I'm Still Here.
What a year!
First of all, if you’re reading this, I’m glad you’re still here too and I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
Since my last post in April where I offered some minimalist affirmations for uncertain times, the times are still uncertain and life continues. As I write this, white supremacists are storming the Capitol in DC. Anyways, things have been happening around here too! I turned 37 in May, I’ve been living solo since June, learned some family history, made some art and exhibited it, became pregnant, and some other stuff. I know! I’ll come back to that THAT one lol.
Here are some highlights from the past 12 months:
JANUARY 2020- I did a 30-day digital detox after reading Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. I also completed my proposal to apply for a NEH Fellowship. I did not receive it, but the experience of applying was valuable.
FEBRUARY- Kansas! I visited my friend Farai and her family for three weeks and got to bask in the midwestern winter.
MARCH & APRIL- Pandemonium begins! This time was a rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions.
MAY- I turned 37! I celebrated with a picnic at the park and FaceTime happy hour with my friends.
JUNE- My mom and grandniece moved. This is the first time since 2007 (not including Mexico) that I’ve lived solo and I’m enjoying it until the baby arrives! I’m thinking about doing a minimalist apartment tour.
SUMMER- Things heated up and I’m not just talking about the weather. I wasn’t expecting much activity on the Eastern Shore, but was pleasantly surprised by the actions that took place supporting black lives. We (my aunt Aleta, cousin Randy, and me) got to dig into some family history, and I taught my first collage class with Chestertown River Arts.
SEPTEMBER- I participated in my first art exhibit held at the Dorchester Center for the Arts, entitled Artists for Justice. This exhibit brought together artists from around the region to honor Black lives that have been lost due to white violence. In the video, I share why I chose to celebrate the life the Mya Hall, a Black trans woman and Baltimore native. Additionally, I found out I was pregnant in September and I’m actually about 7-8 weeks along in this video.
OCTOBER- I was fortunate to serve on the committee to host fellow black minimalist, author, and historian, Christine Platt, for a virtual literary event held by my local library in Caroline County. Christine was the first black author featured at this event. Christine spoke about the history of race in the United States and I was able to ask her some questions about her work and experiences. I also created a collage inspired by the writings in Christine’s book, Dear Ancestors.
NOVEMBER- “Connecting Kuumba Through Community” Exhibit opened to the public featuring five black fiber artists! This was the first exhibit that I curated and I know the showcase will grow in the years to come.
DECEMBER- I had my 20-week anatomy scan where they check to make sure the baby is developing properly and the baby finally looks like a human lol. Kwanzaa was celebrated with a video put together by Minary’s Dream Alliance, Inc. and I was happy to participate.
JANUARY 2021- I announced my pregnancy via social media on New Year’s day. I will be sharing more of my experience in posts to come and yes, this baby will be a minimalist too!
My goals for 2021 are simple:
To continue making art as I explore black femmehood and parenthood. Also, to sell some of my art.
Have a safe and healthy birth.
Write more about black history on the Eastern Shore.
After reflecting on my year, I realized that I did and accomplished a lot more than I thought. Still, 2020 was a heavy, weird year and lot of it was spent doing nothing, waiting, watching, binging shows and social media, being anxious and uncertain. Many moments were spent just surviving and being thankful me and my family were safe and healthy. I started therapy in July and it has been really helpful navigating the precariousness of it all. I want you to know that even if you did nothing but keep yourself alive this past year, that was everything and I’m glad you’re still here too.