I met a guy yesterday who had some Arabic tattooed on his arm. He took me for a ride up the hill and we chatted for the brief 2 mins it took to get from point A to B. I asked about the writing on his arm. He said it was a phrase from a mentor of his who spoke it everyday and it resonated with him so much, he wanted to make it permanent. I asked what the phrase was. He said, “It’s always a great day to be great.” What are the chances? I asked. That’s my saying. It’s never too early and never too late. It’s always a great day to go out and be great. He smirked. I smirked back, knowingly, and thanked him for the lift. Some people won’t understand. But the girls that get it, get it.

Invariably there will be people you come across in life through work or play or a combination of both, who don’t have the same background as you. They don’t have the same level of education, the same upbringing, the same cultural reference point, the same ideology, the same work experience, the same life experience, the same anything, other than the moment in time in which you’re meeting them. This neither a good thing nor a bad thing. Simply a statement of fact. But there are also many among these people who make the assumption that just because you are in the same place at the same time that you are the same as them. You have the same goals as them. You have the same hopes as them. You have the same desires as them, when in fact your life experiences and, quite frankly, your level of thinking are galaxies apart. And some people this will delight and excite, while others will be disturbed and not be conscious of why this is so. The former will take the experience and perhaps learn something from it, while the latter will try to villainize, ostracize, and mar the good they would have otherwise gotten if only they had opened themselves up to the opportunity to embrace something new. Again, you can’t take this personal. Merely observe and take note. Everyone thinks they want nice things, but not everyone recognizes the blessings when they are presented to them. There are people who dance when the rain comes, and then there are people who set fire to it, even though they're the ones who asked God to quench their thirst.

Then they’ll turn around & claim, *we didn’t start the fire. It was always burning.* 😈

Another lovely day here down in the Valley. A bit gloomy, but the clouds started to break in the late afternoon and the way the setting sun hit those mountains was just, ugh. Magnificent. Everyday I’m left flabbergast by the views. Epic. Stunning. Otherworldly. It’s nice to be away from the noise. Some people can’t stand the quiet, but you know me. Peaceandcayatè is my middle name. Did you catch the Aurora Borealis lighting up almost the entirety of North America tonight or last night?? I haven’t been able to see any from my location but the pics I’ve seen elsewhere have been awe-inspiring!

*Always give credit where credit is due & I believe @danielscottphoto is who this credit belongs to. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO*

Me & Mother Nature go together real bad. Maybe I am just meant to be a Forest Fairy or a Desert Diva or a Beach Baddie for the rest of my days? Idk. The possibilities are endless.

In recent days I’ve been thinking a lot about my cross-country trek from NJ to CA. When I say NJ, New York is automatically included. They’re basically the same. I know they’re different! Don’t come for me, but for the people who lived in Jersey & worked in New York or vice versa, you know what I’m talmbout! Anyway, a cross-country road trip was always on my bucket list and when the opportunity presented itself, I had to take it! America really is so beautiful and there’s a lot I wanted to see. But not without saying goodbye to my love, New York. My home state. My birth place, and the city I hold so dear. N-Y-Seaaaaaaaaaa!!

I made sure to hit all the boroughs, try some new spots, hit up some old and faithfuls. It was a bittersweet symphony of good eats and long goodbyes. And then I packed my up my 4-runner and never looked back. I mean it when I say I love California. But New York will always hit different. The people, the pace, the sights, the sounds, the smells. The theater. There’s no place like it. Do you have a place like that? That just feels like home. I mean, I feel at home wherever I am because I am my home, but you know what I mean. That place that just makes your soul sing and your spirit light up. The lights of Time Square may or may not have had something to do with it, but it just always gave what it needed to give. I miss the theatuhhh, daHling. It has been a minute. Do you think it time to come out of retirement and put on a show for the people? Give a performance for the agessss.

Opening night party, *King Kong 🦍 (2018)*

Alright so this is the only time I’m gonna mention it, but Grammy Noms came out and Olivia Dean and Alex Warren were both nominated, each with songs I’m obsessed with and I’m mad because, why would you do that to us?!? Congratulations & best of luck to you both!! Xx

On a greedier note, I miss cooking in la cocina. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing having a personal chef, but sometimes a gal just wants to whip up her own delicious cuisine, yaddadamean? And I’m so spoiled, he won’t let me lift a finger! It’s absolutely irritating and delightful. Be careful what you wish for, cuz you just might get it ALL! Maybe I can convince him to let me collab for the upcoming holidays. Speaking of, what are y’all cooking up? Save me a plate!

*Do you see that golden crisp? It’s just *chef’s kiss!** *A crowd favorite! Black-eyed pea & mushroom & leek galette made by yours truly, Home Chef Bae Aali.* *And remember, before we eat we say Bismillah & Bonappetit! 🤌🏾*

All in all, this relocation has been good for my soul. I mean my husband is spoiling me rotten so, what more can a girl ask for? And then on the days when I do find myself wanting to complain, I just go for a stroll in my 400 acres, spend a few hours in perfect nature, and then I’m like, ok. Shut up. It’s fuqing beautiful here! So yea. I win. You lose! Ha ha ha ha HA! This life will forever be my muse.

Anywho, it’s been a long day of doing absolutely nothing. O, this life of leisure that I love to live! I’m going to get a quick late night massage before I hit the hay. But wherever you are, whenever you are, I hope you are having the most gorgeous day! That’s all she wrote for tonight, My Sweets. 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. You are more than I could’ve hoped for beyond my wildest dreams. And with that, I will wish you the most beautiful sleep. You enjoy the rest of the week, yea? And have an even better weekend. As ever and as always, thank you for being a true friend. I caHn’t wait to see you here next week! Stay blessed, EveryBuddy & God Speed!

Love Always (& besitos!),

But we already know how that story goes. Hehehehehe 🪄

a great day to be great

all’s well that ends in wellness