Two.

First draft I wrote on something that I feel actually doesn't suck. :)

I was originally inspired by Hart Crane's quote “People can know everything about us when we’re dead. But for now it’s better to keep quiet.” It ended up taking a different direction. 

 

Hush, he whispered in the evening air.

This world is too denominational, poised, to forgive our rebuffed sins.

We’ve been divided since the dawning of time. Congested, uninventive, bent, in an axel of faded devotion.

The continuous split is inevitable on this planet.

Black or white.

Pure or evil.

Hot or cold.

Up or down.

The rebels or the followers….the realists or the dreamers....

There’s always two sides, to divide.

Two.

Two cultivated storms.

Two narrow points of view.

Two volatile shadows, both in the dark, claiming to be glimmering in the light.

The light of the true answer. The light of the proper way. The glowing orb of correct consciousness.

For it is just not that simple. 

In Loving Memory Of Josh Onley

November 22. Most people associate this day with the assassination of JFK, or perhaps even the birthday of  the world wide famous British author George Eliot. But for a few of us from Richardson, Texas, it’s also the day a good friend of ours took his own life.

Every year I plan to have something great, or worthwhile, written on Josh’s behalf. But I just can’t seem to find the right words, at the right time. Nothing seems good enough.

All I know is I want to honor him on this November day. I truly hate what happened, and I definitely think about it more than one sad day in November, but this is the one and only day I still allow myself to feel 100% guilty about his tragic death, even if I deserve more.

Here is a very old video I made back in 2008 of the very sweet soul known of Josh Onley. All I intend to do is honor his life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWr0xCO8GcE

Nostalgia Is The Devil

Go,
You move we go,
Now don't go. 

That sinking, suffering feeling. 

Flooded with memories I cannot change, recreate, or relive.

Why does it hurt?

Because they're gone?

Or because he's gone?

Or because I wish to change the past. 

The would have, could have, should haves consume my soul.

There's a million things I wish I would have done and said.

But instead I lie awake in my bed.

Listening to that same  damn song.

The song that screams we were both wrong.

The song that should have died when we died.

The song that reminds me of his lies.

The song that just hurts. And tires my heart strings. 

I can't go back there, even just for tonight.

I lay that, this, you, and all of us, to rest.

Detached and forgotten, it's the best. 

Serial Douches

We’ve all been dumped by those people who can never seem to stand being alone. Ironic isn’t it? We all have that friend who hasn’t been single for more than 24 hours since Kindergarten. Those people, that no matter who or what they are dating, always are in a relationship.

I’m not necessarily here to “cramp their style”. I’m here to help you not be a victim of the co-dependent relationship junkie.

Dating a relationship junkie, or even getting involved with someone who was originally (even slightly) involved in some sort of relationship when you met them, will 9 times out of 10 end up in utter chaos, and most likely with you getting dumped. Remember, these people are junkies, it’s not about you, it’s about the fix. It’s about anyone, and everyone new. It’s about their security.

Personally, I do like many things about being in a relationship. It is a huge part of growing up and maturing. If you ever want to get married, dating is crucial. You have to test the waters, find out what you enjoy out of a relationship, and figure out exactly who you are in a (that) relationship. It may really surprise you.

However, I do think it is just as important for anyone to be single, and be alone. You need to define yourself from time to time, away from others. If you ever want to be a highly successful “we” you must be a successful “I”.

If I had a point in this blog, it would be to not date people simply just because “they like you” or because you’re “scared to be alone”. Don’t be a relationship douche, and date every hormone you see. Relationships matter, so make them worthwhile.

P.S. You should definitely take my advice when it comes to dating. I have a REALLY great track record. *Makes fart noise*. 

My Two Cents On Miley

I honestly can’t say I really care about the current Miley Cyrus phenomenon. Everyone in the blogging world seems to be taking sides, but I can’t say she, or it, affects my current daily life in the slightest.

I will say though, for those mothers who claim Miley is “ruining their children’s innocence,” I find that kind of silly. Sure, Miley isn’t the best role model, but it isn’t fair to hold her accountable for the things you assume your daughter might do in the next few years.

