Navigating the Shifting Tides & Embracing the Evolution of Love!

We often use the phrases "in love" and "loving someone" interchangeably, but there's a subtle yet profound distinction between the two. As I explore in my novel Woman’s Heart, the characters grapple with this very distinction, navigating the complexities of a love that has evolved beyond the initial spark of infatuation. Understanding this difference can be crucial in navigating the complexities of long-term relationships and...

The Unofficial Guide to Digital Passive-Aggression Games.

In the grand theater of social media, the act of blocking and unblocking has become a tragicomic performance, full of sound and fury, signifying... well, mostly just our own confusion. We navigate this digital landscape with the finesse of a toddler learning to walk, stumbling over our own emotions and tripping over the tangled wires of our relationships.

One minute, we're declaring undying love for our bestie on Instagram, the next...

Beyond 'I Love You': The Language of True Affection

Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships, and one boundary I've recently established is demanding empathy from those in my life. It hasn't been easy to use the word "demand," as it can feel forceful or even confrontational. However, sometimes it's necessary to convey the importance of a particular boundary.

In my case, I've experienced situations where people have invalidated my feelings and experiences. They've questioned my...

Tonight, I have a date.

It's a simple statement, yet it carries a weight threatening to crush me. A date. A chance encounter, a flicker of hope, a possibility for a new beginning. But my heart, stubborn and steadfast, refuses to fully embrace the prospect. It clings to the echoes of a love that refuses to fade, a love that, despite its complexities and challenges, still holds a powerful grip on my soul.

For some of us, moving on is not a simple flick of a switch. The sting of feeling discarded...

Never Surrender - Repost in honor of Anthony Jordan, yet another fallen victim today!

The chilling image you see above is not just art; it's the embodiment of despair, loss, and the relentless fight for survival within Rikers Island's unforgiving walls.

The dove, a symbol of peace and freedom, flies. This stark juxtaposition alongside a skull captures the harrowing reality faced by countless souls trapped within this notorious institution.

My book, "Rikers Island," is a raw and unflinching...

Embracing the Shadows, Embracing the Light: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The celestial stage is set for a rare and potent spectacle: a Super Blue Sturgeon Moon graces our skies, its luminous presence both awe-inspiring and unsettling. This trifecta of lunar events — a second full moon in a single month, the moon at its closest point to Earth, and coinciding with the traditional Sturgeon Moon — heralds a time of heightened energy, emotional intensity, and profound transformation. A Super Blue...

Love is a battlefield, they say. But sometimes, it feels more like a rollercoaster!

A relentless ride of soaring highs and plunging lows leaves you breathless, disoriented, and utterly exhausted. A gator grip of emotional turbulence, a silent war waged within the confines of our minds.

The constant push and pull, the mixed signals, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air – it's enough to drain even the most resilient spirit. The sleepless nights spent analyzing messages, social media...

50 Shades of Loyalty: A Tribute to the Men Who Shaped Me

Birthdays are like milestones on the winding road of life, marking the passage of time and the accumulation of memories. They're a time to celebrate the people we love, to reflect on the moments that have shaped us, and to cherish the connections that enrich our lives.

In the digital age, where birthdays are often reduced to fleeting social media posts and generic well-wishes, it's easy to forget the true significance of these special...

Never Surrender

The chilling image you see above is not just art; it's the embodiment of despair, loss, and the relentless fight for survival within Rikers Island's unforgiving walls.

The dove, a symbol of peace and freedom, flies. This stark juxtaposition alongside a skull captures the harrowing reality faced by countless souls trapped within this notorious institution.

My book, "Rikers Island," is a raw and unflinching account of experiences within that hellish place.

It's dedicated to ...

The Art of the Capricorn Full Moon

Today, the Capricorn Full Moon, a celestial spectacle, graces our skies and finds us in a moment of profound significance for emotional release, self-reflection, and setting intentions for the future. In astrology, the full moon is associated with culmination, illumination, and the surfacing of hidden emotions. In the grounded and practical sign of Capricorn, this lunar energy takes on a unique flavor, emphasizing themes of responsibility, discipline, and...

There's a saying that goes, "Art is pain made beautiful." For me, it's pain made purposeful.

Trauma leaves scars – some visible, some hidden deep within. My own journey through the fire of domestic violence and the harrowing experience of incarceration at Rikers Island has been one of survival, resilience, and ultimately, an unexpected creative awakening.

The path of healing from domestic violence and the trauma of incarceration is a winding one, fraught with setbacks and emotional triggers....

Rikers Public Memory Project Launches Inaugural Fellowship to Amplify Directly-Impacted Voices

Four fellows will embark on creative projects that shed light on the often-unheard stories and perspectives surrounding Rikers Island.

The Rikers Narrative Change Community Fellowship is more than just funding; it's about providing a platform for these artists to share their truths, challenge dominant narratives, and ignite meaningful conversations. Each project will include a public engagement...

In a world that often equates vulnerability with weakness, daring to express our needs can feel like a revolutionary act.

We're conditioned to be self-sufficient, independent, and emotionally stoic, especially as women. But what if embracing our needs, in all their messy, passionate glory, is the key to unlocking deeper, more fulfilling connections?

In a world that often rewards stoicism and emotional detachment, vulnerability can feel like a weakness. We're taught to guard our hearts, to...

Today, the weight of the past presses heavily on my heart. It's been two years since my niece, Macie, was tragically taken from us in a 4th of July Parade accident. Two years of unimaginable pain and grief for my family, a wound that time can never fully heal.

For me, the pain is amplified by a cruel twist of fate. Two years ago, I was trapped in prison, battling a severe medical condition that had me hospitalized and robbed me of my memory and cognitive abilities. When I finally regained...

Here's to the amazing 'StetDaddy', Stet Howland! You are irreplaceable!

As someone who has witnessed the profound impact the Stetdaddy in my story can have, I know firsthand the depth of love and sacrifice involved. The pain of separation is a heavy burden, but the love you've given will forever echo in their hearts.

To the Stetdad's of the world, your love is immeasurable, your impact irreplaceable. You've stepped into the role of fatherhood with open arms, offering guidance, protection, and...

Have you ever felt the delicate tug of a string, a silent connection that binds you to another soul? In the tapestry of life, we are all woven together by invisible threads, our lives intertwined in ways we may never fully comprehend.

In my upcoming novel, "Woman's Heart: Deep Ocean of Secrets," we delve into the intricate web of interconnectedness that shapes our relationships, our choices, and our destinies. While the story explores the passionate love triangle between Chenille, Tyler, and...

Have you ever felt the ripple effect of one relationship impacting another, like a pebble tossed into a still pond? In the world of love and emotions, we're rarely dealing with isolated incidents. Our hearts are intertwined, our past and present relationships weaving together in a complex tapestry of desires, vulnerabilities, and growth.

In my upcoming book, "Woman's Heart: Deep Ocean of Secrets," we explore the tangled web of interconnectedness that binds two seemingly separate love stories....