Wednesday was a day like any other.  I woke to the cats scratching on the door and meowing as if they were trying to alert me to an intruder, a missed early morning Amazon delivery, or maybe just to hop on the bed to show me their loving affection as their trusted caretaker.  Their automated food bowl turned and there was nothing in it.  Oh, the joy!  My life has equated to falling into the demands of my hairy children.

Life goes on...

I digress.  Now, where was I?  Oh, Wednesday.  So the day progressed, I worked, had a little water, not nearly enough food, and developed this banger of a hunger headache.  You know, the kind that says drop any plans you had for the remainder of the day and just relax.  So I listened to my body.  I ate dinner, talked to a friend, and poured myself a glass of champagne.  When it didn't help my headache I thought for a second I should have another glass, but I opted for a little murder mystery to soothe me right on to sleep.  I am different, this I know.

Waking early is part of my routine.  I hopped out of bed before it was safe to text anyone WYD, so I decided to get a good workout in.  I could feel reminders of my headache from the night before but I ignored it and surprisingly it went away.  I knew that today I would be on a mission and would need a colorful day.  I've acknowledged the chapters in my life because they have perfectly shaped the way I view and feel things.  This chapter, this amazing place I have found myself in is called, 'COLOR'

I name things as I see fit.  The blonde-haired squirrel that visits in the spring, I've named Blondie.  The exquisitely dressed porcelain frog that sits on my patio at the first hint of summer, his name is Ferdinand.  My chapters, in all of their glory, are no exception.

Color enhances my already exuberant mood.  It just makes me feel so damn good.  The colors of light, the way it feels when they glow perfectly onto a canvas.  The color of my shoes that are so amazingly bright I can't stop looking at them.  And I surely cannot forget the many colors that have found their way onto the walls in my home.  They all make me feel bright and vibrant.  

And then there are the colors in this early morning bowl of oatmeal.  I wanted and needed something that looked as good as I knew it was going to taste.  I needed subtle yet invigorating excitement to set the tone for my day.  Exploring and diving into what feels and looks good is a personal journey.  I mean look at that drizzle of honey that has created an almost dew-drop-like essence!  Yes, I am serious about my creations even if they are in a paper bowl.   

I encourage you to find simple happiness, choose your color palette and allow those tastes and feels to come to life. 

Now... What'll it be for lunch?! 🎨 

You've found your perfect home.  The location is ideal for many reasons.  Close to family, a 20-minute commute to the office which isn't that bad considering the rise in gas prices, and you are close to shopping which is your favorite past-time!  The price could have been better, but you truly got a great bargain so complaining will do you no good, and besides, no one is gonna listen anyway.  The only thing left to do is start packing to prepare for your grand adventure.

If only it were that easy!  In most stories there is often a 'but' somewhere just waiting to jump out and yell, surprise!  If 'caption this' was an option it would most certainly be UGH!  

Moving into a new home is one of the most exciting adventures.  It's a blank canvas for new beginnings, crafty ideas, and a heaping pile of DIY projects that are brewing in your mind.  As you begin to visualize your space, both inside and outside of your home, there will be many ideas.  Some will allow you to add just the right amount of appeal, however, they might not be too friendly for the budget you have set aside.  Other ideas look nice but you aren't quite sold on what you are seeing.  Trust me, if you have to look at it more than 5 times to convince yourself this is the one, you won't be happy with the end result.  So, back to the drawing board you go in hopes of finding the perfect solution that will not only be easy on the eyes, but allow you to remain inside the boundaries of your budget, and a project that is well within the possibilities of doing it yourself.  ​

I decided to join along in protecting my mental health today and especially every Friday!  Holding my middle finger up high for any of the BS that we all might encounter from time to time!  Take notes, this is major!

