Time keeps on ticking, and here we are in May. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to start back reading more. When I was younger, going to the local book store to pick up an Eric Jerome Dickey, V.C. Andrews, or Sister Souljah novel was my thing. It was satisfying to hold a book, admire the mastery of language, and immerse myself in an unfolding story as the weight of the pages shifted from right to left. I wanted to get back to that.
So I ordered “Take My Hand” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. It’s a historical fiction novel, a dual timeline in Montgomery 1973 and 2016, about a young Black nurse, new to the profession, who finds herself in the middle of a horrifying variant of the Tuskegee experiment. I was unaware of the forced sterilization of poor, young, Black women—a whole happening in U.S history. I’m halfway through the book. It’s very well-written, and it’s definitely imprinting on my heart.
I’ve been watching “The First Lady” on Showtime because, well, I’m somewhat obsessed with the brilliance and grace of Michelle Obama. So, it’s only reasonable to indulge in this portrayal of her. I humbly agree with the masses that Viola Davis, an outstanding actress, could have relaxed a little with the lip exaggerations, but her, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson are superb, as is O-T Fagbenle.
Quote of the month as I learn about these First Ladies,
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Can you have a signature nail color? Cause I think I’ve found one. I’ve been wearing this nail color for about a month now.
When I first started taking pics with Dan Lippitt years ago, I used to say, “I’m not a model.” He was so encouraging, and I remember him saying one time, “You’re as much a model as anyone else.” Then, before he retired, he started teaching me how to shoot myself, and I was like, “I’m not a photographer.” When I asked his opinion on some photos I’d taken, he told me, “You are my best student!”
And I still don’t think I’m a model or photographer, but I see my modest progress, and I feel a little proud because I took the above picture myself. It is now my reminder of the words of Ms. Roosevelt that you must do the thing you think you cannot do. Thank you, Dan, for your past endeavors of hyping me up and giving me a push of confidence!
Wishing you a lovely week, and may the new month give what needs to be given.