In seventh grade I was twelve, and Eminem was my knight in shining armor. The teenage years suck, hardcore. No matter what face a twelve year old girl puts on, it’s a rough time. Girls are mean, boys are cruel. It just sucks. You’re more self-conscious than ever, and everyone from your family, friends, to teachers seem to be against you at one point or another. So, to cope with my angst, I listened to Eminem. He was my idol, at only twelve years old. Could you tell? No. I didn’t kill “bitches”, or do drugs. I didn’t take any of his lyrics serious enough to the point where I wanted to or -thought anyone should- follow him. It was just nice to hear another human being going through rough times. It made me feel better to hear his anger. I could relate on one level or another.

Teenagers are smarter than we think. A lot of their rebellion comes from the restrictions placed around them. Life is all about communication; it’s never too early to start talking to your children about serious issues. But please don’t blame pop stars, rock stars, or rap stars, for doing strictly what they are paid to do. Your children are you own responsibility.

And if you really hate Miley that much, just remember, by talking and obsessing about her, or any other celebrity you loathe, you’re only giving them exactly what they want; attention. 

Life Without Music?

I received a very interesting prompt from a twitter friend last evening that I just had to explore. It goes as followed:

"Imagine what the world would be like without music?"

I DON’T WANNA!

For me, personally, I think it would be rather tragic. I get so much of my inspiration from music. Music is my muse, not even just when it comes to writing, but also exercising, painting, scrap-booking, thinking, and DOING. Literally, I will be driving towards a determined destination and have my mind 100% made up about a certain situation. Then a song might come on, and change everything. So much in fact, that I might turn my car around. I’m at my best when listening to good music. It touches my soul and leads me to truth. Music helps me escape my mind, and find my soul.

Now, it’s not “fair” to say that I wouldn’t be “successful” without music (as far as my career goes), or inspired to write. BUTTT I will say, I’m just that much more motivated when beautiful melodies are consuming my brain.

Another part of my life that would be a bit foreign to me without music would be my hobbies. In my free time, I enjoy going to live shows and concerts. I find seeing my favorite bands perform live to be exhilarating. I also enjoy playing guitar myself and writing some of my own music and lyrics. Granted, I’m really not any good, but I do enjoy this. Furthermore, I have many friends and family members that are musicians.  Over the years I’ve enjoyed listening to their band practices, helping them write songs, and playing together. Without music, this part of my life would cease to exist, and that just makes me sad. It’s part of who I am.

On the contrary, without music, perhaps…perhaps humanity would, or could, be more peaceful. Perhaps, without music, we might all be able to find our inner selves a bit easier. Perhaps, we might focus more on going inward, with the lack of sound, and focus on the silence. Although, if that were ever to actually happen, and humanity suddenly became super spiritual, I highly doubt lack of music would be the cause. I believe the lack of television would be a much better source for this sort of argument. I seem to find that the common individual does appear to find peace through harmony and melody over visuals and through television screens. But what do I know?

Bottom line: Thank goodness music DOES exist. :) 

Please take a moment and help us out!

Hello all! Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m helping a fellow writer do some research for a book and would REALLY REALLY appreciate your help! For all of you that have kiddos between the ages of 3 and 6(ish) please take a just a quick moment to help us out. We just need you to answer two small simple questions. Please ask you child the following:

1.) What makes you happy?

2.) What makes you smile?

The key to these two questions is HOW your child responds. We’re looking for exact quotes, not just an “answer” so to speak. So please quote them exactly, word for word, that is what we are looking for.

If you’d like to help, please either comment here, or contact me on twitter:  @sararosesalih or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraRoseSalih . Messages or comments are fine for both, but for whatever reason my DM’s on twitter don’t always go through.

Thanks a bundle!!!!!! :)

Oh, London. *Sigh*

Just ran into my very last college paper, written right after my summer spent abroad in London. :) Nothing special (the paper I mean), but oh so sentimental to me. Just thought I'd share. That trip changed my life and led me to exactly where I am today.

            This reaction paper has been a challenging one for me. I have spent countless hours contemplating just what to write about for this essay. Everything about the Literary London trip I found whimsically fabulous. Even some of the events that were not on the top of my list I still enjoyed and found very enlightening. After settling back into the states for some time now, I realized the one thing that really hit hard about the trip was getting the privilege to see and visit so many famous author’s homes.

