The Royal Chapter...

Before I closed the door behind me, I sighed and slowly turned around to reflect one last time. I looked at the living room, then the kitchen.  A small smirk came across my face as I began to reminisce about the many emotions that transpired between those walls during the past 9 years.  I experienced some beautiful memories in that place and heart wrenching ones too.  As my eyes began to scan the area for the last time, I spotted a faint red stain on the carpet that was made years ago.  I chuckled.  I remember the night that stained was made and the drinking game that was being played which caused the stain.  My eyes then quickly darted to a corner. I shook my head as I remembered sobbing uncontrollably in that space one day after receiving a text message that knocked the air out of my lungs.  I stood frozen in a daze thinking, "Man, some stuff went down in this place and memories were made that I will keep with me forever."  I became a little emotional then quickly waved the feelings off.  I shrugged my shoulders and slammed the door.  There was no need to reread that chapter because I had already started reading the next one, and just the first sentence of the new chapter has me on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting what's to come.  The first four words of the new chapter reads, "Welcome to New Orleans!"

I finally made the move from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.  I know some of you may be thinking that this isn't a major move, but to me it is - especially since I had been in my current place for almost 10 years.  You see, this is a move I've been contemplating for a long time but didn't make a reality because I didn't want to start over, make new connections, find new grocery stores, get to know new neighbors, new smells, new sounds, etc.  I was comfortable where I was with my usual routine...and talking about moving felt good, visiting the city with the reality of going back home felt good, but actually moving and staying in NOLA was another story (yea, that whole What is That in Your Hands post I wrote was for me).  Then one day, I had an epiphany.  I thought to myself, "how can you grow if you only do what's routine and comfortable?" I literally had an "ah-ha" moment, and from then on I began to put things together for the move.  Just a month before this epiphany, I had the opportunity to sign another lease at my previous apartment which would have locked me in that contract for another year, but something told me not to sign the lease.....something said "step out on faith - I got you." And let me tell y'all this, my spirit wasn't lying.  I've stepped out on faith, made the move, and God has shown up and out. 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. ”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Now, as I type this, I'm chilling in my traditional New Orleans pad, baking some chicken, swaying my head to D'Angelo, and writing to ya'll.  I just got to the city and already I've eaten at the best pizza place - Theo's Neighborhood Pizza, had the best hamburger at Camellia Grill, watched the Saints get embarrassed this past Sunday in the Super Dome, had some delicious blackened red fish and smothered cabbage at Jacques-Imo's, and browsed through some unique, cultural paintings at Frenchy's Art Gallery.  To say the least, I've hit the ground running.....and I'm nowhere near tired yet.  

Frenchy's Art Gallery

I'm not sure what The Royal Chapter in NOLA holds.  But I do know the author who wrote the chapter, and His books are always dope (shout out to God).  Therefore, with the help of this renown author, I plan to make this chapter a page-turner.  Get ready!

P.S. - I'm excited to take you guys on this journey with me!  Stay tuned for pictures of the Queendom (my spot), my neighborhood, and more!

- Samjah Iman

Studio BE NOLA

The older I get the more I crave substance - nourishment in all aspects of my life.  My body needs water, spinach, mushrooms, sleep, bike rides, and long walks.  My mind looks forward to being enhanced by in depth conversations every now and then.  My soul thrives off of culture, prayer and stillness, positive energy, travel, books, time with close friends and family members, a good Jill Scott, Erykah Badu or Kendrick Lamar CD, spiritual teachings, and art.  I'm no longer that young girl who could survive on junk food only.  I am now a grown woman whose existence and prosperity is dependent upon soul food.         

With that being written, my soul was fed this past Saturday in New Orleans, LA.  A friend invited me to view an art display titled Studio BE.  Before arriving to the art studio, I didn't have any expectations.  When I pulled my Jeep onto the broken gravel which sat in front of the building that housed the art, my eyes grew big and my mouth hung open.  My first thought was, "man, my people are so amazing."  I was in love.  Studio BE had me at hello.  

Studio BE, birthed by visual artist and filmmaker Brandan Odums, is an art transformation of a 35,000 square foot warehouse in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, LA.  Studio BE includes paintings and spray paintings of civil rights leaders, activists, social issues, pop culture, New Orleans history and culture, musicians, writers, and famous sayings.  While observing all of the beautiful colors and images, I felt like a kid all over again.  I couldn't contain my curiosity and joy.  This studio is a must-see if you are ever in New Orleans any time soon.  However, just in case you can't get this way in the near future, I looked out for you and captured some photos of the art.  Live the Studio BE experience through my eyes below.          

The purple in the painting below represents the water line in a house that was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. 

My appetite for art was fed this past weekend.  Upon leaving Studio BE, I felt inspired and proud.  The talent and knowledge my people possess is out of this world.  I will never forget my Studio BE experience.  Thank you friend for inviting me....I owe you one.  

