shall we?

It’s been ages since we last chatted. But this is nothing new over here.

We’re knee deep into 2024 after the 365 days of January. Did the first month of the year feel like a giant eternity to you, too?

How has life been for me so far? It’s been interesting. But we will focus on a few things at a time.

Hugo.

It’s been 365 days with my little pup and wow. Hard work, yes, but during tough times, what a gift to just have a cuddly thing to hold and know that there’s an unconditional love and affection there. We did a photo shoot (of course we did) to commemorate a year of he and I being besties. Here are a few shots of that sunlit day. Although it was also freezing, good times were had.

*That coat is from Amazon and yes, it’s awesome.

*And yes, you see me wearing combat boots. I’m making a concerted effort to return back to the 90s within aspects of my personal style. My African parents were certainly never going to see a pair of combat boots in their household back in the day, so adulting is very much about doing things I can do without a fear of being sent back to the Motherland expeditiously.

Hair.

As you can see in the photos above, Operation Frowth continues. I volley between cutting it all off and growing it out every single day. Because I tend to find a chicness in short hair, and I’m also a lazy naturalista. And boredom. But I also want big hair. So we press on. Amusingly, a part of me wants to keep going and keep frowthing solely due to the amount of folks waiting for me to show up bald. (It can be a motivator, no, to say, I didn’t do what you expected me to do?) Middle parts, updos here and there–all ways to keep myself interested and invested in this growth goal of mine. Onwards.

Him.

Not too much on him. Him is a symbol and also not. But a few reminders:

1. We live in a society where, let’s face it, the validation of others–or lack thereof–has a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves. Has to be said. It would be great if that wasn’t a thing, but it is a thing. So try to do the work (read: I am also doing the work) and remind yourself of who you are often and how much you’re worth (priceless), because there are many internal and especially external factors that will speak otherwise.
2. See reminder #1.

As I said, just a few updates. Thanks for visiting our little corner of the webverse.

Onwards.