https://www.youtube.com/embed/mN_QLo7kByk The best place to begin is to rehash a short essay from my series, #Summer97. It is the reason “I’ll Do Anything/I’m Sorry” was selected by Spotify as part of My Summer Rewind playlist… For the longest time, I thought it was Aaliyah who danced alongside Ginuwine in his music video for “I’ll Do... Continue Reading →
My Summer Rewind: An Ode to Self-Care 18-“Ringleader Man”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YWTqO6WF80 If I were asked to use a song to describe my personality, “Ringleader Man” by T-Pain would be it. Arpeggio chords bounce around in a ¾ time signature gives the feel of a dark circus, a side show in the key of e flat minor. Pain hums in a soft tone, as if he... Continue Reading →
My Summer Rewind: An Ode to Self-Care 15-“On the Radio”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/-W0xogsHvIM When it comes to in-car music, my daughter and nephew have no idea how great they have it. They have let it be known-as individuals and in concert-they are not particularly fond of my music choices when I am their source of transportation. I’ve heard many-a-gripes about my “annoying 90’s music.” Do I care?... Continue Reading →
My Summer Rewind: An Ode to Self-Care 14-“Ricky”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WHm6tfvKlk “No matter how tall you get, you’ll always be looking up to me,” I replied in a tone mixed with love and sarcasm. I can admit I am not ready for my nephew to be taller than me; but the emotions are more or less tied to the acceptance of time and not his... Continue Reading →
My Summer Rewind: An Ode to Self Care 3-“Camay”
I played “Camay” by Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Capadonna all throughout the summer of 2019. When I write an essay or article based on a song, I listen to it on a loop, until I finish the piece. My creative process begins when a song or conjures up a thought or formulate a loose outline... Continue Reading →
An Ode to Self-Care: My Summer Rewind 1
One of my most important takeaways from therapy has been self-care. A major reason I have started, then stopped several creative endeavors and perhaps not where I once envisioned myself as a writer is because I do not take the time to pour into myself with consistency. I tend to “go” until I burn out.... Continue Reading →
Dear Summer
"Dear Summer: I know you gon' miss me." For the last fourteen years I have considered the morning of September eleventh the end of Summer. I was a little more than two months from turning sixteen and literally the world around me changed based on a tragedy in the backyard the Long Island suburb where... Continue Reading →
My Mom, Camp Cathy
Summertime is that season we all look forward to. It means great weather, trips, BBQ's for many and no reason at the same time, and good times to be turned into unforgettable memories. There are many places to travel and visit during this beloved season. But there is no place like New York in the... Continue Reading →