            My favorite would probably have to be John Keats’ home. I just loved the village of Hampstead. His house was located off a quiet and private street, yet still so close to city life.

When arriving in the backyard of Wentworth Place I immediately felt such peace and tranquility. It felt as though I was miles away from busy London city life. I remember how we all just collapsed onto the fresh green grass in the back upon arrival, wanting to be one with that serenity the area possessed. I remember thinking to myself, along with voicing this to others, “Man, I could probably pump out some awesome poetry if I lived here too!” I’m not sure if it was the lingering essence of Keats himself, or just the fresh soothing area of Hampstead, but inspiration and good vibes were in the air!

            Another thing I found fascinating about Wentworth Place was all the history that occupied the home. Besides Keats himself, I thought it was interesting that members of the Brown, Chester, and Brawne families all resided there at one point or another.

At Keats’ home I bought a small book of poetry that he wrote strictly just during his last years alive at Wentworth Place. Reading the book here, all the way back in America, it is super cool to be able to picture exactly where Mr. Keats composed those serene poetic thoughts.

            Jane Austen’s house in Chawton came in as a close second. It was great to see the countryside of London and get an idea of the kind of life Austen lived compared to those in the city.

            Although somewhat large in size, Austen’s home was quaint and simple, but filled with such a gorgeous lush view and access to the yard and gardens. Getting to see the very table she wrote Pride and Prejudice on was literally a dream come true.

            Thomas Carlyle’s home comes in third. I absolutely loved his home. Everything about it was rich and gorgeous, I also remember we had such a wonderfully sweet tour guide that day and I loved learning about his life and the home. Unfortunately, I had not been exposed to much of Carlyle’s writing before this trip. In just the brief time of this introduction I have grown to really like and appreciate what he has to say. I remember one particular quote that was typed out on paper in the final floor of his building. I took a picture of it and it states as follows:

“A man lives by believing something; not be debating and arguing about many things.” I try hard to live by this concept. I’ve always felt most human beliefs are personal, especially those pertaining to religion or politics, therefore what really matters is that you have faith in your own beliefs, rather than trying to convince or debate others on the way they are living their lives.

            Charles Dickens house was also very fun to see. As discussed on the trip, it was a bit disappointing not being able to see the whole museum and get the full experience, especially since Oliver Twist was the focus of our class. But needless to say, it was a beautiful home full of exciting literary history, and I’m so thankful to have seen it.

            I also thoroughly enjoyed the Bloomsbury Walk. I would have loved to be able to have gone in some of the actual homes if they had still been viewable to the public, especially of Virginia Woolf’s and T.S. Eliot’s, but it was still neat to at least get a glimpse of the outside and grasp a feel of the area they resided in.

            As an writer and a published poet of a few minor poems, it was so neat getting to visit so many of my favorite writers homes. I felt like an aspiring musician getting tours of famous rock star quarters! It was so great getting to be in that energy and presence, and actually see where such promising literature history was made.

            I would also like to add I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Highgate Cemetery. In London

 I was a bit confused on how it fit into the trip, I also wish I would have known more of the 

authors buried there. Now back at home I see the correlation of seeing the living homes of 

many famous British authors, and also appreciate seeing where some of them rest now. 

What is true love? And also, what the heck am I even talking about?

Some days I am so adamant that hitting a woman is the worst thing a man can do & as a woman, staying in any kind of abusive relationship is absolutely unquestionably unfathomable. I mean, I watch some of those Lifetime movies and want to yell at those women who stick by those kinds of men and shake them and scream “GET OUT BEFORE HE KILLS YOU! YOU DESERVE BETTER!” But what IF the woman hits back? And screams back? Obviously this is not most, or all, cases, but what if some of the “abuse” is mutual. What if? What exactly do we as a human race define as abuse? And why do we define it that way, and why are women more often than not the victims in these sort of circumstances? Or if the abuse happens while under the influence of drugs or alcohol….could one learn to live with the person during the sober times? Is being abusive or allowing that abuse more of a symptom than an effect?

I’m not trying to preach, or even make any sort of point, I’m literally just exploring this idea, just kind of thinking out loud. Curious is all.

