Complex Simplicity

Top & Necklace: Forever XXI, Pants: Buffalo Exchange, Handbag: Thrifted

Photographed by: Danielle "Lil Bit" Miles

"Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Life is just complex simplicity. It's a compilation of experiences turned lessons, moments turned memories...There are so many details to life, yet so little effort needed to actually live it. Some of the simplest things we often make so complicated...like love for instance... How complicated should it be just to love? Love is effortless. It exists without any attempt. It is something we are born with, given to share, and carry with us everyday. There is no real excuse for why we make it so complicated. 

As natural as it comes, the practice of love can be a bit challenging. Especially in an environment where it's not so easy to translate. Love does not exist where there is hate. We must create it. Manifestation is a real thing. 

My life is filled with many stories of hurt, pain, disloyalties, and unnecessary drama. There have been many days where I've allowed my insecurities to consume me, and my actions may have a reflection of that. My energy may have been low making me infectious to myself and others. Those days are difficult. We can't always be happy or proud of ourselves. But as I've matured, I've learned that those days are necessary. Without them I would not continue to grow. Those days are the fertilizer to my blooming life. I've learned that those days I need some alone time. Time to recharge my batteries and get back in touch with who I am and what my purpose is. Even though sometimes I may feel like my world is crumbling down, the only constant that remains is love. I may be down, but I am loved. I may be sad, but I am loved. I may be broken, but I am loved. And with love in my heart I will always be ok. 

So, maybe the complexity lies in the lack of faith that love exists. Or the idea that our lives are these giant mazes that we're racing through; with dead ends, trick doors, and no maps to guide us. The truth is our lives are bigger than us. All we're here to do is give love and receive our destinies. We shouldn't put so much time and effort into what we can not control. It is written. Instead of complicating life with the whys and why nots, let's accept what IS and engage more in the practice of love. 

Love yourselves: because to give and receive love you must BE love. Love your friends and foes: because they need to be reminded of the love that lies inside of them. Love your family: because you were created by them through love and reciprocity keeps it flowing. Love your life: because it's sacred. It's yours and no one else's. Soak it up. Sop it up. Ingest and digest it. Center your life around love. Be carefree, be gentle, be kind to yourself, have fun, laugh a lot, share moments, make memories. As complicated as life may seem, know that you can get through anything with love. It's as simple as that. 

Clean Slate

Dress: Restored Vintage by CMH. , Shoes: Coach, Necklace: Forever XXI, Lipstick: Vesuvius Liquid Matte by Lipscape, Photography by: Clint Blane 

Restart. Refresh. Renew. 

Sometimes we need to start over.

Regroup. Reset. Redirect.

We can't move forward if we're holding on to the past.

We need a Clean Slate.

Clear the mind. Clear the body. Clear the soul.

Let the past be the seasonings to a more flavorful future.

Let our experiences be our blessings.

Let love lead the way.  

Let the present be a present to ourselves.

Pattern Maker

Blouse: DVF Vintage by way of Buffalo Exchange, Pants: Forever XXI, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Elisabetta Franchi for Celyn b.

Photography by: Danielle "Lil Bit" Miles

I'm admittedly a creature of habit. I know what I like, I typically stick to what I know, & my behavior is seemingly predictable. I have somewhat quirky patterns, like voluntarily sleeping on my couch [because it's convenient and comfortable] and then relocating to my bed at about 5am every morning. I repeatedly watch every season of Sex and the City on DVD, because its my favorite show and I'm sick of reality tv [and I also don't have wifi *tear*]. I eat French fries after 11p almost every night, because duh...FRENCH FRIES! Every Wed. I go to Jamba Juice for Loyalty Day and buy a $3 Energy Bowl [because I'm devoted and loyal to places that offer solid discounts]...

Then there are some not-so healthy, more life-altering patterns...like immediately stressing myself out about something before even attempting to see a silver lining. I give people waaaay too many chances, probably because I'm more patient with other people than I am with myself [the sensitive Cancer sign in me]. I overthink/over-plan EVERYTHING before going into it [ meanwhile life is looking at me like "Girl please"]. I'm extra hard on myself and often overlook the progress I've made because I'm too focused on the end result. 

I'm not perfect [cliche, but true], but it's important that I recognize my patterns in life: good and not-so good. By knowingmy patterns, I'm able to address and access them. I'm perfectly ok with watching Sex and the City everyday on repeat, but maybe sometimes I'll read a good book or do some writing instead. French fries will ALWAYS be my guilty pleasure, but cutting back a bit may do my body some good. I'll always be caring and considerate [its in my make] but I should probably be more assertive and particular about who I allow into my personal space. I'm a Type A personality, so order is necessary for me to function, but maybe I should put more trust in my instinct. It always steers me in the right direction [whenever I do follow it]. And maybe, just maybe I should cut myself a little...a lot more slack. I'm doing really well for myself and I am proud of my accomplishments in life thus far. 

The key to a healthy life is balance; In all aspects. Recognizing your patterns is the first step to changing them. I'm a creature of habit, but spontaneity and "going with the flow" can be quite invigorating. My reoccurring personal task will be to make a pattern out of breaking old patterns and trust in the natural course my life is taking. I will keep my eyes open and fresh. I'll take on new ventures and ideas. I'm blessed with only ONE life to live. It's important that I make it the best. 

Xoxo

Louisiana Love Letter

Dress: Handmade by CMH, Bodychain: Thrifted, Jacket: H&M, Shoes: Elisabetta Franchi for Celyn b.

Photography by: Larry Everage (Ig: @larryeverage, website: LarryEverage.com)

There's no place like Louisiana. I love the easy-going, steady flowing, laissez faire vibe this place exudes. The thick wet air keeps my skin so moist & my curls tightly coiled. Whether it be the elevated temperature or the pride of the people, but it seems to always be warm down here. The language is so foreign, in yet so familiar. Down here we speak with character. Our voices are loud because we need our words to be felt AND heard. Our tone is sharp because that's how our minds work. We laugh from our guts. We love from the bottom of our hearts. We hug instead of shake hands. We drink because we're alive and able. We celebrate EVERYTHING and for everything there is a festival.

And the food...Louisiana tastes like dark rues, deep fried seafood, smothered anything, stuffed whatever, flavored with the elites of peppers & spice. And it's always cooked from the depths of someone's soul. Our food is so powerfully healing. You can taste the World in every bite. Our people are strong but stubborn. We're self-righteous but serving. We believe in whatever we believe and what you believe better be what we believe. We pride ourselves on history, tradition, and culture. Though sides of that don't reflect the open views of modern-day society, there's still hope for a fair future.

There's a reason why many leave Louisiana, but there's also reason why we stay. There's a lot of magic in the air down here and the potential for growth is in foresight. I often feel like a big fish in a small pond. Though I may not live down here forever, while I am here I'm gonna swim as many laps around this pond as I possibly can. I pride myself on being from Louisiana. It is every part of who I am. Wherever I go, with me I'll always bring a piece of home.