Lima beans and White Gardenia

I was coming off my weekend high after much celebration, laugher, and drinking. The book release on Saturday was beautiful but when Sunday night rolled around, I felt my body giving me an ultimatum; either  you're going to rest voluntarily or involuntarily. So come Monday morning, to say I was beat is an understatement. Despite my physically exhaustion I was on cloud nine. I was able to link my blog and PayPal so I can receive orders for my book and babyyyy those orders came in back to back even from people who I don't know. I was overjoyed which is very different than my regular Mondays.

Once I got home, I tidied up the living and dining room. Lit my new White Gardenia candle from Bath and Body works. Side note, if making love in a field of flowers had a scent, I believed it'd smell like gardenia. I sautéed some raw shrimp with spinach and slow cooked a can of seasoned lima beans( yup, straight outta the can). While dinner was cooking, I poured myself a glass of my homemade sangria and decided to assemble the digital coffee maker I purchased over the weekend. I was getting shit done and felt so accomplished . House clean. Dinner cooked. Feeling like somebody's housewife. LOL

Slightly tipsy from the sangria and full of lima beans, I laid stretched out on the couch tired. By this time the scent of gardenia filled the air putting my mind, body and soul into the realm of relaxation.
Back in the day my mother used to have gardenia scented plug-ins all over the place and I didn't care much for the smell back then. I didn't care much for lima beans either. As matter of fact, I thought they were the most disgusting vegetable known to man. I would preferred a slimy ass piece of okra over lima beans. Now I can't get enough of either. How funny it is that what we use to dismiss can later bring happiness. I thought about the past few days and how it felt good to finally relax from the highs sincerity and the lows that tried kill my vibe. I thought about how blessed am I and how I seem to forget that when dealing with the misery's of life. Whether its circumstances or circumstantial people, I often have to remind myself to be intentionally about my growth and peace of mind. To loosen myself for everything that cuts off my circulation to God and embrace what soothes the soul.

I'm a published authored.
I'm a poet...in my own right. A daughter, sister, friend and god-mother. I'm a women who's aware of her strengths and the areas where growth is needed. I'm not perfect but I'm perfect. I am a grown ass woman that loves lima beans and the smell of gardenias.

Blooming In Enough is NOW AVAILABLE!

So, here’s the thing. I didn’t write “Blooming in Enough” on purpose, meaning, I had no intention on this book coming together the way it did. Most of the poems as well as some of the chapters came from my personal journal so not only is this my work of art but some of it was my life. Emphasis on was.

Initially, I was writing an entirely different story but it turned into this and I believe it’s for divine reasoning. I know far too well what it feels like to lose love for yourself while trying to love someone else. Luckily, I also know what it feels like to be able to pull myself out of toxic situations from people and habits that tried to convince me that I wasn’t beautiful, strong, or worthy be loved properly. While going over some of my old writings I was able to see how far I’ve come and I wanted to share it. It’s a beautiful feeling to be restored and there are so many young girls and women that need to be restored. Of course that doesn’t happen overnight, weeks, or even years but it does happen.

Blooming In Enough, is a lot of our stories. If it’s not yours, than I hope you’re at least entertained. If it is your story, sis, I pray you’re awakened and if it was your story once upon a time then pass on your healing.

I said all of that to announce that YESTERDAY WAS THE BIG DAY and my first book Blooming in Enough is out and available for purchase.  The link in the profile.

Krystal

Thoro Gem Thursday: Jazmine Sullivan, Da Brat , and Dej Lof( Name that girl group)

NO seriously what would you name this group? It's definitely a bad ass combination of boldness, sex appeal, and unique sound.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this week's thoro gems Jazmine Sullivan, Dej Lof and Da Brat.

Dej Loaf, born April 8th, is such a beautiful artist with a unique sound that you never mistake for anyone else. Her music and style makes her sound out. Her song " No Fear" currently has me going all the way up.

Jazmine Sullivan,born on April 9th, has been compared to the late, great Phyllis Hyman because not only does she resemble her in features but her voice is just as powerful. Jazmine's music is so well rounded that one minute you'll find yourself crying your eyes out then the next ready to say "fck this sad shyt...I wanna dance".

Da Brat tat tat tat tat on that azzzz. Da Brat was born on April 14th. She is so gorgeous and is another women that came into the rap game with a new,fresh sound. At one point in her career, she traded in  the baggy clothes and braids for weave and  cleve...and then went right back...slightly. And I don't blame her. Be comfortable in your skin. Either way I'm here for it and her.

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The ladies are Ground-breaking, Beautiful, and Extraordinary in all that put their hands to. Everyone notices these women when they come on the scene.

Dej, Jazmine and Brat, you ladies truly are thoro gems

Thoro Gem Thursday: The Writer, The Poet, The Songbird and The Raptress(s)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this week's thoro gems Maya Angelou, Jill Scott, Billie Holiday, Phara Funeral and Young M.A

Young M.A born April 3rd is a young female rapper reigning from the borough of Brooklyn, NY. Her word play,confidence and delivery makes her a beast. I'm always looking forward to what she has in store.

