This past weekend, I had a much-needed, long-overdue massage. Incidentally, one of my former masseuses mentioned that I should be doing these once a month. As lovely as that sounds, since Idris hasn't yet proposed, my income just doesn't allow for that yet. But with the increase in my exercise regimen (I've joined the back-to-back …
calling all big heads.
Let's get right to it, shall we? For most of my days on this planet, I've been reminded by my mother about how this thing that sits on my neck nearly cost her her life. If you have a large coconut, I'm sure you've heard similar stories from your mom. And lest you think Mom …
shopgirl?
I don't know what it is about entering a store and looking through racks of clothes and trying them on that fills me with pre-root canal-esque queasiness, fear, and disdain. Most of my friends hear my "I detest shopping" complaint and are shocked that my recent weight loss didn't translate into a complete change in mindset, …
just beautiful.
https://youtu.be/otUJzNtRPhw My grandmother was hearing-impaired. I have memories of standing in the corner, breathless and amazed, as I watched she and my mother sign to one another. This brief video touched me because it took me to that memory. It also spoke to the simple beauty and emotion of  a hearing-impaired individual going through his day, doing …
The Boss.
Last night, a friend invited me to join her for Motown: The Musical. So well-done, first and foremost, and such a great opportunity to reminisce about how those incredible songs have been with me since I was a child. What a wonderful journey. But above all, above all, the musical reminded me of my enduring love for the woman you …
The Mild African Woman.
My name is This Square Peg, I am an African Woman, and I cannot eat spicy foods. {Moment of silence} It's weird, right? That when I eat anything spicy I see my life flashing before my eyes? It's been like this since I was a wee lass. (Apparently, I'm also Irish.) I have memories of my …
Products from Heaven: Fits Like a Dove.
Here's the real, no-holds barred truth about Your Square Peg: she sweats like a chocolate pig. There's no other way to say it. Ever since I woke up one morning a million years ago and discovered the monster known as--shudder--puberty, the sweat glands opened up, got to work, and decided to work overtime every single day. …
The Great Lotion vs Oil Debate.
Well, it's not cats vs. dogs, but in my opinion, it's pretty high up there in terms of which you prefer. (Dogs, by the way.) Anyway, I've been a lotion lover since I can remember. Hands down, Suave lotion was my favorite since I was old enough to buy my own beauty products in Rite Aid; …
because your Mother is always right.
So my mother hasn't dressed me since I was a teenager, but deep down in her heart, I know she wants to. I would classify my personal style as modern, unfussy, feminine, subtly chic. In other words, I like to look lovely but I'm the lady who won't overwhelm the room with my fashion choices. …
Several Things African Mothers are Not Here For.*
(*Or, rather specifically, my African mother) Discussing anything having to do with shaving or other such topics with your adolescent, hirsute daughter, leading her to make the type of mistakes and gaffes that defy description. The idea that Idris Elba possesses any kind of good looks and responding to statements of that vein with comments such as, …
Continue reading "Several Things African Mothers are Not Here For.*"
This Square Peg. 