Take rock stars for instance…the “love” of Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain…was so intense…and if you’ve done your research, you’ll know it ended in MURDER… (not suicide)…Then there’s Jim Morrison and Pam…he tried to light her on fire…not light her fire, but ACTUALLY light her on fire. And don’t even get me started on Sid & Nancy. Do we as a society ever look back on these rockstars as abusers? Or just users?

I guess what I’m wondering is, if things like drugs and alcohol weren’t involved in theses couples lives…would it have been true love at its’ finest? Crazy & passionate without the you know, “attempted” murders? Or are those kinds of people & relationships always doomed from the start? And what IS negativity, exactly, like truly. No matter how awful, and negative another human being is, as strong as THEIR energy is, you always have the power to be stronger, and to stay positive. Obviously it’s beyond “easier said than done” but in the end, no one else can ever control your actions. It is always up to you. One of the best things about being human is we were given free will, no matter what the consequences may be. 

I’m a strong believer in The Law of Attraction, if you’re not familiar with the idea it’s quantum physics and Rhonda Byrne created a great film and book about it. It’s the concept that you attract every single thing into your life good or bad, because all life is energy. It suggests and proves that every thought, and every action you take, is pure negative or positive energy, that affects the universe as a whole, but most importantly your life, and the close lives around you.

So I can’t help but wonder about women who are in abusive relationships. Of course they don’t deserve it, no one deserves to be physically, verbally, or emotionally abused… but did they still attract it? Is something deep down inside of them just as negative as the men they attracted? Therefore, if this is true, they connect with their abuser on some level of energy, and in some way. Therefore, it is perfectly clear why so many of them don’t leave. And what if, a person, no matter what someone else puts them through, is still able to love that other person? We are all only human. Abusers of all types are only human. Clearly we are all on different levels of humanity, racing at different speeds, and going different places….but what if, when it comes to abusive relationships, an abuser and the victim are really suffering from the same types of trauma and just handling it different ways. After all, don’t they always say “A bully is only a bully because he was once bullied.” Abuse of any sort is usually a learned behavior.

I really intended to blog on true love, but perhaps Lifetime got me a bit side tracked. So true love, as I’ve personally always imagined it, was unbreakable. Something that would never lead a loved one to stray, to cheat, to hit, to bully, and instead always support one another. Always compromise. Trust, and communicate. And even more than that, take steps to keep that passion and beliefs alive so that the two of you sleep warmly and peacefully, side by side every night till the day you die. This was my vision of “true love” as an adolescent. The older I get I do tend to wonder if that’s even a reality. What I see so often in relationships and marriages are one of two things. If the passion is still there, there is fighting, & drama… but there is life…there is love, crazy love. If the passion is gone, there’s a different kind of love, more of a passive caring love, it's sweet and peaceful, but not exactly exciting or infatuating. Is it wrong that I want a version of each? I want the sweet, caring, “I’ll stand by you forever even if we don’t talk during meals anymore” kind of dedication, but I will always still want that passion, that crazy intoxicating dumb love that makes you do stupid things. Cause to me, personally, that is living, that is feeling. That is life.

 …Which brings me to couples like Johnny Cash and June Carter (clearly I’m sticking with the rock star theme here)….he didn’t always treat her right and battled with alcoholism and drugs.. But I believe they did love each other and stuck by one another till the day she died. He died only four months later, and I’m convinced of a broken heart.

It just gets me wondering, what is love? What is true love? Is true love sticking by someone no matter what? No matter how bad they screw up? Or is there a fine line that one can cross when mistreating another human being? And what is that line…a slap across the face? A mistress or two? A punch in the ribs? Or a literal stab in the back?

And what about “open relationships”? People that agree they are together, but are open to see other people on the side upfront? Is THAT true love….even when the guy, or girl, admits that don’t want monogamy with the other person?

OMG I need to stop listening to Indie music and blogging. 

Fictional Non-Fiction

“Fictional Non-Fiction”

Yes, I write, what I like to call “fictional non-fiction.” I’m sure it’s not politically correct. But then again, who is these days, am I right? ;)

Fictional non-fiction….But…..but what does that MEAN?

