Well well, look at what we have here. I am actually keeping up with a series on this blog! A weekly one at that! I’ve said this before but it’s worth mentioning again since you know why I’m patting myself on the back for keeping up with this blog series…I’m HORRIBLE at keeping up with blog series! I have the best intentions I really do, but life just gets in the way or I lose interest. This 3 Lessons series is right in my wheel house and I truly look forward to writing them each week. So let’s get to it…
So aside from learning that Black Panther did in fact live up to all of the hype, and that the amazing metaphors in the movie were so beautifully presented it didn’t feel preachy or disjointed. I also learned how much people enjoy spoiling a good time. I was so happy to see the excitement around the movie, the fans getting into the spirit of the movie and dressing in their African garb. This elation proved to be too much for the internet and the trolls came out in full force to thumb their noses at the perceived ignorance of those excited. Meme’s popped up shaming those that were excited about the movie with history lessons about the real life Black Panthers and discrediting the movie because of its big studio ties. Which made me realize how incredible negative the act of being “woke” has gotten for some. What initially felt like a community of people sharing information that may not have been widely distributed now feels like judgement, shame and ridicule. I learned that for some being “woke” isn’t about building or strengthening the community, but more so a superiority complex. With that said, I’m going to take my own advice and challenge myself to be kinder and more accepting of the things I’ve been blessed to learn that others may not yet know. Lessons aren’t always easy to learn, some of us are dealing with emotional trauma’s and experiences that have created the ways we see the world. We eventually all make sense of it though and the beauty is not in the getting there but in the journey.
My younger brother had been asking me to come see his burlesque show for a while and the timing was never good, until this past Sunday! He was performing at a local Long Beach club and I had the night wide open. I don’t know what I was expecting to see beforehand, I mean I knew he was an incredible dancer and I’d seen a bit of the show online and it looked really entertaining. However, experiencing it up close was something completely different. He not only dances in the show, he helps produce it and the entire show from beginning to end was more than JUST entertaining. It was professional, hilarious, beautifully produced, and sadly close to empty! I couldn’t believe there weren’t people lining up outside the doors to come see this show! The entire show was just beyond! I mean from the witty banter of the MC to the hot and hilariously self-deprecating stage boys, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and while this should go without saying – it’s not because my brother produced it. If you want to see it live for yourself and you’re in the Los Angeles area, they will be performing live at The Pleasure chest in West Hollywood this Friday February 23rd 8:00-11:00 P.M.
My Valentine’s Day turned out so much better than I imagined and although I threw up at the end of the night (salt fish just isn’t my thing) and I didn’t get to see the guy that I’m dating, it was a really great day. It started off with listening to the hilariously amazing episode “Rom Com” on This American Life (do yourself a favor and PLEASE listen), to a girls lunch at work where we laughed at previous Valentine’s Day experiences, and finally meeting up with my Best Friend and her daughter for a night out on the town. The very fact that I found hanging out with a child on Valentine’s Day says a lot for my personal growth people. I’m realizing more and more that I find such joy in the simplicity of life. I remember at one time, being in a relationship and going all out for my boyfriend one Valentines Day, and although I enjoyed it, it was just as nice as to share it with my God Daughter and hear her excitement as she shared about her first Valentines Day at school and excitedly showed me all of the cute little cards and gifts she got from her friends. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not turning my nose up if next year my boyfriend wants to treat me to a fancy dinner and an expensive gift. I’m just saying I can find joy in the ordinary as well.
So party people, got a lesson you’d like to share with me? I would absolutely love to know in the comments below!