• Fuck Liars
• Fuck Narcissists
• Fuck Non-Support
• Fuck Jedi Mind Tricks
• Fuck Bad Energy
• Fuck Bullies
• Fuck Ignorance
• Fuck Unacknowledged Feelings
• Fuck Rudeness
• Fuck Horrible Food
• Fuck Bad Service
• Fuck Backstabbers
• Fuck Two-Faced Friends
• Fuck Bad Hairdressers
• Fuck Not Knowing Your Worth
• Fuck Allowing Second Chances When They Didn't Deserve The First
• Fuck Sunburns
• Fuck People Who Look At You Strange Because of Your Tattoos
• Fuck Diets
• Fuck Anything That Get's In The Way of Your Peace

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Fuck it Friday is in full effect with no apologies, so let's go!!!

~AJ #FuckItFriday

As I take the time to sit here and write this post, it all feels different.  I can't recall the moment it changed, but it did and I'm beyond thankful for that turning moment in my life.  

I've been running on fumes all week.  Early mornings and late nights.  Busy with my 9-5 and busy with challenging and pushing myself to dig deep and really get into my favorite past-time.  It's not that I have been slacking, it's quite the opposite.  I make it a point to create something every month, without the pressure of feeling as if I need to beat someone else to the finish line. It's a personal and attainable goal that makes me happy as a writer and creator.  At the end of the day that is what truly matters.

​​With a mind busier than the strongest working bee, I have been hitting the keyboard as if it was going to turn into a sea of mud at the stroke of midnight and my words would be forever lost.  I love the late-night thoughts, the hustle, and the feeling of clicking publish on yet another story, another tale, another FYI on gardening to-do's and not's, and giving another accolade to someone who has inspired me or maybe even the world.
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​When I made my mind up that I was going to do what felt good, I created my website.  It was hard work, but it was simple, a tad generic, and all mine!  I spent quite a bit of time researching apps and fonts and making it feel like a breath of fresh air.  I know I have accomplished that, with a few minor tweaks here and there.  I also put a huge chunk of time into asking others for support.  A text here or there saying hey read my work.  Or perhaps in the midst of a conversation throwing in a subtle or not so subtle reminder that I have a website, and I, and it are amazing.  

As I said in my very first sentence, I can't recall the moment, but the purpose changed.  I am no longer consumed with those texts, or conversations asking for a comment here and there.  I am not embarrassed to allow my thoughts to flow freely, nor am I asking for permission to go for all that I know I deserve.  Don't misunderstand, I will always share my work where it's appreciated and without a doubt I want my work to be adored.  I have high hopes as I should.  I know there are times when I have made someone's morning a little brighter or offered midday inspiration and perhaps a thoughtful gesture because of something I have written.  

Evolving is a process that develops gradually and I thank God and this oh so amazing universe for walking with me along the way.

~AJ 💫

Moments worthy of celebration.  Graduating from high school.  Landing that seemingly perfect new job.  An engagement of two souls in love.  The birth of a new baby.  Or perhaps, the purchase of your dream home.  What are a few moments you recall that have gone down in history as the reason the party hats were pulled out of storage and the save the date announcements were sent?  

If you took time to reflect, you would be surprised how long that list would be. 

I'm a true fan of firsts.  There is something about knowing this amazing feat has never been accomplished and it serves as a healthy reminder that just about anything is possible.  I say just because there are limits, however, if you don't try and push yourself you will never know and realize the full potential that is within and just waiting to get out.

Time and energy are as important as peace and purpose.  I vowed to stop watching the news about 7 years ago.  It brought no joy into my life and it was full of much anguish and turmoil.  Doing more harm than good to my mental state and something told me that needed to be protected. I begin to refocus my energy on more important topics, and before I knew it my outlook on life, in general, began to change.  

It goes without saying if you had eyes and ears you couldn't help but notice the hearings of Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.  In what would at times be a very heated exchange, it seemed unfair and unnecessary that her character was on trial in such a probing and unforgiving way.  One of the questions asked, "How does one human being do so much, so extraordinarily well?"  I wanted to put on my cape, jump in to protect her, and shield her character from the unknown, the doubters, the questions, and the evaluations.  I don't have that power just yet, so I closed my eyes tight, and prayed, I hoped and I wished for history to enter the world yet again.  This time in the form of a strong black woman with a message to bring and the background to back it all.   
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