Let The Good Times Roll

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This past weekend was one for the books! My cousins drove from New Jersey, and one from Oil City, PA with their sons, and girlfriends. We knew that my cousin B would be visiting so that he could see the family, and we could see his son Joel. I figured that if he would be in town, that it would be a great idea to have Luis another cousin, drive from Jersey with his son. The plans worked out and we had a great time! Took tons of pictures! A lot of laughs and nostalgia. The best part? That our children were able to meet Caleb, Luis' son for the first time, and Adrian (my son) could play with Joel, Liam, and see Caleb in the flesh. We always see him in videos, or photographs. Another treat was seeing my heart Genesis (cousin) and be able to rub her belly! She is having a baby girl. God willing, in November. She is glowing! I call her my heart because she is the sweetest, kindest person that I know. She is pure and I love that about her. If you ever read this, I love you! She knows this already lol. Unto the pictures!

Left to right: My older brother Elvis, my father, my mother in pink, cousin B and his lady Stephannie, (his brother and sisters) Jose, Genesis, and Malvina. Adrian, myself, a peek at Joe, Luis and his family Esther and Caleb, on the sofa is Joel and grandma (kid's great grandma) mama Eneria.

(My cousin Jose was trying to take my photo. No Bueno. I still like it lol it has the candid feel.)

Close to midnight the guys went off to my brother's house, Joe took Adrian home to sleep since it was passed his bedtime. And Malvina, Stephannie and I went to an outdoor Tavern for some chit chat and some drinks.

This is the only picture that I managed to save from Snapchat--xocindia.

On Sunday we met up at Malvina's house for dinner. We got to spend time with her son Liam and Darren her fiancé. Joe, Adrian and I got to her place at 7pm and were the first to eat. I was starving like Marvin! I also claimed my seat near the air conditioner lol. I made sure to wear a dress to avoid sweating! I knew there would be a lot of us there, and that it would get hot. And it did!

Darren and Liam are far right : )

We promised to make sure to hang out like this more often. It gets hard with new responsibilities, and life in general. But, we have to make sure to hit Pause on all of the extra shit, and make time for those that matter the most. Our day ones. Family.

XO.

Be Your Own Happy

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For quite some time now, I have been unhappy. And it gets old. It really does. I am 30 years old and am finally realizing that I shouldn't rely on others to make me happy. If I keep on doing so, I will always be in this cycle of high and lows. Because of this, I have been working on doing more things by myself. Things that I know will make me feel fulfilled and happy. Simple things that to some people might seem weird, or maybe even second nature.

I treated myself to brunch. I wanted a nice breakfast and did not want to be the one to cook it. So, I got ready and drove myself to IHop and enjoyed a small meal. Alone. I went around noon and there was still a small crowd of people eating. I didn't take a book or anything, just my phone. I tried not to really use it, and just enjoy my meal, and my time alone. It wasn't as bad as I thought that it would be.

I was invited to a bridal shower/send off on Saturday. And all week I was mentally preparing myself for this. I knew that I would be going by myself, and that I would only know the soon to be Mrs. Lili aka Lili Bear. But, I still went. I got dolled up and everything. I am glad that I went. The women that were there really care about her, and we enjoyed our time. We painted and sipped. I want to go back there to paint pottery next time. I saw a lot of cute ceramic projects that I'd enjoy painting and bringing home.

I've also driven to New York from PA alone, and as nerve wrecking as that was, it wasn't as bad as my anxiety makes it seem. Something that I remind myself is: I always feel guilty, or filled with regret whenever I succumb to anxiety and cancel plans. I rarely ever regret putting the anxiety on a back burner, and going through with plans. It really helps.

Here are a few pictures from last night:

I've felt a certain "pull" towards the color yellow lately. I don't really care for the color, but it is a color that people always mention how they like how it looks on me. 

Outfit details?

Blouse/Top*: is from LOFT and is no longer available in this exact print, but they have one that is almost identical to the one I am wearing!

Jeans/Leggins*: my current favorite! I love the soft material of the jeans, and how they accentuate my butt/curves.

Anything with a * next to it is a link! I made the purchase during one of their many sales, and if you provide your email address, they give you a code for 25% off. I will say that their tops can run a little on the big side, but the jeans/bottoms are true to size.

Shoes*: are by Franco Sarto (one of my favorite shoe brands) at DSW.

XO.

Family Au Naturale

Happy belated 4th of July! My day was pretty chill. Went to my parent's house and had dinner, and got to see and spend time with family that I haven't seen in a very long time. Here are some pictures!

I've been proudly wearing my curls out! I will the leave those details for another post. Yes! My hair routine is worthy of its own post. That young lady is my cousin. We are often told that we look like twins. Do you see it? She embraced her natural locks as well. I think I gave her and her younger sister the bug lol. They both look great with their natural hair. I feel less of a slave when it comes to my hair, specially now, since I am taking better care of it.

Have a great week!

XO.

Vulnerable

Sometimes I write. I don't usually refer to them as poetry. (Come to think of it... I've only told one other person about my writing.) And that might be due to the fact that I don't speak about them at all, really. I am very overprotective when it comes to my art, writing--my creativity in general. But, I've been working on that. But, I write. I find inspiration in many places. Friends, love, music, movies, etc.

Fire Starter

You come into my life

and you strike a match

which lights a fire in my heart-

In my body, and then you

Walk away.

Silence.

Sadness.

Withdrawal.

Time goes on...

You come into my life

and you strike a match

which lights a fire in my heart-

In my body, and then you

Walk away.

Silence.

Sadness.

Withdrawal.

Time goes on.

-
xo.