For more information on the artist, visit Brandanodums.com or follow his work on social media @studio_be_ and @bmike2c.  

Feed your soul.

- Samjah Iman

French Quarter Festival 2016

Allow yourself to daydream for a minute and picture this scene - it's slightly windy, around 79 degrees, cumulus clouds fill the sky, brass bands are blowing, people are smiling, children are dancing, colorful clothes decorate the streets, fried fish and shrimp aromas float in the air and a thick, joyous spirit hovers around the atmosphere and covers you like a blanket.  Ladies and Gents, welcome to the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, LA.

The French Quarter Festival (FQF) always gives me the art I fiend for, and this year was no different.  I got to witness an array of fashion, taste my favorite foods, and observe different vibes.  Check out the FQF through my curious eyes and camera lens.

Mardi Gras Indian.

That's right sweetie, stay camera ready!

The dashiki was in full effect at the fest.  I saw this look a few times on both men and women. 

The hat crew.

This dish is called "Crawfish Louise."  It consists of crawfish (my fav!), green onions, breadcrumbs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese.  Delicious! 

Squad love.

Chicken and sausage jambalaya.

Crawfish pies!

Plum Street snoball with a shot of rum!

Rompers are popular this summer.  They go with festivals like red beans go with rice (yes, I'm currently hungry, hence the food analogy). 

Shorts are always a festival staple.  They keep you cool and cute at the same time.  

I wore a tee created by Chokolat Creme (available here), some BDG cut-off shorts (Urban Outfitters) and Steve Madden combat boots.  I try to be as comfortable as possible when I'm at these festivals. An uncomfortable outfit literally ruins an event for me.  I'm an advocate for functional fashion!   

The FQF 2016 did not disappoint me at all.  There is no other festival that has a similar vibe.

Until next time - Laissez les bons temps rouler!!! (French for let the good times roll.)

What's your favorite festival to attend?

- Samjah Iman

Rejuvenation - Creole Style

When life gets busy and a little stressful, sometimes you have to let go, vibe out and adopt an "I don't give a damn" attitude like my friend in the picture above.  

On Thursday of this past week, I declared that I was going to do nothing this weekend but sleep in and rot my brain with reality television shows.  I was dead tired, and I felt that my body and mind needed a huge break.  However, Friday rolled around and the weather was perfect.  I then checked the weather report and discovered that Saturday would be beautiful as well.  I told myself that I would rest Friday evening and take advantage of Saturday.  I woke up Saturday morning and had that "do something" energy within me.  I needed to get out of the house and bask in the lovely weather that Louisiana was experiencing.  We do not get many pleasant, warm days here - so I wasn't letting this one slide.  

I decided to get dressed, pack my camera and head south to New Orleans, LA (NOLA).  NOLA holds a special place in my heart.  There is a vibrant spirit in that city, and I feel it each time I visit.  I love the culture, the cuisine, the free spirits, the art, and the music; it all envelops me.  

I walked miles around the downtown area just to see what I could see.  It was entertaining to say the least (as usual), and it was also refreshing and relaxing - just what my weekend needed.  Check out what I captured in NOLA below.  

I quickly gave this man a dollar....I was about to give him $5 but I remembered that I wanted to eat later on. 

Jazz art in the French Quarter.

Here vibe was peaceful. 

Window art on Royal Street.

I thought he was a cool subject to shoot. #fashionablyliberated

I love the architecture in NOLA.  The detailing and colors of the houses are so artsy.  

Art on the front of a building on Frenchmen Street.

A creepy bar that I won't be having a Bloody Mary at....ever.

People watching.

A simple wedding on Bourbon Street.

Somebody literally read my mind and put it on a shirt! Ha!!

A cool band taking a break in between sets. 

I am trying to take a picture while she is asking me to reveal my breast.  Obviously the party and ignorance never dies on Bourbon Street.   

I was tempted to sit next to her. 

My sentiments, exactly.  

After being flipped off by the silver man above, I felt is was time to dip into a cool restaurant, take a break from walking and feed my face.  I went into Bourbon House (a restaurant on Bourbon Street) that specializes in Creole cuisine.  Check out what I feasted on below. 

For starters, I had charbroiled oysters topped with crawfish.  It was dreamy and delicious. 

For my main course, I had Catfish Pecan served with sautéed shrimp, popcorn rice, Creole meunière, and seasonal vegetables.  God is good.

After dinner, I was back at it.  I recorded some live video of a jazz band playing on the street. The video came out blurry so I won't be sharing it; nonetheless, the music was jumping. 

Overall, my time in NOLA was an adventurous one.  I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, and now I am rejuvenated and ready to tackle another week.  Until next time!

What do you like to do to rejuvenate your mind and spirit? 

- Samjah Iman