Maya Angelou, born April 4th was, is and will always be a voice for women. As an activist she stood up the rights of all people but especially women. Her strength, perseverance over past life experiences, and dactylic delivery makes her words and works timeless.

 

Also known as Jilly from Philly, Jill Scott, born on April 4th is the Mama of Neo-Soul. She's also gotten her feet wet in the acting pool in "Baggage Claim" ,"Why Did I Get Married" and the HBO original series " The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency".

Some may not know of this gem just yet but she is one of my favorite battle rappers. Phara Funeral, born April 4th is a rapper from the Bronx,NY. With her word play and aggression , she has most definitely made a name for herself and solidified her spot in battle rap culture as one of the queens of the ring.

Billie Holiday or Lady Day, born on April 7th, was a jazz singer in the 1930s and 1940s. Although she struggled with the abuse of substances and in relationships that eventually effected her career, that does take away from the impact she hold on the culture with the song "Strange Fruit"about the lynching of black people during that time in American history. Her fellow Arian Diana Ross, played Lady Day in the biography Lady Sings the Blues.

Strong, brave, legendary, and authentic, these women have used their words and platforms to bring change and pleasure to the world through art.

Young M.A, Maya Angelou, Jill, Mz Funeral and Lady Day, you queens truly are thoro gems.

Thoro Gem Thursday: The Queen, The Diva, The Powerhouse, Sugar and Spice

Continuing in the spirit of unity and spreading love, I want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow Arian sisters , this weeks thoro gems Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Cheryl "Salt" James.






Aretha Franklin was born March 25( that's also my sister's birthday). The power in her voice and her songs such as  "Chain of fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman", and of course "Respect" are clear examples as to why she was crowned the Queen of Soul.

Diana Ross born March 26. Singer. Actress. Diva. Diana's musical career started when she was 1/3 of the singing group The Primettes who later became The Supremes before going solo. Her sweet voice and beautiful acting in "Mahogany" and "Lady Sings the Blues", has rooted her in the spotlight.

The often imitated, never duplicated Mariah Carey born March 27th. As far as I'm concerned, Mariah was one of the first female pop artist to bridge pop and hip hop successfully without compromising her sound or image.

Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers. Excuse me, just a little ode to the late ODB.

As one of the members of the female pioneer Rap group, Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl "Salt" James born March 28th,has opened the door and paved the way for female rappers with hits like "Push It" and "Let's Talk About Sex".

Ledisi born March 28th. I cant even describe how much I love her. For me, listening to her music sometimes feels like I'm thumbing through my diary. With her soulful voice and pure lyrics, she can stand toe to toe with anyone.

In each of their genres, whether past or present, these four women have showed up and showed out. proving they are Originators, Innovators, Visionaries and Show Stoppers.

Aretha, Diana, Salt, Ledisi and Mariah, you ladies truly are thoro gems.

Thoro Gem Thurday: It's Officially Aries Season

Despite this awkward weather we're having, not only is it my favorite earth season, Spring ,but also my favorite astrological season. That's right, ARIES GANG!!!  We Aries women get such a bad rap about being bossy( which we might be) and divas( uh..duh) and maybe a little hot headed( sloooowly raises hand) BUT we are some of the most loving, honest ,and loyal people you will ever come across. To know us is to love us and if you don't love us, chances are...we honestly don't care. So in honor of all Aries, I have decided to highlight and celebrate just a few of my fav Rams on or around their birthdays.


This week's Thoro Gem is Chaka Khan. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow arian.


Chaka Kahn  was born March 23rd as Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago IL. Known as the Queen of Funk, her hits "Sweet Thing", "Tell Me Something Good", "I'm Every Woman" ,"Aint Nobody" and "I Feel For You" and my favorite "Angel" have solidified her as an icon and pioneer in R&B Soul, Disco, Jazz and Funk. She's a multiple Grammy award winner, human rights activist and still fly with her signature ruby red mane.

Caring and Courageous, Chaka Khan you truly are a thoro gem.

Thoro Gem Thursday: Hey Fran Hey

" I stopped looking for the light. Decided to become it."

This week's thoro gem is wellness guru, naturalista, singer, and public figure Francheska better know as Hey Fran Hey.

Where would I even start about this Harlem native other than this chick is the dopest. Fran taught me how to make natural body butter, get my mind right and care for my spirit. As 1/3 of the podcast, The Friend Zone, she brings a holistic approach to the hilarious show by  discussing mental, emotional, and social wellness.

And I'm not the love one who adores her, she just recently launch the Universal Thread campaign with Target looking so bomb. ( get into her sandals tho...LOVE) From beauty regimens, DIYs, and health tips, Fran helps people become their better selves and glow in the process.

Radiant, Artistic, & Beautifully spirited, Fran you truly are a thoro gem!




Website: www.heyfranhey.com
IG,Twitter, YouTube: heyfranhey