her school that she likes as we were looking through her closet, so I had to give her a hard time and ask if she wanted to wear something cute because of him.

“Um, no I want to look cute for me, not boys,” she immediately responded with the upmost sincerity.

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Be Courageous, and Be Kind

24th March 2015

cinderella

Over the last couple of years, I have had different people tell me that I need to stop fantasizing in a fairy tale and get into the “real world.” I didn’t apologize then and I’m not going to apologize now. One thing that I still don’t understand is how my constant optimism translated to me being stuck in a constant daydream. Over the weekend I went to see “Cinderalla” …for the second time. I love it more every time I watch it. Not only are the clothes perfection and her wedding dress is a dream, but the overall message is something that I value every single day, “be courageous and be kind.”

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Back, By Popular Demand

11th March 2015

blue

One thing that I absolutely hate is feeling forgotten. One thing I absolutely love is feeling appreciated and important. One thing that happened after not blogging for almost a month, was a numerous amount of people asking when I was posting again. This felt even more amazing and made me think about a few things going on in my life right now.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop and writing before taking on another night shift at work. Most times, I am so focused on a scene I am writing or deciding which song to play next, so I usually do not pay attention to anyone who walks in. This night, I was typing away and became distracted. I saw a teacher that I had in high school, which was seven…yes seven, years ago. I think I have completely changed since then so when I see a teacher, or someone I graduated with, the situation is usually greeted with a smile and then followed with the awkward, yet unavoidable small talk and catch up session, or completely avoided. This situation was different. I loved this teacher when I had her, but after seven years, it’s hard to tell if she even still knew my name.

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Why So Serious?

5th February 2015

jeep

As most may know, I have two nephews whom I adore more than most things. One of my favorite things when I spend time with them is watching them play. I am so intrigued by the imaginations they are already displaying at the young ages of two and three. When they are interacting with each other, I love watching how they pretend to be cooking in their kitchen and then bring me their “meals” to taste, or when I watch Bostin take his motorcycle and zip it over top every counter he can before he gets caught, or when he points to a painting hanging on the wall and says the characters in them are people in our family.

The other day, I was sitting with Bostin and I had my feet resting on top of their toy chest. He climbed on top of the lid and reached for my hands and said he wanted to “cross the bridge.” I gave him my hands and he walked across my legs pretending he was falling into the ocean. Once he “made it across” we played that we were on a rocking ship and he proceeded to tell me he saw Captain Hook, mermaids and whales. He started waving and told the captain he wanted to be friends and give him a hug.

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