Welcome to the New Black Renaissance

I know there aren’t too many people who can relate to doing a mundane activity all day when all you want to do is read; but for those who do relate, I hear ya! I could be at work, the gym, or driving myself back to Jacksonville to visit my family, there are some moments when I wish I could ignore the responsibilities of life and escape to a world of narrative fantasy. I found that my taste in books, though not the most eclectic, is popular with my friends’ interest. I’ve been recommending books and receiving praise for my selections from the pickiest of readers. I felt the need to share, especially since some of these novels never get the regard that they deserve. And thus, the first installment of Rather Be Reading was born. “We are used to thinking that what we give is the same as what we receive, but people who love, expecting to be loved in return, are wasting their time. Love is an act of faith, not an exchange.” I’d rather be reading Manuscript found in Accra by

Saxon Walker’s first networking event was a complete success! The location was a perfect café in Brandon, LC’s Café and Supper Club. Known for their famous Tampa Bowl, LC’s Café is a quaint restaurant that feels like home. They have a small dining area inside and a small area for outdoor dining as well. The owners are so kind and personable, we all felt like old friends chatting together. And their food was AMAZING! My favorite? The Seafood Croissant, it was heavenly! I will be making many trips back, and bringing friends along! The time and dedication that Saxon has put forth thus far is a sure indication of the success that will follow, I’m sure of it. The event was so cute and well crafted, and above all it was successful on many levels. It was refreshing to be around a like-minded group of people who are so driven towards their personal goals. Every person in attendance had their own creative dream that they were working towards fulfilling, so networking cam

WAITING Twenty-seven minutes past eight and she still has not arrived. For the most part, she was never late. Every Wednesday at 8:30 am she and I both come to Mission Dolores Park. We walk the trail, watch the wildlife, and listen to the children as they play. It’s the most peaceful and most anticipated time of my entire week. Just being with her puts my mind at ease. And now at 8:35 she is officially tardy, stealing precious moments from my Wednesday morning; if only she knew how exquisite my time is with her. I was never a stickler for punctuality. Most of the time, I was always late. But for her, I would leave hours early to make sure I was on time. Flowers, chocolates, first-edition books from her favorite authors, you name it! Any declaration of love, small or large, I was willing to do it. The best yet was a surprise dinner that I cooked for her myself. The table was dimly lit with candlelight and blanketed with rose petals of her favorite assortment. I had a ring, no

Hurricane Irma is steadily approaching our Florida shores and the state is in a panic. Everyone is either trying to empty the shelves of grocery stores and bunker down or headed north for safety. I, on the other hand, only have family in Florida so I’ll be riding the storm out in Tampa. With the imminent power outages in the foreseeable future, my main concern lies in my Game of Thrones binge. Being late to the GOT party, I have about 50 hours of television to watch – I’m finishing up the 2 nd season now. How am I supposed to gorge out on the war of the seven kingdoms without electricity? I won’t. The next best option is a nice book. I have six books that I’m in the middle of reading – I normally don’t read multiple books at the same time, but each of them has halted me. I reckon this is the best time to pick a few back up and give them another try. I also figured I could make a list of some of my favorite books that would be perfect distractions from your discomfort during t

Marriage is a tough social construct to dissect. The requirements seem simple enough but, in some ways, I believe that social norms have morphed marriage into a single-minded concept that all are required to exist within. That’s not to say that marriage hasn’t come a long way from where it began. Interracial marriages were prohibited in the United States until 1967, when the US Supreme Court finally ruled that marriage is a civil right. Although polygamy is illegal, its acceptance rate has doubled to 16% since 2001. And on June 26, 2015 the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal nationwide. What intrigues me the most is while our views on marriage has broadened, it remains simplified and strictly based on a two-person monogamous relationship. Views on marriage or relationships in general are based off what we learn through life. No one comes into the world with a preconceived notion on what marriage means. Family, friends, life, they all shape our beliefs on w

I ruined my 20’s. The first half of the decade, I partied hard, made friends, lost friends, and finished college like I promised my parents I would. On the downhill of my 20’s, I rushed in a panicked frenzy to get my life together. I secured a means of income, a savings account, and an apartment on my own. I helped my little brother who was just starting his college career, and attempted to raise my baby brother in his final year of high school away from our hometown. At 21, I kept my heart open in hopes that my Prince Charming would rescue me and tend to my damsel-in-distress tendencies. At 27 I’m struggling to hold on to long distance relationship in hopes that my boyfriend of 3 years, will marry me… or at least tolerate me for long enough that we can be considered married by common law when we reunite. According to psychologist Meg Jay, I’ve (ALMOST) been living my 20’s in the appropriate manner. In her TED Talk, “Why 30 Isn’t the New 20” - she declared that 30 is not