Entry 139: Maya's Life Lessons

Dear You,
Here are some words of Wisdom from Maya Angelou that should help us both get through the week...

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

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Entry 0138: Rooftop Summers

Dear You,
The real summer is just around the corner and I would be remiss if I didn't share with you some local spots that I want to hit up when the sun comes out. As usual, Refinery 29 editors know where my heart lies and did a slideshow on 11 Rooftops in NYC. What better way to enjoy the most amazing city in the United States than by dinning above it? While most of these places seem like they'd be better in the slight humidity of a warm summer's night, I wouldn't mind checking out one of the indoor ones during a chilly winter day. Until then though, bring on the haute summer nights and cold drinks. P.S. Mother Nature please disregard my comment about the chilly winter, I want more sun!

Photo Credit: Refinery 29

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Entry 0137: Being Mary Jane in July

 

Dear You,
Being Mary Jane is about to hit a television screen near you and you should be thrilled because it is GREAT! Last fall I went to see the Pilot episode with my girls and I fell in love with the show. It's dramatic, comedic, and portrays some of the issues that so many of us "Mary Janes" deal with in this transitional period of not knowing how to get to where you want to be. While I appreciate seeing some of my thoughts and experiences being played out on the big screen, I loved the show because people outside of my identity could identify with Mary Jane as well. Much like Mary Jane I am a single Black female but my White friend could relate, my friend with a boyfriend could relate, my unemployed and gainfully employed friends could equally relate. I've only seen one episode so far but I gather that this show will be about Mary Jane learning her life's lessons and what easier way to learn a lesson yourself than to see someone else learn it in front of you. If you love Mara Brock Akil as much as I do then you will undoubtedly love this show. BET's Pilot episode will air on July 2nd so I'll bring the snacks and you bring the wine.
 

Photo Credit: Necole Bitchie

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Entry 0136: Werk Place Inspiration

Dear You,

In celebration of my blog's new theme, I would like to give props to the website and blogger that inspired me, Tiffany M. Battle's The Werk! Place. Ever since I started blogging I have been trying to find a theme that encompasses all the topics I want to discuss but nothing clicked until I came across The Werk! Place. It's a fashion blog but the work office theme's flexibility allows her to discuss other topics. "Oh..This is where she goes to WERK!" is the blog's tagline and her werking is not confined to simply outfit of the day posts. She even has a section called Social Werk! where she recounts some of her more personal adventures. I've been following her for over a month now, thanks to The Fashion Bomb Daily, and I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeves. Be sure to check her out because she is fabulous and she WERKS hunty lol. As for me, I am in love with my new theme because it suits me perfectly. This is where I will share the things that are on my mind which include (but are NEVER limited to): fashion, literature, interior design, and more.

Lay your eyes on my pages
Here I can be myself
No one has to know what I'm feeling
No one but me and you
This won't tell my secrets
My secrets are safe with you
This will keep my secrets
Just think of these as the pages in my diary...

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Entry 0135: God's Gymnasium

"Challenging times are 'God's gymnasium'—it reveals your spiritual weaknesses and allows God to work you out..."

-F.

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Entry 0134: June Goals

Happy June! Another month down and we are at the halfway point between the beginning of the year and the end. Take the next six months to explore life a bit more and enjoy it while doing so. Try a new nail polish color, go on a walk with your significant other, or apply for a job outside of the dead-end one you're currently in. Why put off tomorrow what you can do today?

One of my goals this month is to prioritize saving money for travel. I just put two trips on my agenda for next year and I found a great article that encouraged me to push through with them even though they've always felt out of my reach. It sounds very cliche but I'm becoming a big proponent of the idea that you can achieve anything you set your mind to with hard work and faith. Continue on to read the article and get more tips on how to travel luxuriously on a budget.

How I Saved $2,000 for My Dream Paris Vacation

In researching budgeting tools online, I came across LearnVest and immediately enrolled in the Take Control Bootcamp. The bootcamp encouraged me to set long- and short-term goals for my income and savings, which got me thinking about the things that matter most to me: my values, my ideal future. It also made me think about what I’d regret not doing—like visiting the City of Light.

The Ultimate Travel Checklist: 27 Free Apps and Websites for Stress-Free Vacations

So, whether you’re planning an easy weekend getaway this summer or saving up for an epic voyage, we have combed the earth (at least, the internet!) to create the ultimate travel checklist to make your trip pure relaxation. We’ve covered every step of the process, from figuring out your vacation budget, to finding a shockingly affordable place to crash, to planning ahead so you won’t be stressed when you get back home.

Happy Goal Digging!
Photo Credit: Debra Krist

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Quote Float: Seize The Day

"You can wait for a train that may never stop for you, or you can take advantage of every opportunity..."

-Gabrielle Union

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