Making Waves

Whenever I’ve had an unpleasant encounter with a guy, whether, in person or online, I’ve wondered:  How would he feel if someone addressed his girlfriend, wife, mom, sister, daughter or any other woman in his life the way he addressed and/or came at me?  Maybe he didn’t have a man in his life that taught and showed him how to respect women. Maybe men insulting and demeaning women (physically, verbally, or emotionally) was normal practice to him when he was growing up. We’re living in a day and time where many men, some in the highest ranks of positions from the political arena to common settings such as different workplaces, schools, churches, and families, laugh and joke, and brag and negatively post online comments, about insulting, degrading, and infantilizing women.  I’ve seen some of this behavior in my own social media feed from different guys who have shared vulgar memes about women or in petty attempts to prove a point, got on social media a...

Last month I spent one weekend in Williamsburg, and it was peaceful, relaxing, and amazing. I stayed at the Powhatan Resort and enjoyed the beautiful scenery, relaxing accommodations, and sightseeing in different places around town during my stay. Williamsburg is a nice place to get away for a few hours, day, or even a full weekend if you have the time. If you plan on staying for a few days to a week, I highly recommend Powhatan Resort. It’s a chill spot. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

I’ve been on a handful of interesting first dates. Some were chill and others were sort of eh, but each experience was still an experience. Plus, someone wanting to go out with you is flattering, so the best thing to do if you’re interested in seeing what’s up is to go out on dates and just try to enjoy them. Why not? Different single women, I know or have met, especially Christian women, complain about not being asked out on dates. All of these women are incredible but just may not be being open enough or approachable when there are some chill guys out in the world who would love to spend time with them, and first dates are a good start. Every first date may not blossom into a quality match or even a relationship but again, having the experience at least prepares you for the guy you may end up with for good. Be open (without settling) to who and what’s out there, loosen up, and have a good time. Here’s my bachelorette guide to first dates: Dress Nice.  The way you dress and...

I’m a lady who loves to brunch. And anytime I find a place and space in the city that does brunch well, I’m there. I was able to have some brunch at Honey Tupelo Cafe when a friend visited town for the weekend, and I was pleased with my meal (and their delicious coffee too). I ordered avocado toast and egg whites, and everything was on point. The food was fresh, the customer service was great, and the experience was nice.  If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a cool spot to brunch, check out Honey Tupelo Cafe. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

I read the comments out of curiosity. Almost all of them were good, except for a few unpleasant ones. After I read them, I put my phone down, shrugged, and life went on.  The people commenting about what I wrote didn’t really  know  me. So why should I care what they think? An article I submitted on Thought Catalog went live and the world of social media responded. I believed my article was great. Thought Catalog thought it was great enough to publish and share, and different readers responded to it well, except for a handful of people who felt the need to criticize it and guess what? Life still went on and myself, my confidence, and my love of being a writer remained intact. Such is the life of being a writer. Criticism just comes with the territory. (By the way, if you can, don’t always feel the need to check out the comments section when published…I’m just saying.)  My point is, if you’re making moves, doing great things with your life, an...

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a wine festival, you should go. It’s just a great time. And a chance to meet cool people, taste incredible wine and have a good time. Last month I attended the Pungo Wine Festival and had a blast. The sun was out, the various vendors were cool, and the different selections were impressive. Plus, hearing live music and taking in the different sites of the countryside was nice too! I sampled and purchased a White Wine Sangria by  AmRhein’s Wine Cellars  that was amazing. It was cool, crisp, and absolutely delicious. As I toured other vendors, I ended up leaving with a handful of other options as well. Even if you’re not familiar with wine culture, attending a festival with someone you know who’s into wine would be a great experience and a chance to try something new. Let this be the summer you allow yourself to try new things. Do something fun this weekend and enjoy yourself. TGIF!

He’s been a great provider, protector, and partner to my mom and our family, and he’s always been a hard worker and active father to my brother and me. Growing up, I’d watch him work multiple jobs and pursue his goals and dreams all while taking care of us and sacrificing to make sure my mom, brother, and I were well taken care of and able to have everything we needed and more.  I’m talking about my dad.  He’s introduced me to things I’ll never forget like music from artists like DeBarge, Michael Jackson, and John P. Kee. He’s put me on to delicious treats like Chick-O-Sticks, and he’s taught me the importance of pursuing God and keeping Him first in my life.   He’s also taught me a handful of valuable life lessons I continue to be mindful of and actively apply to my own life. And in honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to share some valuable lessons I’ve learned from my dad:  Don’t Reveal Your Whole Hand. My dad has continually taught my brother ...