Dear My Gorgeous Pretties,

There have been a handful of artist’s death that have physically brought me to tears. Go on head and add Dolly’s name to the list. Never mind I was already in a funk over Michael Wright’s passing just a few days ago. And the one year anniversary of my mawmee’s death tomorrow has been looming over me. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Like, how is she really dead? And then to have it happen on the 25th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death was just all a lot for my sensitive soul to take in.

Actually she was the first artist death I cried over. Yes, partly because we share the same name, but mostly because, at the time, Aaliyah wasn’t as popular a name as it is now—only popularized by her death, sadly, but Allah alim—so the only Aaliyah people in my town knew was me—a lot of the people I hung with didn’t even know her music—so when word got out that “Aaliyah died,” everyone thought it was me & my home phone was blowing up with everyone calling to find out what happened. This was 2001 so cellphones weren’t a thing just yet. We were still using dial up internet! As you can imagine, this was all a bit traumatic for a 16 year old to compute. And being a fan of her work—you know she had da beats fa da streets—it was doubly sad.

Anytime someone close to you dies, or a big artist loved the world over, you can’t help but reflect on your own life. Have I accomplished, or at least tried to accomplish, all the things I have wanted out of this life? Have a lived in such a way that would make me satisfied if death were to come for me today? That’s why I wrote 99 Reasons to Love You. That’s why I changed career paths after graduating from college and decided to pursue professional acting training at Rutgers. That’s why I fled across the pond to study at Shakespeare’s Globe. That’s why I twirled off to LA to write. Because we only have one life to live, and at every turn I wanted to make sure I did the things that I always wanted to do, the way I wanted to do them. It may not have turned out how I wanted or expected, but does it ever? Ce’est la vie. At least I did it for me. And that’s the most important thing.

My niece asked me to make a short video of my biggest accomplishment this year as a part of a compilation/commemoration for my mom’s anniversary tomorrow. Does making people fall in love with you who you have absolutely zero interest in count? Haha. My biggest accomplishment and greatest regret. My haHt belongs to only one and he knows who he is! And don’t you fahget it, Toots. (Good luck today on your home opener. Always contigo, mijo 😉)

Nevertheless, I am proud of myself for simply sallying forth when everything around me said stop. Ultimately your life is yours and you have to own your choices and the inevitable consequences that come with them. Good, bad, or indifferent. But I do know that through it all, I’ve lived a life that’s good. I traveled each and every highway. And more. Much more than this. I did it my way.

Sing my ma a lil song for me, will yall? Rest easy yous 🤍

Our time here in Canada is winding down, but it has been such a thrill. After hearing my dad talk about it just about every other week, and seeing the astonishing pictures of it, I had to see for myself if it was really all it was cracked up to be, and lemme state right now on the record, Banff National Park is THEE place to be! Omgggg, My Pretties, I fell in absolute love like mad. How do I explain?

Established in 1885 as Rocky Mountain Park, Banff National Park is Canada’s very first. Just a short trip west of Calgary, the town of Banff sits smack dab at the center of all the action, situated above Bow Falls near the confluence of the Bow & Spray Rivers, and surrounded by the magnificent, gorgeous, and awe inspiring mountains; Rundle, Tunnel, Sulphur, Norquay, and Cascade.

With a number of hot springs nearby, in addition to the wonder of the mountains during all seasons, Banff was promoted as an international resort town and has today become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.

The drive in was absolutely stunning. There’s a charter bus that takes you directly from Calgary to Banff with just a couple stops in between—about a 2 hour drive total. The Canadian landscape is naturally very open and scenic so the first 30-40 minutes leaving the city you’re like, Ok, more pretty countryside, and then from about 45 minutes to an hour in it turns to, OMG THIS PLACE IS FRICKIN GORGEOUS! Mouth wide open in awe like you’ve never scene something so magnificent before because you truly haven’t. Like the Lord just keeps doing His big, bigger, and biggest ones and I’m shooketh every time! Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

Just as we were approaching our little town in a quiet village nestled between the great mountains, our driver announced moose on the side of the road. Of course they were on the opposite side of where I was sitting so I made a mad dash, frantically disconnecting my phone from the plug, to the seats across the aisle to gain a view and snap a flick.

*Have you ever seen a moose in real life? These creatures are* ***massive***.

Admittedly not the greatest pic with the bus in motion, but to my delight and surprise there were plenty more moose standing by so I opted for a video this time.

