Allow Me To Introduce Myself

I am a writer, she/her, Gen X southern girl. I have an MFA in Creative Writing-Fiction from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.  You can visit my Writing section to read some published short pieces. 

I am seeking publication for my novel, The Perfect Sister, formerly known as Savannah Road, and I am doing my best to keep a stiff upper lip in the process. For this blog, I write about Black culture, books, love, life, and everything in between.

The pandemic, coupled with the violent deaths of innocent Black people, has created unprecedented times and trauma.  During these times, self-care is critical.  While being involved in the struggle, people have also found various forms of self-care as ways to protect their sanity and most sacred self.    

 Social media timelines are filled with people rediscovering and tapping into activities that have provided sustenance to their souls.  Enjoyments such as journaling, cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, reading, bonding with pets, and other endeavors have provided a momentary respite from the dispiriting moments.

Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

Here are a few things I’ve indulged in when my well was on the brink of depletion.  I read and watched recent African literature and films, Netflix and chilled, and podcasted my way back to fully charged. 

Unmaking Grace, set in South Africa, is a novel by Cape Town’s Barbara Boswell.  The book tells the story of Grace, a young girl growing up in the ‘80s.  It’s set in two parts, narratives of young Grace and adult Grace, and chronicles how family violence and secrets plague Grace and begs to question if she can overcome them.   

The Ones with Purpose, by South African novelist, Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, is the best book I’ve read in years, hands down, and I don’t say that lightly.  It’s the story of a family destroyed by the death of a loved one, and the aftermath of the traditions of an African burial, dealing with disappointment, loss, and love while putting the shattered pieces of their lives back together. Trigger warning: the book deals with the death of a loved one from Cancer. (Not a spoiler). 

Another great read is Patsy by Nicole Dennis Benn.   

 If you’ve read or plan to read any of the books above, I’d love to chat with you via Zoom or Skype.  I need to discuss these books with someone.    

Netflix’s, Cook Off, a Zimbabwean film that cost only $8,000 to make and was the first feature from the country to get on Netflix, is about a young boy who enters his mother in a cooking competition.  It’s Top Chef meet Chopped, (two of my all-time favorite cooking shows), African style.  Although it is a rom-com, I cried throughout and sobbed at the end.  Any narrative which chronicles dreams and overcoming odds will have me in a puddle.   

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, a Nigerian comedy, also on Netflix, gave me all the feels.  A chef returns home from London to Nigeria to run the family hotel business. She is unaware her parents are planning to sell it. The plot twists when the top bidder turns out to be a potential love interest.  And the love interest if fine. I’m talking Ralph Angel, Queen Sugar fine. The ending had me weepy. Love is a beautiful thing.   

Isoken, another Netflix Nigerian romantic comedy, tells the story of 34-year-old Isoken, a successful woman trying not to buckle under society’s pressure and ridicule for being unmarried.  It touches on subjects Black women of all nationalities can relate to, such as conforming to society’s standards of beauty regarding natural hair, dating outside of our race, and antiquated ideologies around marriage and children.

In each film, especially Isoken and Cook Off, the mothers are overbearing, and in some instances, cruel.  They were more concerned with society’s perception of their daughters’ so-called flaws than supporting their daughter’s dreams and ambitions. I realize these pressures are considered more common in African societies; however, the universality of these themes affects women everywhere.   

Netflix also has a fictional drama series called Fifty. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the show is about ambitious women juggling life as they approach turning fifty. It’s a delicious drama, juicier and pettier than the Atlanta housewives. 

The Stacks, a book podcast, hosted by Traci Thomas, and billed on their website as your “literary best friend,” is an all-encompassing podcast about everything books, including interviews with authors while having entertaining and intellectual discussions.      

Hear to Slay podcast on Luminary, hosted by writers Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillian Cottom, is a Black feminist podcast where the writer’s brilliant perspectives on culture, politics, celebrity, and whatever else on their mind shines through thoughtfully and compellingly. 

Okay, Now Listen, a podcast hosted by cultural journalists and television personalities, Scottie Beam and Sylvia Obell, is a straight no chaser guide on all things pop culture and beyond.    

Homecoming, the podcast, hosted by Dr. Thema Bryant Davis, a licensed psychologist, and ordained minister, will recharge your soul with topics such as addressing panic, reclaiming your story, womanist healing, and becoming unstuck.  Consider Dr. Thema, your bonus therapist.   

Finally, a DJ saved my quarantine life.  DJ and rapper D-Nice is a fellow Gen Xer who I’ve grown up with (in my head). I’ve chronicled his career from Boogie Down Productions to his banging single ‘My Name is D-Nice. I remembered when he married, and later divorced, Bird (Malinda Williams) from Soul Food, (the TV show), and I followed his foray into photography. His club quarantine on Instagram Live provides a virtual dance party of curated R&B, hip hop, (old and new school), and whatever music he’s feeling.  He shared his passion with the world, and in turn, received the love back a thousand-fold.    

What has kept you sane during this pandemic and trying times?  

Please drop me a note in the comments below and let me know what is currently giving you life. 

Also, subscribe to my blog and visit the Connect section on my home page, and like my Facebook writer page and follow me on Twitter,  IG and Pinterest.           

I can’t wait to connect!