Many people are confused by my “oh so clever” claim to write “fictional non-fiction”. I absolutely highly respect and admire fictional writers…especially sci-fi, fantasy…etc. Anyone who can write about hobbits, wizards, kingdoms, vampires, and werewolves and get people on board, totally have my vote. It has just never been my personal forte. Yet, interestingly enough, I wrote what I strongly considered “strict fiction” up until my junior year of college. That year I took a creative non-fiction writing class for the very first time. Before that semester, I assumed all non-fiction was strictly autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs.. aka “boring stuff”.  Don’t get me wrong, I had totally read biographies on The Beatles, Kurt Cobain’s life story “Heavier Than Heaven” and yes, even things like “The Heart and Soul of Nick Carter” (written by his mother btw) & loved them all. Anywhoooo, I was familiar with non-fiction, but at the time, didn’t realize exactly how creative one could get with it. That first non-fiction class I took in San Antonio was extremely eye opening for me. Ever since then, I began to write non-fiction, yet portray it, as if it was actually 100% fictionalized. Does that make any sense?

One can say I’ve been rather, “fortunate” to know the people I have in this life. I’ve been surrounded by real life characters for as long as I can remember. Needless to say, I finally realized one day, I don’t need to write fiction, I’ve got all the characters and drama I need, right here in front of me. So that was how my “fictional non-fiction” mindset began. Now I take it to much more extremes, meaning, the Life As We Note It series, is not simply non-fiction just with a few names and places changed. My series, Life As We Note It is fiction, but many truths of my own adolescent life definitely make there mark in the series.

One message I do want to send to young writers, and even young readers is, non-fiction can be soooo much fun! All my life I’ve always heard “write what you know”. So if you have a fascinating imagination about fantasy universes, or fictional creatures, that is totally awesome, please go with that, but also, please, keep in mind, even if you don’t, you, yes you, can totally still write fiction! I know, right? “Write what you know” is some of the best advice I’ve ever been given. If you’re a cheerleader, write about that. If you grew up with some weird unrealistic phobia as a kid, write about that. If you wish you had been adopted, write about THAT. Whatever you are feeling and thinking, believe me, somewhere out there someone is actually feeling and thinking the exact same thing. Someone out there will relate to your story, whatever it may be. Therefore, it just makes sense to write what you know. And write it well. Don’t hold back. You owe it to yourself.

So, long story short (HAH), I tend to write about things I (or people around me) have experienced in one form or another. And I do take certain personality traits of people I’ve met once or twice throughout my life, and put them in the characters I create. As Bob Nelson once said (one of my favorite authors) “Truth is sometimes best told through fiction”. Therefore, I proudly write, “Fictional non-fiction”.

Boom.

Writing: It Can Be Scary

One of my favorite past times from elementary school and junior high, was good old math class. I spent countless hours sitting in the back of those chalky stuffy classrooms writing stories on time travel and being a rock star as the rest of the class evaluated expressions and fractions. Writing is in my blood and has been an excellent emotional release for me since I can remember. I’ve always found the best part about scribbling down your every thought and emotion, no matter how ridiculous it may seem & sound at the time, is knowing you’re doing it for you and no one else. But suddenly, all that changes when you, ya know, publish a book and all. Suddenly a fun silly thought or five, that was completely safe and alone by itself on a sheet of notebook paper, is now about to be viewed by hundreds…gulp…maybe even thousands OR OMG I don’t even know how many people??!?! And so suddenly it sinks in, more than ever before… “No, REALLY. What if I actually am terrible at this whole “writing” thing?" …..I think Elizabeth Gilbert puts it rather well:

“The thing to realize is that all writers think they suck. When I was writing “Eat, Pray, Love”, I had just as a strong a mantra of THIS SUCKS ringing through my head as anyone does when they write anything. But I had a clarion moment of truth during the process of that book. One day, when I was agonizing over how utterly bad my writing felt, I realized: “That’s actually not my problem.” The point I realized was this – I never promised the universe that I would write brilliantly; I only promised the universe that I would write. So I put my head down and sweated through it, as per my vows.”

…..boom Amen sista! 

Sara's Must Reads & Favs

Hello friends! There are so many fabulous books out there, you know, besides mine. So I will start with a few I recommend that are similar to the genre I write, young adult fiction.

The Heartbreakers by Pamela Wells. Such a fun read about a group of girlfriends & their boy struggles. Sounds cliché, but the “rules” the girls come up with in their pact are what make it unique and interesting.