Never in my wildest dreams would’ve imagined seeing such a sight! But please do not be like these people on the side of the road. Maintain a safe distance if out on a hike and definitely do not pull over and approach. For goodness sake, have some respect for the wild life! This has bean a public parks service announcement. Thank you for your attention to this mattuuhhhh.

I was only in town for one night only and arrived the Saturday of the Canadian Civic Holiday weekend so the place was packed. Everywhere was sold. In fact the reservation at my hostel was the last and only one available so I took what I could get. My only regret is that I couldn’t stay longer.

HI Canada 👋 have locations from coast to Canadian coast. Truthfully, I’ve only ever stayed in one hostel before and that was many many many moons ago on a quick turnaround in Motown Philly, but I don’t really remember it so it must’ve been decent. But generally speaking hostels generally have a negative connotation and with nothing to compare it to, I was a little uneasy, but the views from the town calmed my nerves, and when the taxi took me up the mountain to my stay, I took a deep sigh of relief and said, “Phew. Ok.”

Situated just a mile up the road, The Banff Alpine Centre offers shared rooms, private rooms, and private cabins, nestled within the glory of nature and with a number of amenities on site including a restaurant, bar, indoor & outdoor recreation, luggage storage, laundry, and more.

*Welcome check-in with restaurant, bar, luggage storage, outdoor patio seating, indoor loft & bike rental*

*Private whole cabins & private cabin rooms*

*Mary Bell Barclay Building with women, men, & mixed bed dorm rooms.*

*Great lawn with hammocks, corn whole, lounge chairs, covered tent picnic tables, and open space to frolic & live fancy free*

*A little commotion for the potted flowers*

The solid wood beams that make up the exterior of the buildings and run throughout each space, offer that cozy cabin-in-woods feel, even in the massive 50ft ceiling great room & lounge.

*A view from the seating nooks overlooking the Great Room*

*Seating for two. One for me, one for you. Or should we sit in the same chair & I smother you with my love, My Love? 😍*

I stayed in an all ladies dorm, which, again, I wasn’t too sure about, but when I entered this building I knew it was about to be roomy af.

4 *beds & bathroom (sink & toilet only) on entry level*

Each bed comes with its own closet-locker. Be sure to bring your own lock or purchase one at the front desk. I was on the top bunk in the loft because, well, I’m a princess. We always sleep on the top. The mattresses were surprisingly super cozy, and considering I spent the entire day out exploring, it was great to be able to come back after a long day out and just crash comfortably. Like I mentioned earlier, everywhere was sold out over this holiday weekend so the room was full, but I only saw the other girls when I came back at night to go to sleep. There is a bathroom in the room—which I wasn’t expecting— with toilet & sink only. The private, albeit shared, shower was a couple doors down. All of it was very clean and well maintained. 10/10 *HIGH KEY* recommend, though I will just say bring some flip-flops for the shower because, I mean, although clean, it’s still just a lotta people so keep that in mind. Will definitely be coming again and staying in one of the private cabins next time!

The onsite restaurant, Cougar’s,—how fitting. Rawr—was equally quaint, with exposed branch-log beams on the ceiling which I thought added a nice rustic touch.

*Entrance from the lobby & coffee station*

*Outdoor deck photo of a person taking a photo. How meta.*

I lament that I accidentally deleted the lobby & upper loft photos in my effort to free up space, but it was equally as inviting and spacious, the perfect reprieve for the weary traveller arriving, leaving, or in between.

*Falafel breakfast bagel with tomato, onion, & avocado spread.*

The nice thing about staying here is that you also get a free buss pass during your stay for a seamless commute into town. Though it’s only a mile up the road, there are several neighboring hotels & resorts and for the traveler on the go hopping off from to and fro, it’s just a nice bonus to ease your money concerns. I will say it did get packed, again holiday weekend, so I found the walking trail shortcut down the side of the mountain through one of many gorgeous residences here.

*It is not lit at night so beware of local wildlife*

I passed another moose along the way

*He told me to tell you, Hey girl, hey! 👋*

*And a quick stop for some matcha from Good Earth—SO good btw—before I go adventure around these streets. Is SomeBuddy gonna matcha my peace? 🥤*

It started to drizzle after I arrived downtown—a good omen as you know—so any hiking or things in nature was going to have to wait until tomorrow. For now it’s just enjoy the views and let it flow.

