The Musings of a Latte Queen: Narratives of Everyday Life

 A year ago, after a difficult summer, I made the choice to center my voice, myself, and not stay in the shadow of networks that stifled life and creativity. I inhaled deeply, said, "I will be a collector of me, and put meat on my soul." And loosed the chokehold. Once free, I discovered and reclaimed my pens. I pulled up on my intellectual and scholarly work. Ministry focus changed from one state to another to embrace this particular calling My health truly became my wealth and justice  The youngest daughter had the fullness of me and not the silenced stressed me with my eyes glossed over from the blue light scream of a screen Creativity sparked a new literary conversation across lines of being Suitcases were packed and cars on roads went to new places and met new people and ate new foods And in it all, I found some things about myself That I am worth my ask That I am one of 100 WOC making change but honestly, I am one of a kind being me That being an empath is a strength and...

 I woke up this beautiful first day of September with my daughters on my mind. Not surprising since I am learning to navigate my life without their schedules being the guide for the day. They are amazing women. My eyes closed and I tried to imagine their day, what they were planning to do, who was speaking to them. Not in a way of creeping into their lives, I raised them to be a independent, but in a "wow" kinda way. The youngest is the bubbliest one, she was always ready to see the world and as an extrovert, always had a crew of friends. She is running for Senate as a freshman. Her older sister is probably more like me, a bit reserved, definitely an introvert, but with her heart on her sleeve and a bit of stubborn determination, is fiercely independent and focused. She is a junior trying to figure out how to celebrate her upcoming milestone birthday and help out in the water crisis in Jackson. What captured my thoughts this morning is that I accomplished my goal when I had t...