Things She Loves

Simple things that make me happy.

• black & white photos
• hand-written letters
• handwriting
• buying things in bulk (not food necessarily)
• flawless curls
• stationery
• clever bathroom signs

• Feel-good music
• When a  (wo)man walks past me, but their (good!) scent remains
• Sleeping and/or napping
• unexpected kindness
• cereal and ice cream together
• kind words
• chicken wings (especially tips)
• funky nail polish
• Spring weather and all its newness
• Admiring women’s high heels shoes, not necessarily buying them
• Girl’s Night Out

• lists
• banana pancakes
• most warm cereals (not grits though)
• compliments
• candles
• fresh linens
• carefree fun

What are some simple things that make you happy?

 

Thanks for Social Media

Call it ironic that myself and 2 other fellow Twitter buds projected we would move to a certain city this summer, and we all did. When I moved here, I had extended friends of family, and that’s about it. The only other folk I “knew” from the area were all from the internet.

People like Nicole, whose blog I stumbled upon from another blog, have extended themselves to help me become a bit more acclimated with my new home. I know she couldn’t resist meeting the person behind the words, and for that gesture, I’m thankful.

No we are not sisters just because we are both mixed!

(R-L) Nicole, me, Kisha, Kari

Social media acquaintances can become more meaningful when you offer to break barriers down, meaning step away from your device and meet someone face-to-face. Even if that’s not possible, have a phone conversation, invite them to messenger chats… anything that’s more meaningful and personally memorably. Be introduced to something unique about that person, like the way they express themselves verbally and their individual voice. Sometimes those connections from the blog universe become strengthened, sometimes they stay the same and sometimes you realize that this witty/intelligent/beautiful blog or Twitter persona is actually socially inept and you couldn’t see yourself really building a friendship.

At the end of the day, what good is having 200+ followers when you can’t distinguish one from the next?

This year, I’m thankful for social media, because without it, my transition might not have been as enjoyable.

Spending holidays away from home and family is hard. But it doesn’t have to be, if you are open-minded. I am thankful for another opportunity to meet another fellow blogger tomorrow, on Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day!

What are you thankful for this year, that was unexpected?

Please follow me @TracitaLinda. Don’t be afraid, I do talk back!

Sam, I Am

Click for credit

A couple of weeks ago, I sat at the bus stop on my way to school.

There was a white man with dark hair and glasses sitting on the bench. He smiled. I smiled (that generic hello, older adult smile). He looked to be in his late 50′s.

He initiated conversation. I responded.

He spoke with a strong accent and I was curious. He asked me where I was from. I told him to guess.

“Latin America.” BINGO.

He informed me he was from Italy, started his own company here. I don’t recall the details. He asked me if I liked Italian food.

“I love food period.”

WAIT.

Is this man coming on to me? Why must I be so paranoid? Why can’t an older man just be looking for a friend?

Conversation continued.

He told me all about the different types of lasagna’s from different parts of Italy. Not like in America, where lasagna just refers to a generic type and the only difference is what you stuff in it.

Would I like to try his food sometime?

“Ok.”

So I took Sam from Italy’s number. His last name was so long, I just took his first two letters. “El”

Maybe I should have taken his complete las name, to Google my paranoia away? Am I being too paranoid? What happened to following your gut instinct on someone’s trustworthiness? I don’t get the creep factor from this gentleman.

Sam from Italy lives in my neighborhood, so I have run into him about a handful of times already. Most recently, he was walking his dog Beba.

He seems like a nice grandfather figure. Am I being naive or should I ask him more personal questions when I see him like who he lives with, etc? And not take his dinner invitation, at least not alone?

What about the question of culture? Are we too paranoid in this American culture? Could a homemade dinner invitation mean something different in Italy than it does in America?

Feedback welcomed.

Things that Are Rocking My World

Teach Me Norwegian?

• The generosity of strangers
• Apartment hunting from a distance
• Jill Scott’s lyrics where she reiterates ideas by changing the word order.
• Reiterated message of ‘Write a book!’ Topic/Title still unknown.
• Pitbull’s life motto seems to be the word “DALE!”
• Childhood Nostalgia. ie: this song
• Finding and watching old home videos or photos
• Facial piercings I see with no rhyme or reason. Recently I’ve seen an earring where dimples rest and piercings on cheekbones, among other places.
• In 4 weeks, my life as usual will change. Change my life as usual in 4 weeks.
• Should every writer attempt to write a book?
• The more social media I use the more socially-deprived I feel.
• Unexpected chemistry.
• My love affair with the high bun.

• My mother is the Hallmark Queen. A rare breed.

• Wearing other people’s shoes or raiding other people’s closets.

• End of time dancers in this video. I love men that look super masculine dancing!!! Check out the white boy in the second row tho!!

• How my smart phone has replaced my book reading time.
• Girl crush on Alexandra Joner from J. Coles ‘In the Morning’ video (see first picture)
• Miguel station on Pandora playing very sensual songs.
• Camera phone lets me capture every moment in a flash!!
• Savoring NYC sights and window displays.

Peek-a-boo Chrysler Building!!

• Curls!!

What’s rocking your summer right now?!!

SPEAK!

-She