*Can you imagine if this was your daily view??? Icoooonic*

*Visitor Center tent. These gals were so sweet. Give them a raise, if you so please!*

*Front signage crafted with the highest standards of artistic excellence*

I didn’t pop inside as I was a bit scrunched for time. I had a reservation and a hot date—eeeoowww—and a great lady never makes a good man wait…Too long. Ha. But apparently there’s a local museum nearby which is the oldest building maintained by Parks Canada & houses over 5000 specimens. I’m not exactly sure how I missed it, but there was a lot to take in and a lot of people to navigate, and be serious, you know me and my museum side quests. Had I found it, I would have easily missed dinner! So next time. But only if you come with, Schweet HaHt.

A stroll down Wolf Street led me past the Cascade Shops to Bear Street Mall

This part of town gave me that feeling of downtown Kent where it’s all blocked off for pedestrians with shops and restaurants and outdoor seating to just relax and enjoy great views and great company. Only this road wasn’t blocked off—you definitely should the way some of these people were driving! My only recommendation for this trip 🤐—because there was parking in one (or 2?) of the buildings at one of the farther ends the street. So might I suggest relegating the driving to only that area? It just seems like, for such high foot traffic, the driving—in this area in particular—was wholly out of adjustment. But that’s just my two cents. Take it or leave it. A mi no me importa 💁🏾‍♀️

Moving right along…

The night was creeping upon us at a petty pace and ‘twas about that time to pop over yonder for dinner. And the Delectable Dining of the Week Award goes to….

Boombada boom boom boom 🥁

Nourish Bistro, a vegan oasis. This perfectly charming & unassuming restaurant with outdoor seating was truly the highlight of my trip. I always have high expectations every time I dine out—because I know I cook really good food—but this truly smashed and surpassed.

*I loved the eclectic entrance & ambiance. It was giving: Punk Fern Gully.*

I started with a simple aqua fresca

*Before devouring some marinated olives.*

Served warm with some fresh herbs & olive oil, the mandarin slices were a nice bright contrast to the savory and salty olives. Poetic harmony. And before we eat we say, Bismillah & Bonappetit.

And for the main event…

I feel like this place took the “sugar & spice and everything nice,” saying to heart because Idk if I would’ve considered pairing fresh strawberries with this gorgeous blend of portobello, shiitake, oyster, trumpet and lobster mushroom stuffed ravioli tossed in a red pepper, garlic and lavender cream sauce. The homemade focaccia was just, faHgetaboudit, and then with the sprinkle of cinnamon? Come onnnnn. Who do yous guys tink you are? Superb 🤌🏾

There was absolutely no room for dessert. This dish was so decadent, what would normally take me mere moments to scarf down, actually took me a solid half hour to finish after some much needed pausing and gentle internal coaxing to keep going. There was no fridge in my room and, truthfully, I wouldn’t do this dish the injustice of reheating, nor throwing away. It was to be enjoyed in its entirety in este momento exacto. And did! Compliments to the chef and do tell him/her I am so looking forward to coming again. Until then, merci beaucoup & arrivederci!

Strolling back to the cabin—definitely walking to help alleviate the 10 lbs I just put on—I pass this tea shop. I was hoping to pop in to the next morning. Definitely hits different today of all days…

*Ya din’t hafta do Dolly like that, ya little floozy 🤍*

The streets were still alive with plenty of people and good tunes

*And a lil something for the skater boyz*

The crowds were just about non existent as I made my way back down the main street

Past the high school with the most insane views

And right about here is where I called it a night until the twinkle of the morning light

Where I got up and at em early for a brisk morning hike

A quick prayer of immediate & Divine Deliverance to lighten this load

And one more view before I hit the road

And with that, My Gorgeous Pretties, I must bid you adieu. ‘Twas a delightful affair though my time here was but few. Dear Banff, I do wish to return as soon as possible, if you so please. And perhaps we can make it a double trip splitting my time between here and Lake Louise? Sounds jolly good if you ask me, and I can hardly wait to frolic the lake and the trees. But for now my Dear Sweets, I wish you the most amazing rest of your week. As ever and as always, whoever you are, wherever you may be, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with me. And I love that for you. And I love that for me. Stay blessed out there will ya? And of course, God speed.

Love Always (& besitos!),

She Who’s Been to the Mountaintop

And Lives By the Mountain Code

Oh & P.S!

At the time of this publishing, BernaBae & his boyz were victorious in their opening at the Bernabéu so we’re off to a great start. Let’s keep going, yea? Ladies say eeeooowww 🐆

Heartbeats, Front & Center

THE CONFLUENCE

recipe for a beautiful life part 2, or, be obtuse