Journey of the Heart

Because of the dynamics of my family life from a very young age I became an advocate... It's not something I think about doing, its a natural reaction. When I was young advocacy wasn't a term I was aware. As I've grown I've come to realize that it is innate characteristic that I couldn't ignore even if I wanted to. As a black woman and mother, I bear the unfortunate truth of being in a space in which I must advocate for the fair treatment of my children. I have to consistently remind them of their worth and fight for their birthright to be treated just as equal as their white counterpart. As I fight for rights of my children along, with hundreds of other children of color, it's mind baffling when parents turn away as if the issue does not exist for fear that their children will be targeted at school. In my view, doing nothing not only enforces a negative self-perception but also puts your child in a space of being accepting of unjustly treatment. ...

I’ve always been amazed by the fact that different hues of color flow through the sky so beautifully... Although scientist have their explanation for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), I honestly don’t think they have a full understanding of the many wonderful mysteries of our magnificent Universe. I also believe some things aren’t meant to be understood but instead enjoyed and appreciated. Earlier this year I entered a short story contest with Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR). The winning participant received an all-expense paid trip to the Retreat. Unfortunately my story did not make it. Later IWR sent an email about another company that was also holding a poetry contest with the same prize. As of yet I don’t know if I won but I do hope so. Since entering the IWR contest I keep getting messages about Iceland. I’m seeing pictures, documentaries, posts on social media pages or conversations that come up out the blue. I can’t ignore the strong pull telling me I need to vi...

I wrote this poem on November 14, 2015 in the wee hours of the morning... It emerged as I laid in my bed thinking about how grateful I am for my growth.  On March 17, 2014 I turned 35 years old. Right before my birthday it seemed as if there was a click and something changed in me. For the first time since I was a child I looked out for my needs first. I had to make decisions that would shake some of my family and friend relationships. Instead of being concerned about what I should do I did what was best for me. Some of my decisions weakened some of my relationships yet strengthened others. My spirit would no longer allow me to sacrifice my sanity to please others. Although I have honestly always been strong minded, somewhere along the way I molded myself into what was expected of me and not what I expected of myself. It was close to my 35th life cycle here on Earth that I choose to free myself no expectations, judgments and fears. In turn I believed that genuine relations...

I wrote Still Blooming on January 1, 2013… For a few years I was going through difficult times, finances in particular, that triggered challenges in all areas of my life. The constant blows really took a toll on myself as well as my marriage. I had forgotten to take care of my own needs. In turn felt like I went off path searching for it somewhere else.  As strong as I knew I was and had always been, on that day I had to release the tension. Very often, when I find myself frustrated I express it creatively. Whether I write a short story or poem, simply letting my feelings out on an empty page, or pick up my camera and capture art through my lens. It may be the Pisces in me. Afterwards I feel free. Through it all, my up and downs, I always discover lessons in my journeys. I've always called on the spirit of the Universe, my ancestors and guardian angels to guide my path when I am in doubt and they always respond in some way, shape or form. And as difficult as it ma...

Mother Nature possesses an innate quality, which we are all born with… Transformation. Just as the Earth transcends in seasons, we blossom as the years go by. If we can simply get to the point of acknowledging growing older, our natural birthright, and embracing the changes that come with it, we experience true freedom. We are all beautiful in our natural shape, form and stage in life. Gift our daughters with the pleasure of self-love. Our youth not only learn from what they see but also from what we do. I pay tribute to that little girl who is constantly told by society that she is not beautiful.   For the older woman who hides behind her mask and colors her gray hair.   And to the senior woman who feels that her wrinkles are a negative reminder of growing older.   Know that you are all beautiful, just the way you are. Let the radiance you were born with shine through. Photography by Alyscia Cunningham Changing Season The seasons change, ...