A Weekend in July

I visited home for the first time in 3 months this weekend. Being away this long has been a mental transition for me. Not only did I have to adjust to the new climate in my new state, but also the culture.

My anticipation for going back home was to enjoy:

-great food (definitely indulged in fried seafood, loaded poboys, and sloppy oyster shells

-culture (soaked in loud music, robust laughter, “FAFO” attitudes, and community outings)

-hood rat ish (the streets..the streets..the streets)

-reunion (reunited with my besties,better known as my sisters, my beautiful mother and my dear friends)

-love and joy (I was happy to be home)

I didn’t have many expectations for this trip. My mission was to see my mother and sisters, along with the “Little Chops”, better know as my nieces and nephew.

My niece and I celebrated her birthday with the rest of family and friends at the Main Event. Super fun!

This delicious and refreshing pizza was created by beautiful sister. Yum!

Reunited & it feels so good!

I was too happy to have that fried seafood platter in my hand!

Realized my niece is a model! She is so adorable!

Fried: oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, fish, fries, softshell crabs

MY GOD

There is nothing like Louisiana food!

It felt so good to be with my friend again. Love you girl!

Oh, Louisiana! This is the only place you’ll find an ACTUAL daiquiri.

The seafood was fresh and the batter was crispy. My God!

I also used this visit to hop around to different night life spots downtown.

Caught a glimpse of the common ways businesses in my hometown display their support and appreciation for ALL within the community.

When I saw my niece, I could not wrap my head around how much she grew within the short time I was away. A beautiful blossom!

I partied at the fanciest hole in the wall within the community!

My most favorite part was spending time with my best bud! My bro!

Waffle House is not easily accessible for me these days, so I made sure to stop by one out of the ten in my small hometown.

This was my mood from the time I was on the plane to Louisiana til, well, this day…three months later.

Ever since this trip back home, I have indulged in music by Louisiana artists, such as:

Webbie, Boosie, Kevin Gates, August Alsina, Koryn Hawthorne, Jor’dann, Reup Reedy, Lil Wayne, Etc.

When I listen to these artists, I imagine the sacrifices they may have made to pursue their dreams and overcome the obstacles that a lot of Louisiana natives face. I know the same opportunities that were given to them are available to me.

Although I can be impatient at times, I am willing to wait out this journey I decided to start. The chances of me becoming an overnight sensation may be slim, but I am willing to bet my bottom dollar on my drive and hustle to make my dream a reality.

Therefore, I say with such sincere gratitude, thank you. Thank you to my family and friends for respecting my wishes to do what is best for me. Thank you for welcoming me back home with open arms and sending me off with well wishes.