Define Normal by Julie Anne Peters. A great teenage story of irony, with a fun twist. It also has a very “Breakfast Club” like appeal…the rebel and a sweet conservative type girl coming together & realizing they have more in common than they thought. Overall, great book, with some deeper meanings buried in there.

Homeroom by Bob Nelson. Even though the 2 books listed above take place during the high school years, this one is probably geared strictly towards high “schoolers” and up. It’s absolutely one of my favorite books of all time, written by one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had, Dr. Bob Nelson, or as we all called him, “Dr. Bob”. Dr. Bob taught psychology at my high school, J.J. Pearce in Richardson Texas. He was different than most teachers I had experienced. He actually seemed to take a genuine interest in his students and their lives. He was hands down, one of my top favorite teachers, and ended up being one of my favorite authors. His book has such an excellent grasp on the dirty politics of public education and teenage conformity and he tells it with such true psychological insight. I highly recommend you read this book within your lifetime. You won’t regret it. I have something highlighted or starred on almost every page.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. This was my favorite book when I was 11 years old. In fact, I read it twice in just 3 months I loved it so much. (And it wasn’t even a required reading for school) To this day it blows my mind that Hinton was just 16 when she wrote most of the book.

The Giver by Lois Lowry. Everyone should read this book. Such a strong message that I feel we, as a society, can really learn from. Anti conformity for life!

The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Soooooo goood. This read is definitely for older girls, though. The first time I read it I was a junior in college. I think every woman can (and should) take something from this powerful story on just how freeing it can be to break away from a certain comfort zone, or how women “should” behave. Are you sensing a theme here with these “book reviews”? Clearly I’m very into conformity and women’s oppression……*makes fart noise*.

Animal Farm by George Orwell. What can I say, it’s a classic for a reason guys (and gals, of course). Great meaning told by talking animals. A win win if you ask me.

Lord Of The Flies by William Golding. Another great classic. Human nature is fascinating, and a bit terrifying, and Golding captures it perfectly. It was a favorite of mine in high school and I still enjoy reading it today. It’s scary how many of my “must reads” were the authors first books….please don’t hold me to those standards…

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling. I just recently read this one, and let me tell you, it is laugh out loud funny. It was super cool to hear about Mindy’s background, childhood experiences, and how she got to where she is today, all told in a very personable funny context.

Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas. This is definitely very mature content, but it’s an autobiography by one of my favorite Cuban writers. An absolutely fascinating story.

And finally, anything, and absolutely everything, written by George Eliot. I adore that woman to no end. It’s like I was her in another life or something…..

A Few Quick Easy Breezy Vegan Recipes :)

When in doubt, have a salad. I make salads at all times of the day and night for a quick and satisfying snack.

Quick Pasta Salad

Ingredients: 

Lettuce

Spinach

Red cherry tomatoes

Red Onions

Avocado

Cooked Pasta

Dressing:

1/3 cup of Light Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Baked Dessert Apples

This recipe is wonderfully simple and delish :)

Just thinly slice one apple and add:

Stevia (pure non-calorie sweetener) & Cinnamon

Place in oven and bake until slightly crisp

Vegan Tacos

Organic corn taco shells

Mexican flavored meatless soy crumbles

Red bell pepper, white onion, Chili Pepper, Paprika, garlic, Light Olive Oil (Mix in with soy meat on the stove)

Just add some Daiya Cheddar Cheese and Lettuce and you're done! :) 

Easy Tofu Dish & Salad

Tofu Dish:

Tofu (I usually get organic, low fat, and firm)

Red onions

Garlic

Soy Sauce

Worchestire Sauce

Ginger

Black Pepper

and a hint of Cayenne 

The salad is any lettuce and veggies you want with the same dressing as before:

(1/3 cup of Light Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste)

I also added ground almonds for protein and flavor :) 

"Gourmet" PB&J 

I honestly never cared for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches growing up, I was more of a turkey and cheese kind of girl. However, on a vegan diet, sandwiches are much more limited, so I created a PB&J recipe that I just love.

