Today is my grandmother's birthday. It's one of the birthdays that I can't forget. She was a quiet woman, who loved to play spades and bingo. She had hazel eyes and sandy brown hair. My fondest memory of her is any moment I watched her cook. I say watched because we weren't allowed in the kitchen. Based on the United States Census, I'm sure we were considered poor, but the Nana cooked, we would never know. Everything she prepared was five stars and I'm being modest. I miss her, and in honor of her today, I prepared my first sweet potato pie. I hope she approves, even if I don't really care for sweet potato pie.

It is July 11, and as an educator, it's safe to say that my summer is nearly over. Meh. What do I have to show for it? Nothing. I've slept in, hung out with my cat Coco, and have seen some great live music. There's nothing like going to a live show, and the person you came to see lives up to the hype. And if you're a music goer, you know it can go left and downhill quickly, whether it's the sound system, muddy tracks, or a self-proclaimed artist singing or rapping over their vocals. IYKYK. For the snobby purists, rapping over vocals doesn't fly over here…who am I to judge?

The week has been busy. It's not how I envisioned my summer, but it's been a good busy.  I've had time to spend with my family, to read, write, putter around the house , make beats, cook, and, of course, get some rest. I took the summer off from performing for multiple reasons. It seemed like I was dropping dishes, like things were out of balance…lol…probably because they were. The pandemic shifted so many things. I lost my cousin and later lost my Dad; those two events really put a dent in my spirit. It's tough to put into words, but I'll try. It's humbling, to say the least; at times, it even feels like you are sleepwalking through it all. How do I cope, you might ask? God. Music. Nature. Family. And sometimes that doesn't work, but I'm no quitter. I never have been. So, here I am. All these broken pieces have to be glued back somehow. I told myself I would write and sing my way through it….so far, so good. I plan on gifting my supporters some of the tunes we created during this messy and uncertain time chain. I will also introduce yall to some of the dopest producers I've worked with this season.

The best part of the day was learning about the deep-rooted anti-blackness in the public school and how teachers can resist the traditional, played-out racist tactic used to hinder and disvalue our young people. I know it sounds heavy…..that's because it is. But I revel in finding solutions rather than harping on the problem. I can think of better ways to spend my time. At any rate, not too many shows this summer because I needed rest. It has been an arduous year, to say least. I think rest will do me well.