Stranger Things : September Bus Edition

There I was, standing at the bus stop,

 waiting for the bus

 like everyone else.

Headphones in.

Podcast on.

Eyes facing forward.

A pose that says : Do not Disturb.

But she ignored all of that & started talking to me.

At first I contemplated ignoring her. I figured if I was silent long enough, she'll get the memo.

But something about her countenance stopped me.

Was it the look in her eyes?

Her posture?

The "air" around her?

So I shut off my podcast.

Took of my headphones

And gave her my complete attention

The first sentence out of her mouth, once she realized i was fully paying attention to her was.... 

"I just got out of the women's  jail in Boston".

The bewilder look on my face must have given me away .

She reached into her pocket and pulls out her jail paper work.

Yup, home girl just got released.

And that was the beginning of the most interesting conversation I have ever had as a bus stop.

Do you SEE* the people around you?

Everyone just wants to be SEEN*

Poets In Autumn 2019 : Rhode Islands

I attended the Poets in Autumn spoken words tour in Rhode island with some friends over the weekend. We choose the Providence, Rhode Island venue ( Bishop McVinney Auditorium) instead of their Boston show because Ms Jackie Hill Perry was not going to be part of the Boston Show.

First off...It was such an amazing! show. Most of us are still going to see the show when they come to Boston for an Encore! That's how good their collective performance was. I loved every aspect and every act that was performed.

The only hiccup of the night for me was Janette's 1st performance. I didn't get it. I thought the lights and noise where a distraction from her lyrics. I could barely hear her or remain focus on her in the midst of all the theatricals. Other than that, I don't really know how to explain the experience. 

It's one of those things : 

YOU JUST HAVE TO GO AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.

"The purpose of Poets in Autumn is to present the Gospel in a creative and compelling way using the arts. With a focus on engaging millennials with a message of hope, The PIA Tour addresses culturally relevant topics from a biblical view"

As much as I love spoken words, I have only ever visited lounges and small venues for the experience. This was my first time going to a big auditorium and I was worried that the intimacy of the setting will be lost with the size of the crowd but that did not happen.

Even though I had seen some of the artists works online, to see them live, on stage, their talent in real time, with no editing and etc (the stuff that seems to pollute online craftsmanship) was refreshing and very inspiring.

The artists included Ezekiel, Chris Webb, Janette...IKZ, Joseph Solomon, Preston & Jackie Perry.

Even if you've never been to a spoken word event, I think you'll still enjoy this show. It's very uplifting, positive and affirming with something for everyone whether you are a believer or not.

My current podcast list : Fall 2019 Edition

Podcasts are all the rave these days. That and audio book but while I've not been able to get into listening to audio books, I love podcasts!

With audio books I find that I quickly forget the stories or details around the novels like character names and locations and etc. I am not able to re-tell a story accurately to another person when I've only listened to the audio books.

There is something about having your fingers caress through the words and pages of a book that leaves a lasting imprint on the mind.

My favorite podcasts usually have not more than 3 speakers. Any more than that  and its overwhelming and chaotic for me. I have been using podcasts to build my faith, to learn financial principles and just work on my mental health.

I love listening to podcasts on long commutes to work (driving) or when I go for a walk at the park (evening walk routine after dinner).

Here is my list

Transformation Church

The Minimalist

 Redefining Wealth

 Therapy for Black Girls 

Ascension Presents with Father Mike Schmitz 

 Elevation

I have also been listening to a Senegalese podcast, Alors on dit quoi  just to get a pulse of whats going on in the country.

What are you guys reading/listening?

Where/How do you listen? 

Taking Stock : Summer 2019

Hi friends! 

I know it's been a while since my last blog post at the beginning of August. It's been difficult finding the inspiration to consistently blog especially when Instagram makes it so much easier to share content just with a click of a button.

If you are not following me on Instagram & will love to keep up with me, my Instagram handle is @StaywellMA 

The other reason for the lack of posts is my desire to be more present in the spaces that I visit. I have a big move coming up, and it has made it even more so important for me to be fully emerged in the times I'm spending with friends and family. I want those memories to be fully ingrained in my mind and heart even as I also want to capture the moments.

So what have I been up to since August?

Currently Reading : The radical pursuit of Rest: Escaping the productivity trap.

Brunching after Church: I knew brunching after church was a thing, pastors make fun of it in their sermons sometimes, but I never really participated? But recently it seems every Sunday am being invited to a sister circle brunch after church or a cook out and I am looooooving it. 

Traveling: Upstate New York for a wedding and then back to New York on a later time for the US OPEN tennis finals week. At this point I think I should stop considering New York as a "travel" destination and to just say casually....am going next door for a quick weekend gateway

Celebrating milestone birthdays and weddings

Going on long walks : while listening to podcasts.
I don't remember if I have ever shared my podcast list but it hasn't changed since the beginning of the  year. I only listen to 6 podcasts. I'll do a blog post sharing the list soon.
I have also been listening to a Senegalese podcast, Alors on dit quoi  just to get a pulse of whats going on in the country.

That's basically what I've been up to in a nutshell. What have YOU been up to? And is anyone looking forward to Fall? I love sweater weather but I can do without the pumpkin spice craze.