I’m not leaving this Ramadan the same person that entered. There’s been a lot of changes; personally, professionally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, metaphysically, intergalactically… Of course I’ve changed. Do you think I went through all that just to stay the same? Now I’m not perfect. Obviously. I still have much work to do. I’m sure you do too, don’t judge! But I own it. I own who I am. I own what I am. And I own WHOSE I am. How could I possibly deny that? God never left my side. He’s the BESTEST friend a gal could ever ask for. So I give thanks for my portion and all the GREAT things still left in store.

*Purchase your reflection journal & tote bag at BismillahandBonappetit.com*

I’m sure you noticed some new additions to the shop. The “Desert Rose” is a smash hit. Dare I say it just might be heaven’s scent? Though, I am a bit partial. Can you blame me? But besides mine, what are some of your favorite fragrances? Ugh. Does it get any better than some immaculate smell goods? You get that little waft of a person as they pass you by. Nothing too strong or overbearing, but something that subtly tickles the old olfactory complex. A nice smell is like a bear hug to the senses. It wraps you up & lets it linger for that one extra moment longer, holding you ever so lovingly in a warm embrace that is now permanently imbedded into the chemistry of your brain.

All my clothes were stolen from from my storage unit in LA. I mean ALL my clothes. Things I've had since childhood. Things that were accumulated along the way. Little pieces of fashion history that hold no monetary value, but the sentimentality of it was the point. Along with all my family photos. ALL of them. From childhood through college. Tell me that’s not a very targeted robbery. But it just speaks to the baseness of what these individuals’ humanity. Sure those clothes meant something to me because they were given with love, but you think clothes make a man? Outside of the few items of clothing from my mom that I was able to fit my suitcase when leaving Texas—in addition to the few pieces I packed with me—I’ve been wearing Walmart’s best (no shade to Wally World!) and still been called a “city Princess.” And no. They didn’t mean it as a compliment to Her Royal Highney-ness. Even though we were wearing clothes from the same store, they still thought I looked expensive. It’s not on me. It’s in me. That’s why they act the way they do. Because no matter how hard they try, they can’t do it like you, baby boo!

You think you can steal all my memories and somehow that will make me forget who I am? Looks like you forgot one thing, my Pretty. You forgot WHOSE I am. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head & lowered eyes, shoulders falling down like teardrops weakened from my soulful cries? Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ‘cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines digging in my own backyard.

*Desert Gold, Death Valley National Park, 3/1*

A lot of people proclaim to be self-made, but this right here is crafted by the Most High. I wish I could take credit, but God got His hand on dis. They Neva see me comin’ now _________ (finish the line).

Anyways, I bring this up because my wardrobe is now 90% courtesy vêtements de Arlyne. Like I said, I took a few things I could fit in my bag when I left Texas. Some scarves of course. She had the scarf game on lock. I was praying the other day and I took out one that matched my outfit (her outfit) and I hadn’t worn it until that day. I pulled it out and immediately caught her scent. I just sat there for like a good ten minutes, closed my eyes and sniffed, knowing that as soon as I put it on, the smell of her would dissipate. In those brief moments, I was wrapped up on her love, in the memories, of childood adolescence & teenage angst, in triumph and laughter, joy, tears, and heartbreak. I squeezed my eyes a little tighter and I saw her big ol’ grin, and the side eye she would give when she couldn’t hide she definitely wasn’t feelin’ it. I felt here there with me. I felt her embrace and her kisses, not even knowing the last time I had that was going to be the last time I had that. And that’s the stuff that matters. That’s the stuff that can never be taken away.

My adventures across the desert wouldn’t be complete without a little sweet Bismillah & Bonappetit treat. First on the list is the Oasis at Death Valley Dark Chocolate 😋

*After all, who doesn’t love a little des(s)ert darkness. Hehehehehe*

Now if you’ve been watching my videos—which I know you have because you make it so obvious—you already know that I’m not much of a chocolate girl. Childhood trauma perhaps. #iykyk But honey, lemme tell you! This was so good I had to try it twice just to be sure I actually liked it the first time! 😝 #greedy

Sprinkled with the perfect amount of sea salt that hits you just at the moment when your tastebuds are like, “Oooo, this might be a little too indulgent,” here comes that hint of saltiness to balance out the sugar rush. 10/10 *high key* recommend! Found only in store at The Oasis at Death Valley. 2 properties, 1 unforgettable experience.

Now bippity bopping over to Vegas we found ourselves at a delightful Lebanese restaurant. There was no rhyme or reason to picking this spot, just the luck of the draw, but the draw did the body GOOD because not only was the baklava hittin, the entire meal was a roaring success! Unfortunately my hunger got the best of me and I devoured the most delicious delectably delightful homemade authentic hummus I have had (in ages I tell you!) before I remembered I should probably snap some pics to represent. But as soon as I had that hummus I knew the rest of the meal was gon’ slap. AND DID!

*Falafel platter in the cutest little donut shaped bite size*

*Fist fought the air after my first bite 🫦*

*Definitely recommend, if you’re in the area, giving them a try!*

The flowers are still out doin their thing. It’s such a cool moment in time to bear witness to a natural phenomenon that only occurs once in a decade if you’re lucky. Truly a blink and you’ll miss it moment. Still seeing a lot of green on the mountain side so we pray the little buds get to see the light of day. The golden fields are still there but they are quietly dissipating in the heat currently taking place. If you go up to higher elevations though, you can catch some different varieties and colors.

*Oh the wonders of Death Valley! 3.4 million acres to frolic & explore!*

Well, my Pretties, you know I could yap on for days, but it is getting late and I am going to savor this last morning/day of Ramadan in quiet revelry in my new favorite place. God sho nuff been good to me. And I pray He’s been showin’ out equally for you to the T! Wherever you are, wherever you may be, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are con mi. Te quiero, mi amor y tenga una mejor week! Until next time, stay blessed EveryBuddy, and God speed.

Love always (& besitos!),

*And Luckiest Girl in the World syndrome*

Oh, and P.S.

A blessed Eid Mubarak from here to Rome!

breathe here now

blooming in death (valley)