Whole grain oat bread

Earth balance soy butter

Blackberry preserves

Banana slices

Organic crunchy peanut butter 

Toast in oven until crisp or desired :)

Veggie Side Dish

Just throw some broccoli, red bell peppers, red onions (or any desired veggies) into a bowl of olive oil, garlic, & pepper and bake for about 15 minuets. 

Zesty Quinoa Salad

This is my first vegan recipe post. And when I say "recipe" feel free to take that with a grain of salt. I will list all of the ingredients, but I honestly don't measure a thing when I cook. :/ I will, for the sake of my first food post, give you my best estimate. :)

1 can of black beans

A cup of cooked quinoa

1 small cucumber

A handful of sliced cherry tomatoes

Red onions

Fresh garlic

Olive oil

Lime juice

Cumin

Turmeric 

Paprika

Salt & Pepper to taste

*Makes about 6 servings...I think. (I clearly have no business posting recipes when I don't measure. But  the ingredients are exact, just not sure how much of everything to use. I would just keep trying it as you go and adapt it to your own taste). :)

The Wild Turkey and The Grey Goose

Wrote this silly little piece back in college, haha. Enjoy!


The Wild Turkey and The Grey Goose

Reinventing escape

Two bodies of shape

Content with this mindless life

This broken fun

Will soon be undone

They’ll part their separate ways, in days of dismay

No slow goodbye

No drunken lullaby

The truth they will find in portions

Soaked in their stained distortions

For they will be reunited

In the bellies of the men

Ingested, and digested together

Again and again

An Old Nameless Poem

My last two years of college and my time spent in Denton, Texas was nothing short of uplifting, fun, and a bit crazy. When the city and I parted our separated ways, I was a different person. Those past 2 years were a time of transformation. My last day in my apartment before I moved to Grapevine, I wrote this poem, reflecting on my time spent there, and more specifically, all the changes that occurred within the past year.

I pull back the lingering black curtain
And shed a tear

Not for me

Not for you

But for this fear

This fear of the unknown

Of what’s to come

A pulsating affliction of what is not shown

Or what I’ve done

These walls that surround us

Now covered in grey

Seclude

Resist

The brand new day

I

I see the light now

Even through the dark

I

I feel the love now

The love in my heart

I release myself from you

From this hold

I now can see

See through these bars of cold

Locked inside myself

I know better now

To face my demons

I will allow

I must break free

For this is the end

I surrender
I bend

I amend

As I enter the infinite abyss

I leave you here

Behind

With a still hug and an empty kiss

I demand now

To you I dismiss

Celebrating The Day Of Mothers

I hope everyone had an amazing day with their mothers and family. I love this holiday and if anyone deserves a special day it is most certainly my mother. 

My mother and I have always been very close. Sure, we had a few rough patches during my teen years because I was so rebellious. For the first time in my life I felt she didn't understand me or what I was going through. She had just always been so good, so pure, her entire life. When I left home for my first year of college, I quickly became ever so grateful for how my parents had raised me. Being across the state, 6 hours from home, living with a stranger, at a University where I knew about 2 people,  you could say I was a bit outside my comfort zone. I met new friends and acquaintances right away and got a glimpse into their home lives and families. It was nothing horrible or tragic or anything like that, but I just saw things in a whole new perspective. It was as though I had been picked up, like a Barbie, or a doll, and been placed in not only a brand new dollhouse, but a whole new universe. I was still the same, but everything around me was foreign, and therefore it became vividly clear exactly who I was and where I came from. I suddenly realized why my parents raised me the way they did and made the choices they did, and not only did I not blame them, but I became eternally grateful for this. Even if I thought my mother was "strict" or "too emotional" when I was a teenager, it suddenly hit me like a rock that everything she did was based merely out of love.

Even as a young child I confided in my mother as a friend. She's just one of those people who was born to be a mother. She's the most sweet, selfless, caring, loving, silly, down to earth women I've ever met. If I have children one day, I will strive to be even half the women that my mother is and was. 

Happy Mother's day Mom, I love you always and forever.

And on another note, I was so "surprised" to receive such a special note & card from my one and only. (Sure, he's black & furry & can't talk, but he is my child). Can't believe he has learned how to shop and write in a such a short time! Haha Once again, my parents are awesome for "helping" my dog send me this. :)

Dog lady for life. :)